Breakfast On The Floor

What a morning I had. *breathe* 

If you have a little one(s) I am sure you have experienced this to some degree. 

Yah watch over our children when we are unable to. I tell you, sometimes I wish I had eight tentacles and eyes all around my head. 

Mamas in the kitchen and babies on our heels. My little one literally squeezes himself between me and the cabinets or whatever appliance I may be using, attempting to push me out of the kitchen. Sweet child, he just wants all of his mama's attention.

I'm chopping and slicing away, saucer heating up on the stove. Salt, onion, and garlic powder flying all over the place! Little hands stretched up, everyday gaining further reach. I give him a kiss and carry him back into the living area. 

Hmm... maybe let me put on one of his shows. That should keep him until I'm finished making breakfast, then we can eat. Five minutes later, I feel a lift-me-up pull on my pants. Down with the spatula, up with my precious cargo. A kiss or two, then back into the living area. 

I hear footsteps behind me and a frustrated ever-increasing cry. Slowly but determinedly, one-be-one, things are being pushed off the countertop. First the wooden spoon, then the cutting board. Whew! That was close. Always push your cutting knife far away from the edge of the surface or immediately put it where it belongs, whether in the sink or stored away. Just a few more minutes and we should be ready to eat. Wipe his tears, give him a big hug and kiss, and lead him back into the living room.

Mama places breakfast tacos on the plate. Success, yay! Time to eat. Let me just grab a napkin.

I turn around to see little hands stretched out to grab the plate off the stove. Noooooooo! I try to save it, but it is too late, everything is on the floor. Baby's hollering and Mama is quickly trying to save what she can. 

*breathe*

Yah's grace.

Well, it's our kitchen, our floor, and I know whose feet walk around here. We're eating this food. I guess it's breakfast on the floor today. I say a little prayer, apologize to my little one for startling him, and gather the lessons from this experience while they're still fresh in my head:

#1 Have nothing dangerous (i.e., knife, liquid, hot items, heavy items, etc) at the edge of surface. This prevents unnecessary accidents for curios little fingers.

#2 Take cues from your baby and break up your cooking time so as to give them attention. Example: Gather ingredients and kitchen items. Pause and acknowledge baby. Slice fruits/vegetables. Pause and acknowledge baby. Put food together. Pause and acknowledge baby. etc. 

#3 Have easy, chewable food around that your baby can eat during meal preparation. I find this to be very helpful. It buys time as baby is very content with knowing you are taking time to give him a treat. I like having sliced avocado, beans, yogurt, or apple sauce around that I can easily give mine, while I am cooking. 

#4 Don't be too hard on yourself. These are beautiful lessons you're learning along the way. Be thankful for the new perspective.

Bon Appetit!