Mama Blacksheep: From the Archives... Tips for Introducing Solids

Note: I drafted this post over two years ago, but never finished it up. I figured it’s worth sharing since many of my friends have little ones and/or are planning to in the near future…

Typically pediatricians recommend that babies start being introduced to solid foods between four and six months, so I was not surprised when I took Andrew to his four month appointment last week and his doctor said he was ready. We started with rice cereal for the first three days. I attempted to feed him once the first day and twice a day after that. I say attempted because for the first few days, while baby is getting used to feeding, it is not unusual for him to spit out more than he takes in. On day four, I introduced sweet potatoes. Today, day six, was a busy day, so we skipped Andrew’s morning “meal”, opting for a bottle of formula instead. However, for dinner, he ate an entire cube of sweet potatoes (approx. 1 oz). Here are some tips that helped me, and Andrew, with the transition.

1. Set realistic expectations. As mentioned above, it is not uncommon for babies to appear to spit out food for the first few days, or possibly longer. It doesn’t mean your baby is not ready or that something is wrong. He/she is tasting the food and learning how to swallow, so it’s a totally natural part of the process. It is unrealistic to think that baby will be able to make a jump from a formula and/or breast milk diet to three meals a day right out of the gate. Start with one or two attempts per day.

Andrew after his first meal. 

2. Start small. It may seem like common sense, but babies are not going to eat much at first. It is also smart to slowly introduce foods to be sure that baby does not have an allergy. Whatever you decide to start with, be it rice cereal or a fruit or veggie, start with a small amount. Wait at least three days before introducing a new food as this makes it easier to determine if baby is allergic or if a certain food does not agree with him/her. I started with a small amount of rice cereal mixed with formula. I made the consistency a little thinner for the first couple of days. It should also be mentioned that you do not need to start with cereal. It is just a popular choice because it is generally well tolerated, and, because it is mixed with formula or breast milk, somewhat a familiar taste.

Rice cereal mixed with formula. Make the consistency even thinner for a newbie.

3. Avoid feeding baby when he/she is too hungry and/or tired. Babies are human, obviously, so when they are feeling too sleepy or ravenous, they are not going to have the patience to learn a new skill. Use baby’s current routine to determine a time during the day that would be best to start introducing solids. Andrew typically has his bedtime bottle between 530 and 630 depending on when he wakes from his afternoon nap. I try to feed him about an hour before I plan to put him to bed, which tends to be directly in between bottle feedings. He is interested in food at this point since he hasn’t just eaten, but he is not so hungry that he wants the instant gratification of a bottle. If baby is cranky, I wouldn’t force a solid feeding. It’s just going to lead to frustration for both parent and baby.

Happy Baby. Successful Feeding.

4. Be patient. As with all things parenting, it’s important to remember it’s not a race. Some babies adapt to solids faster than others. Some days are better than others. Your baby might have great feedings for a couple of days and then seem completely uninterested the next day. Welcome to parenting. Children are intrinsically inconsistent; it is up to parents to create consistency. So, try to establish routine mealtimes for baby, but don’t force things if it just isn’t working out one day. You’ll be surprised at how fast your adapts. With both of my kids, I was skeptical as they spit out pretty much every spoonful. But, I could tell they were tasting and enjoying, so I stuck with it, and it was a matter of days before they had it down.

Chunky Chace had a similar introduction to solids, however, he started closer to six months due to being a preemie. 

5. Don’t stress. At this age, babies should still be getting the vast majority of their nutrition from formula or breast milk. Appetites change day to day, and sometimes schedules don’t permit a completely ideal meal setting. Roll with it. Work with baby’s natural schedule to establish a meal time (you’ll eventually work up to three, but only need to start with one), feed him or her for as long as he/she seems interested, and then continue with with the regularly scheduled program. Even though the results are not usually instantly gratifying, you will notice a progression. It’s not worth getting wound up over, especially since babies can smell fear and stress. Blood in the water!

Uncle Chip getting in on feeding Chace. 

Bookworm: I Just Finished... Are You Experienced? and Trailerpark

Are You Experienced? by Jordan Sonnenblick

My most recent YA pick came from my class’ book talks. Several of my reluctant male readers chose Are You Experienced? to recommend to their peers. When I found out the book mostly takes place at Woodstock, I was sold. The sixties are a fascinating decade, and I’ve always had a particular interest in this time period. So, back to the book… Richie is a typical teenager who is frustrated by his parents who don’t seem to understand or listen to him. They are older than most of his friends’ folks and very overprotective. Richie knows little about his parents’ younger years, especially his father’s, but he does know that his dad’s older brother died of a drug overdose in late 1969. A freak accident sends Richie back in time to Woodstock where he meets none other than his teenage father and uncle. The story weaves historical pop culture with the emotions behind the coming-of-age moment when young adults finally see their parents as people. I thought this was a solid read all-around. It was sentimental and thought-provoking without being too dramatic, and I really enjoyed the 1960s references, especially when they met Janis Joplin in the infirmary. I’d recommend this book to young adults and to grownups who enjoy the occasional teen fiction read.

