Elle loves eating!

Elle had her 9-month well check-up last Friday. Everything went well. There were no issues and Elle is healthy and growing as she should. Well, the good news is, the doctor gave us the green light to give Elle table food. She told us that it is okay to give her the same food that we eat granted that we do not have any history of food allergy in the family. Prior to the doc's visit, I was already giving her food that are a bit chunkier and have a slightly different texture than the purees so she will get used to chewing/eating them. She has tried cottage cheese with fruit, soft tofu with broccoli or beans, watermelon and bananas cut up into little pieces. I have also given her Marie biscuit which my mom brought from the Philippines. My mom said this was the same biscuit that she used to give us when we were little. I broke the biscuit into little pieces and gave them to Elle. Surprisingly, she did not have any problems eating them. I do watch her very closely whenever I introduce new food and make sure she does not choke. Also, I always have her sippy cup with water on hand.

At first, I was kinda hesitant to have her graduate from eating purees for fear of choking. However, since the doc said it's okay as long as we cut the food into tiny little pieces (Cheerio size) and slightly overcook the veggies (so it's soft), then we're good. Well, this past weekend, we gave Elle sweet potato pancakes (with no syrup) and she loved them :-). I cut it up into tiny little pieces and had her pick up each piece from my hand and feed it to herself. Daddy Jarbs made mac and cheese last night which we'll have her try soon :-). We want to expose Elle to a variety of flavors and textures as much as possible. Hopefully, she does not grow up to be a picky eater and *knock on wood* does not develop any food allergies. Right now, that is not a problem though as she eats everything we give her and has not had any allergic reaction. I still want to be on the conservative side though and slowly introduce new food/flavors. I am excited that she can now eat more yummy food. I am looking forward to the time when we can order her a healthy kids meal when we are out in the restaurant. Daddy Jarbs and I both agree that she does not need to know that Mc Donalds exist :-).