I just got back from Whole Foods Market (WFM). If you've never been to the Whole Foods in downtown Austin, you're missing out. It's like a carnival. I'm totally happy in there except for the traffic and crowds. I mean, there's a chocolate fountain people! And every cheese you could ever want. I rarely go, which is probably why I like it soo much. So, today I went for organic produce because I'm making baby food! And I'm laughing at myself a little bit about it.
Here's the deal. When I start something new whether it be running, parenting (cloth diapering, feeding a baby, adoptive breastfeeding) or even just making a schedule to clean my house I get very serious about it. I read about it. I want to know how other people have done it. Seriously, there's a blog where a mom posted a pdf of her weekly cleaning schedule. I have it! www.simplemom.net if you're interested! When I was preparing for cloth diapering, I read all there was to read about it and I got everyone's opinion. I even went over to my friend's house to see her "set up" in the baby's room. And you'd seriously laugh if I told you how many lactation consultants I talked to about breastfeeding an adopted child. So, of course something as serious as Lucas eating solid foods, you know I'm going to be dramatic about it! Or my dad would kindly say "intense."
Today, I'm in WFM and I'm looking for mangoes. The only bin of mangoes says very clearly "conventional." So, I ask the produce guy if he has any organic mangoes. "No," he says. Well, we didn't get the stupid conventional mangoes! If it were for me, I'd of course eat the conventional mango and probably not even wash it before peeling it. I wouldn't even think of pesticides. I probably should, but my reality is that I don't. But for Lucas... No Way am I feeding him anything but organic! Why? It's the best. And I want him to have the best. I mean, that's what I've read. (Super Baby Food Book by Ruth Yaron if you want to know!) So, I laughed at myself a little when I walked away feeling snobby about the conventional mangoes! And then I stood there for a full 5 minutes reading the ingredients on a box of teething biscuits made of barley no doubt! Evaporated cane juice! I don't think so! We got sweet potatoes, butternut squash, bananas, pears, brown rice for making Super Porridge, and whole milk yogurt... all organic of course!
If you've seen the documentary, "Babies," then you know how ridiculous we as western parents can be when it comes to germs and hygiene. I mean, I'm not going to be cleaning my kids poop off my leg with an old corn cob (You have to see the movie to get that!), but I think I can lighten up a little.
But then again, I've heard somewhere that rooibus tea is way better for babies than juice. And I know a great specialty shop downtown that sells many varieties of looseleaf rooibus!
What do you think?
6 comments:
haha, Leigh! that's awesome:) good luck w/ the solids! where did you hear about rooibus for babies? i am interested in trying that rather than sugary juice!
you are a crack up and everything you have said in here is true :)
go organic and stick with the seasons (and as local as possible) farmers market! i've heard something about that helping with allergies... but i could be making that up.
Oh, Leigh, God has given me a test of "do-not-compare-thyself" in you! :) We started C on solids last weekend with the grandparents -- but we just bought a box of Cream of Rice and Applesauce! :) (well, that's what the grandparents bought. I'll probably buy organic fruits, too...)
hey leigh--i've heard good things about the website wholesomebabyfood.com if you want any more ideas. i also get rather serious when starting a new project...too bad solids aren't for another few months!
I agree with Loretta, and hope you make those healthy changes for the whole family! Rock your local farmer's market, baby! Also, go slow, one food at a time as to catch anything he may be allergic to (I was amazed to learn the hard way some babies are very sensitive to peaches, bananas, and avocados, so watch carefully). Good luck, it's so rewarding making their food! xo
I am the same, Leigh! What's funny is that I just thnk everyone is like us and don't thnk too much about it! With baby #2 I have relaxed a bit...she gets the teething biscuits (organic, maple ones). :) I have a love / hate relationship with Super Babyfood book. It's great, but drives me crazy. Not sure if you've found it really unorganized. Thanks for the Tea Embassy plug! I think Lucas will love rooibos. Preston LOVES it! I seriously think it cured his eczema! We haven't given it to Abigail yet because I haven't introduced the cup yet. She's so tiny, she needs all the breast milk she can get!
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