Eli - first time eating with spoon

This may be a common theme in my writings with the kids when they get to this stage.  I don't really like it.  Feeding themselves with a spoon...ugh...the feelings make me cringe.  Food spilled, oatmeal in crevices I never knew about.  But it has to happen.  Sure, he's been "feeding himself" with finger foods like noodles and raisins for awhile now, but using utensils, that's a new thing.  I let him eat banana chunks I put on a fork for him a few days ago which he liked, but he didn't poke them himself - I'll work on that part later.  Spoon for now!

Last night I made peas and macaroni and cheese for the kids.  I put a bowl in front of him and let him hold a spoon.  I put a bib on him (he never wears bibs..not sure why...the other kids all wore them until they were 3.  I guess I never bother with it anymore).  I let him scoop a bite of noodles with my assistance directing which way to scoop and which way to put it his mouth.  He then tried on his own.  Scooped like a pro, got it his mouth like I showed him, and he went on to take a few more bites until almost all the noodles were gone.  I guess I underestimated my little guy.  Violet said, "Well mom! That sure makes YOUR life easier!" haa!