Max is usually in bed long before Justin and I start making our dinner. But now that he is eating more and more foods, I decided we should try eating as a family. So, tonight we made some kid-friendly fare: meatloaf, mac 'n cheese and green beans. I ended up making meatloaf balls because I needed to make some without onions for Max, and I wanted everything to be the same size to maximize oven time. (Plus, meatballs are perfect for freezing and pulling out one at a time for Max's meals. I have made them with turkey and sweet potato and chicken and apple. This was his first experience with beef.) I think this was Max's favorite meal ever. He kept shoveling it in, and I was a little worried he might overeat. Although a significant amount ended up on the floor. It was a fun experience, and we're going to try to do it more often. But it was also a lot of work, especially because Justin was at work when I started cooking, and Max was my little helper in the kitchen. Luckily, he was able to entertain himself while I was busy cooking.
It's warming up, and Max and I can finally spend some time outdoors. It makes our days at home together so much more fun. Today, we took two walks, played in the yard and went to the park. Check out Max's awesome green plaid pants in honor of St. Patrick's Day (another hand-me-down from his cousin John).
We broke down and purchased a baby gate, and the only doorway it works in is the office. Still, it came in handy last Sunday when Justin was trying to get some work done at home. Max thinks it's funny to see someone on the other side, and it has not sunk in that we are keeping him out of a room. (We had been keeping the door closed, but this provides much more light.)I could not resist taking/posting this shot of Max's chubby legs. Yes, those are definitely cankles.
We were supposed to go to Indy this weekend to spend time with Justin's family, including Lauren, Jeff and Leo (our newest nephew), but Max came down with an ear infection and goopy eyes on Friday, and we didn't want to get anyone sick (HELLO -- we learned our lesson at Christmas). So we had to settle for a video chat. Max saddled up in front of the laptop with his Ritz crackers and was ready to roll. Here he is catching up with Parker.
We picked up this walker toy at a secondhand store today. It was between a hippo and a truck, and the hippo looked cleaner. Max caught on right away, and within a few tries, he was on his way. The videos really showcase his progress over a few hours.
I put locks on most of the kitchen cabinets, but this one has become Max's drawer while I'm hanging out in the kitchen. It's fitting because this is where I keep all of his dishes and bottles. He loves to take everything out in search of treasures.
I think this was Max's favorite meal ever. He kept shoveling it in, and I was a little worried he might overeat. Although a significant amount ended up on the floor.
It was a fun experience, and we're going to try to do it more often. But it was also a lot of work, especially because Justin was at work when I started cooking, and Max was my little helper in the kitchen. Luckily, he was able to entertain himself while I was busy cooking.
