Weaning

The past two weeks have been bittersweet.  I knew that by your first birthday I wanted you to be either fully weaned or at least on the way there, but I had no idea it would be so hard for me to let go of.  I have loved the bond between you and I, and the ability to soothe you at any given moment if you needed me.  It was something that came so easily for the two of us, and I am so thankful for that.  I fed you anywhere and everywhere regardless of what people may have thought because my baby needed to eat! :)  I had hoped you would wean yourself to prevent me from having to refuse you your much desired milk, but when the day came that you didn't want me it stung much deeper than I had ever imagined.  I broke down in a puddle of tears to your daddy, and he of course wiped them away and picked me back up with words that always seem to set me straight and build me up like no one else has ever been able to do for me!  The next day all seemed back to normal, so I held on to our bond for a few more days before attacking the weaning monster.

At first I dropped your late morning feed and tried different types of milk in a sippy cup, but you refused each and every one.  For three days this went on, and you were extra crabby and I took it personally as it seemed you were mad at me.  It hurt my heart a bit, until you started taking the last milk I tried, rice milk.  It made me so happy to see you drinking from your sippy cup, tilting your head back as far as it can go.  You are just so darn cute!  I am happy to say that you are currently drinking at least 12-15oz or rice milk a day, but sometimes more.  Every day it seems you are liking and accepting it more and more.  I am still nursing you in the morning and before bed, and truthfully that bedtime routine will be a hard one for me to let go of, but I know the day is drawing near and you and I will be just fine.  I know this, but it's hard for me to accept.

I love being your mom more than I could possibly every try to express.  You make my life so full and rich.  I pray we always hold a close bond with one another no matter what stage in life it may be.  Zaylee girl, I hope you always know you can come to me with anything and everything.  I want nothing but the best in life for you my sweet daughter.