Go Mediterranean

One of the first dining out experiences I had with Jack was at Fadi's on the corner of Knox & Central Expressway.  The dining room is open, there are plenty of highchairs, and more than enough vibrant colors in the room to keep my little maven's curiosity while Mom & Dad eat.  But the best thing about Fadi's for Jack is the food!  Lowfat, plenty of soft items, great textures as his eating capabilities mature, bold spices and everything is cooked in heart healthy olive oil.  By eight months Jack was eating hummus, eggplant, soft potatoes and baba ganoush.  I know it help to develop his palate and definitely encourage him to dig into his plate. Jack is not afraid of any food,and I think introducing him to all types of food before he was a year old really helped develop his love and appreciation of his meals.  So venture out Mamas - go for the wild, go for the fresh and just let your maven use his hands. It is messy, but I smile everytime I think about him shoveling uber soft eggplant to his mouth at 8 months. Heads up everyone, I have started writing for the Examiner.com - check out my 1st article -which is of course about Fadi's! I am the Dallas Healthy Restaurant Examiner!  Hope you suscribe and enjoy!

Big Blue Eyes

I just melt when I look into those big blue eyes.  Shout out for his sippy cup - I think it is the best - no leaking, keeps it cold, and is as close to tipping a cup that I have found.  No big sippy spout, just a small hole on a slightly raised lip - and you barely sip to make it come out.  It is the Tommee Tippee Sippee Cup for 24+ months.

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My Bike!

Jack is definitely ready to move up to a big boy bike.  There are about six bikes at his school and I am pretty sure he thinks the all belong to him!  Any suggestions for his first trike? I'm considering the Skuut Balance Bike which teaches balance first (similar to walking) rather than a traditional tricycle.  Would love your comments!

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Is your turtle this cool?

So I am totally digging the Robeez loafers these days.  The Surfin' Turtle is absolutely adorable!  I can't decide whether to buy Jack the Lizard Loafer or the Turtle.  The Lizard is Topsider preppy heaven while the Turtle is layed back luxury for the big guy.  I may end up buying both!

Quiche & Carrots

After reading yesterday's post from Raising Foodies, I had to share my favorite go-to healthy meal for Jack.  I prepare a simple spinach quiche using frozen chopped spinach & a prepared frozen pie crust (a must for the working mama at times).  Add to it a side of glazed carrots cooked in orange juice & brown sugar and my little guy swells with delight at dinner. And I usually add fruit to round out the plate.  Fresh berries have been fabulous lately at my new haven down the street Newflower Farmers Market and I can easily dash in and out pretty quickly since it is on the small and comfy side.  Blueberries were huge & yummy just yesterday.  Jack ate blueberries at dinner, at breakfast, and I'm sure at snack today...

Birthday Dinner with the Family

Grimaldi's Pizzeria in the West Village has a cool birthday program.  Sign up online and receive a free two item pizza for your birthday.  We love to take Jack with us - they give the mini mavens a big ball of dough on a cookie sheet sprinkled with flour - genius! Keeps the little man happy while Mom & Dad enjoy great pizza and a little vino.