Self Feeding Like a Big Boy!

Just the other day when I posted Harrison's 11 month update I wrote that I was excited to see what new developments this month would hold for us. Little did I know that he would acquire a new skill in less than a week from the time I wrote that. What's the new skill?

He can eat with a fork! Last night during dinner he picked up the spoon I had laid on his tray and started stabbing at some of the food that he had not eaten yet. I thought "Hmm, wonder if he could actually get some of that in his mouth if I gave him a fork". So, I handed him a fork and watched closely to make sure he didn't jab himself in the eye. I'd say " Look Harrison, can you eat like Mommy?" and I'd take a bite. Sure enough, a few bites actually made it to his mouth! I was so impressed that I forgot to take a picture! (that's pretty rare for me!) 

Tonight at dinner time, I had my camera in hand when I handed him the fork and was able to catch some successful bites on film! I am so proud of this little guy, but he is growing up way to fast! 

The Kids' Table

Now that Harrison is transitioning from blended baby foods to table foods we are paying closer attention to what we are eating! I wouldn't say that we have ever been "unhealthy eaters" but now that he is eating a lot of the same foods we are eating, I am making sure to have more balanced meals each night. Luckily for us, he isn't a picky eater at all. He is always willing to try whatever we put in front of him- as long as he is the one getting to do the "feeding" part! I know that we will have our fair share of food struggles in the future, but for now things are going smoothly. With that being said, I thought I'd take a minute to share some of his favorites and a few tricks that I have learned through trial and error for all the other moms making this same transition.
Tips first!
1)One thing that I make sure to do whenever we are eating is to have 2 familiar foods and 1 new food on Harrisons tray. For example, last night we had a cookout and I made baked beans. He had never had baked beans before so I made sure that along with the "new" baked beans he was trying that he also had strawberries and wheat crackers(both things that he has already had and likes). Once he got a feel for the texture of the beans, they were a hit!  
2) These diced foods by Gerber are awesome! 
 
They come in a self feeding tray (which Harrison always dumps out and throws in the floor) and are just the right size for his little fingers to grab a hold of!

3) Put more on the tray that you expect them to eat- a large quantity of it will end up in the seat, on their clothes, in their hair and on the floor!
4) Give them options on their tray. I guess this goes hand in hand with number one, but again- choice and familiarity have proven to keep this transition smooth for us.
5) If they act interested in what you are eating, let them try it. You never know what they may like. For example- olives. YUCK! I hate olives but Mahlon loves them. He was eating some a few days ago and Harrison was having a fit for some. I kept telling him no because they are nasty but he was not taking no for an answer so we gave him one- he loved it! What a strange kid :)
6) Be ready for a mess! Remeber, they are learning a new skill and probably exploring a number of new textures as well.

As for his favorites,he will ALWAYS eat animal crackers, any pasta, cheerios, puffs and fruits. 
Here are a few shots of him exploring some new foods :)

                                          

I'll continue to share any tricks, tips, and favorites we discover along this journey under "The Kids Table" label. Happy transitioning!