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Gabriel
Caleb wakes up at five in the morning. I change him, feed him and set him in his jogger stroller. We go down to the track, and I run my daily five miles with him. I’m not sure when he falls asleep but by the time we’re back in the penthouse, he’s lost in dreamland again. I lay him down in his crib. As I’m about to head to my room to shower, quiet footsteps draw my attention.
When I turn around, I find Cora, sneaking around on her tiptoes.
“Morning, sweetpea.” I squat down. “What are you doing up so early?”
She yawns hugely, scrubbing at her eyes. “I wan food.”
I show her my watch. “It’s pretty early for breakfast.”
Cora heaves a big dramatic sigh, little shoulders slumping. “But I’m stawving.”
I try hard not to smile at her antics. “Tell you what. We can bake some muffins together for breakfast. But you’ll need to eat yogurt and fruit, too.”
Cora stares at me for a few seconds, probably deciding if my offer is worth it or if she should go to her secret stash and use some of the food she’s saved. Trying to get this kid to eat something that’s more than cookies, a granola bar, or mac-n-cheese is an ongoing battle. I don’t know if it’s because that’s all Izzy fed her or if she has a sensory issue with food. The therapist asked us not to force her, but to try to see if we could introduce new foods slowly.
We’re all trying our best to entice her to new things but sometimes she makes it pretty impossible.
After some time deliberating she gives me a sharp nod. “Fine.”
“Let’s shake on it.” I hold out my hand. “I’ll mix some berries with it, and, while you eat it, I’ll get the ingredients for our muffins.”
“Otay, deal.” She grasps my hand, grinning impishly. She’s probably going to fake that she tried it or just say it’s disgusting. This kid is going to be good at negotiating deals.
Laughing, I ruffle her hair and then we head toward the kitchen, where we quickly wash our hands. It doesn’t take me long to chop some strawberries and add them to some yogurt. It’s not much, but it’s enough for her to try and hopefully like it.
In no time, Cora shows off the empty bowl with a proud flourish. “Done. Now muffins?”
I, of course, nod and pull the flour mix from the pantry. Then, start reading the ingredients we need to add to the mixer—butter, milk, and eggs. As we begin to prepare the muffins, Cora follows my instructions, helping me measure and mix.
It doesn’t take long for her to be dusted with flour and have a smudge of mix on her nose. The enthusiasm of this kid is infectious. I can’t help but smile as she stirs the batter with such determination.I’m beginning to wonder if we should include her in meal preps every time we’re in the kitchen. It might make her more inclined to try what she cooks herself. A thought for another day . . .
“We should add some blueberries to the batter,” I suggest, hoping that’ll add yet another food she likes.
She pouts and shakes her head.
“How about cinnamon?”
She twists her lips, unconvinced.
I take out the muffin baking pan and show it to her. “We’ve got twelve slots to fill. What if we do a couple blueberry, a few vanilla, two cinnamon . . .” I trail off, hoping she’ll chime in.
“Do you think Amewine wants chocowate chiz muffins?” Cora asks, smearing more batter on her cheek.
“I think she’ll absolutely love them,” I assure her, grabbing the chocolate chips from the pantry.
Just then, the front door opens and closes with a soft thud, and Jude strolls into the penthouse. His hair is tousled, and his clothes from the night before are slightly rumpled. If Cora weren’t here, I would remind him that he’s too old to be having one-night stands.
“Seems like someone had an eventful evening,” I mock.
Cora plants her hands on her hips, leaving floury handprints on her pajamas. “Unca Jude missed bedtime. You in big twouble,” she declares.
Jude chuckles, ruffling her hair as he passes by to prepare some coffee. “I might get away with it for today,” he says, winking at her. “I was taking care of my little sisters.”
“Indie and Lydie?” Cora asks, nose scrunched. “They not little.”
“Lyric,” I correct her while Jude says, “And Harper too.”
