The breastfeeding goal I set for myself when Ben was born was 1 year. That's what the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends so that's what I decided to aim for. Now that Ben is 10.5 months (how did this happen?!) I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Or, the underwire bra at the end of a LONG year of ill-fitting nursing bras. A few thoughts on weaning Mr. Ben:
PRAISE THE LORD I'M ALMOST DONE NURSING!
Another part of me is really sad that Ben and I won't have this time together anymore. It's not so much that it's this really tender, sweet time -these days there is a good bit of kicking, pinching and fingernails involved. It's more that weaning him signifies the end of his "babydom" to me. I know in some sense I will still think of him as my baby when he's 37, but it makes me teary to think that we are almost done with this stage in his life.
I'm a little concerned about the extra calories I won't be burning once I stop nursing. I've developed a pretty serious ice cream habit. While I will hopefully be losing a pound or two up top (yes - they got that big), I may be gaining 3 or 4 or 10 around my midsection.
FREEDOM! Freedom to wear strapless bras, and dresses, and, heck, a one piece Speedo if I want to (don't worry Matt, I don't plan on rushing out and buying a once piece Speedo, at least not until baby #2 comes along.....) Freedom to go places and not have to worry if there will be an inconspicuous corner where I can whip my boob out and feed my child away from the public eye. Freedom to drink alcohol and not have to think about when I will be feeding Ben again, and should I really have this 2nd glass of wine and maybe I should just pump and dump but NOOOOOO that is worse than throwing the entire contents of my wallet into the toilet so I will just stand here and sip my water.
Ben needs to figure out this sippy cup thing ASAP. In the past month we've tried 3 different varieties of sippy cups. He hasn't successfully drunk out of a single one, but they are an endless source of entertainment for him and have survived being gnawed on by his squirrel teeth thus far.....
10.5 months down, 1.5 months to go!
