Well for those of you that know me well, you know that I am still nursing Daniel. He turned 2 in April. I am proud that I have been able to do that for him. Even with him having been in the NICU after he was born Daniel has never been given formula. The World Health Organization recommends that babies breastfeed for at least the first 2 years for many reasons and I breastfed Elijah until he was 27 months so I knew I would be going at least 2 years with Daniel and maybe more. Daniel is a typical 2 year old though and the whole "mine, mine", and "I want it now" mentality is strong in him. It got to the point where he was constantly pulling at my shirt in public and treating me like a buffet going from one side to the other constantly so I really felt the need to stop this behavior. I really felt burned out on the breastfeeding so I started the struggle of weaning. Wow! Try taking a 2 year old's favorite thing away. There has been a lot of tears, screaming, and crying, over the past week. I am happy to report that Daniel has not breastfed during the day for 4 full days now. I have also broken him from needing it to fall asleep. So currently I am only nursing him when he wakes up in the middle of the night. He used to nurse constantly through the night, and now he is down to just twice per night. He went one night only nursing once. So I think I will be able to break him from that soon as well. The hard part all along has been that Daniel doesn't have anything to comfort him except for me. He doesn't like pacifiers, he doesn't have a favorite blankie, or a favorite stuffed animal. So its hard for him to self-soothe. He is getting better at it though.
Now that we are almost through with this stage I know I will miss it. Daniel is probably my last baby. I have to realize that he isn't a baby anymore. I am so happy he is growing up and getting more independent and it is so fun to see him changing into a little boy. He is starting to talk a lot more which is nice. He plays like a big boy with his brother and his brother's friends. I think he will be very musical when he grows up. He loves playing the keyboard, listening to music, playing drums, strumming a guitar, etc. What a joy!
In case you were wondering about how my 40 Day Challenge to follow a vegan diet and eat just God made food is going, I can report I am half-way through week 4. Its going really good! I have been averaging eating something I shouldn't about once per week. So I am not following it perfectly but I am happy with my progress. I haven't lost a bunch more weight but I do feel really good and when I eat something I shouldn't I can feel the difference in my body right away. This is a lifestyle change that suits me, and I think I will stick with it after the challenge is over.
Hoping all of you out there in blog land are doing well!!
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4 comments:
Wow Joanna, That is huge. I hope you are feeling better now that you are getting a little more sleep. It is hard to let go of those things. The longest I nursed was 25 months. I love nursing, it is such a wonderful bonding time. I fully believe in nursing past the first birthday if you can. I know what you are talking about with being the human pacifier, it does get exhausting after awhile. What a big milestone for you and Daniel.
Wow. I stopped at seven months when Ryan bit me and laughed. I am hoping to make it to at least the first birthday this time though- but if biting is an issue I am going to hang on to the pump!
Greta job on the new way of eating! My 2 year old is still a baby and will be for a long time--- it is just a fact of life that he will have to live with. ;)
Joanna,
I'm really proud of you! You are a great mom. Keep up and don't give up on the vegan diet. I know it is better for you.
love,
mom
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