Charlie and Food, Actually Mango

Charlie is almost 6 months and she has been interested in food for awhile, but hasn't really be interested in pureed food. I made carrots, tried squash out of a jar and pureed rice too. She really wasn't into them. Maybe 2 or 3 little tastes.

Since Charlie was still interested in what I was eating, I threw all conventional wisdom aside and gave her small bits of what I was eating. Nothing too big. Some cantaloupe, mango, avocado, a bit of edamame or beans. Turns out what I was doing is called Baby Led Weaning. Luschka at Diary of a First Child turned me on to it.

So, today I officially started it. I sliced some mango into planks and let Charlie pick it up and gnaw on it. Pro, she loved it! Con, it was a huge mess, but she was happy.

I ordered a book on the subject to get the total idea, and it should be here on Tuesday. Very excited.

I have to admit, Layla ate a bit of it out of Chuck's hands. I was surprised that she could pick up the mango. It is slippery, but she did a good job. I wonder what she will eat tomorrow?

All Kinds of New Photos - June 19-26

We have had a marginally busy week. And we have been strangely social. B started swim lessons last Saturday. We had a birthday party after that. We thought about getting a new dog. My friend Sandy came over for dinner. More swimming on Father's Day, a visit to Grandpa's. Then just a lot of B and Charlie. Plus Swedish Days and friends visiting our little town.

My friend Sandy holding Charlie. B took this photo.
That is Susan in the back.

Sandy is from Seattle and Susan

is from Northern California - Berkeley I think?

Seriously cute right?

Self portrait.

I am really not as huge as I look. Vertically
or horizontally.

Grandpa sent this cool parrot to B. Just add
the salt water packet and......

Ta Da! Fluffy, salt crystally feathers.
Is Grandpa cool or what?

A nice peaceful Father's Day. Probably not
how Mike saw it.

Target had goggles on sale. Green is one of B's
favorite colors. The other is blue.

Huge Drooler. HUGE!

This is what he wore to the Green Market.
I had her in blue last week and every one
thought she was a boy. Hence the headband.

Charlie is waving a bit. Except when I try to show her off.

Meet Layla, our new puppy. She is a 9 month old
border collie/lab mix. She is pretty good. Likes to chew,
likes to jump, but is very sweet and lovable. Bonus,
she listens fairly well and is smart.
We are total idiots, but she need a home.

New Kid Pics

Here are some new photos.

Charlie's first food, squash.

She really liked the spoon. Squash, not so much.

She hasn't eaten too much since. She really only
has interest in the spoon.

Here are some of the girls playing this afternoon.

There are no rugs in the house, so my friend
Diana suggested using a yoga mat for Charlie
to play on - bonus is it gives her some traction.

She is getting on her hands and knees and
rocking, but hardly any movement.

She occasionally frog jumps forward.

Big sister B mugging for the camera.

I tried to get one of the two of them together,
but it didn't quite work out that way.

Charlie Was 5 Months Old Yesterday!

Charlie was the big 5 months yesterday. Can't believe it. Seems like she was born 5 years ago. Oh well. What's new with her, you ask. Well, she is sitting up by herself. She is getting up on her hands and knees and rocking a bit. Scooting around on her stomach - backwards, turning around - like a 180 degrees. Likes to stand while she is holding your hand. Loves Shadow and the cats (pulled a big chunk of Isabel's hair out). Loves her big sister. Grabs everything. Loves the water. Scooted over to B's new dolphin show and put an arm in splashing around. Charlie is really a happy baby. Laughs a lot and smiles at everyone. Not a thing like her big sister B.

Enjoy the pictures.

I took this Thursday before school.

On the wall outside of Anthropologie.
B plotzed.

B. The camera hog.

I said camera hog already, didn't I?

Happy 5 Months Chuck!