It's been awhile since my last post. Life got busy as I set out to do just what I had written about in fear. I wrote about my trials with having to go back to work and not being ready to wean from nursing. My final words were "In two years I hope you find me with a child attached to my chest. Then you will know that Carter is leading the weaning not work." I am proud to update that at 19 months and counting, Carter and I still share the occasional nursing session, and it is ever more wonderful now then before.
When C turned 9 months I got hired to work part-time for Shoppers Drug Mart. The schedule worked perfectly with Daddies schedule and allowed us to have 2 incomes and NO childcare costs. Carter had only started solid foods around 7-8 months, it was a slow process, and I was insecure about leaving him to go to work.
Turns out that having a few shifts a week, was a welcomed change of scenery. I loved the math of opening the store and completing deposits. (AND I HATE MATH) I enjoyed solving customer issues. Mainly because they didn't concern diaper rash, or sleepless nights. ( I do not work in the pharmacy.) Other then the noticeable engorgement of my breasts from going 5 hours without nursing, I hardly noticed the time as it ticked by, and enjoyed myself.
Daddy and Carter were forced to figure things out in a new way. And that they did. These guys didn't miss me for a second, and I will always thank my job for getting me out of the house and out of my husbands way. To allow him do his Daddy duties without me there to interfere or take over. Carter has the best Dad. I will never ever doubt that. I am so lucky.
A few months after starting at Shopper's I took on a little boy Carter's age to babysit and bring in even more cash-flow. Again this allowed me to stay home with my son to continue breastfeeding, and now my income has doubled.
So look at me now! I consider myself to be a full-time, working stay at home Mom. I have achieved my goal of allowing for child led weaning, AND contribute to our household income. I am proud of myself for getting to this point. Proud of my son for following along so willingly and staying connected. And proud of my life.
My Toddler is leading the weaning. Not work. And I couldn't be happier.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
"Reflections of Breastfeeding"
As I was watching this, I started to well up and cry. My 14 month old climbed up onto my lap, looked me in the eyes and gave me a kiss. His giant hug soon turned into nursing. I think that was his way of comforting me. It's the only way he knows comfort, so it must work for his Mama too.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Great paragraph I found on the web
"Possibly the most important aspect of breastfeeding a toddler is not the nutritional or immunologic benefits, important as they are. I believe the most important aspect of breastfeeding a toddler is the special relationship between child and his mother. Breastfeeding is a life-affirming act of love that repeats itself every time the child goes to the breast. This continues when the baby becomes a toddler. Anyone without prejudices, who has ever observed an older baby or toddler breastfeeding can testify that there is something special, something far beyond food, going on. A toddler will sometimes spontaneously, for no obvious reason, break into laughter while he is breastfeeding. His delight in the breast goes far beyond a source of food. And if the mother allows herself, breastfeeding becomes a source of delight for her as well, far beyond the pleasure of providing food. The mother comforts the child with breastfeeding and the child comforts the mother by breastfeeding."
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Happy Birthday Shannon
A quarter century so far
and although no surprise
you warmed our hearts with all you do
and with your feisty blue eyes
you were born with your beauty
and that never has quit
blonde locks and ready smile
your trade mark, and wit
a nose no more than a button
you were cute right from the start
but if one would ever think that all there might be
you brought laughter and joy to their heart
you showed depth, and a spunk
from a very young age
no one pushed you around
and you weren't so easy to gage
oh you always had friends
too many to count
then came tap, and soon jazz
all before the stage you'd mount
the first time you cried
but made not a peep
then came your pure voice
so strong and so sweet
you're loved because you love so well
from the core, right from your heart
we all win to know you as you grow
even when were often apart
and now as a partner, and a mother
it's the beginning of your next chapter in life
the first twenty five have gone by in a flash
and wait the next quarter with delight
Happy Birthday Shannon
Daddy
and although no surprise
you warmed our hearts with all you do
and with your feisty blue eyes
you were born with your beauty
and that never has quit
blonde locks and ready smile
your trade mark, and wit
a nose no more than a button
you were cute right from the start
but if one would ever think that all there might be
you brought laughter and joy to their heart
you showed depth, and a spunk
from a very young age
no one pushed you around
and you weren't so easy to gage
oh you always had friends
too many to count
then came tap, and soon jazz
all before the stage you'd mount
the first time you cried
but made not a peep
then came your pure voice
so strong and so sweet
you're loved because you love so well
from the core, right from your heart
we all win to know you as you grow
even when were often apart
and now as a partner, and a mother
it's the beginning of your next chapter in life
the first twenty five have gone by in a flash
and wait the next quarter with delight
Happy Birthday Shannon
Daddy
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