Day 14: Time for the Real Deal!

Something clicked this week and Michal decided that she liked food.  Other things have clicked, too, like playing with toys, squealing, and other cute baby things, but let's face it - any time you set a baby into her highchair, strap her in and bib up, the potential for hilarity is there.


Given her sudden interest in eating rice cereal, we decided to switch it up and give her REAL food (not that rice cereal is fake, per se, but, well, it looks like sawdust coming out of the box).  In preparation for this phase of eating, I had already started making food for M.  Armed with my steamer basket, rice cooker, and food processor, I made batches of butternut squash, sweet potato, and carrots, freezing them in ice cube trays and storing them in freezer bags.  I do have plans of making non-orange food, but for now, orange is the plan and well stocked in the freezer.


We decided to attempt sweet potato today, so I took one of the frozen cubes out, defrosted it - first in the fridge and then in the microwave for five seconds, and then made sure it was nice and smooth for her.  She was totally game and opened wide for the spoon - how quickly they learn! - and then... The Face.  It was obvious she was trying to discern just what it was we had given her.  We took video, of course, and her face was just priceless.  It was as if we'd given her something with a very strong taste - think really sour, maybe?  She opened up for the second spoonful and again, The Face.  But with the third spoon?  BIG smile, although she still seemed suspicious of our intentions with this new substance.  Before long, she was very interested in getting more of this tasty food, and we've decided that she takes after her daddy in digging this yummy tuber.  


Of course, the best part about trying new foods - especially those that are colorful! - is the subsequent mess on the face.  The mess on the hands, bib, hair, highchair, etc., is less fun.  

All in all, she kept it pretty contained!