Zooey,
No joke – you’ve made it clear. You may be four, but you’ve given me a run for my money. This doesn’t get easier just because you’ve done something similar before.
Going back to work has been extremely difficult – that has always been the case – but your refusal to take a bottle was incredibly frustrating and a little scary. For a couple months, I had to contend with the fact that I’d have to go back to work and you would just not eat enough. You wouldn’t take a bottle and you wouldn’t let a spoon enter your lips.
We got through it – you’re eating beautifully, and you’re getting your nutrients your way. And you did me a favor. Us a favor. You’ve forced me to slow down. You’ve shown me I have to make time for you, make sure we spend time together. You won’t fall between the cracks. You won’t be neglected or forgotten.
You’ve made a point of not being just #4 or the baby or another kid to feed.
You are THE kid to feed. The kid I have to stop what I’m doing and sit with.
So thanks, Zooey. Thanks for creating the space for that. Thanks for making me slow down with you.
Also… I love when you high-five me as you start your meal.
Whadya got: