Food TIME!

I wasn't sure that I would be able to tell if Reuben was ready for food, I thought the signs might be subtle... but whoa mumma, the gorgeous little thing started chewing everything, and followed everything you put in your mouth with his (hungry) eyes. Funny how they can communicate without saying a thing. So we took his lead and gave him a little hand size piece of apple to suck on and he looooooooved it.

So this was the week we started pureed foods, 1 tablespoon of apple and he scoffed it. I haven't been too regimented about when I feed him, the aim for me now is introducing tastes and giving him more foods that he can hold himself. 

We are also giving him sips of water from his shot glasses to get him used to drinking from a cup. 

And continues to put everything into his mouth, but that's because he has some sharp little teeth coming up. Reuben (and I!) can recommend Mama & Little they're cute and functional, which is a tick in my book.

References:
http://mamaandlittle.com/

Getting Organised: Food!

Reuben is fast approaching 5 months, and everyone is getting very excited about starting him on solids. I'm excited, but waiting until the moment is right, not too soon and not to late; goldilocks style.

First I have to get organised - I love that being prepared is the Montessori way. So here is my list of getting organised:

1. Cutlery - The best deal I've found is through I Am Montessori

2. Plates, bowls, shot glasses and pitchers... searching the op shops.

3. Weaning table and chair - My father in law is going to help me make it thanks to the patterns from Voila Montessori and I've ordered this high chair so Reuben can be involved in our meals.

4. Read everything I can on the topic - so far my list involves
Montessori Moms - who makes reference to this great article
How We Montessori
Vibrant Wanderings
Montessori.org - PDF on food.
Natural Parents Network
Michael Olaf

5. Watch for the signs Reuben is ready. See the Raising Children Network
- can sit up and hold his head when supported - check!
- shows and interest in food - he's looking at the cup/fork going from the table/plate to mouth - check!
- reaches out for your food - not yet
- opens mouth when offered food - not yet

6. Start thinking about Reuben's first foods. 

7. Start introducing water and juice (he's not ready yet!):

Do you have any good references or experiences? Get in touch in the comments or via email jessclairewhite@gmail.com


References:
http://www.iammontessori.com.au/products/kids-stainless-steel-cutlery-set-zoo-animals-d-line
http://www.voilamontessori.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Weaning-chair-VoilaMontessori.pdf
http://www.michaelolaf.net/08%20weaning1.pdf
Montessori Moms - who makes reference to this great article
How We Montessori
Vibrant Wanderings
Montessori.org - PDF on food.
Natural Parents Network
Michael Olaf
http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/when_to_introduce_solids.html
http://www.limetreekids.com.au/product-soho-wooden-highchair-1319.aspx

Sewing: A Baby Quilt

I'm lucky Reuben's a boy, there aren't nearly as many cute things I could sew for a boy as there is if he were a girl... ahhhh, the ruffles I would go crazy with little dresses full of ruffles.

But my adorable friends had an adorable girl and so I decide to make her a little quilt. I've found the one for Reuben incredibly useful especially as now I put him on the floor quite a bit (and, it helps with mopping up the drool, dribble and spews when I'm out an about).

Nothing better than bright pink and Wonder Woman.

 Made with flannel, quilting batting and blanket ribbon. It is a quick project in theory but with a little one a more accurate time frame is about 4 naps worth, especially if you get some good naps in there.

 Sewing is a wonderfully practical hobby for me, I enjoy taking the time to figure out the puzzle of the pieces and I'm confident enough now to give almost anything a try. I'm not a perfectionist by any stretch of the imagination but I do enjoy the process; deciding on pattern and fabric, measuring, cutting, sewing, finishing. I love/hate that fabric choice can make or break a pattern. But what I like most about it is the time to think and often when sewing for other people or for an occasion it is a really nice to to reflect.

What's your hobby?

Jess xx