The End of An Era

I am so ready and yet so sad. LD, I think, is done nursing.

It is funny how life changes you. With K...12 months came along and that was it. I was NOT going to nurse one week longer. I had that idea in my head-12 months is perfect. No more. No less. Then, C came along and weaned himself at the age of 7 months. I think it partly had to do with my work schedule and partly because he was the only one of my kids to take a bottle. But, it still shocked my world that he didn't last the full 12 months.

Now, LD. He loves nursing more than the two of them combined. He is almost 16 months and up until a couple of weeks ago would still nurse 6-7 times a day, 20 minutes each time. He loved it. And I didn't stop him. A few weeks ago, though, I consciously decided to try to gradually wean him. I would only nurse him when he asks and a short time before bed and nap.

Well, yesterday he asked at about 2 pm. That was the only nursing yesterday. (He actually did ask again when we had company over at about 5, but I really believe he doesn't need to nurse in front of others at this age! Thank goodness I am the only one who understands his word for "nurse.")

Now it is almost bedtime and he hasn't nursed today. I think it is over. I am so ready in many ways. It really is time for him to be done. But, as much as I long for more children, I think there is a very real possibility that he is last. That means no more nursing EVER! That is a sad thought. I think it is the end of the era.