Everyday is a new day 🤎 As a mom who works (fr Everyday is a new day 🤎

As a mom who works (from home, thank goodness!!) I know how hard it can be to find the time and evergy to be intentional. When it feels like all the work you do during the day is for the kids, sitting down and coloring feels like only a distraction. 

But it's so important to make the effort--those moments are what they'll remember! When we're intentional with our time with them, we're showing our kids that they're worth our time and attention. And those small connections are what will help them feel loved, secure, and supported. 

As they grow up, they'll carry those feelings with them, and they'll use them to build healthy relationships with themselves and others. So don't underestimate the power of the small moments of intention--we're giving our kids a gift that will last a lifetime.
One of the best Mother's Days! Thanks fam ❤️ S One of the best Mother's Days! Thanks fam ❤️ So blessed to call this family mine!
Just beachy 🌴 Just beachy 🌴
Some photos of life recently. As much as Josh and Some photos of life recently. As much as Josh and I have been pretty go-with-the-flow with Cleo, we've found that she's been getting overly tired at night and almost inconsolable. So the last few nights we've been intentionally putting her to bed around the same time as Davey and Evy and she's actually been loving it? Go figure (also, not complaining! 😆).

Also.. today I walked out of the house to grab something from the car and this 10~ year old girl was walking by with her mom and she goes, "Mom she looks like Barbie!!"

Well that's the best compliment I've had in a while and I'm gonna hold onto it 💖
I've always seen myself as a "go with the flow" ty I've always seen myself as a "go with the flow" type person, and for the most part that's true. But what I've realized recently is that I'm good at going with the flow when I can see a good outcome down the road. But if I smell trouble, "go with the flow" Chelsea is gone with the wind 🌬️

This week we were working on memorizing some Bible verses with the kids. Evy randomly chose Psalm 119:105, "Your word is like a lamp that shows me the way, it is like a light that guides me."

It made me think about how all through scripture, God is just BEGGING us to trust that he has it all figured out. And time and time again, he comes through and does exactly what he says he's going to do. 

But for whatever reason, whenever anything unexpected happens, we immediately think that we need to jump in and control the situation. Some of us are really good at it, too. So it can be really difficult to leave the unknown in God's hands and trust that, yet again, he will provide. 

In this season of unknown for us, I'm praying daily for God to do His will with our family, that he would use us for good, and that we would trust the outcome. It's a scary thing to pray. But ultimately, that's exactly how we hope our short lives will be used—following the path he leads us.
Happy 6th birthday to the OG sister! There's no be Happy 6th birthday to the OG sister! There's no better feeling than getting to know the wonderful person she is growing into. We're so proud of this girl!! 6 is going to be a great year 💕
I'd want to sleep all day, too, if I were up every I'd want to sleep all day, too, if I were up every hour last night 🙃🙃 

Outfit @honest 🦋
Anyone see our other kids lately?? 😜 You know, Anyone see our other kids lately?? 😜 You know, it's so funny how some parts of the newborn phase have been like muscle memory and others have been like we've had our first born all over again. 

We were worried about how David and Evy would feel with this new family member but they have been so sweet that it brings tears to my eyes to put it into words. I was especially worried about Ev being supplanted as the youngest but, honestly, being the big sister suits her SO well and I think she's been loving it, too. 

I've also loved getting to experience this again with Josh. The way you band together during the newborn phase especially is very bonding. You rely on each other deeply and it's not always cute or pretty. 

Super grateful 💗
To the best big brother and sister. Cleo is going To the best big brother and sister. Cleo is going to think she has the coolest, smartest, bravest big siblings in the world, and she's not wrong 😉
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Baby, Family, Motherhood, Toddler · September 28, 2015

Easy baby led weaning that any mom can rock at!

Easy baby led weaning that any mom can rock at!11

Featured on BlogHer.com

Hey new mamas out there! Before becoming a mom did you ever realize how much you didn’t know was involved in being a mom?! I feel like I have never done more research in my life. BUT at the time time, nothing could be more natural than being a mom to my son. Weird phenomenon there. Well, as you know, babies come with a lot of hard decisions to make! Do you stay at home or keep working? Breast feed, pump, formula? A little of each?

