Success

We have been attempting to give Joseph solids for some time now, about once every week and a half or so and starting of course with rice cereal at the suggestion of our pediatrician. But like the doctor said, and all the manuals say: you must watch for signs that your child is ready (ie. holding head up, swallowing food instead of pushing it out, razzing, etc.)

So far Joseph has only seemed marginally interested in solids; more skeptical than anything else. He was indifferent to rice cereal, gagged on mashed avocado, but somewhat enjoyed Gerber bananas and peaches. However, he mostly just moved the food around with his tongue and ultimately pushed most of it back out. Not to mention that he really didn't seem to understand that he must open his mouth to get the food into it from the spoon. As a result, we haven't really been very enthusiastic about solids and have instead assumed that Joseph is just not ready yet.

Well, yesterday we had success in the solid department. I mixed up a bowl of rice cereal with formula and Gerber peaches and Joseph almost finished the whole thing (about a 1/2 cup worth)! What this means for us is that we can now get a little more excited and adventurous with foods. I recently purchased a first foods cookbook and am waiting to receive a food mill and freezing supplies in the mail...and then we'll really be cookin'.