I think, besides learning to smile, that teaching Beck about food and eating (and eventually cooking) is my favorite part of babylife so far. Of course, it's great because I love food so much, but making things for my daughter, having her enjoy them, and gain weight because of them? Quite satisfying, and entertaining to watch if you follow me on Instagram.
Per our ped's recommendation, we didn't start any real food until 6 months old. There is some new research that suggests that straight milk (breast or formula) is healthier for babies for the first 6 months and can lead to lower instances of obesity and diabetes later in life. Sold. So we did that, and then added vegan foods at 6 months, little bits of dairy at 7 months, and will start yogurt and little bits of meat (maybe a little ground chicken mixed into veggies, etc) around 9 months. Honey and milk will be the last foods introduced at 12 months, and then Beck will start cooking for herself because I've had enough. Those recommendations for when to start new things are fluid, of course, but are in line with most reading I've done and what our doctor said, so that's why we've chosen those milestones....
I can’t tell if it’s better to be a Father or a Dad. I guess they’re two different jobs that share multiple responsibilities. I feel my fatherly duties will be to discipline, educate, and provide a roof over my daughter’s head. My dad duties will be showing her how to make chocolate milk, make fart noises with her armpit, and how to tell believable white lie. Being a good dad means trying to be the Cool Dad and being a good father means trying to raise a smart, well rounded, confident young lady. Regardless of the job description, I’ve been doing it now for six months and I’m almost positive I haven’t fucked up my kid yet. Yay for not raising a serial killer (However, Beck has recently started laughing in her sleep. It’s cute now but that’s what insane folks do in the asylum.)....