I’ve had a lot of moms ask me what we have fed David and what works the best as baby transitions to solid foods and I am always so excited they asked me because I believe I have the key to making their lives so much easier!! And that makes me so happy!

Now I know the phrase “baby-led weaning” can scare some people. When I first heard of it I wrote it off as some hippie natural fad thing but the more I read about baby-led-weaning and allowing your child to eat finger foods rather than spoon feeding, the more excited I was to jump on board!

What is baby-led-weaning exactly?

Well if you don’t know, it’s basically giving your baby age-appropriate finger foods and allowing them to feed themselves. Yes, this can sound scary, but our babies can do more than we give them credit for a lot of the time! And keep in mind that the finger foods change as baby grows. We started David off on foods that he could pick up and put in his own mouth but were squishy enough that it would be hard for him to choke on the. But *random fact* did you know that a baby’s gag reflex is set up higher in their throat than an adult’s? This means that they will gag sooner (if needed) without choking. Which is great while they are learning to feed themselves. We didn’t have this problem often with David though.

Why should you run to baby-led-weaning and never turn back?

Baby-led-weaning teaches babies to help themselves. They decide when they are full or if they’d like to continue eating. It also helps to develop a child’s hand-eye coordination as well as motor skills. Most important to mama?? Not having to spend so. much. time. boiling, blending, storing,  and spoon-feeding baby food! (or spending a lot of extra cash on purchasing store-bought).

With baby-led-weaning, mama is completely hands free, and baby is just as, if not more, happy.

So if you’re anything like me and are thinking “UM YES! But… I don’t even know where to start…” You’re in luck because it is so easy! I’ve created a list of foods that we regularly give David that you can use as inspiration when wondering what to feed your child!

Canned foods

  • Peas
  • Carrots
  • Beets
  • Beans
  • Kidney
  • Black
  • Mixed
  • Green
  • Mandarin oranges
  • Peaches
  • Pears

(when buying canned fruits, look for fruits with no sugar or syrup added. When looking for canned veggies, look for no salt added).

Fresh foods

  • Bananas
  • Avocados
  • Berries
  • Bread
  • Kiwis
  • Pineapple (or canned)
  • Beets (or canned, usually mixed with something sweet though or else David makes a face like this >:P)
  • Tomatos
  • Mangoes
  • Watermelon

Cooked foods

  • Rice
  • Cooked mixed veggies (we quick thaw frozen veggies a lot)
  • Sweet potato
  • Potato
  • Frozen veggies cooked
  • Eggs (D loves them!)
  • Pancakes/waffles (torn up)
  • Salmon
  • Chicken
  • Potatos
  • Asparagus
  • Spaghetti
  • Zucchini
  • Squash

Some foods to avoid:

  • Corn (almost no nutritional value, not digested well. It wouldn’t hurt, but it doesn’t do much for babes).
  • Broccoli (for babies that had a tendency towards bad gas)
  • Soy (contains estrogen)
  • Honey (does not process well)
  • (Anything you would avoid during pregnancy i.e. fish high in mercury, soft cheeses, etc.)

There are many more to foods to experiment with but these are a great starting point and should keep baby’s taste buds pretty happy for a while.

As always I would LOVE to hear your thoughts and we’re always looking for great new ideas. Share in the comments any foods that you’ve tried that you didn’t see in this list.

Also- share this list with a mom you know who might be making the decision for baby foods or baby-led-weaning! I am forever grateful to my friend who told me!

LTSW Signature

Featured on BlogHer.com

In: Baby, Family, Motherhood, Toddler · Tagged: baby, baby food, baby-led weaning, children, food, motherhood

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Comments

  1. andi says

    September 28, 2015 at 6:47 pm

    i gotta ask my mom how she fed me when i was a baby (all those years ago 😀 )

  2. NinA says

    September 28, 2015 at 11:37 pm

    this is great! I’ve been meaning to look up baby led weaning and it sounds so much better than the baby food I gave my oldest son. I’m hoping it will lead to a more adventurous eater than my toddler currently is.

