In our house, we are fully immersed in Autumn's world of finding her independence. There's no doubt anymore of what she wants to do and what she doesn't want to do. Just ask her and there will be a clear shake of the head one way or the other.
This was nice when she was sick and I wasn't sure if she felt like eating. I brought out yogurt, asked her if she wanted some. She shook her head no. Ditto with applesauce and a sippy cup of water. But the Cheerios -- those she wanted.
This independence has been most noticeable with food. We no longer can feed her with a spoon. She must do it all herself, no matter the food item. Yesterday she was eating when I left for my swim lesson. I came home to see her in a stroller, going around the block with Daddy. Upon closer look, I saw dried chicken dinner on her cheek and in her eyebrows. This sort of thing is inevitable since when she stops getting much food with her spoon, she'll resort to using her hand. Have you ever seen a child use her hand to scoop up applesauce? Not a pretty sight.
And lately, the only things I can guarantee Autumn will eat at home are yogurt, applesauce and diced peaches. The other things are now hit-and-miss, including the chicken she used to love. She still eats pretty good a "school," which "The Secret Lives of Toddlers" says is normal. Toddlers will eat foods with other children that they won't eat at home because they like to mimic their peers.
As for why they don't eat nearly as much as they had before, the book says this is because a toddler's growth is now slowing down. They start to slim down and lengthen out -- they're no longer going to double their weight in a year.
So I guess I shouldn't feel bad about the yogurt and applesauce. And she is getting better with the spoon, so soon she might not need a dip in the bathtub every time she eats something. Then again, maybe this food independence of hers will help force her to get used to the bathtub. This might not be such a bad thing after all!