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Scott Parsons: Food-based bribes perfect for winning small tots’ affections

September 01, 2008 @ 12:15 AM

The Herald-Dispatch

OK guys, this is just between us.

All you new fathers out there, gather in here in the huddle and let me tell you about something I discovered a few days ago. The ladies can move on to one of the other fine articles in this magazine. This is something I want to share with my brothers.

Are the women gone? Good.

OK guys, listen up: I've stumbled upon a way to become the favored parent -- the good guy, if you will.

When feeding your new baby, give generous portions of rice cereal.

Cassie and I have recently started giving Claire rice cereal mixed with her formula. Somewhere along the line, I got confused on the amount of cereal to add to the formula.

I was mixing Claire's formula and rice concoction one day in front of Cassie when she noticed my measurements.

"How much cereal are you giving her?" Cassie asked.

"I give her three of these spoonfuls and three scoops of formula," I replied, sure of myself and my ability to feed my child.

"Well, no wonder she doesn't want to eat when I feed her!" Cassie exclaimed. "It also explains why her little belly is getting so big."

So, apparently, I was giving Claire too much of the good stuff.

But, in my defense, Claire loved it.

She would drink her six-ounce meals with zeal and vigor and afterward, give her daddy a hearty burp with a look of complete satisfaction. It's the same look I imagine I have after a hearty meal at my favorite Italian restaurant.

While this was an innocent mistake, it worked to my advantage.

After correcting my formula for mixing Claire's food, one would have thought I had just told her I spent her college fund on fishing gear.

She was clearly not enjoying this lighter mix of formula and cereal. But, the damage had already been done. I'm the favorite!

But, like Hollywood marriage, even this is showing signs of not lasting long.

Cassie has begun feeding Claire straight cereal on a spoon in the evenings while I'm at work, and ordered me to put only formula in her bottles. She's starting to erode the fragile favoritism I have worked to foster between the baby and me.

A few days ago, I had just finished feeding Claire and we were enjoying a thrilling episode of "The Fairly Oddparents" when Cassie came home from work.

Cassie locked eyes with my little ally, and Claire spit out her pacifier and gave Cassie a huge smile. I could hear our alliance crack.

But don't worry about me. I'm plotting my next move for when Cassie introduces her to vegetables. Then, Daddy will swoop in with sweet and tasty fruit.

So guys, take my advice to get the baby on your side early, but be vigilant: When you least expect it, the woman will one-up you with better food.

Scott Parsons can be reached at sparsons@herald-dispatch.com.

Events

1940s Radio Hour
Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 4-6, and 11-13; matinee at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14. A "live" radio show with seven performances. Complimentary tickets offered to...

J. Chris Newberg
7:30 p.m. Thursday; 7:30 and 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4-7. A refreshing smart and edgy humor, delivered with a streetwise sense of philosophical...

First Friday and Second Look Saturday
5-9 p.m. every first Friday, 2-6 p.m. every first Saturday. Visit with Pendleton artists in their studios. Questions, call 606-920-9863.

Lions Arts and Crafts Show
4-9 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5-7. Hosted by the Lesage and Southeast Huntington Lions Clubs. The juried show is filled with...

"The Nutcracker"
school matinee begins at 9:30 a.m. and regular show at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5. Ashland Youth Ballet presents their annual presentation of The Nutcracker. Questions...

Christmas Tour of Homes
11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 1-6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6-7. Tour six outstanding homes in the Bellefonte area dressed for the holidays. Questions, call 606-329-8888 or visit...

2nd annual Holiday Candlelight Tour
2-7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7. A tour (inside and out) of eight prominent Huntington homes beautifully decorated for the holidays. Questions, call 304-733-ARTS.

Marshall Artists Series: "Wizard of Oz"
7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9. A spectacular celebration of the iconic 1939 MGM film, "The Wizard of Oz." Tickets, call 304-696-3326 or visit www.marshallartistsseries.org.

16th annual Joy to the World Holiday Concert
8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11; doors open at 7:30 p.m. Featuring Bob Thompson with guest vocalist Dwight Lenox. Tickets, visit www.mountainstage.musictoday.com or call...

"Cowboy" Bill Martin
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Rated PG-13 for some mature thematic material involving the Holocaust

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"The Duchess" is the story of an extraordinary woman who rose to fame by staying true to her passions in a world of protocol, gossip and social rules--and paid the price. Long before the concept existed, the Duchess of Devonshire, Georgiana Spencer, was the original "It Girl." Like her direct descendent Princess Diana, she was ravishing, glamorous and adored by an entire country. Determined to be a player in the wider affairs of the world, she proved that she could out-gamble, out-drink and outwit most of the aristocratic men who surrounded her. She helped usher in sweeping changes to England as a leader of the forward-thinking Whig Party. But even as her power and popularity grew, she was haunted by the fact that the only man in England she seemingly could not seduce was her very own husband, the Duke. And, when she tried to find her own way to be true to her heart and loyal to her duty, the resulting controversies and convoluted liaisons would leave all of London talking.

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The Metropolitan Opera: La Damnation de Faust Encore

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Fathom presents an encore presentation of Berlioz's "La Damnation de Faust" in HD on the Big Screen! The encore presentation (captured live on Saturday, Nov. 22) will be shown for one day only on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008, at 7 p.m. in all time zones. Robert Lepage, one of theater's most imaginative directors, applies his artistry to Berlioz's contemplation of good and evil. Using ethereal projections, Lepage has created a vision for "La Damnation de Faust" that seamlessly marries art and technology. Marcello Giordani stars in the title role opposite Susan Graham as Marguerite and John Relyea as Méphistophélès. James Levine conducts this rarely staged masterwork.

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Dining

GOOD EATS: Rocco's Ristorante serves up Italian faves

November 27, 2008 @ 12:00 AM

CEREDO -- Rocco's Ristorante has been a favorite of the Tri-State since 1977. The restaurant continues to serve delicious Italian meals, which have attracted people from miles around.

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