Mealtimes are an adventure!! We have done lots of experimenting with Erik and his eating and it's paying off, though the mess made is monumental compared to how it was at the beginning when he was eating 100% pureed food, handfed to him on a spoon.

Look at him now!!

He now feeds himself!! Not only that, but he even has tried a spoon!! Not terribly successful, but he does know what to do with a spoon but has never been given the opportunity to try, which is the way it is with so many things with him - he has never been allowed to try anything, even putting the cup in the bathtub water to dump it out - he wants to watch ME do it. Which is why the self-feeding thing is so cool to me. He's doing something for himself!!

He also will drink from a sippy cup now, now that he's figured out that it's much like a bottle, only with a hard drinking spout. BUT, he won't drink anything until he's ALL done. They must not have given him a drink until the meal was over, because to him, that means no more food. So oftentimes he gets mad when presented with the cup because he wants to keep eating!

The dogs are happier than anyone though, I think, because whenever he feeds himself, the floor and his chair are COVERED with food that he's spilled!! What do people do who don't have dogs, anyway? Clean the floor and chair themselves...?? Silly people.

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P.S. I took the boys bowling this afternoon (one of our favorite family things to do) and Erik really enjoyed himself! He sat in his stroller and watched, and kept focused on the game for quite a long time! He really enjoys participating in things, even if it's just watching. He's so alert and interested in everything, which makes hanging out with him so much fun. :o)