Years ago, when Tonka was getting ready to wean, my mother had some sage words: "pay attention. You never know when the last time you nurse him will be."So I did. I remember the way I held him, the place we were, and the mix of relief and loss I felt when I realized days later that we were officially "done." He was about 20 months old, and I was just a few months away from having his brother, Monkey. A new nursling who in just 2 months will officially be a two-year old. My mother's words are echoing in my ear again, and again I feel a mix of relief and loss. Now when we nurse, it is only for a few minutes (or seconds, when something more interesting comes along...like a camera!), and there is no more milk. A day or two will go by, and I will think, "is this it?" or, "I said no to him last time, will there be another?"
Moments like this afternoon, when he asks and I oblige, are precious to me and well worth documenting. I love that connection we have, and I love that Monkey's brother is a very close (ha!) part of that connection. While we sit, I relax, pray, and remember that though my boys are growing up there will soon be another newborn in my arms, and the cycle will continue.
4 comments:
What a precious post. You're a great Mommy Em. Love you.
*sniff* I am an advocate for freezing time occasionally. Just sayin'.
This brought tears to my eyes Emily! I'm struggling right now with Bella nursing less and me trying to pump for the Dublin trip and not getting much. I really hope that me being gone for almost five days won't be the end of nursing. I plan on pumping while there to try and keep em' going and hoping she'll still want to nurse when I get back. The timing of the trip sucks! I really want her to decide when she's done. (No matter what my silly husband might say!) As always, you are my baby wearing guru!! I miss you tons! Heather
love this post! beautiful! I'm still reluctant to weaning Delilah who's 17 months now. She still nurses at nap and bed times, although my supply is running low as well. She'll nurse for a few minutes, then ask for her "pat pat." =) In those few minutes a day, she's still a baby. The rest of the day, not so much.
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