Trailerpark by Russell Banks

When I applied to be part of the inaugural class of the MFA program at SNHU, I wasn’t exactly sure what I was getting myself into. Russell Banks was our visiting writing during the first residency, and I was initially impressed by his austere, yet poetic style of prose. And, I’ll admit, I liked that he made reference to smoking weed and writing episodes of, I believe it was, Miami Vice. His mix of artistic talent and relatability resonated with me. His novel, Rule of the Bone, is one of my favorites. Looking for a new read, I typed his name into a search on Barnes and Noble and found Trailerpark. I am not typically drawn to short story collections, but the fact that all of the stories revolved around residents at the same central NH mobile home community intrigued me. Trailerpark’s strength is in its characters. They are distinct, awkward, and the connections between them are as entertaining as they are strange. There were some moments where I chuckled to myself and other moments where I felt like I might cry. Was this my favorite book? No. But I’m not a short story girl. Did I enjoy it? Yes, and for a collection, it was one of my favorites. I would recommend, but only to those who enjoy a quirky read now and then.

Bookworm: Me Before You and Before the Fall... (November 2016)

Me Before You  by Jojo Moyes

The hot streak continues. As someone who hates abandoning books, I dread titles that will slow up my reading flow. Me Before You certainly continued my trend of enjoyable reads. I saw the trailer for the film before I even knew about the book, and it piqued my curiosity. Still, I was afraid it would be too cheesy of a love story for me to completely engage. I regret ever doubting this book because I absolutely loved it. For those unfamiliar with the story, Me Before You centers around Lou, a Brit in her late twenties, who is trying to obtain work after the cafe she has long been employed by closes down. Lou lives with her parents, sister, nephew, and grandfather trying to function on a meager budget. Given the lack of appealing options at the unemployment agency, Lou takes a chance and finds a job attending to the needs of a wealthy, once vibrant, young professional, who, after a motorbike accident, is now a quadriplegic. This book made me laugh, broke my heart, and kept me turning pages from beginning to end. It made me ponder tough topics like physician assisted suicide and the limits of love without seeming preachy or definitive. The British vernacular may be distracting to some (I was well seasoned from the Bridget Jones series), but I honestly don’t think it’s strong enough to be a deal breaker. The characters were realistic, refreshing, and well developed. I can’t wait to see the movie.

Before the Fall by Noah Hawley

This popped up as a suggested read for me online. The blurb sounded interesting-- a passenger plane crashes off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard. Among those on the fight are a billionaire media mogul, a soon-to-be-indicted financier, a gorgeous flight attendant, and a suffering artist who paints disaster scenes. With this cast of characters, and an alternating point of view, how could this book not be interesting? Each chapter kept my attention, and I found the story to embody the disaster theme--I didn’t quite see the big picture, but I couldn’t look away. The pieces did fit together by the end, but I felt the ending to be a little anti-climactic. Still, I enjoyed the read. It is evident that Hawley is a good writer, another credit of his includes the television series Fargo, which I love. I’m not sure I’d recommend it for all. Don’t get me wrong; I think most would dig it, but it’s not one I’d push on somebody who asked me if I had read any good books lately.

DIY: Washcloth Bouquets

These are easy to make and awesome for a baby shower or visiting a new baby in the hospital/home. I made one from my son’s for my nephew’s baby shower.

Materials: 8-10 washcloths, a piece of scrapbook paper, tape, ribbon (optional), and tag (optional)

Directions: 

1. Take piece of scrapbook paper and roll into a cone. Secure cone with tape.
2. Usually washcloths come pre-rolled, but if they don’t, roll the washcloths and fill the cone.
3. Embellish with ribbon and a tag.

As usual, I took a crappy picture. Trust me, the final product was super cute. 

Things I'm Obsessed With... 11/26/16

Shakeology- I understand that many of your newsfeeds are currently blowing up with friends trying to peddle all kinds of products. This is in no way, shape, or form a solicitation for your to purchase Shakeology. I just want to share that it is something I am currently obsessed with. I’ve seen friends of mine walking around with the shakers for years now, but it wasn’t until my neighbor, Shannon, made me one that I really realized how great I felt. I had more energy, my junk food cravings were not as strong; yet, I was still skeptical as I tend to be a person who can be influenced by the placebo effect. Anyhow, the sample packets I purchased had run out, and I can honestly say, after a week of having daily shakes, it wasn’t until I did not have Shakeology that I really noticed how much it had affected me in a positive way. Despite how the Beachbody consultants break it down, it is still very costly ($5 per one serving packet if purchased ala carte), but I do make it a point to buy some whenever I have the cash because I truly did notice a change in my appetite, energy level, and overall mood.

