Normal

I took Gloppy to the pediatrician this morning for his 3 year old check up.   I learned that his hearing and vision are normal.  Despite only being in the 10th percentile for weight, his growth is normal.  His height in normal.  His speech is normal.  His sleep patterns are normal.   I also learned that his eating patterns and neurosis surrounding food are, you guessed it, normal.   I am somewhat comforted by the fact that scenes like the following play out in households all across America every day.

This morning for breakfast the kids decided they wanted oatmeal.  Everyone picked their flavor and I set about adding milk and microwaving.  Gloppy insisted on opening the packet himself, putting it in the bowl that he picks out himself and pouring in the milk.  Fine.  I put some milk in a measuring cup and let him mix it up himself.  He then insists on carrying the bowl to the microwave himself, spilling a little bit along the way.  While its cooking, he decides to run to the bathroom.  He's still in the bathroom when the microwave dings.  The bowl is hot, so I take it out and put it on a plate.  That was my first mistake.  He comes running in screaming "noooooooo, now I have to get a new one!!"  OK, I put the bowl back in the microwave so he can take it out himself.  Oh no, that won't do.  He doesn't want that oatmeal anymore since I have ruined it.  We start the whole process over again with a new bowl, new measuring cup and new spoon.  This time he takes the bowl out of the microwave himself.   After taking a couple of bites, he tells me he wants french toast instead.  

My pediatrician thought this story was quite funny.  I am sure I will too someday.