Spaghetti Eaters

When we first started feeding the boys baby food, somehow Judah ended up with food all over him, and Foxx had very little food that missed his mouth.  Even now when they are eating table foods, they are pretty much still the same.  Judah is up to his elbows in filth, and Foxx keeps it mostly limited to his hands.  

We gave them some spaghetti, sauce and mushroom "meat" balls today, and they loved them.

  

This kid ended up with sauce in his eyelids, ears and back of his head. 

And then, I went to the bathroom.  And this is what I come back to...

He had such an unsure look on his face, until he saw me start cracking up laughing.

Then he thought it was hilarious!

Oh babies.  Never again will my kitchen floors be clean.

Homemade Baby Food

I had always planned on making my children's baby food.  Not only is it cheaper to make it at home, but I think it tastes better, and although I haven't done much research on it, I'm sure they get a few more nutrients out of the homemade stuff.  There are lots of babyhood-making machines out there, and I had originally planned on getting one, but instead Jeremy and I decided to get a food mill instead.  That way, we could also use it for things such as extra creamy mashed potatoes, instead of it just being a single-use appliance.  I imagine that a blender or food processor would do the job just fine also.  At one of my baby showers, I was given a gift of baby food freezer trays.  It is a set of little 2-oz cups that are freezable, microwaveable and dishwasher safe.  I was so excited to get these out and start using them!   

These are my favorite first-bite photos!

So here's my method:

Chop up whatever veggies and fruits you plan to use.  You can either steam or roast them. I chose steam, since it's typically the best way to retain vitamins and minerals.  Puree with preferred appliance.  Store in freezable containers.  Ice trays (with lids) also work well for freezing in little portions! 

I love thinking up different varieties and combinations to put together.  Here are a few that have been favorites with the boys:

I alos have made a Pumpkin Pie (no sugar), Ginger Apples + Carrots, Pear+Blueberry+Spinach, Bananas, Avocados,  and a few others that I can't remember right now. 

There are lots more that I want to try, such as Butternut squash+Nutmeg, Sweet Potato+Broccoli, and Cauliflower+Potatoes.

Anyone else make their own baby food?  Have any favorite flavors or ideas?