Starting Solids

This morning we gave Mr. Jackson some wheat cereal mixed with breastmilk.  Okay, it was mostly milk!  He ate more than I expected, giving it a good shot before calling it quits after a few bites.  Luke wanted a bite, I nearly let him (he has a horrible cold, and wasn't interested in trying it after Jack was done!).  Pumping milk isn't very easy for me but I will keep trying so that I can mix his cereal with my milk, then we'll probably start introducing other foods per the baby-led weaning protocol, like we did with Luke.  I don't think Jack needs any solid food, at this point I'd like to give him something to do while we're eating while slowly-on his terms- introduce him to real food.  I'd like to avoid the mushy and expensive baby food as much as possible!

Before the torture began!

I know it doesn't look like he liked it, but he didn't spit any out!

Mmmm...spoon.

I love me some messy baby cheeks!

Yummy

Around our house, I try my hardest to serve only healthy meals. We eat a lot of raw fruits and veggies, though usually out of my laziness since I find it easier to peel a carrot and serve it instead of cook it up in a "dish" of some sort. We eat meatless once a week, and have "leftover Fridays" which consists of eating- you guessed it- leftovers! I buy meats usually in bulk when they're on sale, and plan my weekly menus based on what our grocery store has on sale. I've tried to play The Grocery Game, but sites like Coupon Mom are the same but free, and usually I don't sit down to try to "stack" my coupons on groceries. I know I should because lots of people save money that way, but I can't find the time. (For the record, I usually always stack coupons for clothing purchases- I'm really good at that!)

That being said, I'm feeling like there's something I'm overlooking. I'd like to figure out how to save more money on my grocery bill without resorting to unhealthy Hillbilly Houswife tactics. Now that Luke is eating 100% "real" food (he has for awhile!), he and Beth seem to eat as much as I do!

Anyways, here are a couple of yummy recipes I've come across lately. I have more but can't think of them at the moment, I'll probably add them later!

Best broccoli of your life- For someone who doesn't enjoy broccoli, I must say that this really is the best broccoli I've ever had!

Emeril's Chili- Awesomely yummy and easy (as far as Emeril's recipes go). Uses stew meat instead of ground meat, and the results are delicious.

How to make a butternut squash

Captivate the peanut gallery

Make a huge mess. Cut it up however you can get the darn thing to actually cut since it's like cutting a brick with a butter knife.

Give a sample to an audience member. She'll be happy...

...until she realizes uncooked butternut squash is gross. Take back sample and discard.

Add salt, brown sugar and cinnamon. cook and enjoy! yum!

Next time, contemplate doing it the easy way. ;-)

B*A*N*A*N*A*S

We have a winner! Luke likes bananas! He had a bite of carrots yesterday too, but still a no go on sweet potatoes. I think I'm going to try a different route this time with Luke, instead of going for lots of spoon feeding and purees, I really want to try to just let him take the lead and put the food in his mouth, a la this article. Basically I'll keep introducing new foods (mostly in solid form instead of purees) and start feeding him from our plates once we determine he probably has no allergies. We'll still stay away from all the bad baby foods (like milk, citrus, nuts, etc.) but really just put it in his hands and let him lead the way.

Lukes first sweet potatoes