A Homemade Kitchen

Food Thought

2014-04-28T12:59:00.001-04:00

I browse the internet here and there to get food and meal ideas for my family. It’s difficult to get quick and easy meals on the table especially on a week night so I try and get help through websites and blogs. More often than not, I come across examples of little animals or planes or cars or some other fanciful toddler attraction that is formed out of food. All I can think of when I see these things is:

Who on this earth actually has time for that insanity?

I mean really. A lion made out of pasta or a dinosaur made out fruit and vegetables? I’m impressed with myself when I actually put J’s food on a plate instead of dumping it directly on his high chair tray. I get the concept of trying to make eating fun but holy smokes people? Are you actually a parent who came up with these ideas? If so, where do you find that time and energy because I would certainly like the coupon code for that. Some look like you need a degree in modern architecture or engineering to execute. Slicing a hot dog to resemble an octopus is something I could do because it takes little to no effort or time. I’d be slicing that hot dog anyway. Making a sandwich into a turtle emerging from the ocean? No.

My other thought is do we really want our kids to associate eating with playing or have their food resemble toys? Food is meant to be eaten. It just seems like more trouble than it’s worth because the food tastes the same. I suppose it’s fun for a kid to bite off the ear of a bunny rabbit or actually have an “airplane” fly into their mouths but honestly, why? I struggle to get J to eat but I don’t believe that turning his food into a palm tree benefits anyone.

I do like the idea of a small buffet or smorgasbord type of meal for a toddler. But easy things. Like sliced banana, peas, cheese, and some pasta. J seems to like to graze more than he likes to eat a big meal and I think offering variety is important. So the ideas that show a sandwich, some carrots, and some fruit in piles on a plate are doable. But turning those bananas, peas, cheese, and pasta into a Paris cityscape is asinine.

I like to have J try what we’re eating – crab rangoons the other night were a hit! But some nights, it’s a slice of cheese and some mandarin oranges. Or a baked potato and some yogurt. He really eats what he eats and no matter what I do or have him try, he’s only going to eat what he wants to eat. And he basically crushes or throws everything he eats anyway so who cares what it looks like on his plate.

I don’t.

He doesn’t.

So hooray for food piles and bowls of cereal!

Snow!

2014-01-07T10:15:00.002-05:00

J played out in the snow for the first time! Well, where he could actually sit in a sled. Frankly, he was unimpressed.

Ok, Mama. What do you have me doing now?

Hmm, not so bad.

Whoa. Um, ok. Slow down, Dada.

Much better.

We didn't stay out too long so the sledding story is short. We bundled him up, he couldn't move, he sat in a sled. The end.

The Making of a Christmas Card

2013-12-11T15:27:00.003-05:00

It's that time of year! Time for the obligatory Christmas card. This was the events that led up to it.

It started with the lights on the tree. They are just asking to be touched.

He helped unpack the ornaments. Fun stuff!

Then he helped Daddy put ornaments onto the tree.

Then Mama started trying to get posed pictures. This led to a meltdown.

A complete and utter meltdown.

After a nap, we tried sitting with the snowmen family.

It got a little too personal.

So we moved to the floor. Maddux wanted in on it too. But he looks drunk.

Then we pulled out the string of lights! Oooo! But the daylight behind wasn't right.

So we tried at night. So bright!

Look at the glow! And the little piggys!

We took many pictures.

He was really enjoying himself this time. It was hard to decide.

But this one made our card. Minus the baby pen.

Meeting a Snowman

2013-12-04T08:32:00.000-05:00

J made a new friend. He was wary at first but he grew to love the snowman.

Hmm, who are you?

Are you real?

Oh! You are real. Interesting.

I think I like you. Let me show you how much.

We need some alone time, Mama.

And then he showed the snowman his Christmas lights. The snowman watched with intrigue.

Look, I'll show you.

See? They're shiny.

Whoa. I'll hold them up for you.

Do you like them Mr. Snowman?

I've asked J what we should name the snowman. He hasn't answered me yet.

In Excess

2013-11-20T09:15:00.000-05:00

I know many of you out there probably have this problem with your kids and I want to know:

What on earth do you do about it?

The issue: Too many baby clothes.

I am in such excess of them. They are taking over my closet in trash bags, plastic bins, and just piles. What do I do with them?

