Yep, baby-led weaning was another no-go today. After our first attempt with a fussy baby just the day before, we were sure trying mid-morning the next day would yield success.
I could feel the excitement run through my veins as she grasped the green bean as I thought “This is it!” Is it sad to get so excited over our baby gripping a flimsy green bean? C’mon, I know other parents are the same! But the excitement quickly dissipated as she hastily tossed it aside.
You can see it in the corner just barely hanging on to the tray. We sat and stared with cameras in hand a while longer, but finally gave up as Avery’s mood worsened. Another tasty meal for our box turtle, Tash, was served; compliments of Avery.
At least Tash is enjoying the whole baby-led weaning experience thus far. Thanks to several of you for your comments on your own BLW experiences we will keep trying and have patience with Avery. In time, our girl will “pick up” on what to do with her food and she’ll be eating like a champ in no time. So we hope!!
G-Ma came over in the afternoon to stay with us for the night and she was excited to see and play with Avery. Going Mom and I took care of things around the house while G-Ma kept Avery occupied which was extremely helpful!
All four of us wound up outside and I thought it would be the perfect time to take Tash out of her outside pen and introduce her to Avery. At first, Avery didn’t notice the Terrapene walking under her nose; maybe those puffy cheeks blocked her view!
But it wasn’t long before she noticed Tash trying to distance herself from us humans.
She became very interested in this new hard-shelled creature and tried to reach and feel for herself.
It’s definitely not soft and fluffy like the cat and dog she already knows, and it was great watching her reaction. With Avery’s attention solely on our pet reptile, I explained their unique shell and anatomy to her as if she was taking notes.
Did you know turtles have feelings in their shells? Yep, their shells are a part of their body and they cannot leave them like certain crabs can. There’s a little turtle info for the day; you’re welcome.
Poor Tash kept trying to get away, but we made sure to safely keep her around us. Intrigued, Avery continued to reach for Tash as she walked away and would just miss making contact. Probably for the best because baby fingers look awfully similar to plump grubs or worms!
We all enjoyed watching Avery witness something new in her world and it’s awesome how interested she can get!
I know as Avery gets older, she’ll be able to see and learn more about our turtle and the species as a whole since her dad is such a reptile fanatic. Yep, mainly snakes and turtles, but they all interest me. Maybe the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have something to do with? Hmmmm.
It was a great Sunday that went by too fast, but luckily Going Mom only has a four day work week ahead! Yay, the weekend starts early and lasts longer! Oh, wait, it’s Avery’s 6 month shots and check-up on the first day Kelley is off, but hopefully that won’t dampen Avery’s spirits the whole time!
Do you have any other pets besides a dog and cat that your children loves or hates or is scared of?
Are you a reptile lover or can’t stand the critters?
I love seeing the littles discovering something new for the first time! We have two leopard geckos and a green anolis at home and my son is fascinated by them. He loves climbing onto a chair to see them in their terrariums and loves to pet the geckos when I take them out.
Your son sounds like me when I was a kid! I still act the same way today when there’s a reptile around! There are so many fascinating things about the vast species that I hope to share with Avery as she grows.
Thank you for sharing, and I bet those leopard geckos look amazing!
Whilst we have no ‘official’ pets, my oldest daughter sees my youngest as one…!
You reminded me of my own childhood when I had a tortoise as a pet. I’d spend ages arranging dandelion leaves in a spiral for Sammy to eat his way round and round. It never worked – he just made a beeline to the edge of the garden and half buried himself in the mud.
If I’m allowed to say it, it didn’t make for a good pet…but it sounds like your turtle is doing a much better job at keeping Avery amused!
Ha ha, that’s funny about your daughter seeing your youngest as a pet! I can see how kids would think that. 🙂
I’ve been trying to get my wife on board with having a big tortoise to just roam our back yard, but so far, no luck. Probably good that she’s the sane one to keep my crazy ideas from becoming reality! I agree turtles usually don’t make good pets….if kept in a glass cage indoors, but ours does really good in the outdoor enclosure we made for her. Plus it doubles as our miniature herb garden!
Thanks for the comment, and maybe you can be inspired to relive your childhood and bring home a turtle for your kids! 🙂