Taste of Independence

Matthew has experienced his first taste of independence in the form of a famous circle of whole grain oats – the Cheerio. Over the weekend, instead of putting Matthew in the highchair for a snack, David poured a few Cheerios in a small plastic bowl and placed it on a low table. Matthew promptly upended the bowl and then scrambled madly to eat as many Cheerios off the floor as possible before David swept them up. David filled the bowl again, held it firmly on the table and guided Matthew’s chubby little hand into the bowl to select a crunchy O. For the next half hour, Matthew played, occasionally pausing for a visit to the bowl. Each time he found that the cereal was still there, just waiting for him, he smiled in mild surprise. When at last the bowl was empty, he squalled with disappointment. He followed David to the kitchen, whining, and watched as the bowl was again filled. Then, realization dawned.

This bowl – this portable receptacle of whole grained goodness – why, it was his ticket to freedom! No longer would he be forced to halt his play to be strapped down behind a tray. No longer would he have to choose between food and fun. No longer would he be confined and controlled – He. Had. A. Bowl. Now, now he could eat his beloved Cheerios at his leisure! He could munch on a handful between laps around the train table. He could take a few bites, break to play cars and return for more. It was revolutionary.

David placed the bowl on the table and Matthew’s bare feet pounded on the hardwood floors as he toddled madly to his bowl. He reached in, double fisted, and shoveled handfuls into his mouth with gusto. He clapped his hands joyously. Overcome with emotion, he spun crazily in a circle, chortling, then bent over to put his head on the floor in a kind of yoga baby downward-facing dog of celebration. His overwhelming exuberance at this simple step towards autonomy was adorable. It was heartwarming. And it was terrifying as I thought, “Boy, are we in trouble when this kid gets a hold of the car keys.”