I have pretty much kept everything for the potential of a second child but then what if it's a girl? What if the sizes don't match with the season?

Should I keep them?

And if I do, what do I do with all of them? They are taking over my life.

I have such wonderful family and friends who have given me all of these clothes and I appreciate it so much. I am just overwhelmed with the amount.

Should I pick through them and weed out those that are either beginning to show wear, that I may not like all that much, or just say the heck with it, you're out?

Does anyone have any tips on how to organize and store with limited space?

It really gives me a panic attack looking at all of it and trying to think about what to do with them. So much so that I basically shut down, shut the door, and pretend all of it's not there. Until I have to go into the closet again.

I need help.

And baby clothes that have itchy tags in them should all be burned.

Where did you go?

2013-11-14T08:13:00.000-05:00

Hello.

How have you been?

It seems life has gotten in the way for me. But that's good. It meant time with M and J and just being us. A lot has happened in the past few months such as:

J got his first molar.

J went apple picking for the first time!

J started walking.

J has increased his vocabulary to Mama, Dada, Hi, cheese, shoe, What's this?, moo, roar, up, and Goldfish (as in a favorite snack cracker). It sounds more like ga-sish but he's working on it.

J transitioned to the young toddler room at day care and is loving it. He's really thriving.

J went trick or treating for the first time. He was a lion. Roar! He was thrilled. See? There were even tears of joy.

J has discovered Thomas the train. The end.

I got a new job!

I have two more classes until I finish my bachelor's degree! Four long years and I'm almost there.

I have had thoughts.

Lots of thoughts.

Such as:

Short sleeved sweaters are stupid. Are you hot or are you cold? If hot, why would you wear a sweater? If you're cold, a short sleeved sweater is useless. And short sleeved turtle neck sweaters? What are those? Don't even get me started on sleeveless turtle neck sweaters.

Haagen Dazs ice cream is colder than regular ice cream.

Is it weird that I think that?

Don't answer.

I'm still deciding if I like goat cheese.

Changing J's diaper is now like trying to rope and hold down a calf that is awaiting to be branded.

While J is awake there is no more sitting down, drinking a cup of coffee in peace, going to the bathroom alone, reading an email, eating a bite of anything, or keeping the toy area neat for even two seconds.

But it's awesome.

This is a great age and we are loving every minute of it.

Especially bed time. It's the best time of day.

Hopefully I'll get on here more because I do have a lot of thoughts. Sometimes they plague me and I need to get them out. It's better to voice them here where I cannot see your facial expressions of disgust, confusion, and sympathy as I do from M.

Feeding J: More New Foods

2013-07-14T10:22:00.001-04:00

It was a struggle there for a bit. J wasn't interested in eating 'table' food. But pretty much right around his first birthday, the floodgates opened and this boy wanted real food!

Some new favorites:

Pizza
Blueberries
Toast with butter or peanut butter
Peas! (picks those out from the carrots and green beans)
Baked beans
Corn
Feta cheese
Sundried tomato and spinach ravioli (he went mental for these)
Graham crackers
Ice cream
Bread
Pasta
Macaroni and Cheese
Mandarin oranges
Cucumbers

Not so much:

Cream of Wheat
Watermelon
Kiwi
The cupcake from his first birthday (what?!)

He's also doing really well with the milk. Except that he likes to spit it out while using the sippy cup because he thinks it's funny.

We were told at his 12 month check up that he needs to put on some weight so we have to put a tablespoon of heavy cream (blech!) into his bottles (he still needs the formula at this point twice a day for weight gain) and put butter and olive oil on anything and everything he'll tolerate it on. Sometimes I put some in a jar of food and mix it around. The poor child but he eats it. I would throw it across the room and pitch a fit.

He eats the school breakfast and lunch now and is doing really well. I'm happy about that. Now as we enter toddlerhood, he needs the calories and food for the energy he's going to use up.

No rest for the weary.

A Wish

2013-07-10T08:42:00.002-04:00

A wish for my boy. In honor of his first birthday.

