Not-so-solid solids.

Shane is eating!....not-so-solid solids. This inaugural moment happened around 8:00 a.m. over the weekend. I'd been looking for "the signs" that he was ready for solids. Saturday morning I brought the spoon to his mouth, and with both hands Shane shoved the spoon in. I think he was ready. Soon we'll try mashed bananas, then pears, then peaches, then veggies and more. Oh the glorious world of food we're about to discover. Ready or not, here we come!

Tim Tam Slam

Libby and I learned about a glorious and tasty tradition. It has (apparently) been around in many cultures and countries for years and years. And, even a few Americans (mostly college students, I think?) know about it. But we were in the dark.

Now we are enlightened and happier because of it.

First, Tim Tams are a tasty, chocolate covered cookie made in Australia -- although the ones we buy in India are made in Indonesia. I prefer the ones with a mint filling which, when refrigerated, remind me of Girl Scout "Thin Mint" cookies. But the Tim Tam Slam is best when using the standard, chocolate-filled cookie.

So what is the "slam"? The procedure involves "biting off opposing corners of the Tim Tam and then using it as a 'straw' to suck up a hot beverage and then, just before the biscuit falls apart, it is placed in the mouth." Yes, there is a lot of info on the internet about this ceremonious delight including a Wikipedia entry.

Today, I tried it using hot chocolate. Libby tried it using coffee. We also followed these "rules" which a visiting Biola grad told us about.
1. You must never "slam" alone. It is a community experience.
2. After you "slam", you should tell at least 5 people about this life changing experience.
3. When you put the cookie in your mouth, you are not allowed to chew. Just let the cookie melt away into blissful, delicious mush...and then swallow.

If you want to try this amazing experience which will change your life (okay, probably not), find out more about where to buy Tim Tams in your country by reading this Wikipedia entry. Here's to a new generation of Tim Tam Slammers!

Inside Joke!

Amy came with her parents, John and Sarah Sparks for a visit. It was her first time meeting Shane and I think they really hit it off! Either Amy made a joke or these two are sharing an inside joke they won't share with the rest of us. John and Sarah live wayyyyy up north so we rarely get to see them, so it was a real treat.

Funky Camera

Our camera is on the funk, meaning it's acting weird. We'll be taking it to Dr. Camera soon. Pictures and video's will sadly have to be on pause until then. Nevertheless I will continue to post and use my words to create those visual images.

By the way, Shane has upgraded to a new, sturdier mosquito net! It's not quite as grab-able as the first, and is a snugger fit around the crib. Tonight is the first night using it, so we'll see by his face and arms if it's a success or not (bites or no bites).

More to come on WHY we had to get another net.

Offended

Shane is growing in leaps and bounds! Just yesterday I found him in his now-usual position, on his tummy, after waking up from a nap. Only this time, he wasn't so offended. Over the last several weeks Shane has been rolly-polly from back to tummy, and finding himself face down he really doesn't like it. It's offensive, or at least that what he seems to be saying with a cry of disgust. But yesterday he surrendered to the ever growing changes making him into a little boy. Just about completing his fifth month, Shane is now about 15 lbs. And just to show off, he's decided to pop out a tooth. That explains the waterfall of drool, the fierce gumming on mom's chin, dad's thumb and the board books, and his moment's of unexplained agitation. His 6:30 bedtime gives Ben and I the evenings together, and we even took one night out on the town (with babysitters at home of course). I wonder what month 6 will bring!?