New Beginnings and Finger Foods

Today, Sophia and I went out on our first Friday of 2010! Last fall, I made the decision to go on Select Time with Bank of America. This means, I technically only get paid for 32 hours a week. It is the best place to work given all of the associate benefits including maternity and paternity leave(12 weeks off!). Also, the work from home program is invaluable. It is a very supportive culture, and it is such a win win situation for both the associates and company.

Of course, it is a change in my income to be on the Select Time, but babies only grow up once! This is how I feel is the best compromise for me to still have a career and have quality time with my baby. It's been 18 months, and I am finally feeling comfortable with dropping her off at the 24-Hours Fitness kids zone while I workout. Their service was also recommended by a friend.

Afterwards, we had a great lunch at California Pizza Kitchen. I can't believe how a little being can provide such great love and company. I tried introducing her to hummus for the 2nd time, but she didn't care for it. She did welcome the hamburger pizza. I plan to recreate the pizza(angus beef, chedder+mozarella cheese) at home!

We have come a long way with regards to her food journey. From purees to finger food, now she just likes to eat!
--When Sophia got into solids I would simply cut(vs puree) her steamed/baked veggies/fruit in cubes. Or, cut steamed veggies like broccoli into little trees.
--When serving fruit, make sure it's nice and ripe.
--Make note of your baby's reaction to the temperature of the food. She might not like the cold berries, but it it might be well received if you take out the fresh or frozen fruit ahead of time (to shake the chill).
--With zucchini and yellow squash, I peeled the skin off before boiling.
--Cubed tofu was a hit, but she does not seem to care for it right this moment. I noticed she will go in cycles of not liking something, so I wait...then reintroduce it again. Don't write it off if babies or toddlers reject the food, try and try again.
--Edamame (boil it to make it softer)
--Even today, she still loves baked sweet potatoes
--Dried fruit(prunes, raisans)
--Cubed/string cheese is a bit hit!
--Whole grain toast, crackers
--If she has trouble picking food up, you can try coating them in Cheerios dust. I learned that from http://www.wholesomebabyfoods.com/
--Now she is getting into pistachios!
--Don't forget about the joy of dipping. You can use yogurt, broth, hummus, jelly, etc.

I tend to see what they have in the baby food aisle, and if it makes sense I will recreate my own simpler, all natural version.

Bon apetit! Above is during Christmas Eve. Sophia loved Aunt Cindy's mushroom soup!