We rang in 2008 with a relaxing getaway to Palm Springs with the Nana and just got back to the hustle and bustle of life and work...uggghhh! However, I was a actually little excited to get back into our daily routine at home with baby Emme after the holidays. I've worked Emme up to sitting in the high chair twice a day and attempting to feed her. For the perpetual nurser, baby food and the high chair can be the enemy, but I've collected some tools that help to get the job done. My New Year's resolution for Emme is to continue my efforts to feed her healthy, fresh, organic foods through the next year of her life. The baby food that fits the bill in our house is Happy Baby food.
Found in the frozen food section at Whole Foods and other natural foods stores, it come in convenient little frozen cubes in plastic trays. I can almost pretend that I whipped it up myself. And, I have found that with Emme's finicky refusal to take in any more than one ounce per feeding of solid foods, it is actually quite economical. I have thrown away the unused portion of four ounce baby food containers more times than I can count in the past 3 months. These one ounce frozen cubes are just the thing and nothing goes to waste. Much to my surprise, Emme's favorite is Grrreat Greens, a combination of mango and spinach. When she puts her finger in the bowl, then sticks it up her nose, it's not a pretty sight, but seeing her actually eating and enjoying it is the most beautiful sight I have seen!
What also makes Happy Baby food a favorite of mine is the endorsement they've received from Dr. Sears. A household favorite pediatrician of mine and millions of others, check out the Sears family pediatric website at www.askdrsears.com. In fact, I was on their website today looking up the mysterious rash that appeared on Emme's legs during the holiday weekend. Doesn't seem to bother her, but those little red bumps sure are bothering me... ;) Anyway, Dr. Sears has helped the folks at Happy Baby to develop some new baby foods that include chicken, turkey and salmon and some dry baby cereals, all including DHA. It doesn't get better than that when it comes to baby food! Oh, and, did I mention that Emme nearly refuses to eat anything but Happy Baby? Read more about the cool chicks behind Happy Baby Food by clicking here...
Now, when I do go so far as to whip up some baby food myself, I like to use my Dex Baby Food Processor. It really makes a smooth puree, in a baby-size portion, no less. It's easy to clean and stores away much easier than a full-size food processor. Mine was a baby shower gift from my dear friend Nora and I am proud to say that it whipped up the perfect banana puree for Emme's first meal of solids this past summer. The Baby Food Processor is great for fresh fruits and veggies or organic fruits and veggies already diced and bagged in the frozen food section. These are known to be a better option than canned ones or jarred baby food.
As Emme starts to venture into the world of "people food", I plan to put my brand-spankin' new copy of Jessica Seinfeld's Deceptively Delicious cookbook to use. A favorite Christmas gift from the Nana. I've got my eye on the Potato Soup, Green Eggs, and Chocolate Chip Muffins. I just might have to start "taste-testing" some of the kid-friendly recipes before Emme is ready for them;) You can check out some of her recipes on her website, www.deceptivelydelicious.com or on www.oprah.com. It really is a fun cookbook with lots of great tips and tricks for those charged with the feeding of children! By the way, Jessica's book is 30% off right now at Borders Books!
To top off all this info about baby feeding, I must include the source for my favorite baby bibs! The bib can be the bane of the mother's existence....trying so hard to keep baby reasonably clean at mealtime. After ruining a few darling fabric bibs by throwing them into the laundry basket crusted with food (that innocent glob of sweet potatoes turns to mold & mildew, ladies!), dear old Nana clued me in to wash them off in the sink, even scrubbing them with the sponge when necessary and hanging them over the sink or draping them in the top drawer of the dish washer to dry between feedings. I keep a couple in rotation because they are never dry in time for the next feeding. I've got to say that I am a big fan of the whimsical cloth bibs from Colby Lane Designs because they are ultra-absorbent, fun to look at and more comfy for baby than plastic. I've got several from Colby Lane Designs and they are truly my favorites! Pick one up for your babe today for just $8 or $9 depending on the designer fabrics and fuzzy chenille backing. The two sets of snaps mean these bibs have serious staying power in the hands of a toddler. The bibs and other baby accessories are handmade by this family-owned business, just like we prefer to shop from. The price and quality of Colby Lane Designs simply cannot be beat!
Until next time, Emme and I are wishing you a wonderful, happy & healthy 2008!
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