Lularoe leggings- I know this post is probably starting to look like just another advertising ploy, but I swear I am simply posting about what I love, and I love Lularoe leggings. Believe the hype! They are truly buttery soft and oh so comfy. My favorite part, though, is all the fun patterns. And, despite their boldness, they pair really well with flip flops or boots and a solid colored tee or tunic. I’ve even worn mine under a dress. The cost is $25, and I know there are places you can get cheaper leggings, but I honestly believe you get what you pay for when it comes to Lularoe. I’m excited to branch out and try some of their other options, particularly the pencil skirt and possibly a shirt, although those still seem a bit expensive to me (roughly $35).

This Is Us- I’m only five episodes in, so I may be a little premature in labeling as an obsession, but this show is fantastic. I thought the trailers were intriguing, but it was word of mouth that got me watching. It’s difficult to summarize the basic premise without giving away any of the many twists, but This Is Us tells the story of seemingly unrelated people (all turning 36) whose connections are revealed. The characters are engaging, the plotline is fascinating, and I can’t wait to see what happens next. Most of the TV I watch is trashy (I’ll own it), so I don’t tune in to many drama series, but I’m so so glad I started watching this one. I hope I don’t end up regretting this post if the rest of the season sucks, but I highly doubt it.

Bookworm: I Just Finished... Orphan Train, First Comes Love, and We're All Made of Molecules (Boom! September 2016)

Orphan Train by Christina Baker Klein

This was one of the eight books I intended to read this summer. In reality, I read one, but I’ve been getting in a better groove since school started.Orphan Train was a wonderful pick for my first read of the new (school) year. Orphan Train switched in POV between an abandoned teen on the brink of aging out of the foster system and an orphaned child of the 1920s who has been sent west on a train in the hopes of finding a kind family to adopt her. Each individual story was compelling, but the heartbreak of the orphan train (a real thing) and its after effects was especially heart wrenching. A community service sentence ultimately brings the two together in what felt like a really solid read. Is it in my top five? No, but Orphan Train is a book I would recommend for teens and adults.

First Comes Love by Emily Giffin

Whenever I’m in a reading slump, Emily Giffin is bound to bust me out of it. Coming off a summer of far less reading than I expected, Orphan Train helped me pick up steam, and First Comes Love followed it up strong. Everyday relationships are always at the heart of Giffin’s novels, but this time she focused more acutely on the dynamic of a family broken by the loss of their “golden son” at the young age of 25. The book begins with an omniscient look at what all of the characters were feeling the night he perished, and then shifts back and forth between the perspectives of his two sisters. This was by no means a life changing read, but I felt totally satisfied with it from beginning to end, which doesn’t always happen for me lately. I’d recommend this book wholeheartedly, and I can’t wait to dive into my next one--a young adult novel.

We’re All Made of Molecules by Susan Nielsen

At one of last year’s faculty meetings, my coworker raved about this book. She had been having trouble getting into any story since her mother died a few months earlier, and she credited We’re All Made of Molecules with rejuvenating her love of reading. This novel swaps points of view between Stewart, a child prodigy who recently lost his mother to cancer, and Ashley, a self-centered popular girl whose mother is dating Stewart’s dad. Not only are Ashley and Stewart both coping with the end of their biological parents’ relationships, but they are also moving in together. This is an awesome book from start to finish. It deals with some tough topics (homophobia, divorce, death, sexual assault) in a completely appropriate manner that somehow still manages to be realistic and honest. Albeit young adult, I’d recommend this book to anyone.

Bookworm: I Just Finished... Twisted and Who Do You Love? (August 2016)

Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson

I almost didn’t write up a post for this book. Not because I didn’t enjoy it, but because it was honestly one I grabbed off my classroom bookshelf to keep me entertained while my students completed their spring writing prompts. A couple of boys, who I know are reluctant readers, used Twisted for their book trailers, and it sounded pretty decent. It was definitely a young adult read, but I enjoyed it. Laurie Halse Anderson rarely disappoints in the plot department. Twisted is about a high schooler named Tyler who has gotten tired of being the unpopular kid. When he tries to gain attention via graffiti, he is forced to take accountability for his actions through community service. As Tyler tries to clean up his reputation, his journey is complicated by his dysfunctional family, his crush, Bethany, and her super-douche older brother, Chip. As mentioned before, it’s well-written and entertaining, if you don’t mind YA fiction.

Who Do You Love? By Jennifer Weiner

I’m just going to come right out with it. I really did not enjoy this book. It pains me to type this because Jennifer Weiner is one of my favorite authors. I’ve read all of her work, even her short story collection. And, while I’ve had favorites (Good In Bed, Little Earthquakes, All Fall Down), there have been others that weren’t quite as memorable, but were still pretty darn good. I kept stalling out on this one. It wasn’t so much the plotline--there were definite moments throughout that caught my attention--but the sex scenes woven in and out felt super cheesy and distracted me from an otherwise sweet love story. I’ll leave it at that because I truly love this author and how she stands up against a literary double standard, but this one just didn’t work for me.