Random Thoughts on Life, Motherhood & Beyond: Success with Solids!

When I met with failure the first and only time I tried giving Julien semi-solids, many frens offered various tips. One of the ones that I like best is to offer the baby spoon to the baby for him to get used to the feeling of having it in his mouth first. I thought that was sensible advice, since Julien did seem to hate having it in his mouth and kept trying to push it out with his tongue the last time.

Today, I noticed Julien wanting to chew his fingers with a greater urgency. I checked his gums and true enough, the teeth, that we have been feeling the past few days, are coming through. One is already out and you can see the white part, while the other shows a hint of white breaking through the pink.

So, I was gonna go get the teether with the water-cooling bit from the fridge, when I remembered my fren's advice about the spoon. And I thought, why not? The spoon would be a great teether. So, I slowly and cautiously inserted the spoon into Julien's mouth, preparing to withdraw, should he reject it like before. To my surprise, he accepted the spoon and seemed to be exploring it, rolling his tongue around it, as he checked it out. Then, he gave it the all-clear by starting to give it a hard chew. I let him explore the spoon both sides - the right-side up, as well as upside down, so that his tongue gets used to the curvature.

After a few minutes of that, I thought we were ready to try the semi-solids again. I took 2 baby-spoonfuls from an organic carrot-potato puree pot I had bought. I do intend to prepare Julien's food myself, but I thought I would buy a pot to just check out the texture and have an idea how fine and runny it should be. And amazingly, Julien was ready to try this time - he opened his mouth as I brought the spoon nearer and took the spoon, food and all. Watching him, you'll think he was doing a wine tasting - he seemed to be rolling the food about and just checking out the flavours. And a little bit did come out, as he is still very much Drool Central these days, but he swallowed most of it. I was so jubilant that I clapped and cheered. And he started smiling at all the enthusiasm; I think he found that encouraging! In the end, he finished all 2 baby-spoonfuls and seemed to want more, even though I read that we should start slow and just give 2 teaspoonfuls at one time. I was mightily pleased! So pleased that I texted Daddy Low immediately to report the good news! :)

As I went on to take my own dinner, I saw that Julien was watching my food carefully. I decided that I would try to give him more. I took my dinner and his food and sat on the floor, next to him, and started to take turns eating and feeding him. And success again! He finished another 2 spoonfuls! I think that was his limit, 'cos he would take no more. But what a day! What an achievement! I can't describe the thrill or the joy of that 4 spoonfuls vanishing down his throat!

But, boy, what a messy affair it was! He had on a bib, so his front was clean, but his flailing arms meant that his sleeves turned a smudgy orange! And if that was not enough, my dear boy decided to burrow his face into Mummy and there, I had bits of orange on my top, front and sleeves. Might not be a bad idea for mummies to wear a poncho next time we feed our babies!

So, this is the plan - we are going to finish that one pot; then, I am going to start cooking his food. I already bought a baby weaning meal planner and am looking forward to using it. Especially after seeing the delicious recipes inside. Great! My son is on to solids! Next, we will be needing to buy a high chair soon and we can all eat as a family! :)