blowing and climbing

this picture was taken on 28th march, showing alan blowing a whistle and successfully.  i really should have posted this picture earlier.

he's become a lot more agile since turning one year of age.

he climbed into this plastic washbowl and sat there to play.

and into this cardboard bucket.  tricky.

pasta with bolognese sauce

alan loves meat!  the small pasta helps babies use their jaw muscles to chew.  these are the same muscles that help them speak.  pasta is an ideal food for teething babies.

what you need:
1 tsp olive oil; 1/2 small onion; 1/2 carrot; a small pinch of ground parsley; 1 bay leaf; 125g minced beaf; 1 tomato; 1/2 celery stick; water; 1 tbsp pasta

let's cook:
1.  finely chop the onion, carrot and celery stick.  skin and finely chop the tomato;
2.  heat the oil in a small pan over medium heat.  fry the onion, carrot and celery for about 2 minutes, then add the minced beef and fry until brown;
3.  add the tomato, water, bay leaf and parsley.  cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes over low heat.  stir occasionally.
4.  puree and mash the sauce.  
5.  cook the pasta according to package instruction.
6.  mix the past and the sauce and enjoy.