Day One: Friday

Off to a wholesome start, with 1/2 cup cereal with milk and 1/2 banana. Luca thought the slices of banana would like some raisins to snuggle with in her bowl, so we added about a tablespoon. But having imbued them with lifelike qualities, she now didn't want to eat them. I had to convince her that they'd be just as happy snuggling in her tummy, so she tried a few.

SNACK

(at preschool) 1 slice challah bread.

LUNCH

1 cup chicken noodle soup, sort of. After insisting on using a fork, Luca extracted just the noodles, pushing aside the chicken, carrots, and celery. She dunked 4 wheat crackers in the broth and relished the sodden pieces. Also consumed: a thin strand of string cheese, tied into a bow.

SNACK

1/2 cup popcorn. (So call me irresponsible: Popcorn  -- as well as some of the other things I give my daughter  -- are considered choking hazards for little ones. But Luca chews carefully, and a grown-up is always with her whenever she's eating. Besides, I always cut up and peel the apples and grapes I offer her.)

DINNER

While Mom, Dad, and 10-year-old brother Alex (who was always an intrepid eater) were enjoying Thai-style swordfish, asparagus, and rice, Luca had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and 1/2 cup orange juice. (While I made the sandwich, I envisioned my mother saying, "You spoil her. She should eat whatever you put out or nothing at all." It's true that everyone in my family always ate whatever my mom made. But now I realize why  -- it was plain and predictable food, boiled and buttered. Just the kind of minimalist fare that children relish. Should I cook like that, without seasonings and spice?)

BEDTIME SNACK

6 seedless grapes.