Because I do. I know that BLW is a mucky process when we start off, all the splash mats and porridge oats everywhere and all that stuff but over the last few months I've become increasingly convinced that Babybear is quite the neatest child in any cafe or restaurant that we find ourselves in.

We were out the other day and at the table next to us was a girl of the same age, and she created absolute havoc, flinging food in all directions. It wasn't just the lobbing, though, she also seemed so much less accurate with placing food in her mouth. But then, according to her father who apologised as he came to pick pizza cheese off our table, 'she's only been on finger food for a wee while'. I nodded and said, oh it's fine etc but Babybear's dad, whose parental politeness antennae are less finely-tuned than my own blurted 'Really? why?'

No reason, as it turned out, and truth be told it wasn't that bad, but it was interesting to watch her wreak the sort of havoc that Babybear used to when she was small. It was also interesting to note that the staff were less indulgent of an older child making a mess than they were of Babybear.

Anyway, without boasting (and yes I do realise that this blog isn't much more than an extended boast) I want to tell you that by about 15 months Babybear was very neat indeed with her food. Now, anything with tomato sauce still gets liberally smeared across her face but the point is that it no longer hits her clothes like an orange bomb. Spooning she's not bad at but a bit drippy with yoghurt and she enjoys stabbing pasta etc with her fork. We had to ditch plastic cutlery a long time ago as it's just not sharp enough.

Anyway, I'm interested to know what you think. Presumably everyone goes through a really mucky, yucky stage but are we fortunate in that we get it over with before their throwing arm gets really strong?