Thursday, April 30, 2009

Weaning & weeping

As of today, I am beginning the weaning process (sniffle!) My heart overflows with the joy of knowing that Andrew and I have been able to share this bond for a little over a year now. But at the same time, my heart breaks because I feel like I am leaving the last tiny piece of his baby-hood behind. I have been offering him cow's milk from a sippy cup for about a week now. The first few days, he wanted nothing to do with it. But over the past three days, he has grown to LOVE it. Last night he would go get his cup and bring it to me and point at it like he was trying to tell me to fill it up. I would put a little milk in it and he would chug it down and just grin! So I guess he's ready.

Starting today, for the first time since school started, I will NOT be pumping at school...so he will get cow's milk from a sippy for lunch. For the next few days, I will continue to pump before I leave for work and let him nurse when I get home and then again before bed. Every 4-6 days, I will drop a feeding. I know I will drop the 4:00 feeding next, but I don't know what to do after that. I don't know what will be worse...not nursing when he first wakes up or not nursing right before bed. Those are his favorites.

Please pray for me that I will deal with this emotional time gracefully. Right now all I want to do is cry and give into my belief that after I stop nursing he won't need me anymore (though I am quite aware that it's foolish nonsense!) While I am ready for a little more "me" time, this bond cannot be replaced and this is one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. Keep me in your prayers.

5 comments:

Randal, Belinda and Caylee-Grace said...

I will pray for you I totally understand and know that my day is coming for this. I don't even want to think about it.

Teale said...

Bless your heart. I can't even imagine! Nursing has been the best and most rewarding thing I've ever done and I will be so sad when it's over. It is awesome you have nursed him through his first year. There is nothing better for him!

Leah said...

Oh I hated this time! Hang in there hope it goes smoothly!

Anonymous said...

Oh I am soooo sorry! I can't imagine. I will keep you in my prayers and I love you much!

Kim said...

:( Hang in there! I know how you feel. And yes it is hard, but everything will go smooth and you will always have that "I did it!" notch in your belt loop to make you smile :)