Baking, measuring, chopping, blending ...

smoothie goodness

This week we've been exploring the kitchen through baking, measuring, chopping, blending … 

What do you do when your child is a picky eater? From age one, Creed ate anything I offered him. Now he eats a limited amount of food and winces when I ask him to try anything new, just one small bite. I know this is a stage and I'll be happy to see it end, however in the meantime I'm thinking if I can get him involved in the process, perhaps he will be more inclined to try new foods. 

We started out with a smoothie consisting of spinach, frozen strawberries and fresh blackberries. I instructed Creed to grab a couple of small bunches and as he carefully put some in his tiny little fists, he looked at me asking, "too much?" "No," I answered, "we need a lot." He was very engrossed in the process, especially pushing the buttons, though the interest faded when it came time to taste the results. 

Hmmm … Creed loves muffins. So I decided to make a healthy version, adding chia seeds for bonus nutrition. He eagerly obliged eating the results. We make healthy pancakes all the time adding poppy seeds, chia seeds, flax seeds, etc. So now I'm thinking I'll just add this to the list.

Washing strawberries

washing himself

Slicing

… and dicing

Creed practiced using the curious chef kitchen knife. First he washed the strawberries and himself in the process. Then he cut the tops off the strawberries using a kitchen tool used for slicing strawberries, eggs and anything else that will fit I suppose. As I looked at the photos I realized how small his tiny little hands were. Sometimes I forget how small he is, about the time I realize how big he's getting. 

two-hands technique

The next day I explained the pineapple having a core, slicing the outside. Creed was able to slice them up beautifully, but to no avail, he wasn't interested in tasting it. I did enjoy watching his technique. He tackled it with both hands on the end of the knife and then used one on the end as well. Either way he sliced it, Creed was clearly having fun. 

Have you heard of Kidfresh? It's a brand of healthy frozen kids meals. Luckily our local Kroger carries them. Creed loves chicken nuggets and I do too, except what I don't like is the scary ingredients hidden in foods targeted at children. Not only is the chicken used raised humanely without antibiotics, but they add cauliflower, onions and use whole grain breading. Creed loves them and I love knowing he's not eating antibiotics, also getting some vegetables. We've also got the Spaghetti Loops and Meat Sauce and Wagon Wheels Mac & Cheese. I wish it was organic, but this is the best I've seen so far that he will actually eat. For more information visit: http://www.kidfresh.com.

We took turns playing games this week including the Melissa & Doug geometric shape game, the sensory game called "Feel & Find," by EDDU Toy, and his newest favorite Five Little Monkeys Jumping On A Bed.  

Spring Christian Homeschool Co-op starts Monday morning. I'm very excited to be able to meet other homeschool mamas and getting Creed more acclimated with other children. He's everyone's friend, especially when we go out to the playground or a play area setting in the mall. There was only one time, when the mall area was really full that he said there were too many people and I had to agree. When I think about my own reluctance join a crowd, even a small one, I wonder what it will be like in heaven. I mean there isn't going to be just a massive amount of people, a world's population over a span of centuries will be there! I would also imagine that through God's grace this anxiety of being around a bunch of people will also be removed. In the meantime, I'm really trying to work on it, especially with Creed. I don't want to pass on my own fears. I want to be the best example as humanly possible. So we're both diving in head first, together!