Hi Serides, sorry no one replied sooner.
I think with the foods that he likes pureed, it is because of a texture preference. Could you gradually make the puree thicker and chunkier each meal? How are his teeth coming? My LO reacted differently to his food when he was teething. Just continue to take it slow and follow his lead and gradually phase different foods and textures in for him. Have you tried various kinds of soups and stews where everything is still smooth or soft yet has some chunks? With soup I smash bread or crackers in there to help absorb some of the liquid.
With the spoon, just continue to let him use it with yogurt or mashed vegetables or fruit and cover him up with a bib/apron to keep his clothes from getting too dirty. Even when you are feeding him, let him use his own spoon too. Really it is more of a practice situation and also all children develop at different rates physically and his motor skills are improving each day at this age. Also let him try to use a fork too for fun, lots of LO's find it easier to stab a piece of cheese or bread for example. Some find it easier to use than using a spoon.
HTH,
Aisling x