Be Happy

I want to tell you something so you will thrive and be happy

This world is full of chances so take a dive and be happy

My wish for you is that you follow your heart and dreams

Doctor, athlete, chef? Dream it, even if it’s one or five - be happy

Life is big and if you get the chance to sit or run,

Run! Run fast! And shout out loud you’re alive! and be happy

Show the world who you are; smart, joyful, full of love

Keep your head held high and morals inside and be happy

You are strong, you are beautiful, you’re always laughing

Please keep faith, hope, and love by your side and be happy

I want you to know the world is yours so grab ahold!

I hope you take a leap and believe that you can fly - be happy!

We love you now, we’ll love you then

Be honorable, be respectful, and be full of pride

And be happy.

Copyright 2013 Noelle Donahue

Tread Carefully

2013-06-08T12:02:00.000-04:00

I am going to warn you, what you are about to see is horrific. I cannot believe it myself that this occurred and in my own home.

There are some things in life you wish never to see. There are things that you wish you could un-see if you ever did see it.

This sight transcends all prior abominations that my eyes have beheld.

Tread carefully.

Please be sure you want to see the abhorrence and terror.

This malady happened several weeks ago. We were just spending time as a family. And then it happened.

M and Jackson were on the couch. Just hanging out. I turned away for a second. When I looked back, my sight was almost wielded into hysterical blindness.

M, my husband, my love, the father of my child, was doing something abysmal. Something that the tiniest of boys should not yet be introduced. My baby has been tarnished.

They were....

They were...

I can hardly get the words out.

They were...looking at the Victoria's Secret Swim Suit catalog!!

AHHH!!!

My eyes have seen Satan.

My boy may never be right.

My boy even seemed to enjoy it.

Maybe he was looking at it and thinking he was seeing his Mama. Because I'm all taut, tan, and well-endowed.

Heh.

That would have been weird though.

Jackson may never be the same.

Swim Class

2013-05-22T07:01:00.000-04:00

J has started a baby swim class. I wanted to get him into the water early so he doesn't develop a fear of it. Too many family members on my side don't know how to swim and are scared of the water. I did not want that to happen to J.

So we enrolled him in Water Tots!

He wasn't quite so sure when he first went into the pool. It's a little bigger than his tubby, you know.

But then he made a splash. Oh boy!

Now it was fun!

He swam.

He kicked.

He hung onto a noodle

He laughed when Mommy and Daddy blew water bubbles.

Then he got cold.

Then he cried.

And then he was done.

This is the story of every swim class.

Portraits of a Sun Hat

2013-05-20T07:43:00.001-04:00

No words. Just photos today.

Randomness

2013-05-17T12:33:00.001-04:00

Some days I have all kinds of irrelevant and random thoughts swimming about in my brain. I thought I would share some of those golden nuggets with you today.

It's your lucky day! It's like you won the lottery.

And I'm a weirdo.

Random Thoughts

Sometimes when I see a discarded grocery bag, I feel like I should snatch it up so I can use it to pick up after my pet. Is that weird? Don't answer that.

I stick my finger up J's nose way too often.

Dog's feet smell like Fritos - and mostly when they're sleeping. I have found this is not specific to any breed. It's universal across all canine varieties.

Corn Chex cereal tastes like the Bugles snack chip.

Now that I have a kid, I've realized something. When someone is talking to you about their kid, it is so difficult not to interject with how your kid did it, or what they like, or what they do. It’s so hard to keep your mouth shut and just let them talk about their own kid.

Water chestnuts are spongy and gross.

Sometimes I go for a jog. Then I die.

Then I eat Peanut M&Ms. Peanut M&Ms are of the devil.

I over share pictures on Facebook. And I don't care. Hide me, de-friend me, cut me out of your will if it annoys you. Just being real.

Please don't de-friend me.

I don't like it when my teeth feel dirty.

I have just sucked 3 minutes out of your life. Please don't hold it against me.

Did it really take you 3 minutes to read this?

You may want to block this blog from your browser or internet searches after this post. I completely understand. I am crazy.

Crazy. Like in this photo. I put this coat on and it made me break out into a white girl dance. And M questioned his decision about marrying me. And I frightened the dog.

And my brain malfunctions.

But please don't leave me.

Goodbye.

Charmed

2013-05-15T06:46:00.000-04:00

It is a sneaker.

It is small; no longer than my thumbnail.

The entire shoe is monochromatic in a silvery gray; laces, stripes, sole and all. It has three stiff laces going evenly across the top. There is a wide dotted stripe on the right side and there is a wide dotted stripe on the left side going from laces to sole.

