The First Meal

Alex has waited for over four months to feed Amaya. That's a mighty long time. Lately she's been eating more and more often, and in spite of the books that tell me to wait for six months, we listened to the experienced mothers and fathers that eyeballed her avid gaze while she sat through meals at the table and said she's ready to try something more. Having had the pleasure of taking care of all of her nourishment thus far I understood Alex's need to prepare this first meal for his daughter. We chose to forgo rice or barley cereal and begin with a sweet potato. We reasoned that food should be a pleasure for her and we wanted to start with something delicious. He roasted a tray of sweet potatoes for dinner last night and when they came out of the oven he scooped out the tender flesh of one and pureed it in the blender with a bit water. It cooled as we ate dinner and then I started her off with some mother's milk. She's been teething this last month although there is nary a tooth in sight. One of her favorite gum soothers has been an infant's spoon chilled in the fridge. So when Alex set up beside us with a bowl and spoon Amaya smiled with anticipation. I held her on my lap as he brought the spoon to her lips. She opened her mouth obligingly and her eyes widened as the tiny smear of sweet potato crossed her lips. There was an instant where she considered it, unsure exactly what was happening or if she was enjoying it. Then she swallowed and smiled, her fingers tracing her lips, smearing purée everywhere, and opened her mouth for more. It was a magic moment for everyone watching and most of all for Daddy as he and Amaya finally shared their first meal.