Cereal
Dax has happily eaten every new food that we have introduced to him with the exception of rice cereal.
The first time I gave it to him I mixed it with breast milk according to the package instructions. He let the first spoonful drip down his chin while looking at me as if I had just tried to enter him in Baby Fear Factor. The second spoonful went down but it was followed by a gag and then crying. Dax does not often cry so this was some serious dislike.
The next time I mixed it with breast milk again but did not follow the package instructions. Instead, I made it a bit thicker thinking it was a consistency problem. The first spoonful went down. The second never had a chance as Dax had sealed his mouth tighter than Fort Knox and was shaking his head back and forth. Noooo, mommy! Nooooooo!
Third time is the charm, right? I thought I would try mixing the cereal with warm water. I followed the instructions on the box. As soon as Dax saw it he closed his mouth tight and eyed me like I was some sort of criminally insane person who just could not be trusted.
Fourth time. Water again. Did not follow instructions on box. Mixed to a thicker consistency. Dax eats one spoonful, shudders, and sighs pathetically.
Fifth time. Breast milk. Thicker consistency. Added applesauce. Dax eats two spoonfuls before grabbing the spoon and throwing it. I warm green beans while picking rice cereal out of my hair.
Which brings me to today. This time I went with the warm water, thicker consistency, applesauce added approach. I did not have high hopes. For a moment I imagined myself climbing into one of these suits to protect myself from flying debris.
Eureka! He loved it. He ate it all and then screeched at me while I scraped the sides of this bowl to get every last remnant into his belly. With ever bite he smiled and said "Mmmmmmmmmmmm" while looking at me lovingly.
Gee. I can't wait to try oatmeal.