The top looks like brushed nickel. The toe of the sneaker is perfectly round. The sneaker is hard to the touch. There is a shiny, glossy sole.

On this sole, there is a vertical etching of a single name going from heel to toe. The name is written in all capital letters.

I have worn it every day since it was given to me. I wear it on a silver chain, across my neck, and close to my heart.

Since I rarely take it off, the clasp of the chain can tangle in my hair or the charm can get wrapped around to the back of my neck. It clinks against the chain and the other metal ball on the necklace when I turn it back around. It is my lucky charm.

This charm was given to me by my husband the day after the birth of our son ten months ago. It is one of the most important and happiest days of my life. I will keep it with me always.

Considering M had this in his pocket while at the hospital, it is good he came out a boy. There would have been an unplanned visit to the jewelry store.

10 Years

2013-04-26T17:49:00.001-04:00

Ten years ago today, M and I had our first date. Wanna hear the story. It's full of intrigue, trials, and humor. Ok! Thanks for asking.

M and I met at a local gym. Yes folks, once upon a time, I worked out regularly. Anyway, we met there and he asked me out to dinner for a Saturday evening.

Said Saturday evening turned out to be a cold, rainy night which thwarted my intentions of straightening my hair because it would have turned into a frizzy mess and M didn't need to see that yet. I contemplated what to wear and finally selected tan pants, a cream top, and brown corduroy blazer that I loved. (Later I would find out that M hated it. But there were things he wore which were hideous.)

I sat in my living room waiting for him to arrive and I heard a pick up driving up the road. I told him my house was the third on the right. He goes to the end of the street, turns around, and in horror, I see him start walking up the front walk to third house on the left. I had to holler (yes, I wrote holler) out my front door that nope, this house. Good start. Strike one?

He walks into my house. Oh. My. Lord. I beheld the ugliest brown leather bomber jacket I have ever seen in my life. Yes folks, a bomber type brown leather jacket. Strike two?

We're off! He's taking me to Boston. We pull into the parking garage and the boy drives way past the ticket booth so he had to reverse. Strike three?

We begin walking to the restaurant and I was on the street side of the sidewalk. M so smoothly touches the small of my back and guides me over to the inside of the sidewalk so that he is on the street side and would take the brunt of any inherent drivers.

That got me. That got me good.

We went to Maggiano's and I was so nervous I hardly ate a bite. M of course cleaned his plate and I should have known the food bills would be astronomical going forward.

Then we went to the movies. Mr. Suave tripped up the stairs. It was actually endearing. We saw "Identity". The movie was terrible. M apologized profusely.

He took me home and at the awkward moment at the front door - do you kiss? Do you not kiss? We were both like um.....but then somehow it happened and it was .......terrible. I mean horrendous.

We both went to bed thinking my Lordy what was that. We can do better.

And we did.

We most certainly did.

Heart Breaker

2013-04-19T13:04:00.000-04:00

The sentiment in a baby's eyes is astounding. So much can be found in those pools of beauty. They look at you with utter dependence and then can strip you down with a look of scorn for putting their favorite musical abomination of a toy into the toy basket.

But then they can pummel you with the warm fuzzies with the eye scrunch of a smile or melt your heart with the reddening of an impending cry.

Have you ever noticed the brightening of a baby's eyes when filled with tears? The glossy brilliance of color shining through that wetness makes my heart go pitter pat. Especially when in these eyes.

And this boy, he's not my favorite boy. No sir. Not with those baby blues, porcelain skin, and dimpled bottom.

Look at this face. Pure emotion left on his cheek. That one lone tear from a serious wail.

I had probably just picked a booger.

Feeding J: New Foods

2013-04-14T11:51:00.000-04:00

This past week, or maybe a little longer, J has been introduced to a bunch of different foods. I don't follow the rule of something new, wait a few days. Maybe I should but, knock on wood, no reaction to anything thus far.

J had:

Pancake - It was a hit!

Goldfish crackers - Hmm, interesting.

Ravioli filling - kale and cheese - Yummy, Mummy!

Chicken! - Probably his favorite of the week. He had it several times.

Baked potato - Oohhh.