  3. Suzanne Lamoutte says

    September 29, 2015 at 1:08 am

    These are really great tips thank you for sharing!

    • Chelsea says

      September 29, 2015 at 3:25 am

      Thank you Suzanne!

  4. Dara says

    September 29, 2015 at 3:23 am

    Great post! I remember when my son was just starting solid foods…..I was so concerned about him eating real food and thought he should be eating more. The best advice I got was from an older woman whose children were grown: Don’t worry about it. By the time he’s an adult, he’ll be eating real food! LOL. He’s three now…..and trust me….eating is NOT a problem!!! Thanks for sharing!

    • Chelsea says

      September 29, 2015 at 3:25 am

      Haha I agree completely. My son definitely makes sure I know when he is still hungry!

  5. Alexandra @ My Urban Family says

    September 29, 2015 at 1:56 pm

    This is a great list! I have so many friends with young kids and I never know how they keep track of what to feed them. I know when I was little it was a lot of those canned baby foods but it doesn’t seem to be as popular anymore!

  6. Addie says

    September 29, 2015 at 3:28 pm

    Oh this is so smart, and I live that it inherently teaches independence!! Love it!

  7. momwithfive says

    September 29, 2015 at 4:22 pm

    Great post with very useful tips. Thanks for sharing.

  8. Danielle says

    September 29, 2015 at 4:36 pm

    Baby led weaning is so awesome, and easy. I loved watching my kids learn and explore through the new foods they were trying.

  9. Hil says

    September 29, 2015 at 9:27 pm

    I wrote a bunch of blog posts on BLW too. I LOVE it! Currently on my second child doing it and I would not have it any other way. I love corn on the cob as a first food though, super easy for them to hold, easy to get the juices with their gums and soothes sore teething gums too!

  10. Rachel - À LA MODEST says

    September 30, 2015 at 1:32 am

    Awesome! I am expecting our baby this November. I know I won’t have to ween him/her til he/she is almost 2 years old (is that right?), but I like reading and researching about babies as much as I can. New mom here 🙂 I am definitely all about going about these things the most natural way. I also read about infant potty training, and I’m very intrigued!

    À LA MODEST – Replacing insecurities with inspiration!

  11. Rachel - À LA MODEST says

    September 30, 2015 at 1:33 am

    Awesome! I am expecting our baby this November. I know I won’t have to ween him/her til he/she is almost 2 years old (is that right?), but I like reading and researching about babies as much as I can. New mom here 🙂 I am definitely all about going about these things the most natural way. I also read about infant potty training, and I’m very intrigued!

  12. ashley says

    September 30, 2015 at 1:52 am

    Great post. I actually leaned more toward this way with my first child.. sadly my 2nd is almost 10 months old and still eats jarred baby food! Ha! She gets eggs, and some of our food here and there though. Reading this makes me want to change it up like I did with my first. She was actually not picky and ate pretty much anything… Hoping my 2nd will be the same.

  13. Rachel Greiman says

    September 30, 2015 at 2:36 am

    My sisters are going through this phase right now and would so appreciate this! I’m passing it along for sure, :).

    • Chelsea says

      September 30, 2015 at 3:22 am

      Great! That makes my day 🙂 too bad it’s 11:30 pm here haha!

  14. sue says

    September 30, 2015 at 8:53 am

    My ‘babies’ are all in their twenties now so its interesting to read how moms today approach the weaning stage. I think I got a little more adventurous with food choices as each of my daughters started to try real food but today there are great blogs like this to learn more and share the experience.

  15. Brianna says

    September 30, 2015 at 12:54 pm

    My boys are now 9 and 4. We did baby led with the 4 year old. This is how we also started with solids. It was trial and error, but worked out well. 🙂

  16. Jen Weaver says

    September 30, 2015 at 4:18 pm

    Thanks for this! Our little one has an expanding pallet and I’d been wondering about baby-lead weaning. This post was a great help! 🙂

  17. Joscelyn | Wifemamafoodie says

    October 1, 2015 at 11:25 pm

    Being a mom came easily for me also:) I kind of did this with my kids too, although my reason was mostly because they were extra hungry at times so I supplemented with solids to compensate for my insufficient milk supply. I think it works great too and helps with the typically stressful weaning process!

