Sophisticated Palate

Everyone has their own traits and quirks, and I have to say I've been having a lot of fun learning about the things that make Pumpkin who he is and what distinguishes him from his brother. As far as eating habits go, they couldn't be farther apart. Mister is all about the basics - PB & J, pasta with meat sauce, pizza, pancakes/waffles, cereal, etc. He won't eat fruit (so I make smoothies, which he loves - I know) or vegetables (so I steam and puree them, then put them into things I know he'll eat and he never knows).

Pumpkin on the other hand will pretty much eat anything you put in front of his face, with a few exceptions. We never really gave him baby food, just sort of started him out on table foods from the beginning. That's partly why I think he's much more open to trying things - Mister would only eat veggies and fruits as baby food but never made the transitions to the real thing. Anyway, as Pumpkin was eagerly helping me finish off my early lunch of asparagus risotto (he's the one who ate most of the asparagus!) it struck me that I'm really lucky to have such an easy eater. He loves vegetables, fruits, chicken, pasta, goldfish, animal crackers, and all the other basics, but he loves some pretty out-there things too. We've discovered he LOVES edamame (those green soy beans at sushi restaurants), he loves risotto, stuffed yucca (random, I know), lasagna, whole wheat sweet potato gnocchi, and chili. He loves to eat any casserole I decide to put in front of him, and will eat a few slices of pizza in one sitting. He loves Mexican food and will happily eat burritos, chorizo and eggs with tortilla, and drink all your horchata if you're not careful. I'm telling you, this kid can eat Mister under the table! It's hilarious. When we go out to eat we order Pumpkin his own meal because he eats too much to share with anyone else. Sharing a meal with Pumpkin means you better not be hungry because he'll eat at least half (if not more) of what's on your plate. Mister is the one who picks like a bird from his brother's plate or from ours.

The big exception to all this great eating is BABY FOOD. I have a few jars in the pantry for taking with me when we go somewhere there might not be an opportunity to get him some real food. He usually takes one bite (trusting boy that he is) then spits it out and refuses any more. He hates the stuff. Oh, that and PB & J. Can't get him to eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich to save my life. I guess he doesn't like peanut butter. He wants the good stuff. :)

I just love experimenting with him and seeing what all I can get him to eat. He's a very cooperative little boy and at least tries bites of anything I give him. We've got another foodie in the making. :)