Cottage cheese - plain and mixed with fruit Pretty hilarious. He would push the curds out with his tongue like what the heck is this? But then ate it.

Grilled Cheese! - Oh boy!

Vanilla ice cream - mmm, ummm, aaaahhhh, eeee! (Those were yummy, tasty noises).

And we had some sippy cup success! All by himself! I pulled out the noisemakers, hung banners, and threw a parade!

Not really.

I clapped and said yay!

Yes, I used the sippy. I'm the bomb, yo.

J can also now clap on command. Mama and Dada are so proud.

He's also taken a couple headers onto the floor from the step down into our dining room. Just the beginning of bumps and bruises. But that bugger is determined!

He also knows where the dog's food and water bowls are and makes a beeline for them. He'll start full speed ahead, stop, turn around to see if M or I are looking, and then take right off again. Little stinker knows he's not supposed to touch those.

But bless his little heart, he tries to eat my face. Like full on feast on it.

Mama's face tastes like chicken.

My Other Baby

2013-04-13T08:26:00.002-04:00

I need to give some blog lovin' to my other baby. He deserves it too.

Handsome boy.

Favorite napping spot.

Precious boy.

Maddux says - I wike seepin' on the towch. It's my most favwit pwace to seep. And it keeps that wittle baby fing away fwom me.

Blogger Stats

2013-04-11T17:35:00.000-04:00

Blogger allows you to see your stats. This includes how many times your posts have been read, your audience, and your traffic sources. When I checked recently, I have had 12 hits from Romania and 18 from Germany.

I do not know anyone there but it's pretty cool that perhaps a Google search directed them to my humble blog. What was their search, I wonder...and I wonder what they thought when they were brought here to my musings, drivelings, and utter nonsense.

Hello, there Romania and Germany! Welcome to A Homemade Kitchen. Take your shoes off and stay for awhile.

Baby Blues

2013-04-10T10:39:00.000-04:00

I was overcome one day. And I pulled out my camera and snapped some photos of my boy's baby blues. They melt my heart. Every day.

His right eye has a skinny brown streak in it. My favorite.

Getting tired of the close ups.

Please stop, Mom.

Be still my heart.

One sepia for good measure.

Feeding J: The Start of 'Table Food'

2013-04-06T07:16:00.001-04:00

J had his 9 month check up the other day. Stats:

Weight: 17lbs 3oz
Height: 29in
Teeth: 2
Smiles: 498
Giggles: 604 (can you have more giggles than smiles?)

We talked about crawling, babbling, rolling, sitting, clapping, sleeping, and eating. The newest phase in J's culinary adventures can begin. He can start having 'table food'! I find it humorous that this is what it's called since that is what we call the 'people food' we give to the dog. The doctor said we could start introducing most everything - even ice cream! I'm not sure how much sugar I want him having and this is coming from the candy, ice cream, chocolate, and sugar-loving queen. I am not one to restrict foods - everything in moderation and I will not deny him treats. He can also have juice which I am also hesitant of but it may be the only way to teach him to use a sippy cup. The doctor told me half juice, half water. I may make it more of 25:75 ratio of juice to water though.

Anyway, I'm thinking about having a blog series called Feeding J where I write about new things we've tried, the trials or successes of the new foods, and any recipes or cooking techniques I've used for his food. Would you be interested in that? I know I would be. And I have read other blogs that do similar things and I devour what they write about in regards to what they are feeding their babies.

Still on the No list for foods are: shellfish, nuts, milk (but he can have dairy products?), and honey.

This week, he has been introduced to fresh banana, scrambled eggs, the soft part of bread/rolls, baked carrots, sherbet, apple juice, and Cheerios! Wow! Taste explosion! Some went well (sherbet, juice, carrots, Cheerios), some not so much (banana and scrambled eggs). I know it's a texture thing so we will try again!

Things he's already been eating beyond formula, oatmeal, and jarred baby food: yogurt and puffs.

I am excited we are at this point in his feeding but am also sad that he's grown so much already. Before we know it, it will be his first birthday (which, by the way, I am already starting to plan and it most likely will have a food related theme)!

Until the next culinary adventure for Baby J!

Special Guest Post

2013-03-27T08:08:00.000-04:00

We have a treat today. It is my very first guest post! There was someone who wanted to write and say hi.
It is very exciting for me to have someone else write a post today. He enjoys a large variety of food, loves the sunshine, and is becoming quite the animal lover. Enjoy!

