Weaning...

Like many things that have happened this past year, this is uncharted territory for us. Thanks to some great gal pals, family members, and friends who have preceded us in the parenting department, we have received some awesome advice on many things baby-related. Regarding the subject of weaning, though, I still feel like I'm in the dark as to what we should try.

I have mixed emotions right now. I thought I would be more excited and so ready to finally be at this juncture! Don't get me wrong, I am looking forward to not having to pump twice a day at work (and countless other times for traveling purposes, etc.), freeze/unthaw supply, and so on {AND, selfishly, I also look forward to wearing clothes from my wardrobe without having to make sure it's nursing-accessible} After the past year I now know why I had heard that breastfeeding is hard work! Although I may have complained a little bit to Brett at times about those chores, I have enjoyed it so much! However, a little [okay, no a BIG] part of me is very sad that this chapter is coming to a close.

I understand that I can keep nursing, but since Jameston can start whole milk and because my body can no longer keep up with his growing, I know it is time. Like others have told me I would, I am definitely going to miss the bonding that breastfeeding provides, the quiet times in the wee hours of the morning, and, very truthfully, the idea that he will no longer "need" me for nourishment. I understand there are many other ways that we can bond, and I know, he will continue to need me, but you get what I am saying, right?

Needless to say weaning will be an adjustment for both Jameston and me. I think he will be a trooper, because he no longer needs to nurse before bedtime, and as I mentioned in another post, he wants to be like the older kids at daycare and drink from a sippy cup instead of his bottles (I guess he's already experiencing peer pressure and thinks that the bottle is no longer "cool!"). There were times that I thought he would wean himself, especially after we went to Guatemala and he had bottles for 9 straight days! But that has not been the case, so here we are. We see his pediatrician for his one-year (wow!) appointment next week, and she is great. I know that she breastfed and will have tips for me, along with her recommendations for his new "diet." I've done my homework and read up on tips about weaning, but if any of you blog readers out there have any words of wisdom, recommendations, etc. I would certainly appreciate them!

On a lighter (and very silly) note, I think I am going to need to wean myself from this:

I mean, it is THE BEST! I normally buy off-brands of baby soap and shampoo (shout outs to Target and Safeway), but when it comes to lotions, I can't break myself from buying J&J's bedtime lotion. I love the lavender scent and the calming effects it claims to have. Because, hey, after a busy day I need a little calming remedy, too:-)