sloane, I do the same! And while I am doing it I am telling myself that I should keep my hands to myself.

Sterla, DD doesn't like having her hands cleaned, however likes having her face cleaned. That said, we use a wet facewasher and gently rub her face, try to grab her tongue, play peak-a-boo with the facewasher to make it fun. Otherwise she grumbles.

Leckert, with the pasta, maybe try one that is easier to hold/pick up as well? Spirals or shells may be easier. We have also given toast cut into soldiers. DD can pick it up easily enough and suck/chew on it.

I had the 8 month check up at the MCHN today (the one who blasted me for giving DD wheatbix). I was asked how the solids was going, and if I am giving a selection of different purees...pureed pears, pureed apples, pureed carrots, etc. I replied that I am giving a wide variety of tastes and textures. She asked if I am buying pre-made food, or preparing myself. I said myself, no pre-packaged food. I just failed to mention that the textures are everything from pasta, to different meats, quiches, vegies done a variety of ways, and that there has only been 1 puree...carrot soup which she had with a dipper of bread (and we were also eating)! ;-) The MCHN then said 'and no wheatbix'! I just smiled and said 'of course'.