Emerson Rex - Professional Eater?

Have you ever heard of Takeru Kobayashi? Of course not. He's a professional eater. And nobody follows professional eating. Kobayashi has made a career out of eating as much as he possibly can, in one sitting, in record time. This includes the famous Nathan's hot dog contest, among other really gross exhibitions of people stuffing their faces.

There are two patterns emerging in Emerson that make me wonder if professional eating might be a career path for him. Quantity. And style.

Quantity: Emerson eats, a lot. From the time he was born just under four years ago (9 lbs, 7 oz.), we supplemented with formula due to his size and ravenous hunger. He actually gained weight in the hospital, when most kids lose a few ounces. He weighed 11 lbs. within a week of his birth. He gobbled baby food, table food, and the like with no holds barred. He experienced the occasional pickiness with vegetables as a young toddler, but made up for it with other items. There are cookouts where he'll put away 2 hot dogs, along with all the sides, and then follow it up with dessert. Those that know Emerson, know he is not pudgy, in the least. Around 12 months old, he looked like a mini-linebacker that could take out a DII college freshman. He quickly leaned out, and although big and strong, lost the baby pudge. Make no mistake, he can gobble watermelon, blueberries, and the like, right along with the hot dogs. His insatiable appetite usually includes two dinners. He'll eat what we're having at dinnertime, then often follow up with a sandwich, banana, and cheese before bed. He's going to be one of those teenagers that goes through a gallon of milk every other day, isn't he?

Style: Emerson was always a bit of a "shoveler" at meal time. It's not a huge surprise, since I often see Jason down a dinner roll in a single bite. Then look at me with puffed cheeks and a smile. Emerson has started dipping his food recently. French fries in ketchup? Veggies in ranch? No...bananas in water, and pancakes in orange juice. If you've ever flipped through channels to catch a professional eating clip on ESPN, then you have seen that the more serious eaters dip their food in liquid to make it go down more quickly. Emerson has never seen this. Apparently, it's something you're born knowing.

I want my children to have happy, healthy, productive lives. And if Emerson is the next Kobayashi, then I'll be the loudest one on the sidelines, cheering him on!

He didn't actually eat all of these. But, an example of style.

Showing my support. It helps that it's a delicious dumbo ear.