Never in a million years did I dream that I would still be nursing my child at 2 1/2 years. Never. The woman I babysat for in college nursed her three year old and I thought she was a little crazed. Amazing what a little age and experience do to you.
Anyhoo, we have had a number of very sweet and funny moments around the 'mommy milk' as Ladybug likes to call it. The other night, D and I were laying with out little ladybug in her bed. She was nursing, eyes closed, breathing rhythmic. D and I were holding hands. I felt so content and calm, when suddenly, LB opens her eyes and cried "All gone." We waited and she continued, "Oh no, now what are we going to do." It was such a crisis for her.
When Ladybug encounters a problem, we often will ask her how she thinks we should solve it. So imagine a scenario much like the above, a family of three, all reclining in bed in a pseudo-state of slumber when LB states yet again "All gone." So, my husband asked her "What are we going to do" as he was still cracking up from her last witticism. LB, in all seriousness turned to him and plainly stated "go to the store and get more."
Mommy milk - It does a body good. Especially Little Ladybug. When she needs comforting, she often asks for mommy milk to make her 'owwie' feel better. What is equally comforting to see is that she often shares her own mommy milk with her baby bear, treating her in such a kind and gentle fashion.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Daddy's Birthday
This week has been an ongoing celebration of Ladybug's Dad's Birthday. Sunday was his birthday and we actually had a gift for him on time! Unfortunately, we did not make the birthday cake until yesterday and therefore, much to his chagrin, had to leave the decorations up until we sang with the cake.
Ladybug was a big help. She seemed to enjoy making the whipped cream frosting more than making the cake itself. She held the beaters, sampled the frosting, and then even attempted to ice her baby cakes. It truly was a delightful time and she was in such a good mood.
Ladybug was a big help. She seemed to enjoy making the whipped cream frosting more than making the cake itself. She held the beaters, sampled the frosting, and then even attempted to ice her baby cakes. It truly was a delightful time and she was in such a good mood.
Lent
Well, the Season of Lent began this week. Thus far, it has started out well. Ladybug and I went to Church to attend mass and receive our ashes. However, she was very confused as to 'why' we were receiving ashes. She wanted mommy to do it. Then, when she received hers, she was fairly attentive in trying to make them go away. She did like mine, however, as I had a 'big one.'
This overt declaration of Catholicism has a comfortable feel for me. I like this ritual and feel heartened when I see others walking down the street with the dusty black sign of the cross on the forehead. However, this sign, also has helped me realize that I too, will need to brush up on my own faith beliefs if I feel that Ladybug should be introduced to them. "Why" is creeping up in our daily conversations and I certainly feel ill-equipped with the answers. "Why is this called Lent? Why are we having ashes? Why doesn't J have ashes?"
I read something yesterday about what kinds of things folks give up for Lent. Many choose to give up the same thing, year after year: chocolate, sweets, coffee, wine, etc. However, the person writing this article put forth an interesting concept: Try to hear what God would like you to do for Lent versus what we traditionally choose to give up for Lent. Novel concept. While I had chosen a few non-traditional actions for this upcoming Lenten Season, I have to say, that this novel idea proved intriguing. Part of hearing requires one to stop, listen, and take note. That in and of itself can prove challenging. Of course, if it was easy, it really would not make sense to give it up in the first place.
This overt declaration of Catholicism has a comfortable feel for me. I like this ritual and feel heartened when I see others walking down the street with the dusty black sign of the cross on the forehead. However, this sign, also has helped me realize that I too, will need to brush up on my own faith beliefs if I feel that Ladybug should be introduced to them. "Why" is creeping up in our daily conversations and I certainly feel ill-equipped with the answers. "Why is this called Lent? Why are we having ashes? Why doesn't J have ashes?"
I read something yesterday about what kinds of things folks give up for Lent. Many choose to give up the same thing, year after year: chocolate, sweets, coffee, wine, etc. However, the person writing this article put forth an interesting concept: Try to hear what God would like you to do for Lent versus what we traditionally choose to give up for Lent. Novel concept. While I had chosen a few non-traditional actions for this upcoming Lenten Season, I have to say, that this novel idea proved intriguing. Part of hearing requires one to stop, listen, and take note. That in and of itself can prove challenging. Of course, if it was easy, it really would not make sense to give it up in the first place.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Nutella and other odds and ends.