  18. shernell says

    October 2, 2015 at 1:30 am

    What a beautifully designed blog. I love all your ideas for weaning babies. Thank you.

  19. Fabiola Rodriguez says

    October 3, 2015 at 4:09 pm

    Congratulations! I think your blog is fabulous, so I am nominating you for the Versatile Bloggers Award. I hope you accept! 🙂 Check out my post for the details https://myheartofmexico.wordpress.com/2015/10/03/2-more-awesome-awards-for-my-blog/

  20. Nikki says

    October 5, 2015 at 7:41 pm

    Hi Chelsea,

    I recently heard about baby led weaning a few months ago while attending a local Moms Event. Unfortunately they didn’t explain this method, so I am thrilled I came across your post! This is something I may have to consider when we have another baby. When we had our daughter, I remember researching solid foods quiet a bit. I was definitely nervous and unsure where to begin, what to feed her, and how much. A few weeks ago I wrote a post about what we did and while its a not the same as baby led weaning, it was a big help for this FTM. I hope you have time to check it out. Thank you again for your post! http://boldlybravelyyou.com/meal-time-baby/

  21. Mckenna says

    October 9, 2015 at 4:48 pm

    I am so glad I stumbled onto your blog; it is adorable! I definitely want to go this route with my current babe; my first ended up being such a picky eater after eating exclusively purees for so long 🙁 Thank you for the helpful tips!

    http://ofseasandsundry.com

  22. Dana says

    October 9, 2015 at 8:24 pm

    These are great tips! I wish I had this when I had my boys!!

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Hi! I'm Chelsea and we're the Damon's. We spent the last two years in WA state paying off student loans and just bought our first house in SC! I love a smooth black coffee, Josh's first love is the Seattle Sounders. Our kids are huge dorks and constantly make us laugh and we all love spending as much time outside as possible.

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Everyday is a new day 🤎 As a mom who works (fr Everyday is a new day 🤎

As a mom who works (from home, thank goodness!!) I know how hard it can be to find the time and evergy to be intentional. When it feels like all the work you do during the day is for the kids, sitting down and coloring feels like only a distraction. 

But it's so important to make the effort--those moments are what they'll remember! When we're intentional with our time with them, we're showing our kids that they're worth our time and attention. And those small connections are what will help them feel loved, secure, and supported. 

As they grow up, they'll carry those feelings with them, and they'll use them to build healthy relationships with themselves and others. So don't underestimate the power of the small moments of intention--we're giving our kids a gift that will last a lifetime.
One of the best Mother's Days! Thanks fam ❤️ S One of the best Mother's Days! Thanks fam ❤️ So blessed to call this family mine!
Just beachy 🌴 Just beachy 🌴
Some photos of life recently. As much as Josh and Some photos of life recently. As much as Josh and I have been pretty go-with-the-flow with Cleo, we've found that she's been getting overly tired at night and almost inconsolable. So the last few nights we've been intentionally putting her to bed around the same time as Davey and Evy and she's actually been loving it? Go figure (also, not complaining! 😆).

Also.. today I walked out of the house to grab something from the car and this 10~ year old girl was walking by with her mom and she goes, "Mom she looks like Barbie!!"

Well that's the best compliment I've had in a while and I'm gonna hold onto it 💖

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Everyday is a new day 🤎 As a mom who works (fr Everyday is a new day 🤎

As a mom who works (from home, thank goodness!!) I know how hard it can be to find the time and evergy to be intentional. When it feels like all the work you do during the day is for the kids, sitting down and coloring feels like only a distraction. 

But it's so important to make the effort--those moments are what they'll remember! When we're intentional with our time with them, we're showing our kids that they're worth our time and attention. And those small connections are what will help them feel loved, secure, and supported. 

