If you are not a parent the subject of potty training is snore inducing. Three and a half years ago listening to someone blab on about how brilliant Jr. was for pooping in a pot would generally cause an eye roll followed by a snarky thought..."big deal, I pooped in a pot twice yesterday and nobody threw me a parade". That was then.
I am now responsible for training two kids to 1. eat or perish, and 2. deposit what you eat somewhere other than your pants. It can be incredibly nerve wracking. My daughter is a champ, and although I would love to take credit she basically did it herself. My son, not so much. Georgia responds well to praise, and still insists on a big to do for every offering (which I happily oblige). Shep is hit or miss. He likes praise, but it does not make or break his day if he gets a whoop whoop "HELLS YEAH"! and round of high fives from his mama. I think he is vaguely embarrassed by my hollering and rock star kicks. Buckle up son.
When we are having a miss sort of day and I ask him what the deal is I am usually met with the statement "I just don't wanna". Not walking around with a pant load (if you have another viable option) seems like no brainer logic to me. "I just don't wanna" is a hard one to argue if you are obviously cool with it...sigh.
The girl who used to roll her eyes at parents discussing these issues publicly is now dropping in on conversations like a ninja. Just trying to glean some insights, tips or even solidarity here peeps (cue fist bump).
My mothers and sisters assure me that he is just a boy, and thats how they roll. The doctor said a similar thing during our annual check up. She did mention that an increase in water and fruit and veggie intake would help to ensure things are moving along as they should. And because I am now viewing this situation like it's my job I am taking her advice seriously.
Water intake has been an easy one. Four servings of fruits and veggies are proving to be a bit more challenging. They like what they like - bananas, apples and broccoli. Hard to finesse three things into appealing meals day in and day out. They don't like berries (mind boggling - I know). So I have started to hide things in smoothies and muffins etc.
I picked up the book Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld (yes, that Seinfeld), and so far it has been great. The recipes are appealing and easy to follow - although the prep is a bit involved and time consuming, in the end it saves time and your nerves.
I am a bit conflicted hiding food in food. My logical brain thinks "Oh for God's sakes just eat the frigging strawberry". If you are a parent you know just how hard it can be to make a 3 year old eat something they don't want to. My daughter sat with a strawberry in her cheek for four hours the other day, now thats will.
So, I am going to segue from the bathroom into the kitchen gracefully - or as gracefully as I can, and share one of my favourites so far - Spinach Brownies. I altered the recipe slightly, (we don't use margarine or cooking spray).
Brownies (with Carrot and Spinach)
3 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate
1/2 cup carrot puree
1/2 cup spinach puree
1/2 cup firmly packed light or dark brown sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tbsp butter (more for greasing pan)
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 large egg whites
3/4 cup of oat flour or all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
Preheat the ove to 350 F. Grease the bottom of an 8x8 baking pan with butter (or cooking spray if thats how you roll). PLEASE NOTE: we used mini muffin moulds, cause, well they are more fun. Also - for both purees you steam or boil the veggies, then puree them in a blender or food processor. It is easier if you do a bunch ahead and freeze them into serving sizes.
Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or over a very low flame.
In a large bowl combine the melted chocolate, vegetable purees, sugar, cocoa powder, butter and vanilla. Whisk until smooth and creamy (1 to 2 minutes).
Whisk in egg whites. Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt with a wooden spoon.
Pour the batter into prepared pan and bake 35 to 40 minutes. Cool completely before cutting.
These turned out rich and moist and the kids (and grown ups) loved them.
Can I get a "HELLS YEAH"! (cue rock star kick).
xo
