Bye Bye Boobies

No more breastfeeding at casa Altenberg, and I'm not coping well.

While Nate was in the hospital, he was so sick, I couldn't nurse him. Then, I was the one too sick to nurse. By the time he came home, he had decided he was ready to wean. Oh, we gave it a go for old time's sake, but within 24 hours, he had decided he was permanently done.

And here I thought weaning my last born would be some grand ordeal, some slow letting-go of each other... but no, he's just done. No long goodbye, no crying or whimpering. At 13 months, my little man is off the boob. And I'm broken up.

Breastfeeding my boys has been incredibly rewarding. In earnest, I consider it one of my greatest accomplishments. For those of you who haven't tried it, it is not an easy thing to do. It can be painful and difficult, and it requires patience and a tremendous amount of self sacrifice. It also provides so many quiet, intimate, precious moments with your little one, snuggling in the rocker, laying in the bed, watching him drift off to sleep or tug at your hair. Nate always tried to stick his hand in my mouth, and he would pull off the boob in laughter at his little game.

Anyway. Life is changing. They're growing up fast. I know the weaning is a good thing; I should be happy it came so easily. I have more freedom now. I'm no longer the only person who can get the boy to bed.

So, bye bye boobies and bye bye baby. Hello Natey, my little man. I'm glad you're independent and secure and ready to be a toddler. Still, it's hard to let go. I will miss having a baby in my house.