Baby solids combination 6-9 months

Thought I'd share my successful solid combinations I have been giving A for (almost) the past three months. So far it is purees but I have started to make them thincker/lumpier. From the end of the month we'll be introducing protein, gains and finger foods, so it will be a whole different ball game!

Here they are:
Beetroot + sweet potato
Papaya + avocado
Papaya + mango
Gemsquah + pear
Baby Marrow + sweet potato
Broccoli + sweet potato
Broccoli + pear
Mango + kiwi
Baby Marrow + sweet potato + date (just a bit for taste) + a pinch of nutmeg
Gemsquash + date (just a bit for taste)
Gemsquash + spinach +pear
Greenbeans + sweet potato

*Update* Here's some more before the food gets more substantial at 9 months.
Cauliflower + sweet potato + a pinch of nutmeg
Cauliflower + spinach + a pinch of nutmeg

Felt needle book

I am on crafting roll. After doing the two big projects (alphabet and puppets). The needle book was quick and dirty. It is really a nice little project to do and it will help to keep me my craft supply organized. I was also able to make my first craft flower as an embellishment. I used this inspiration, except I used 6 petals instead of 4 and I put a cute button in the middle.

Anyway, here's my little book:

Would love to start on A's quiet book now. Already have a design in mind, maybe I'll make it into a template...

Felt Old McDonald Animal Puppets

I am so happy to say that I have completed this project. I stitched everything by hand, which took a while. I found a tutorial and pattern on just another day in paradise and really wanted to make it for A. The original tutorial said to use a sewing machine. Since I don't have one I had to hand stitch everything. I also improvised on some of the puppets. I left out the hooves because it looked a bit much when I started to stitch them on.

Anyway here some pics of my hard labour:

I'd love to make some wild animal puppets one day. Maybe some woodland and wild animals. I even thought I'd be nice to make people of different races. However, I need a break from making puppets and make something different. I'm already looking at a needle book and would also love to start a quiet book for A. Also maybe make some Christmas ornaments... Oh there's all these crafts but so little time!

Special Moments: Nighttime feedings

I never expected to co-sleep, but was quickly converted. It also took a while to get used to waking up in the middle of the night. But A is growing up before my eyes and before I know it will be sleeping in his own bed and not need me in the night anymore. So I want to treasure these cuddle times.

Special Moments: Following Mom

A is quiet an accomplished crawller and can go anywhere he pleases. But he always stays and plays close to me!

A's baptism

A had a Catholic baptism just over a week ago. It was also a sort of his coming out since quiet a few people came that have not yet seen him. A behaved like an angel the whole day.

I was actually stressing quiet a bit about the baptism but everything worked out in the end. The priest was easy going and did a lovely service. Sometimes the priests want you to jump through hoops. I also stressed about the flowers for the restaurant after the service. The first florist was very overpriced. I considered doing the flowers myself. On a whim I got another quote and got exactly what I wanted for a great price. The colours I thought of for a boys baptism was white, blue and a touch of peach. (thanks pinterest). Here's my amateur photo of the table:

The day of the baptism was busy. It didn't help that A had a bad night and I only fell asleep at 4am. It reminded me of my wedding day but it included taking care of the baby. Next time I would advise having someone be the coordinator. Because I don't think the restaurant gave all the food I ordered. And they were supposed to put up labels for the food but they didn't. At least people raved about the dessert, so it ended well.

If I have another baptism I would want to remember the following:

• Get a professional photographer. It really is a special day, I compare it to a mini wedding.
• I wish I stood a bit closer to DH when A was being baptized. DH held him.
• Get EVERYTHING ready the day before. I didn't have time to change purses in the morning.
• Have more food!
• Have someone be the coordinator on the day so that I can just take care of the kids and and talk to people.
• Hand out maps to the restaurant at the church

Breastfeeding friendly places in Pretoria

I feed A only from the breast. In the last 7 months he had a bottle of expressed milk 3 times. However, I find it hard to feed in public. I'm rather shy about it and the one time I tried at a restaurant it was a disaster. He didn't like the blanket over his face, I couldn't see what was happening under the blanket and the waitress starring at us wasn't helping.

I sometimes breastfeed in the car before we leave or when we comeback, so glad we have tinted windows! It is such a pleasure when there are places for breastfeeding. So far here are some I came across in Pretoria East:

Woodlands Mall
I was very impressed when I found out there are special feeding rooms in the mall. It makes it so stress free to do a longer shopping trip. There are two rooms by the toilets between Truworths a Cape Union and one room by the toilets next to CNA, although on one occasion the room was locked.

Cappuccino's at The Grove
We come here a lot since we had A they have a very nice baby changing room with a booth seat for feeding.

Blos Cafe
They have a clearly marked feeding room with a sofa. Love that place! It's one of the big reasons we're doing A's Baptism there. The place is on Lynnwood opposite Presley's, behind all the small buildings, a hidden gen.

Menlyn Shopping Center
I've only been to their family bathroom next to Dros. At least they had a plastic chair, better than nothing I guess.

Farm Inn
We were there for a family function. Their family bathroom had a wicker chair. Again better than nothing. The place is quiet child friendly with jumping castles and a petting zoo.

Botanical Garden's
We found a secluded spot for a picnic and I had no problems nursing almost in the open. It actually felt pretty good doing it in nature.

Parkview Center
They don't have chairs in the family room. But they have a row of ottoman's in front of mirrors in the ladies bathroom. I have sat in the last one and turned my back and fed A.

I hope there are more places around and I will add if I find them.