hmm...if she does a repeat on the shorter naps is it possible to push through and do an early bedtime? I really think that first nap after a short A time is just her tacking on to the night sleep.
As for solids, well, there never really is a good time! We plunged in and are doing a mix of blw and purees...though if E has anything to say about it we will be doing only blw soon as she wants what we are eating!