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Why I love Henry

I know. My husband is named Gernot. But I’m in love with another man. A man called Henry. He lives on the ground floor of my house, unobtrusively squatting in a hall closet. He always has a smile for me, although his very long nose can be somewhat distracting. At least he keeps his bits and pieces neatly tucked away when I don’t need him. I love a self-retracting power cord. Yes, Henry is my vacuum.

As you know, I’m a big fan of getting kids to experiment with all kinds of tastes and textures. We serve a “buffet” at lunchtime here since one day pasta is a hit, the next day it’s a gross insult. I’ve got one kid who will eat an entire container of this spinach stuff (that honestly smells exactly like this henna product I used on my hair in high school) and another who won’t allow anything in her mouth unless she can see exactly what it is. Eva’s hand usually has to go into a new dish and she’ll taste a bit before she’ll take it from me off a spoon. Perhaps this is just a learned habit after my attempts to hide salmon under applesauce. Regardless, we’ve come to accept that meal times are rather messy. Half the time I find it easiest to just strip them down before they eat. Or let them eat outside, where their crumbs attract the pigeons which also makes for tableside entertainment.
Anyway, our current big favorite is these soft rusk cookies. I don’t know what rusk is but it’s mighty tasty. They come in packs of 2, which means 1 for each child, 2 for Mommy. Rather than melting, which is a sticky disaster, these just crumble into little bits. Which makes it fun and enjoyable for them, fabulously messy for me. But that’s okay. Eating is learning at any age. Until their coordination is a bit better, it’s not going to be pretty. That’s why I have a washing machine. And why I had to buy Henry a boyfriend (yes, I think that’s what he prefers. He has made a career out of housework) for the upstairs. One hoover for the stroller and their room, one for the dining and living room floor. Gotta save my back.

Dr. Lara Zibners, Jul 27, 2010

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