Mikey Doesn't Have Anything On Ben...

Who remembers the Mikey likes it commercials for Life Cereal?  Probably everyone because according to Wikipedia it first aired in 1972 and then proceeded to be on air for the next twelve years as the longest continuously running commercial ever aired.  The main factor leading to the success of this particular commercial was how easy it was to relate with as everyone has known a Mikey.  I never thought I'd have a kid who "won't eat anything."  I've always thought that picky kids were created that way by their parents and then along came Benny.  He really wouldn't eat anything but great news, just like Mikey, Ben is slowing expanding his acceptance of food besides peanut butter, cheese, crackers, pizza and fruit.  He will actually eat a little steak and some chicken now.  When we find a new food that Ben will actually try the Mikey likes it commercial plays in my mind.  I can see the amazement on the commercial's brothers face as he takes a bite.  Just like Mikey if Ben eats something it must be good!

With all this picky eating we've had trouble keeping his weight up and all the suggestions from doctors such as putting butter and mayo on his food backfired.  Since he eats such simple foods it's hard to slip in anything extra without him rejecting everything.  The one thing that has been a huge breakthrough was finding full fat Greek yogurt.  He will plow through a huge bowl of that anytime we give it to him, he especially likes it with cereal mixed in.  Greek yogurt is a huge win because it has lots of fat, protein and calcium.  All things he needs more of since he also will not drink milk.

Maybe Life cereal should make a remake of that commercial and Ben could be the star.  Here's to our picky eater trying more "Life" as he gets older!