Differences

I was eating lunch with my kids down at the school today. It was a Thanksgiving lunch, you know, turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, hot roll etc. I love to observe my children eating. Christopher puts huge chunks of the roll in his mouth while furrowing his brow and crinkling his nose. (that's his latest tick). Inbetween each bite, he takes a big swig of his strawberry milk. Next is a huge bite of turkey with potatoes on it. Of course, then he has to show me what is in his mouth, laughs and then tries to make sure none of it comes out his nose. He never touches his fruit or vegetables and usually throws away half of his food.
Adam on the other hand is very clumsy with his fork. He flings it in the potatoes, flicks it up, which of course sends potatoes flying and takes very small bites. He often uses his fingers to eat with, and picks the bread apart in these little tiny bites. As I'm watching him, I notice that his hands are black with dirt and he is happily licking the food off them. In between bites he is guzzling chocolate milk and needs a second one before he is even half way done with his lunch. He usually finishes everything on his tray except the fruit and vegetable. (unless it's mandarin oranges or corn, in which case, he scarfs first) When he sees gravy on his fork between bites, he wipes it off with his shirt, then proceeds to get a bite (with gravy). Hmmm.
Then of course there is Sarah. Always polite, always tries to use her manners. She takes small bites carefully avoiding any contact with her lips because she doesn't like the feel of food on them. She takes one bite of turkey, one bite of potatoes with gravy (which is all mixed in) and then one bite of roll. The next bite, she piles each thing on her fork in order and eats a bite that way. She always eats her vegetables, not fruit though. She takes a tiny sip of chocolate milk once in a while, never drinking more than half and she promptly stops eating as soon as she feels satisfied. She uses a napkin between each bite and often arranges the things on the tray so the lefovers are in the exact same spot as they were dished up. She puts her lid on her milk and then proceeds to ask me if I would like any of it. She wipes her mouth one last time before she dumps her tray, asks if she has any food on her teeth, tells me she loves me and heads off to wash her hands.
I love my kids and all their differences!!!