Baby led weaning is pretty tiring

It looks like the effort of feeding yourself is exhausting when you're only 6 months old.

Baby led weaning begins!

Alice turned 6 months yesterday. She's had the odd stick of fruit and veg before, but now we've started 'proper' baby led weaning. Her first meal was butternut squash soup that I had dipped strips of a crumpet into. You'd have thought this was a banquet the way she tucked in! She sucked at it, stuck it in her ears and even (incredibly) managed to eat some of it. It was certainly an enjoyable experience for her.

I had mixed feelings. I was very proud of her and so happy to see her moving on to a new stage, but I couldn't help being a little damp-eyed. Until now, I have exclusively breastfed. Every ounce she has put on has been as a result of the amazing relationship we share. I'm very fortunate in that I haven't had too many issues to deal with and both of us enjoy feeding times. I do intend to continue breastfeeding her until she no longer wants it, but it will be different now. Moving on is always hard, but I'm looking forward to seeing her tackling more challenging food over the next few months.

Baby leg warmers

Sewing is not a task that I find particularly appealing and frankly, I'm a bit rubbish at it. However, I came across Babylegs recently, and thought they were fantastic. Having finally discovered a comfortable baby carrier (more on that another time,) I've been heading into town with Alice wearing socks, tights and trousers to keep the cold at bay. Not ideal for speedy nappy changes. Leg warmers seemed like the perfect solution. Unfortunately, as we are now officially a single income family, I've been trying to cut back on spending money on fripperies. Imagine my delight at discovering this handy little project: Make Your Own Baby Leg and Arm Warmers.

Although I lack a sewing machine (I've had very bad experiences with bobbins...) I managed fairly well with a needle and thread and made two pairs last night. They've been for a test run today and although I wasn't mobbed by parents eager to know where they could purchase such stylish leg wear, they certainly did the job. Another bonus is that I now have a baby who looks like one of the kids from Fame. A good result all round.

Great Expectations?

Shortly after having my daughter I became overwhelmed by the responsibility of raising her. Everybody has an opinion on how to go about it. The more I read, the more terrified I became. Confronted by the conflicting advice of well meaning midwives, health visitors, friends, relatives and a surprising number of total strangers, I wondered how I could ever manage to bring this baby up properly. At the end of a particularly unproductive day, surrounded by unwashed crockery and damp muslins, I looked at my content little baby and realised that I didn't have to be a perfect parent. I readjusted my aims and decided to try to be good enough.

With a little less pressure on me to 'get it right' I have been enjoying the freedom to do things in the way that feels right to me. Maternal instinct and all that. I get the odd raised eyebrow or disapproving tut, but that's OK. I'm good enough.