The Garden and Baby Food

I know it's been a while since I've posted anything much about the garden, so I took some pics of it to share :-) Also, I've had a good number of people ask me or email me about making Jackson's baby food, which yes, we are still doing. So, I've got a quick and easy baby food making 101. I know some people think that it's really hard and time consuming, but I promise - it's not!!! Before we get to the nitty-gritty, here's J today - who needs toys when the boy can spend 20 minutes playing under the table? I guess he's already making a pretend "fort" outta whatever's handy :-)



He will pull up on one of the chairs, then "walk" from chair to chair.


It's much more fun to crawl under the chairs on the way outta the fort


After eating a yummy meal, Baby J sits in his high chair and plays with the toys that came with the high chair. It's an awesome high chair that he got from my Uncle Rod and Aunt Susie :-) Thanks again!!!


A new fun game it to stare out the window


Playing with a toy...I obviously interrupted chewing on the string time...

Ok, now to the food part: Here's a typical Jackson supper these days - a couple of veggies and some banana. So far he's eaten everything put in front of him, but I know one of these days that'll change.


So the first thing that I do to make his food his to cook it. For the sweet potatoes, I put them in the oven and cook them. Squash and carrots get steamed. Green beans and peas I buy frozen and cook in the pan. After whatever I have cooked is done, it goes in the blender :


So here are some peas - very easy...just add a touch of water (more if it's potatoes, none if it's squash or other watery foods), and puree.


Here's a pic of squash outta the blender and ready to eat. In another month or so Jackson will be able to eat more thing mashed instead of pureed, but we aren't there yet.


Once everything gets done in the blender, I pour it into an ice cube tray and then freeze it, making individual portions for later. Very easy and very convenient!


Once frozen, the cubes go into a freezer bag. I've read the cubes should be used within a month. I think they would last longer, but I haven't made big enough batches to know for sure. So those are the basics of baby food making. I promise it's easy and really doesn't take that much time. Last night I made several batches for Jackson, and he's set for a couple of weeks or so now. I know it's not for everyone, but if you think you may even want to try it, I really encourage you to do so:-)

Ok, so now to the garden. It has really taken off since we got everything planted. I'm impatiently waiting for my veggies to come on up for me (and for Wes and Jackson) to eat!!! Everything looks great except for some of the peppers...not sure what's wrong w/ them...


zucchini blossoms




okra - haven't done it before, so we'll see how it goes


the peppers...why do I have brown spots on them (anyone???)


one of the 3 types of tomaters I've got


my basil


My whole garden, slowly but surely growing. I'm so glad that we just went ahead and dedicated a big area to this. Like I said before - I can't wait for my veggies to get here!!!