If there’s one thing you can count on at my family’s Thanksgiving table— it’s random conversation. For example, one year we spent so long debating whether baby corn was immature corn or a vegetable of its own that we were literally all in tears. (It’s immature corn, if you were wondering). This year, the topic was toothpicks. Specifically, the assortment of toothpicks my parents apparently keep in the kitchen cabinet for entertaining purposes. I can genuinely say I never needed or wanted to know so many types existed.
We got off to a slow start this morning since we got in from the airport so late. Well, I should clarify- Jarmon and I got off to a late start. Arabella and Baxter were up at 7am basking in their grandparent’s attention.
After enjoying some coffee and maple turkey cookies from Delallo’s, I announced the need for a Walmart run. Not that I need a reason to go to Walmart, but I wanted to get a “turkey dinner” for Arabella. DD and I ran out and got puréed turkey, green beans, sweet potatoes and pumpkin. We also got a sectioned plate so Arabella could eat a true Thanksgiving-style feast. We also got Baxter some puréed chicken (a favorite since puppyhood) since dog’s can’t have turkey.
Uncle Larry, Aunt Marge and Florence arrived shortly after we got home. We had a delicious meal and good conversation. When Arabella finally woke up from her nap (we put together a makeshift bed in our room since her crib is in the dining room), we put together her puréed feast. We also gave her some real mashed potatoes— and later, whipped cream. It was her first time trying turkey (her first “stage 2” food). She wasn’t very interested in the turkey, but devoured the sweet potatoes (per usual). We gave her some puffs to play with while we all sat around the table. She seemed to be doing a better job of getting them in her mouth today, so that was fun to watch. Speaking of fun things to watch, this was Arabella’s first time using my old high chair. Pretty amazing that it survived all these years. Baxter watched dinner from Arabella’s crib. Sounds crazy, right? Well, the crib is in the dining room and Baxter found it to be the perfect height for snoozing while watching us eat.
After dinner Arabella played with my childhood toys and posed for some photos. First thanksgiving success!
Once Arabella was in bed, Jarmon and I had some drinks and enjoyed a food I’m always thankful to find in my parent’s cupboard— Utz Dark Russet potato chips. Happy thanksgiving to us!
Trina Orlando 