Since I've become a "once in a blue moon" blogger... I know I should play catchup: post pictures of our big ONE year old girl and rave about all her new tricks, how much she's learned, how busy she keeps us.
But instead I logged on when I should be sleeping to blog about the fact that we quit nursing. Helen is weaned. Friday, February 17th was my last night nursing and I cherished every moment.... I thought I might give in and nurse one night this week, but she hasn't really tried so I figured I need to be strong. But I wanted to.
I should back-up and say I have no judgement towards those who don't nurse/etc - it was right for us, I'm home (for now) so I did it (big believer in the "do what works for you" mantra). And even when it was hard, I really liked it. I loved the bond. I loved that I got to put her to bed and hold her right when she woke up (ok, maybe not at 4 am, but you take the bad with the good). I liked she needed me I suppose. And that we were so in sync.
About a week before Helen turned one- we decided to introduce her to cow's milk. I figured the weaning process would happen slowly (I wasn't going to force anything, was going to follow her lead) so it couldn't hurt to introduce it and see what she thought. She LOVEd it. Immediate love. She is such a Soheili (milkaholics). :) She skipped a nursing the first day and quickly we transitioned to nursing only morning and night and having sippy cups with whole milk during the day.
After her first birthday, she seemed to be thriving with the whole milk and my supply did seem decreased (probably adjusting to the change) so we cut out morning feedings and swapped for whole milk.
It was all a breeze for her. Me on the other hand... well I could cry just typing about it. I was ready to stop nursing, I really was/am. In terms of having my body back, sharing night/morning duties, added freedom, etc. But I could never have imagined how sad it would make me to know she doesn't need me in that way anymore. That she's changing and growing up. (it makes me happy too, not to be overly dramatic!) but I guess I couldn't have anticipated how emotional I would feel. I'm proud that we shared the experience for a little over a year. I'm proud that she transitioned so seamlessly and is thriving. But a little part of me would like to run into her room right now, nurse her in my arms, rock in the glider and both fall asleep together. Ahhhhh, good times.
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