39 Comments
May 21Liked by Sohla El-Waylly

From one mom to another: you’re doing great. ❤️

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May 21Liked by Sohla El-Waylly

Sohla! You have spent the last couple years just Creating and Creating, made vulnerable by laying out your ideas for all to witness. Your body created a baby, and now you are creating a loving and safe place for her to evolve.

OUTPUT OUTPUT OUTPUT!!!

It makes so much sense for you to pause, and hopefully you will be able to just take IN some information and art and love.

It's weird, but we really do care about you, and want you to feel like yourself. (And sometimes, that's a whole new Self.)

❤️

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May 21Liked by Sohla El-Waylly

Sohla, you are too wonderful. As someone who has struggled with latching/feeding issues and is always striving for a positive/appreciative/neutral relationship with my body and food, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your words. I can’t wait to try this recipe!

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May 26Liked by Sohla El-Waylly

I’m not a parent, but I live with two roommates who have a 9 year child (my living situation, from what I understand, is very similar to Ted from How I Met Your Mother) and she is a very, very picky eater in all respects, including not liking food mixed together. My roommates always encourage her to take a bite of new things before writing them off. Yesterday I made your Taco Salad from the NYT and while she enjoyed the separate components, she was very leery of trying a bite of everything together. Her mom encouraged her to try one bite and when she did, her eyes went wide and she said, “THATS SO GOOD” and then proceeded to mix up the rest of her taco salad up and eat it, while declaring that it would be a good idea to eat it Tuesdays-Fridays. We are big fans of you and I will always be a subscriber no matter what ❤️

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author

wow, she had her Ratatouille moment! (remember when Remy ate the strawberry with the cheese!)

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May 21Liked by Sohla El-Waylly

Hi Sohla, just wanted to say hang in there. It gets better. I had one projectile vomiter who loved all foods but, yeah, projectile vomited and one kid who ate nothing but plain pasta. But something changed early on by about 2 years old. Now (28 & 22) they eat everything and I’m the picky one. Sending love and patience. - Jane

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This post and these comments make my heart so happy. It’s hard to find a non-judgmental corner of the internet, so the authenticity and community here warms my soul. You’re doing a great job in whatever stage you’re in, Sohla!💗

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May 21Liked by Sohla El-Waylly

I found Solid Starts to be more anxiety inducing than useful. My kid only started eating solid food when I stopped obsessing over salt content and spice level and just gave her things I was already eating without really adjusting anything.

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Sohla

I echo all of the comments above. Last week I published an article specifically on how your cookbook and recipes empowered me to overcome a decades long eating disorder and connect with my family in the kitchen. I’m sending so much love and gratitude.

https://www.muthamagazine.com/2024/05/my-children-almost-grew-up-without-family-dinners/

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May 21Liked by Sohla El-Waylly

Just want to echo what others have said: you’re doing great! Thank you for your words and honesty!

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May 21Liked by Sohla El-Waylly

Completely off topic, I made your Masa Buttermilk Tres Leche Cake for my birthday and my Mexican in-laws loved it! It was so darn tasty.

On topic, I’m not a mom but don’t be too hard on yourself.

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May 21Liked by Sohla El-Waylly

You are doing wonderful! There is a world of advice out there to tell you how to raise your baby - feeding them what you are eating is an age old practice! And given that she is your and Ham's child - I am in no way surprised that she prefers doenjang jjigae to bland, single note foods!

Sending you love from the other side of the US. You got this!

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May 21Liked by Sohla El-Waylly

Thank you for your candidness and honesty!

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May 25Liked by Sohla El-Waylly

Thank you thank you for your honesty and openness to share. Thank you for taking the time and moving at your own pace! We, your readers, will wait for you!

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May 24Liked by Sohla El-Waylly

Thank you for sharing your recipes and updates both! I think my baby is just about a year older than yours and we had such terrible breast and bottle feeding issues at the start along with that crazy projectile vomit/reflux - it is exhausting. I hope you and your kiddo get to enjoy being on the other side of it soon. Just from what you've shared here it sounds like you're doing a great job getting the two of you through such a challenging time! Now that mine is through it, one of our favorite meals to share together is a vegetarian version of your bacony collards and beans pasta from food52, so we owe you a huge thanks!!

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May 23Liked by Sohla El-Waylly

Ah, I understand what you are going through. It’s ok to pause and focus on this new person. ❤️

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May 22Liked by Sohla El-Waylly

You and your family are in my thoughts. Sometimes we have to lighten our load in order to move forward and it takes strength to make those decisions.

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