I love Nutella! Nutella, this lovely, chocolate hazelnut spread was introduced to me by my husband. I really cannot say enough about it. When I am having an off day, D may try and sweeten me up by giving me a bit. Somedays, this would take a full jar.
Three days ago, I was having such a day. D and Ladybug and I were finishing dinner when the Nutella emerged. Ladybug, having herboth her dad and mom's good taste, also enjoys this wonderful substance and so D was making us mini Nutella sandwiches. Well, the Nutella worked. No sooner had I finished my sandwiches that I felt calm and generous. I wanted to share my appreciation to D and decided to rub his shoulders. Unfortunately, Nutella is not the cleanest of substances and so in rubbing his shoulders, some of the Nutella was transferred to his shirt.
Me: Oops. Umm, D., I think that I got a little bit of Nutella on your back.
D: Why doesn't that surprise me?
Ladybug: Nice job, Mom
Me: (Incredulous) Excuse me, Ladybug, what did you say?
Ladybug: Nice job, Mom.
Sarcasm has begun already. I think I need a few more parenting books and another jar of Nutella!
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Ladybug is going through this hitting phase as of late. That and a truly, "make me" sort of attitude. Needless to say, I have been warned that this is nothing compared to her future adolescence. I have tried numerous tactics: holding and nursing; time out; ignoring the behavior; acting sad. As it stands, I may just have to bury myself in some more Nutella.
Three days ago, I was having such a day. D and Ladybug and I were finishing dinner when the Nutella emerged. Ladybug, having herboth her dad and mom's good taste, also enjoys this wonderful substance and so D was making us mini Nutella sandwiches. Well, the Nutella worked. No sooner had I finished my sandwiches that I felt calm and generous. I wanted to share my appreciation to D and decided to rub his shoulders. Unfortunately, Nutella is not the cleanest of substances and so in rubbing his shoulders, some of the Nutella was transferred to his shirt.
Me: Oops. Umm, D., I think that I got a little bit of Nutella on your back.
D: Why doesn't that surprise me?
Ladybug: Nice job, Mom
Me: (Incredulous) Excuse me, Ladybug, what did you say?
Ladybug: Nice job, Mom.
Sarcasm has begun already. I think I need a few more parenting books and another jar of Nutella!
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Ladybug is going through this hitting phase as of late. That and a truly, "make me" sort of attitude. Needless to say, I have been warned that this is nothing compared to her future adolescence. I have tried numerous tactics: holding and nursing; time out; ignoring the behavior; acting sad. As it stands, I may just have to bury myself in some more Nutella.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Night Weaning
We have been trying this night weaning thing now since December 30, 2009. Essentially, we let Ladybug know that the milk is off when the Moon is up and that the milk comes on again when the sun is up. I know that she gets it. She was able to process this without any difficulty when I had a few procedures that required no breastfeeding for 24 hours earlier last year.
Lately, she has been waking up in the middle of the night, inconsolable, strongly desiring the 'mommy milk.' It breaks my heart. However, she really does sleep better when the milk is off, and with her getting sick earlier last week, I am becoming somewhat of a sleep tyrant when it comes to her getting her sleep.
Despite his being a LLL kid, D is frustrated that she is not entirely weaned yet. I on the other hand, feel strongly about the importance of breastfeeding both from an immunological as well as a emotional perspective. I am certain that she will not be breastfeeding forever.
We can only hope that we will all make it peacefully through this transitional time.
Lately, she has been waking up in the middle of the night, inconsolable, strongly desiring the 'mommy milk.' It breaks my heart. However, she really does sleep better when the milk is off, and with her getting sick earlier last week, I am becoming somewhat of a sleep tyrant when it comes to her getting her sleep.
Despite his being a LLL kid, D is frustrated that she is not entirely weaned yet. I on the other hand, feel strongly about the importance of breastfeeding both from an immunological as well as a emotional perspective. I am certain that she will not be breastfeeding forever.
We can only hope that we will all make it peacefully through this transitional time.
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