[SKL]

Here are some that work for me:

- Boiled frozen cut mixed veggies. Some types need further cutting, others don't.

- Mac & Cheese that uses shell noodles. I buy an organic brand (Annie's) that comes in a few different flavors and prepare it without any added margarine/oil so it is a bit healthier than it sounds. The shells seem to be the easiest for wee ones to pick up but they come in all kinds of other interesting shapes too.

- Cut up cheese ravioli or lasagna.

- Organic spaghetti-o's with soy meatballs, and similar type stuff. (It is hard for the girls to pick up the smallest pieces but by the time they've gotten to that point they are happy to let me shovel it in.)

- Toast-and-cheese sandwich broken into bite-sized pieces.

- Peanut butter and jelly sandwich broken into bite-sized pieces.

- Scrambled egg and toast. The scrambled egg can be made with stir-fry veggies or cheese for an interesting twist.

- Baked seasoned pieces of red-skinned potatoes.

- Pieces of naan or chapati, with or without mild Indian curry.

- Olives. (Disgusting to me, but my wee one likes them!)

- Cut up slice of pizza.

- Fried cheese squares.

- Bananas - sliced or not.

- Cut up apples.

- Oranges cut up small with a serrated knife.

- Cut, canned tropical fruits.

- Cheerios!!!

For spoon practice, I love oatmeal because it sticks to the spoon and is relatively easy to clean up. I also let the kids try spooning stuff (like apple/berry sauce) out of a small bowl held by me. This way I can take it away if the spoon action gets a little too enthusiastic.

By the way, don't worry about the 20 lbs just because it's below average. If your child is healthy, her weight might be ideal for her. My daughter is only about 20-21 lbs and she's 19 mos old and of average height (probably about 32 inches now). She is energetic, on target developmentally, and eats very well. She looks Oriental and my thought is that she simply has some slim genes.