Sometimes It's Sad When You Get What You Want

*Sigh* My son is officially now more little boy than baby. I know he's 21-months-old. I know I shouldn't be referring to him as "the baby" anymore. But tonight solidified it.

We were eating dinner at Olive Garden as a family. It was before Jackson's normal dinner time. So I ordered soup instead of salad so he could have a few bites. I figured that, along with some bread, would at least keep him entertained and quiet while hubby & I ate.

I put a few bites worth of broth, chicken, and gnocchi into a smaller bowl and handed him a spoon. (Often at meals at home, I have to give him a utensil to hold and "make believe eat" with so that he'll cooperate and eat the bites I offer him.) Well, he sat there tonight in his little high chair, holding his spoon all by himself, scooping up bite after bite. He had soup all down his chin and shirt. But he managed to successfully even get several pieces of chicken and gnocchi into his mouth. He actually fed himself enough that he didn't eat again tonight!

I am absolutely shocked that he fed himself an entire meal without assistance. It was such a strange sensation for me - so proud of this new first for him, yet somewhat sad to see him needing me a little less. I'm impressed at his coordination and patience. And he was so thrilled with himself. He looked like the cutest little mess I've ever seen! I did throw a bib into the diaper bag once we got home. After all, if he's going to start feeding himself, meal times will rapidly deteriorate into messy times once more.

It seems like the strange end of something (his infancy) and a new adventure into more freedom and independence for both of us. I'd almost forgotten what it is to eat an entire meal while it's all hot without having to deal with a child screaming because I'm taking too long between HIS bites. It just amazes me how quickly they develop. I mean, he's been practicing for a while. But he just all of the sudden seemed to "get" it. He didn't try to use his bare fingers. I didn't worry he was going to break, spill, knock over, or throw the bowl. He just...did it.

I didn't expect to spoon feed him forever. Just maybe another day or two...or maybe a few more months. I guess it means we're doing our jobs as parents. I mean, he's supposed to be developing new skills and gaining confidence and independence. But sometimes it's sad to get what you want...