First solids

So we took the plunge...probably not much of a plunge for the majority out there...and we gave Miss Elliott her first taste of rice cereal last night. I debated back and forth whether or not to mix it with breast milk or water (pediatrician recommended water because they don't get much in at first so she said don't "waste" your milk), and I ended up deciding breast milk because it made the cereal sound slightly more appetizing (at least when I was trying to imagine what she might think).

She actually did really well and I think actually consumed a small amount, but she wasn't totally convinced. Truman on the other hand, was totally sold by my "mmm" noises and airplane food moves and was begging for me to give him a taste. He kept resting his head on my arm and desperately trying to get his snout close enough to get a bite. It was quite a fiasco as I'm sure you can imagine. Now if only she would act that excited we'd be in business. Her favorite part of the whole feeding was her new bib, which she was completely enthralled by. Oh the simple pleasures in life. I guess we'll see how it goes tonight.

For some reason, I have had a really hard time introducing solids to her. I think part of my hesitation was it seems to make our life a little more complicated. I mean, let's face it, once they get the hang of it, breast feeding is SO easy. Yeah, I don't love pumping. Yeah, your body is not your own for a while, but I don't have to make a bottle, heat a bottle, I can take it anywhere I go...you get the picture. In my opinion, pretty easy. So add food to the mix, I have to breast feed her, then give her solids, then try to have dinner for us as well. Call me lazy, it just seems a little more complicated. I also really want to try making her food, so that has added a whole new element. I don't think it will be difficult (at least that's what my friends say), I know it will just take a little planning.

So as of today, I have a food processor, a covered ice tray for freezing/storing, Cooking for Baby by Lisa Barnes, and this helpful website www.wholesomebabyfood.com. I still need to buy the fruit/veggies to start and I guess I will be ready. I was thinking about trying avocado next.

So here's my questions for you moms out there. Did you wait to freeze food until your baby had tried it and not had a reaction? Or did you take a weekend to make several foods, freeze them, then just get rid of them if they had any reaction? Also, do you mix your foods with water or breast milk/formula? What were some of your first foods to try? My book recommends avocado, bananas, peas, squash/pumpkin, zucchini, sweet potato, apples, pears. Let me know your thoughts.

Here are a few pictures of Elliott's first eating experience.

"I'm ready mom!"

Obviously if I open my mouth really big she'll do the same thing...or not.

"Hmmm...not sure what I think about that."

Such a big girl in her high chair!