We'll be on the island in two weeks, and while I was hoping my son would be eating "people food" by this trip - it doesn't look good. Can anyone point me to where I would be able to purchase baby food or whether I would be better off bringing our own... let's face it 8 days x 8 jars a day is a lot to take with us!

Thanks!

Crista

Is there a special brand you want to know about? There is baby food at each store but what kind do you need?

He's thankfully not a picky eater... he eats stage 2 and stage 3 gerber or beechnut. He's had some organics too... While we were in Mexico he had a bunch that my college spanish couldn't translate until we got home! As long as we can get a fair selection of fruits/vegies and meat we're good. Problem was in Mexico is that it was mostly fruits in the selection so his proteins/vegetables were lacking. (14 months and already visiting his 2nd country...)

I will try and remember to look when I go shopping Friday. Man, I hope I remember..haa..I doubt they have organics but when I traveled with Maggie I always steamed her veggies and mashed them up. Wait, he is 14 months and he eats jars of baby food? I think there are lots of people food here he can eat. Start now and let him get used to it...Maggie was eating people food starting well under that age. I wish I could remember..haa..again, that darn memory...Bring cheerios, you can cut up chicken small here..finger size, little bits of fish, some potatoes and carrots and veggies. Bananas for sure...you can cut up grapes into pieces...And pasta..oh my...lots of choices here.

Like I said - I was hoping he'd be on "people food" by now, but he's not. He is a Trisomy 21 baby (Down's Syndrome) and had open heart surgery at 16 weeks so he's a little smaller than the average baby and a little delayed physically. I appreciate your information and thank you in advance for glancing at the store.

Hey Crista, Bring him over my house..I have worked with Down's adults and babies and know the challenges but if it comes to food I will get him to eat..haaaa..will check out the baby food this week ONLY if I can babysit him..pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee..I have a soft spot for Downs children...(was a counselor for special needs kids for years..did early intervention too..)

My mom called us up in April and said 'Your dad and I are taking Ian (my son) to Bonaire in July, did you want to come with?' So while Pawpaw, Mom and Dad are exploring the reefs, Grammy (who doesn't dive) will be at the pool with Ian. If you think you can wrestle the only grandchild away from Grammy...

And I chuckled at myself when I re-read my own post... 'a little smaller'... my 9 week old goddaughter is bigger than Ian. If you really want to fall in love... http://family.youritworks.com/ian/ian.html.

Thanks!
Crista

Crista... oh my... I think I love him !!! I just randomly clicked on the pool picture page.... I just WANT HIM....

Annie you have to get your hands on this little angel... and I do mean LITTLE !!

Crista, do we have a water baby on our hands??? Sure looks like he was digging the pool.

He absolutely loves the water. We have a tough time keeping him out of the dog's water dish. He likes to dump it over and lay on his stomach in it while splashing with his hands and feet. He sticks his face down in the water with no fear and no tears. My mom says I was jumping off the diving board into the deep end at 2 years (never used floaties) and she's determined to get him to do it too.

And thank you... he is really a little bit of heaven. Sweet natured and too too cute.

God gives special babies to special people, I'm glad you have Ian. He's a lucky little boy!

And Miss Bonaire Bound Kelly - that's why you have Riley!

Ian is a little doll!

And where are the Riley pictures?

Looking at baby pictures is so much better than working...

Crista, since you asked... lol...

I think this is the most recent I have on the computer. (both my babies.... Stephanie just graduated and Riley is 8 months old!)

http://www.oldbonairetalk.com/newsgroup/messages/23830/270174.html?1150339788

Very cute! My uncle just did the same thing... his youngest (1st marriage) just graduated from high school and then his wife had a baby in April. I have my hands full with Ian and I really can't wait for him to start Toddling... I look at him and wonder how I can even consider having another child when I dislike the whole baby-drain. Give me a 2-3 year old any day. Of course since he was a surprise that the dr's said would never happen... we have the whole cart in front of the horse thingy...

Crista, Ian is just adorable. Have a wonderful trip Please post a trip report with pics when you return. Gee, how many stamps will Ian have on his passport by the time he's 5? lol!

Oh, and Crista -

Ok well if he goes missing you know he is in Belnem with Auntie Annie. Ok I went to Warehouse to look. They have Beechbut phase 2 LOTS of choices. The meats are 1,99 or about 1.10 US each and fruits 1,49 or 85 cents each. You are all set. Maybe he will eat some yogurt or puddings here? He is a lovey...

Thanks Ann! I'm pretty sure my mother would fight you tooth and nail... she waited a long time for a grandchild and is very devoted to this one. He does love both yogurt and puddings... I'm a smidge worried about the milk there, but we'll see! We've tried everything you mentioned in that first post about food and he just won't take real food... it's like you're trying to poison him. Trust me, we've been trying since March when he got his first tooth. We did actually manage to get him to eat some lunch meat yesterday and we have two more teeth coming in as I type (brings us up to 6!) He'll get there, we know he will.

Thanks Cyndelee for the welcome... since we go to Puerto Vallarta twice a year... a lot of stamps! I just think it's amazing that at 14 months he has a passport - I didn't get mine until I was 25!

I just read through this whole posting and it brought back a lot of wonderful memories. My son Aaron was born with Spina Bifida and he and his big brother Joshua and I have been travelling to mainly Aruba since he was 6 months old! You should see his passport! He is now 22 and through many surgeries and other medical complications, is doing rather well. The sea, the warm, breezy air, and wonderful people - all built treasured memories. It truly is wonderful to be somewhere were you can all just enjoy! Have a wonderful trip. Don't worry about the milk. If the fresh milk isn't available at the time - the powdered milk "Friesche Vlag" is great. I think they also carry Parmelot some places. Anyway - sounds like you have lots of eager hands to help out. Enjoy!

I also worked with "God's special children" for 10 years. very rewarding ,frustrating work I must admit but I wouldn't change a day of it for anything...Welcome to the boards Crista, and Ian and Marilyn and son.. we would love to have him join us as well...

Christa, this stages stuff is everywhere..I went to the Chinese Toko (little shop) on Kaya Industria and they had stage 3 pasta of some sort..I think it was Beechnut. No worries...Ian will eat like a king.

Did I mention how nutso Grammy is over him? She has decided that she will pack all his food and bring it with. She's even started talking about bringing powdered milk! Nuts I tell ya.

Me - with the food thing handled - I'm getting nervous about the trip!

Thanks again!