Latch, Laugh, and Repeat

Let’s talk about a certain pint-sized person in my house who has discovered the magic of fruit—blueberries, strawberries, bananas, oranges, grapefruit. You name it, she wants it. If there’s a way for one-year-olds to request dessert, it’s basically “More berries!” And I’m starting to suspect that about 90% of our grocery bill is now a direct contribution to the Fruit Farmers of America Foundation.

The (Berry) Best Intentions

I remember being pregnant and daydreaming about family meals in the most picturesque way. You know, that image of a baby perched in a high chair, sampling the same balanced dinner we’re enjoying: grilled chicken, steamed veggies, maybe some fancy quinoa. Who am I kidding? We’re a meat, potatoes and pasta type of family. But you get where I’m going. 

We quickly learned that all it takes is one bite of fruit—especially berries—for her to clamp her little mouth shut at anything else and unleash a dramatically pointed finger at the bowl of berries. Did I plan to feed her only fruit for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? Absolutely not. Did I think I’d keep the produce aisle in business with my weekly shopping? No. Yet here we are.

I used to watch the price tags on out-of-season berries and think, Nope, not happening. Now, I just fling them into the cart, ignoring the cost because I’m trying to avoid meltdown #47 of the day. If the store has berries that are not shriveled or fuzzy, I’m scooping them up like someone on a game show. Ka-ching.

My mother and I become “berry scouts.”

“Did you see that giant blueberries at BJ’s? Call me if you need me to pick up some for you.”

In the grand plan (cue naive first-time parent illusions), my baby would eat what we eat. We’d just modify the texture and portion size. A pinch of the same meatloaf. A squish of the same sweet potato. Because we want to raise an adventurous eater, right?

Ha. What actually happened is I’ve started eating like my baby—leaning on homemade cauliflower nuggets, Goldfish crackers, and, of course, berries. I catch myself rummaging in the fridge for snacks at 3:00 PM and emerging with half a container of nuggets and fruit that was initially meant for her.

And guess who’s also picking leftover blueberries off the high-chair tray? That’s right, I am. Because in this house, no berry gets left behind. Let’s just say I’ve never been so regular in my life.

The Truth Behind the Phase

They say it’s “just a phase,” but part of me wonders if it’s actually not going to end. Meanwhile, I keep telling myself it’s healthy. My child’s basically a fruititarian (which sounds fancy!). Plus, no one’s scolding me for nibbling on strawberries instead of rummaging for chips—silver linings, people.

But let’s be honest: the cycle goes like this—child begs for berries, parent speeds to store, parent becomes perfect berry-washing and -cutting machine, child devours an entire pint, parent debates setting up a monthly subscription with the produce department.  Rinse (the berries) and repeat.

The good news? If you peek through the comedic mess, there are some wins:

• She’s building healthy eating habits (even if I can’t get her to eat broccoli).
  
• We’re eating more fresh fruit too because I don’t have the heart (or the budget) to let them go bad.
  
• We get bonus comedic material for those nights when I realize I’ve prepared a toddler feast for both of us. Pasta with cheese, side of blueberries, and a sippy cup? Don’t mind if I do.
  

At this point, I might as well admit: I eat like my one-year-old, and I’m not even mad about it. Sure, we’re mid-berry crisis on the financial front, but if that’s what it takes to keep this household going, well…who needs fancy dinners, anyway?

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Next time you find yourself loading up a separate grocery cart entirely from the fruit section, just remember: you’re not alone. 

Because honestly? Parenting is all about embracing each new stage—berry-stained fingers and all—and laughing while you do it.