Baby fuel for my little monster

While I was still pregnant, I had decided that I was going to make Griffin's baby food. I did some research and found that it was actually much easier than I expected. So, the pregnancy continued.... Griff was born.... 5 months later, the food making began.

I received a baby food maker: it steams, purees, and sanitizes all in one machine. I was that much more hyped about taking on this very important nutritional adventure for my son. I also received a baby food cookbook as a Christmas gift that has served me well thus far. Armed with loads of knowledge and machinery.... Off to the grocery store I went.

Whole foods is a glorious heaven! I always envisioned myself strolling through the produce section with Grffin in the shopping cart just looking around at all the colors. Today, that happened. With the diaper bag packed, Griff in his car seat, yes of course some whining occured, and our list of baby food ingredients in hand...we were off!

Griffin has tried a wide variety of fruits and veggies, so this trip was extra fun. I was able to pick lots of things that he could have throughout the week, instead of the same old thing 4 days in a row. I loaded my arms with so many plastic bags for the produce, I couldn't help but smile a little. Why? I was taking all these healthy, bright colored fruits and veggies and teaching my little guy healthy eating (I should take note myself.........) I believe he truly enjoys eating. There has been only one thing that he just would not eat, spinach. (I am going to mix it in with sweet potatoes in the future and see if that makes a difference.) I got butternut squash, zucchini, carrots, nectarines, pears, bananas, a mango, blueberries, apples, sweet potatoes.... He loves them all.

When I think about how important nutrition is, I can't help but be proud of sticking to making Griffin's food. 5 years ago I wouldn't have even thought about making Griffin's food. I would have just given him the jar stuff that is on all the shelves at grocery stores. My husband says it's because I actually care about the food that fuels my little monster. It matters to me that Griff is as healthy as he can be. It matters to me that he gets the nutrients that he needs to keep playing as hard as he does. I love going shopping for his food. I love peeling and chopping and cooking his food. But most of all, I love seeing the look on his face when he gets something good for lunch or dinner. I love knowing that I am contributing to his healthy self.

My, how he's grown.....

As I sat and rocked Griffin to sleep tonight, I couldn't help but think about the last seven months. It has flown by. I'm both happy and sad about this fact. Happy because it means that he has become such an inquisitive little boy who wants to learn about everything. Sad because I so quickly wished time would go faster so I could get out of the rough ride of "grumpy griffin." Everyone said.... Enjoy it because they grow up so fast, but I couldn't enjoy it because I was utterly exhausted and completely insane. I look back and don't really regret wishing time would speed up. I now have the tools to deal better with number two (who is not on the way....relax.)

Over the last two weeks, Griffin has become such a little personality. The new resting place for my tush is the floor. The only time I am on the couch or in my chair is when I am nursing Griffin. Or of course when he has finally gone to bed for the night. I reside on the floor. At first I found this rather uncomfortable, but now I have grown used to the idea that the floor is my permanent resting place for the time being. I love to sit back against the couch and watch Griff play with his cars. Watching him learn how they work and move fascinates me. I can almost see his brain working. Then he quickly moves on to the next thing. He finds a set of toy keys. He lays down on his back, holds them in front of his face and jiggles them. He shakes them. He slams them down by his side. He listens to the noise they make as they all smack together. Then, of course, he finds the need to crawl over to me and climb on and over my knees. I am his own personal Mount Everest. After an intense session of playing, I find that Griff is hungry. How does he let me know? He sucks in his lower lip and moos at me. Not the conventional moo sound, but more of a Mmmmhmmmmmm. The kid is a riot.

He is a seven month old who seems like he is really much older. He sits without being propped up. He crawls. He can go from his belly to sitting. He walks along the edge of our ottoman. He would rather be walking then doing almost anything else. He is constantly chatting.... Or chatting loudly, like yelling. He giggles and laughs and smiles like there is nothing better in the world. He is amazing. I am in aw of him. I look at him and think, he is me. He is my husband. He is mine... ours. He is this little person who is growing and learning way faster
than I ever expected. He is my little Griffy.