Reading this great article about my lactation consultant in the times yesterday was sort of oddly appropriate.
When Asher was 2 weeks old we went to see her in her lovely house not far from here. I wasn’t having problems breastfeeding but I figured it couldn’t hurt to make an appointment, at least she could confirm if what I was doing was right. I mean how would I know?
We were sort of winging it, my boy and me. Matthew tried to help with tips he remembered from the breastfeeding class we took. Asher was gaining weight, and peeing and pooping and in those early days that’s all that matters.
But off we went, because really, what else did we have to do? Asher was my job those first few months and I take my job very seriously.
Apparently we were doing just fine. Imagine that.
We did just fine for a long, long time. He hadn’t had formula until I found out I was going back to work at about 5 months. We just never needed it. He started on 1 bottle a day, upped to 2 when I began going into the office and when I realized I’d be traveling I added yet another bottle so I could save what I pumped in the freezer for my trip.
By early February I only nursed him 2x a day (AM/PM) and over the last few weeks he decided that he’d rather hang out and chat in the evening so that is what we did. Then I was down to just an AM nursing session. Its a pretty sweet schedule compared to the summer.
I spent the entire month of August nursing. Really. Ask anyone who came to visit.
As Asher turns 7 months old today he has also decided to stop nursing. He is done.
Its not even a supply issue, he just has no interest. It started back in December, or really earlier. He always disliked nursing because he would much rather face the world than the underside of my shirt. From very early on I pumped like a madman so he could have a few bottles a day. I guess you can say we both felt equal indifference to the mother/son bonding opportunity.
I went away for a few days and when I returned last week he acted like I was crazy, what was I doing? Where is his bottle!?
Of course I could have forced the issue, and if I was home with him I’m sure it would have been prolonged a bit but that’s not how it played out.
Am I OK with it?
That’s what everyone wants to know.
Yes. I am. It was his decision and it is nice not to have to worry about weaning.
It is nice not to have to worry about my boobs.
It is nice to have a bit more free time together to laugh, play, cuddle and kiss.
I am just maybe the tiniest bit sad that he isn’t getting the breastmilk anymore, since I really believe in its benefits. I was hoping to have at least 1 of his feedings be milk for the next few months.
It reminds me how little say I actually have in his choices. Its a reality check for sure. A good one.
Asher started his swimming lessons this week and he loves it! No surprise there but he really enjoyed frolicking in the pool with Matthew and the other babies.
Every year for 3 years in a row I was onsite and out of town for the Brooklyn Renegade Craft Fair. Last year we were here but I can’t remember why we didn’t go, although moving the week before likely had something to do with it.
This year its June 5-6 and I am planning on going and getting mega excited about all the crap important things I am going to buy.
(future self take note)
I also heard about this NEW craft fair that I’d like to check out. Its in walking distance at the Brooklyn Lyceum which is pretty convenient.
Anyway there are a number of markets that I need to get my behind to when it warms up a bit. One is the Can Factory Market which is also in walking distance and the other is the world famous Brooklyn Flea.
Now I have been to the Flea before. Just once. The VERY VERY VERY first day ever. This is a photo I took of Tim looking forlorn because it was freezing and lame.
How lame exactly?
Pretty lame. Since then it has exploded into indie craft awesomeness and I haven’t even gone back. I know, I know. I’m a little bit stupid like that.
I think I need a craft fair buddy. Matthew has zero interest so it’s hard for me to get motivated. Anybody want to come important thing shopping with me? I’ll buy you a Waffle and Dinge or an papusa from the Red Hook Ball Field Vendors*
We went to the pediatrician today and here are the deets:
27 1/2″ long (82%)
17 1/2 lbs (50%)
She said Asher looks fantastic and is doing great. He is tracking the same each month, he is just tall and thin. (how terrible for him). No teeth, no sign of them. Boobs sigh in relief. So does adorable gummy grin.
Is he rolling over?
He can but he doesn’t really bother.
Does he sit up?
Always.
At the doctor today we get him undressed and on the table and he looks very suspicious. As soon as she touches him he starts kinda grunty whimpering and she says:
“It looks like he’s starting to have a little stranger anxiety”
I said “uh, no…that’s just you”
I mean he made 5 friends in the waiting room. So I’m guessing he is already remembering his past time there with something less than excitement.
He got both flu shots and barely noticed. The Dr. even joked that she could have done more since he’s such a trooper. Which he obviously gets from me. I always loved going to the doctor (right mom?!)
She gave us a prescription for his face since that dumb dry spot hasn’t gone away yet. Hopefully in 3-5 days he will be even more perfect.
If that’s even possible.
We also finally got the go ahead for solids
Oops.
Update on that is he’s been getting 1-2tbsp of oatmeal 2x a day plus 2oz of friut in AM and 2oz veg in PM. Usually apples and squash. The gentlemen are heading to the supermarket tomorrow and he is in for a taste explosion. The good news is he seems to enjoy eating. He gets excited when he sees the bowls and slurps back the fruit and veg in minutes. Its a messy messy process but its going really well.
I’m back at work full time through mid-March and Matthew is his primary caregiver. I think they are having an OK time.
I am so happy they get to hang out together and relieved we didn’t end up having to hire a nanny for only 10 weeks but I am really looking forward to getting back into the mom groove…especially since by the time I turn around he’ll be running away from me.
2010 has consisted of:
1-all of us being sick at once. then again (matthew) and again (poor matthew)
2-me going back to work (at an office!)
3-figuring out childcare (still working on it)
4-falling asleep at 830pm (me, not Asher)
and that’s pretty much it.
We fed Asher his first taste of solids today. I recorded it for your viewing pleasure.