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It's evident that he has an obsession with the computer. Clearly, he sees Mama and Daddy on it too much. He sees it and squeals with delight and gets very upset if he is not allowed to type. Once in front of the computer, you would think he has been handed the crowned jewels. Kids today are so technologically savvy. It starts early.

I hope you enjoyed this post and perhaps there will be others in the future. Have a great day!

Growing

2013-03-23T10:41:00.003-04:00

J is a machine. He has the army crawl going like it's nobody's business. He's got two teeth and eating like a champ. There is so much going on in his development. It's making me miss the days of endless snuggles and having just a blob on the floor for tummy time.

There are still snuggles. They are just less and don't last quite as long as he now knows how to push away and wants to get moving. He's curious about everything and loves the dog like crazy. I wish Maddux would appreciate it more than he does.

I also miss the guarantee of naps during outings. He's now at that age where he doesn't nap in the car or while out running errands so getting out of the house right now is a little more difficult. We want to ensure he gets his naps in and we might have an hour window between eating and nap time where we could go out. That's not to say we won't interrupt his usual nap times but sometimes with the crankiness that is a result, it's not always worth it.

It's such a great age right now and I am loving every second.

On another non-baby related note, if you use Google Reader for your blog reading, you must have received the message that said it was going away and you will need to move your subscriptions to another reader platform. I moved over to Bloglovin and it was actually super easy! It brought all of my saved reading lists from Google Reader over so I didn't have to re-subscribe once there. There is also Feedly but I haven't used that. Bloglovin seems great and there is also an app for your phone and tablets. So, bring A Homemade Kitchen over or subscribe via email with the link on the right. Happy blog reading!

I'm Scared

2013-03-11T13:10:00.001-04:00

J has begun sprouting teeth! This means more food to start trying. We can move into puffs, Cheerios, and other delectable tasties. It's so exciting. But it terrifies me beyond belief.

My biggest irrational (or is it??) mom fear to date is choking. I think about him eating finger foods and I almost can't breathe. I am petrified beyond words of him choking and me not being able to help him.

I have not had any stronger fears to this point. I do not fear him bumping his head, or falling off the couch, or cutting his knee. I don't even fear SIDS. I did have a crazy apprehension to his soft spot when he was a newborn to the point I even dubbed it the "Kill Spot." But this fear of choking is paralyzing. I'm scared.

I broke up a puff last night into teeny tiny pieces. I put them in his mouth. He spit them out and I tried again. He gummed a few and ate them. Success! Then the last bite, he gagged about five times and I freaked out that he was choking and said OK! We're done. No more.

I need help.

Moms - How can I get past this and not want to feed him mush for the rest of his life? I know I can't and I won't. But it's all just too scary! Talk me down.

Bedroom Redesign

2013-03-09T14:56:00.001-05:00

M and I have been living in our current home for about 5 and a half years. Of which, I have never redecorated a room save for J's nursery. The time has come. First up, our master bedroom.

A wonderful friend of mine who is part of a newly formed makeshift Facebook Mom's group created a mood board for me with ideas for the makeover. How beautiful is all of it??

It created giant inspiration and made me completely obsessed. The amount of pinning on Pinterest is absurd.

The color palatte will be blue, gray, yellow/gold, and white. My new favorite combination! Our walls are currently blue and will not be repainted because one, it's too much of a hassle and two, I don't want to. So with the blue walls, I will bring in the gray, white, and yellow with bedding, curtains, accents, and artwork.

I have decided on this for our bedding. It has been shipped and is on its way!

West Elm

For accents and curtains, I definitely want to bring in the yellows and golds that my friend suggested in her board.

I love the gold panels for the windows. I like the puddling on the floor but don't know how that will bode for baby and dog. And ironically enough, our wall color pretty much matches the wall color in the photo.

West Elm

Throw pillows are arbitrary and literally get "thrown" off the bed but they are so pretty! And expensive. I may be inclined to learn how to sew. There are so many gorgeous fabrics out there and I might just go hog wild.

Ebay

I need artwork, accents, and wall decor. My hunt begins!

So the bedroom redo is underway!

