Last weekend we celebrated Jenny’s first birthday.
We have been slowly and steadily weaning for weeks now.
Monday night, I nursed my baby to sleep for the last time, striving to cherish every moment of closeness I had with her.
Last night I put her to bed with just a hug, a cuddle, a kiss and a wave “night, night”.
I had anticipated that she would have a really hard time with that, crying out for me to come in and nurse her.
But she didn’t.
It was time.
She didn’t cry at all.
And, I’ll confess, that made me a little sad.
Tonight, for the second night, my baby went to sleep for the night on her own.
It really makes me miss this time…
…I miss the moments of snuggling with my baby on the couch for hours.
I miss the softness, the dependence, the smells.
I miss her little tiny body curving into mine as she lay on my chest.
I’m allowing myself to miss that time as we move on into a new phase of life.
LifeAtTheCircus says
oh dear… I know EXACTLY how you feel. All of mine pretty much weaned themselves between 10-12 mths. This is my first baby to make it to his first birthday still nursing. We are down to once a day and working on weaning, but it is hard for momma and baby. (harder for Momma) Last night he was feeling sick and crying. I took him out to the couch, nursed him, cuddled him and as he lay sleeping in my arms there was a big ol lump in my throat. My baby is growing up. I have truly treasured and savored this past year.
Victoria Murphy says
I felt so sad, like it was a loss, my last baby doesn’t depend on me for nourishment any more. How amazing are our bodies, to be able to carry a new life within us and feed that new life after birth. Our bodies will never be the same, our lives forever changed. I miss it.
Jen says
I only nursed my third one, but I am thankful that I *knew* our last time nursing was our last. I’m glad it wasn’t a sudden thing, and that when I sat down with her, I was able to really focus on her and cherish it. I don’t remember the last time in any detail, just that I was prepared for it. I think it would have been more sad if I had not known it was coming, but it was just poignant.
Barbie says
I’ve not experienced this. I was only able to nurse my babies for about 2 months. Just didn’t work for me when I had to return to work. I can imagine how you feel. So hard to see them grow up so fast.
Amy @ Finer Things says
This is why I nurse my babies until they are 5 years old. LOL I kid! I kid!
Kim Voiles says
Oh, my word sister do I know how you feel! I miss it too and those last few days of knowing that they were the LAST. FEW. DAYS. made it all the more sentimental. Love your sweet heart!