Feathertop - thank you, that was a really kind message. the finger food thing is interesting. I tried it with Liam a while ago and he didn't seem any more interested in it than spoon-delivered food, but I retried it again a couple of nights ago with some pumpkin, and I think we might have a bit of progress, as he picked it up & it went straight into his mouth. Still don't think he swallowed anything, but he had a delightful time mashing it and then spreading it around his high chair tray. Tomorrow is apple day, I'm going to soften a couple of slices in microwave for him & see how he goes with those.