Sunday, December 30, 2012

Omnivore Moves to the Country

OK, I really slacked this time! Well, can you really call it slacking when there is a move (with a baby) involved? We have been in our new place for about a week- just in time for my birthday and Christmas! December is typically a crazy hectic month, and this year was no exception! We packed up our house, found a new place, moved 100 miles, unpacked, unpacked some more, and then some more. Two days before Christmas, we realized we had not purchased one gift yet! Needless to say, our lives have been chaotic lately.

100 miles south landed us in a small country town. Away from Whole Foods Market. Away from the organic groceries at Kroger. Away from Target. Away from the city life. I ventured out to grocery shop a few days ago. Exploring new grocery stores is one of my favorite things to do (really)! Here, you can either shop at a locally owned grocery, Piggly Wiggly, or Walmart. I was very excited about the locally owned option, so that's where I headed! I strapped little Dino in the Ergo and off we went to explore. Although I could not find one organic food in the entire store and everyone stared at me as though I was an alien wearing Dino in the Ergo, I did find some awesome deals on local produce (example- 4 lbs sweet potatoes for $1). I actually got so excited about the sweet potatoes that I loaded the plastic bag too full. It broke and the potatoes went everywhere! After picking them all up and rebagging, I quickly left the produce section. Since I was unable to find half the things on my list, I (reluctantly) headed over to Walmart. It went pretty good and I was able to find some of my "normal foods". I think next week I will drive to the next city about 20 miles away to shop at Kroger.

Through all the craziness, Dino has really come a long way with his eating skills. He has mastered straw drinking, can easily pick up very small pieces, and refused his first food- asparagus! He loves food more and more everyday. He gets beyond excited at the sight of food. His absolute favorite is still sweet potatoes (the reason I loaded up on them at the store). I tried a new recipe yesterday with him that was a big hit! It was simply 2 eggs beaten with a mashed banana then cooked like a pancake. We have also bought a few of the baby food pouches that he can drink through the straw. They are pricey but very convenient.

Since they don't have to be kept cold, I have been keeping one in the diaper bag in case we end up somewhere that doesn't really have options for him. I am finding the most challenging part of BLW when eating out or at someone else's house is avoiding salt. It's in everything (stay tuned for post on sodium).

We hope everyone had a Merry Christmas! We are excited for the new year and all the changes it will entail...and hopefully more frequent blogging!