Ian has reached a funny phase where he won’t let me feed him.  It’s not that he doesn’t want to eat; he just doesn’t want to let me be in charge any longer.  We started “solids” (I use that term loosely) about a month ago, and so far Ian has tried carrots, sweet potatoes, bananas, and now regular potatoes.  Mainly he’s just learning how to use his mouth and getting used to these new flavors.  When we started with real food, Ian would sit patiently in his high chair, let me spoon small amounts into his mouth, roll it around in his mouth, and swallow.  Then he started grabbing my hand and pulling it to his mouth more quickly.  Now Ian will not open his mouth if I’m holding the spoon.  He’s willing to eat if I let him feed himself, but it takes forever!

Compromise: I set Ian on the kitchen counter right beside the refrigerator in his bumboo seat while I stand there and prep dinner.  I’m allowed to scoop up some potatoes and hand the spoon to him so he can spoon potatoes into his mouth, on his forehead, or on his feet while I cut carrots, mix batter, or grate cheese.  When he thinks the spoon is licked clean enough, he throws it down on the counter and makes it clear that he’s ready for a refill. It’s a lengthy process, but I can get a few small chores done while standing there, and Ian gets a big kick out of his independence.