Project 1: Mama handmade plush soft toy!

It has been a couple of busy weeks..phew, finally am able for updating!

Wanted to make a stuff animal or teddy bear for Eli.

*Chinese culture does not allow pregnant women to do sewing, some say you are only allowed to do so if you do not sit on your bed*

I browsed through the internet quickly trying to get a free template for stuff toys. Luck may have it, I found a cute little puppy (Thank you for sharing your puppy pattern, although you may not have chance to read my blog).

At the moment Eli does not have a puppy soft toy~

On one Sunday noon, Eli and I went shopping for material, he chose a cotton cloth designed with small colorful love shape and white color base print.
 
It took me a week+ because of my amateur sewing skill (furthermore i do not have a sewing machine). This is the how the end product looks like.  

Eli god-pa laugh at me too :(

I thought that Eli would like it because i made it for him!

Then i showed him the puppy,  he gave me a cheeky smile, held it, swung it, and threw it away! - so sad, sob sob...

He found the puppy amusing, he kept laughing and throwing it away every time i pass it to him, sighs.


Note,

If you like to make one for your little one, here is the website for your reference :) have fun!
* http://www.womansday.com/home/craft-ideas/craft-project-little-pup-103939?click=main_sr *

Would any one like to adopt me?

Juicy Pear Puree~

"Pear" is a popular choice to use at the first stage of weaning fruits (non-allergy group), it taste sweet & juicy,  Eli loves it :)

It is nutritious and cheap,  easily available in the market in all seasons.

Note,
Pears provide a very good source of fiber and are also a good source of vitamin B2, C, E, copper, and potassium. They also contain a significant amount of pectin, which is a water soluble fiber.

For your baby to enjoy first fruit puree in 4 months, blend the puree into real fine and smooth. (can add some pear extract, so the texture will be diluted)

*(For 4-9 months (pureed), the following are unsuitable:
sugar, salt additives like MSG, condiments like ketchup, mayonnaise, sticky food like peanut butter, slippery food like peanuts and seeds, burnt food either barbequed or toasted food, all processed foods including commercial beverages like sodas and fruits drinks.)

Pear Puree!

1. There is variety of pear in the market, just get the seasonal one (I chose organic fruits/vegetable from 4 to 6 months) .

2. Wash your hands clean and start to peel off the skin then dice.

Option,
 - you may keep the skin but make sure you wash away the wax completely

3. Steam the pear slices.

4. Use 100/200ml water ready to steam.

Set the temperature at 100 °C and time to 15 minute. (or 10 minute for less pear)

(water should just leak through the holes of the basket)

5. Blend it to the consistency that your baby prefers.

*Usually i keep the remaining "pear extract" for mixing with cereal.

6. Now let's pour the puree into the food tray and freeze it.

*Once frozen, remove it from the tray and keep them in zip lock bag.

Bon appetite!

Hope your baby enjoys the puree that you have prepared!

My friend asked, how does the cooker look like?

<= Thermomix Multipurpose Cooker!

Weaning your baby from liquid to solid

To give Eli the correct type of food, I reference books and research for information online I also attended "the weaning for baby" seminal by Dr. Ang Poon Liat too. Dr. Ang shared lot of useful tips and according to him, between 4-6 months, your baby may tell you he/she is ready for wean. What you use to wean will determine his/her growth, development & health.

It is proof that what you eat is what you are.

I have to make sure Eli have enough of nutrition, eat the right things to be healthier, i must constantly check the macronutrient types: Carbohydrates, Fats & Proteins of food products.

Chicken meat (protein), Broccoli, Parsnip, Mushroom (Carbohydrates), Olive Oil (Fats)

Eli enjoys his 1st apple puree (non allergy fruits) at his 4th month, we tried different vegetables/fruits, it allows us to monitor what food he is allergic to.

How does one find out when a baby is ready for solid food?

Sharing info as following link,
http://www.babycenter.com/0_age-by-age-guide-to-feeding-your-baby_1400680.bc#articlesection2

Age: 4 to 6 months

Signs of readiness for solid food
Your baby probably won't do all these things – they're just clues to watch for.

• Can hold head up
• Sits well in highchair
• Makes chewing motions
• Shows significant weight gain (birth weight has doubled)
• Shows interest in food
• Can close mouth around a spoon
• Can move food from front to back of mouth
• Can move tongue back and forth, but is losing tendency to push food out with tongue
• Seems hungry after 8 to 10 feedings of breast milk or 40 oz. of formula in a day
• Is teething

What to feed

• Breast milk or formula, PLUS
• Pureed food (like sweet potatoes, squash, apples, bananas, peaches, or pears) or semi-liquid iron-fortified cereal

How much per day

• Begin with about 1 teaspoon pureed food or cereal. Mix cereal with 4 to 5 teaspoons breast milk or formula (it'll be very runny).
• Increase to 1 tablespoon of pureed food, or 1 tablespoon of cereal mixed with breast milk or formula, twice a day. If giving cereal, gradually thicken the consistency by using less liquid.

I understand that raising a baby is sometimes really stressful & frustrating, but getting things right from the start and giving him the right food is pertinent for all mommies.

I wish to share some of my experiences and food that Eli enjoys. I sample the different puree that I prepare, as i firmly believe that only if I like the taste, then only will Eli like to eat it.

Don't give yourself unnecessary stress and enjoy every step of the journey with your little bub :)

Eli like to do grocery shopping too!