A Bittersweet Ending

A bittersweet ending is looming ahead of me. My nursling turned 10 months old 3 days ago.

Nursing a baby is a beautiful thing. It is the best way to provide nutrition for the first year of life. Some moms nurse for longer, some nurse for shorter. I don't have problems with either school of thought as long as the parents are doing what is best for their own child. My husband and I agree that the first year of life is sufficient for our children to nurse.

With Clare's first birthday only 2 months away, I have begun making plans (in my head mostly) for her first birthday party. My brother-in-law is getting married on her birthday, so that takes care of my husband's side of the family. (How many one year olds get wedding cake on their first birthday?!) For my side, we are tossing around the idea of a zoo party split three ways. I have one nephew who will be 11 on May 19th and one who will be 3 on May 22nd. With that part taken care of, my mind wonders on to the other milestone - weaning.

With Bernadette, I dropped one nursing per month starting when she was 6 months, until she was weaned at about 11 1/2 months. Because of illness and other factors, I didn't do that with Clare. However, she seems to be losing interest and is down to 3 times a day.

Since her 10 month birthday a few days ago, I have been a little sentimental about these 3 nursing times. This morning, she was too busy to nurse (even though her sister was still in bed) so I didn't push her to. When afternoon nap was approaching, I was busy on the computer. She was playing at my feet and would occasionally want up on my lap. She would give me big hugs, then get back down to play. She was gently reminding me that she was ready to nurse. So, I finished up what I was doing, grabbed her blanket and camel from her crib, and my book, and sat down to nurse. Bernadette was doing the dishes, so we had no distractions.

There is something so peaceful about nursing a baby, especially when they are falling asleep. This afternoon, Clare was very snuggly and completely relaxed as she was nursing. I couldn't help but think of how sad it will be to lose that precious time with her. I don't remember being sentimental about weaning Bernadette, but I think that was because I was able to focus on her a lot more during the days. Clare doesn't often get my undivided attention. I will have to be more creative about Mama-Clare time.

I will enjoy these last 2 months before the big birthday. I will treasure these last nursings with Clare.