The Stats

I went shopping last night: my mission included finding more PJs for Liam and something springy for him to wear for his 9 month pictures, even though the high will be 26 and snow is predicted for the day of his appointment. Anyway, I almost cried at my first stop. I want PJs that are one piece and have little feet, you know what I'm talking about. Sometimes they're called sleep-n-plays. Well, at Kohl's sleep and plays are only available up through the 6-9 month size, which are way too small for my big guy. And as I was looking at the selection of PJs available to 12 month size they were all two pieces, or didn't have feet, or just looked like they were kids, not a baby. So I looked through the sleep-n-plays longing to have to buy something from that selection - the prints, the designs, all so appropriate for a baby, but my baby was too big for those, my baby is growing up. I've been having a hard time accepting the fact that he's 9 months old and I'm afraid I'm not doing everything I'm supposed to be doing (more on that later). So, almost in tears, I picked out a few "big boy" PJs for Liam, some for Quinn, found a super cute outfit for pictures, and headed to the mall. My first stop - Subway for a cookie! Yum. I started feeling better. I then went to Gymboree and found some very babyish PJs for Liam and was feeling much better. Retail therapy, gotta love it.
Anyway - Liam had his 9 month check up today and here's a break down of the stats and the concerns (some of which I think are my fault for not being ready to let him grow).

Weight: 19lbs 6 oz

He dropped down to the 50% from the 75%. Doctor asked if I stopped feeding him because I thought he was done or if I waited for him to tell me he was done. Opps. I always figured after 3 jars of food he's had enough. Guess not.

Height: 28.75 inches

Is growing right along with the curve.

Concern: Eating real food.

When we first starting introducing Liam to foods I found out right away that he didn't like peaches or bananas (from the jar). He'd try it, gag, and spit it up along with whatever else he just ate. I waited a few more weeks and tried peaches again and he was able to eat them (and continues). Bananas? He still gags on the stuff. Around 7 months I tried feeding Liam some Gerber Puffs and he gagged on them, spit it up along with the dinner or lunch he just ate. So I waited a few weeks (even though a friend of mine was already giving her son, who's just two weeks older than Liam, cut up turkey, cheese, and a ton of other stuff - I know I'm not supposed to compare, but anyway...) and I tried again. And again he gagged, spit up, the whole ordeal. So I waited again and finally, just two weeks ago, he's started eating them, and he loves them! Loves them. I've since tried some really soft carrots - he gags, etc. Pieces of bread - he gags, etc. And so I stopped trying and just kept up with the puffs. A few days ago I gave him a zwieback toast - he banged it on the table for awhile, put it to his mouth, and threw it across the room (he's got a very good arm). I give him a piece every day and every day he looks disgusted when he puts it in his mouth. The doctor seems a little concerned and wants me to keep trying different things. I learned today that most babies don't have a taste preference until 18 months - so I'm really starting to think it's texture. Anyway - I don't even know what to offer him. What's okay for a 9 month old to eat? I should have talked to the doctor about this, but we had so much to talk about she was in there for 45 minutes. I'm feeling just a little guilty - did I not offer him enough earlier? Did I hold him back and now he's too old to adapt to new things?

Advice I Need From You:

What types of food do you, or did you, feed your babies?

How old where they?