Baby Food

2013-02-19T07:54:00.002-05:00

I started introducing Jackson to solid foods about a week before he turned four months old. Some may say that was too early but for us, it worked and it was time. I was starting to notice that the bottles weren't cutting it, he still seemed hungry, and he was watching M and I eat. So I did what any mother would do, I asked my Facebook friends if it was okay to start him on foods. All my amazing mommy friends said absolutely! We all need to come to realize that our babies are unique, we know them best, and we need to do what is right for them.

Food coma.

So I started with the oatmeal. Again, some say to start with the rice cereal because it it even less likely to cause a reaction but again, all the mommies I talked to said to start with the oatmeal so that's what I did. J took to it very quickly. We were on our way from that point on.

We moved onto the stage one foods and I introduced everything I could. I gave him something, waited a few days, tried something else, and so forth. He ate everything I gave him except bananas. Oh well, minor hiccup. His favorites were sweet potatoes, carrots, and peaches.

J is now on stage two foods and loves them all. He will eat the single foods and the combinations. He WILL NOT eat the meats but they are really dog food so that's fine. He will eat the vegetable and meat combo ones so that's how I get the extra iron and protein from the meats in him. They will make him big and strong!

He also eats yogurt. I was completely unaware that they could have yogurt until the doctor told me to start giving it to him while at his six month appointment. So he eats baby yogurt and loves it. I was afraid it would give him tummy troubles but it's been just fine.

I like to read other mother's samples of their feeding schedules and found many on other blogs and websites. I finally got a good one going with J and here is a typical day:

When he wakes (or at 6:30am on a school day; whenever he wakes on the weekends): 6-8oz bottle

9/9:30am - 2-3 tbsp oatmeal mixed with formula

Jar of fruit

(There might be some bottle somewhere around 11 but he's usually napping)

12/12:30pm - 2-3 tbsp oatmeal mixed with formula or

a yogurt

Jar of fruit or vegetable

3/3:30pm - 6-8oz bottle

5:30/6pm - 2-3 tbsp oatmeal

Jar of vegetable/vegetable meat blend or what M and I are having, blended

7:30pm - 5-8oz bottle

He's not on a complete napping schedule but I try to put him down around 10am and then again around 1:30/2. He may have another quick nap around 4 or 4:30. At day care, he just sleeps whenever but it actually works out around these times. And they last anywhere from a half hour to two hours. I've said before, he sleeps all night so I don't care what he does during the day for naps.

I've also tried the baby puffs but he doesn't get it. He plays with them and picks them up but doesn't understand that it is food and it goes in his mouth. They just stick to his hand or fall on the floor.

The doctor also said I could start a sippy cup. Also a fail. He's just not ready. We'll try again soon. But oh does he love his bottles. He sees it and starts kicking and squealing and opening his mouth before it's even near him. He's not yet holding it on his own but if someone else is doing it for you, why bother?

I have also tried pureeing up things that M and I have at dinner. I did some carrots, some vegetable beef soup, and some mashed potatoes. He wasn't really feeling it and I don't know why. He took more to the mashed potatoes but didn't eat a whole lot. It also concerns me. Because let me be clear folks - I DO NOT WANT A PICKY EATER. I know that I will introduce all sorts of different foods to J as early as I can because I want him to be exposed to all the wonderful foods and flavors out there. I do not want him to have the limited "kid's" palatte. I would like him to be a food lover and want him to try things at least once. I believe parents are the largest contributors to picky eaters. They say to their child oh you won't like that or no to when their child asks to try something because the parent thinks the child won't like it. Well how do you know? If a child is willing and desires to try something, let them!

I am also of the belief that my son will eat what M and I do at dinner. If he doesn't like it, he can have cereal or a sandwich. I do not believe in making two or more dinners just so the child gets something they like. I realize things may change but this one I really want to stick to.

Starting solid foods is exciting, stressful, and nerve wracking at the same time. So many new flavors. It must be amazing. I wish I could remember trying things for the first time at his age. It's stressful too because you don't know if he'll like it and it makes you nervous because what if they choke?? I have yet to take an infant CPR class. Oops.

We will continue on with the routine we have going and I will continue to blend up some things M and I are eating for dinner. Hopefully he'll start to like them more. He is still very young and has a long way to go in his culinary journey through life. I hope he takes a big bite and eats it up.