this is the end...

So I had to go to the doctor today. I have chronic pain issues and just plain old issues. And each of these issues now require medication so I've had to actively wean Isaiah this week. He's just nursing at night now and I'm trying to be done by friday. I'm sure there will be much crying but he'll be okay. My goal was 2 years and we did that and then some. I'm sure there will be much crying on my part too. I'll officially be leaving baby land forever this time.

Isaiah turns 2

Yes, I'm still nursing my son.
Yes, he did just turn two.
No, I don't know when he'll wean.
Yes, I'm quite sure it will be before college.

No, it's not causing his teeth to rot.
No, it is certainly not spoiling him.
Yes, he does eat other food.
No, it won't cause him to be too thin or too chubby.

Yes, he does squirm a lot.
Yes, he does refuse to be covered up now.
No, it doesn't hurt.
Yes, I know it's because he's healthy and strong.

No, I don't rush him.
No, I don't think he's done yet.
Yes, I will know when we're done.
No, it won't be today.

Yes, sometimes I'm a bit "touched out".
Yes, sometimes I say no to him.
No, that doesn't mean I have to stop.
Yes, I'm very happy with this nursing relationship.

funny thing about nursing a toddler #212

Isaiah was nursing before naptime yesterday. He was getting that sleepy, zombie look on his face so I thought he was ready to fall asleep. Then all the sudden he pops off, tells me all about some big truck and how it drives here and there and all around and then latched back on and went to sleep.

Isaiah turns 2 next month and I know these days are almost done. Part of me is ready to be alone in this body, not have to worry about having a beer or taking some motrin. But I just can't believe we are here already. Why does it have to go so fast?

Last week Isaiah was pretty sick. He had hand, foot, mouth disease- a virus that kids often get. He had a high fever and a sore throat that made him scream in pain. He didn't even want water because it hurt his throat so much; but he would breastfeed. It was like having a newborn again. And although at times I found myself getting frustrated with so much time on the couch- I tried to be mindful that this was likely the last time I would ever be doing this. I was so grateful we were still nursing.

I am so grateful.

homeschooling lesson- spring harvest jelly

Last fall the kids and I gathers acorns to make pancakes. This spring we gathered dandelions to make jelly. Our yard had plenty so we didn't have to even leave home for this project.

We needed 4 cups of the yellow parts of the flower- that is a lot of dandelions!

Isaiah helped too!

This was his contribution.

See the rest of the story here.

the benefits of breastfeeding my potty-trainer

22 months and still nursing happily- Isaiah and I are both happy with keeping this relationship going. I had never considered before today the benefits of nursing during potty training! Yesterday we got home from seeing the Tigers and we were all tired out from a long, fun day outside. I wanted to just crash on the couch but Isaiah declared he had to poop. He'd only been on the potty once before just as a joke more than anything, but I believed him and put him on there- and he DID IT! Pee and poop. And he seemed to understand how to make it all work on demand! Yes!! I love child-directed parenting. He was ready, so he asked to do it!

Today, so far, he's been dry all day and has asked to go when needed. The benefits of breastfeeding have been that I don't have to reward him with junky candy or wasteful stickers- he just has a little milk when he's done. He feels happy, supported and very big!

thoughts on nursing a toddler

I've never made it this far into the breastfeeding relationship. Solstice was only just over a year and Aiden was about 18 months when they weaned. Isaiah is 20 months now and this is a whole new thing.
1. I've never nursed a talking child before. It adds a whole new dimention to "don't talk with your mouth full".
2. When the first breast is out of fast flowing milk, Isaiah will sign "all done" and then quickly sign "milk" meaning he wants to easier milk that would come from switching sides.
3. Often I am awaken as night to Isaiah climbing over me to get to the breast with more milk. He just helps himself (which is good) but he finds it easier to go over me than around.

tick tock

Isaiah is still breastfeeding on demand. He doesn't ask as often throughout the day, but he really hasn't slowed down yet.



But I know the time is coming. Aiden and Solstice were both weaned at this age. I've been hoping all along to make it to his second birthday and I have no reason to think we won't.



But everyday that goes by and gets us closer to his birthday makes me a little sad. I really hate the idea of giving up this part of our relationship. I know new and exciting things will happen in his second year but there is something so magical about right now.



I love that he can ask for milk and tell me when he's all done. I love how we communicate when he's busy nursing. I love how he fits perfectly on my lap.



Why do they have to grow up?