Is it just my daughter (food related)?

DD is nearing on eight months and still refuses to eat anything solid. We've
tried mashed food, jarred food (smoother than I can make it), chunks of
solid food and even teething biscuits (I know, they're a choking hazard) and
nothing works. She either purses her lips (she's a stubborn one) or, in the
case of chunks of stuff, spits it out intact. The whole thing is kind of
funny because she's been so stubborn about it. Her first tooth is just
starting to come in, but she's been like this since we started giving her
solids (or attempting to) at six months. We backed off for a while on
feeding because it seemed to upset her stomach. Now, however, she seems fine
with the little bit we can get into her (about 1/2 Tbsp.) but it takes
forever and it doesn't seem like much fun for anyone.

So, what I'd like to know is (a) did anyone else have this issue and (b) is
there anything I can do to encourage her to eat or (c) will she eat at some
point on her own? Should I keep trying or give up for a week or so and try
again? Any other suggestions? Aside from the little bit of food she's eaten
(rice cereal, peas, yams, apples, bananas) she's exclusively bf'd.

TIA

--
Melissa (in Los Angeles)
Mum to Elizabeth 4/13/03