As they grow up, they'll carry those feelings with them, and they'll use them to build healthy relationships with themselves and others. So don't underestimate the power of the small moments of intention--we're giving our kids a gift that will last a lifetime.
One of the best Mother's Days! Thanks fam ❤️ S One of the best Mother's Days! Thanks fam ❤️ So blessed to call this family mine!
Just beachy 🌴 Just beachy 🌴
Some photos of life recently. As much as Josh and Some photos of life recently. As much as Josh and I have been pretty go-with-the-flow with Cleo, we've found that she's been getting overly tired at night and almost inconsolable. So the last few nights we've been intentionally putting her to bed around the same time as Davey and Evy and she's actually been loving it? Go figure (also, not complaining! 😆).

Also.. today I walked out of the house to grab something from the car and this 10~ year old girl was walking by with her mom and she goes, "Mom she looks like Barbie!!"

Well that's the best compliment I've had in a while and I'm gonna hold onto it 💖
I've always seen myself as a "go with the flow" ty I've always seen myself as a "go with the flow" type person, and for the most part that's true. But what I've realized recently is that I'm good at going with the flow when I can see a good outcome down the road. But if I smell trouble, "go with the flow" Chelsea is gone with the wind 🌬️

This week we were working on memorizing some Bible verses with the kids. Evy randomly chose Psalm 119:105, "Your word is like a lamp that shows me the way, it is like a light that guides me."

It made me think about how all through scripture, God is just BEGGING us to trust that he has it all figured out. And time and time again, he comes through and does exactly what he says he's going to do. 

But for whatever reason, whenever anything unexpected happens, we immediately think that we need to jump in and control the situation. Some of us are really good at it, too. So it can be really difficult to leave the unknown in God's hands and trust that, yet again, he will provide. 

In this season of unknown for us, I'm praying daily for God to do His will with our family, that he would use us for good, and that we would trust the outcome. It's a scary thing to pray. But ultimately, that's exactly how we hope our short lives will be used—following the path he leads us.
Happy 6th birthday to the OG sister! There's no be Happy 6th birthday to the OG sister! There's no better feeling than getting to know the wonderful person she is growing into. We're so proud of this girl!! 6 is going to be a great year 💕
I'd want to sleep all day, too, if I were up every I'd want to sleep all day, too, if I were up every hour last night 🙃🙃 

Outfit @honest 🦋
Anyone see our other kids lately?? 😜 You know, Anyone see our other kids lately?? 😜 You know, it's so funny how some parts of the newborn phase have been like muscle memory and others have been like we've had our first born all over again. 

We were worried about how David and Evy would feel with this new family member but they have been so sweet that it brings tears to my eyes to put it into words. I was especially worried about Ev being supplanted as the youngest but, honestly, being the big sister suits her SO well and I think she's been loving it, too. 

I've also loved getting to experience this again with Josh. The way you band together during the newborn phase especially is very bonding. You rely on each other deeply and it's not always cute or pretty. 

Super grateful 💗
To the best big brother and sister. Cleo is going To the best big brother and sister. Cleo is going to think she has the coolest, smartest, bravest big siblings in the world, and she's not wrong 😉
She's here 🌷 Cleo Renée was born 2 weeks early She's here 🌷 Cleo Renée was born 2 weeks early on Saturday March 11 at 1:52 in the morning. 

Josh and I just had a feeling about that day (Friday), so we kept the kids out of school, went out to breakfast, and just spent our last day together as a family of four. 

My contractions started right after my 38 week appointment that morning and progressed throughout the day until around 4pm when I thought, "Mmk, I'm starting to really need to breathe through these. Better go in."

I was so convinced they were going to turn us away that it really didn't hit me that we were actually going to meet our girl that night until we'd been there for a few hours already. 

Baby girl ended up being 7lbs 15oz and 20in long!

We are all so in love. David and Evy are OBSESSED. A few times their friends have come to the door to ask them to play and they've said they'd rather stay home with the baby 😄

We are so blessed and thankful for this little girl ❤️

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