WEEK 14: More Independence

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This week has seemed monumental in some strange different ways. No, we didn't master a cup or spoon. Neither boy said a first word. We didn't stay clean throughout a whole meal. But, cups are being held on their own and meals have been fairly quiet and uneventful. Well-rested boys make for good mealtimes. I know I've said this before, but I speak again from experience. We've just gone through a period of some wacky waking in the mornings, super tired for morning naps, and some long periods trying to fall asleep in the afternoon. This can now visibly be attributed to teething. This has happened before and when it does, mealtimes tend to go a little haywire. I don't have any new recipes to share from this week, but do have some notes on some foods the boys devoured.

FOOD DESCRIPTION & PROCESS
These were the staples in our meal list this week.

• Cheese Fingers - made and frozen last week
• Spinach Bites - made and frozen last week
• Baked Sweet Potato Fries - made more this week, froze some extras
• Carrots - thawed from the freezer
• Green Beans - steamed from frozen, organic bag
• Tofu - cut in pieces and mixed with other foods
• Porridge - variations on oats, brown rice, lentils, black beans
• Eggs - my boys eat them scrambled and a little dry so they're easier to pick up pieces
• Cottage Cheese - fed on a spoon...it's a favorite
• Apples - a favorite of mine, too
• Toast - while wheat bread with real butter and sometimes melted cheese
• Pork Chops - they didn't eat them with us, but enjoyed some grilled leftovers
• Chuck Roast - some tender meat from the crock pot with pinto beans and tomatoes
• Bananas, oatmeal, avocado, applesauce, cheerios, Graham crackers, and Annie's Cheddar Bunnies were in the menu, too.

WHAT I LEARNED
Keeping it simple can be a good thing for everyone involved. I was also reminded that freezer is my friend and thawing some of the basics sure came in handy.

REACTION
Everything still seems to get a generally good reaction. Even the pork and fish were scarfed up without hesitation. I can definitely see some preferences, especially in the order they choose to eat things and which things require seconds, but we hardly have a plate that doesn't get emptied.

SUMMARY
When you're making something, make extra for the freezer. You'll thank yourself later.

Please share your thoughts or ideas.
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