Apple of my eye

Although she’s only 5 months and has a limited amount of upper body control (as compared to other children), I knew my little nature girl would love apple picking- and so, we went! I would have loved to let her sit on the ground with a few apples and explore, but she can’t sit yet, and the ground was too damp for her to belly time on it- so we just enjoyed the fresh air and the day with Daddy!

It was a beautiful afternoon, a bit warmer than anticipated, but we made do being a bit overdressed. With Dave, and best friend Hadley (mom Ashley) in tow, we picked half a peck of delicious apples- while avoiding herds of bees.

I wanted to carry Addie in my arms, as the orchard’s terrain and narrow lanes didn’t allow for stroller use, but she was so hot that we borrowed my friend’s carrier. Children with achondroplasia are not supposed to be in carriers, but I supported her with my arms while walking, and kept her time in there to just 30 minutes. With her head control and the fact that she was forward and not c-sitting in the Bjorn, I am confident that there was no damage done (something  I discussed with Dr. Bober and will write about soon!).

And then, we had apples!!!

Because the apples we picked were not from an organic farm, I chose to use Plum Organics stage 1. Addie loves her apples and we mix them with other foods she’s had to spice them up. She is a wonderful little eater (with parents like Dave and myself, it’s no wonder!) and enjoys throwing herself at the food and yelling when you don’t feed her fast enough!

I did make her apples later: Using organic apples (I used three different kinds so there was a bit of sweet, sour and mellow), I peeled them, sliced them into large chunks and put about an inch or so of water into a large pot. I brought the heat up high and let it boil (with the lid on), then simmering until the apples were REALLY soft. I then put the apples in my blender and blended, adding water FROM THE POT (to keep the nutrients) to get the consistency I wanted.

Just like the squash, I put what I would use in jars and then froze the rest in an ice cube tray, popping them out and throwing the cubes into a Ziplock bag (dated) for whenever I would give her apples again!

The best part about having both homemade and the packets of baby food on hand is that when traveling (to Delaware, for instance), you can bring food that you know your baby likes and that you don’t have to refrigerate (until opened) and that you don’t need to grocery shop immediately for when you get to your location. Happy sane mommy = happy healthy baby!