Strike

I need to let Travis write his 9 month post to let you all know all the business that he is up to these days, but we've been a little preoccupied.  See, on Tuesday morning, Travis turned 39 weeks old (translates to 9 months), and every week, I get these little "what your baby is probably up to" emails.  Tuesday's said:

As baby nears his first birthday, he may start to show disinterest in regular activities like napping and nursing. It's fine to follow baby's cues -- a nap a day may be all he really needs at this point, and it's safe to replace some breastfeedings with solids.

What, Travis show disinterest in nursing?  Preposterous.  It is seemingly one of his favorite things to do (and momma's too).  Well, as if he read the email too, Travis went on a nursing strike on Tuesday, and dramatically unfortunately for momma, he is still on it. 

Next to Travis's health and safety upon entering the world, I prayed during my pregnancy to be able to breastfeed.  It was something so important to me.  Brandon and I took the classes, and I read the books.  (We should have spent this time on understanding "sleep" issues since breastfeeding was so easy and natural for both Travis and I, but who knew??).  I wanted to be able to be his sole source of nutrition for those first few months and experience that bond between mother and baby that only breastfeeding truly allows.  Thankfully, I have been able to breastfeed exclusively so far and am continuing to pump like a mad woman to keep up with him now that he won't nurse.  I also have a new appreciation for the working moms that pump for their little ones since pumping and washing parts, bottles, etc. is a ton more hassle than just whipping out the boob. (Way to go, K!).  He seems fine on the bottle, and I think it was (is) much more traumatic for me than for him.  Nursing strikes can last a couple of weeks so I've read so he may go back, but I'm sort of doubtful.  I've been super prayerful about the whole ordeal, and know that "it is what it is" and just look back on the experience with such awe and amazement and appreciation that I was able to nurse him for nine months to the day.

My two bestest mommy K (Krista & Kimberly) friends have been so supportive during all of this.  Kimberly's advice was "but as long as he is happy...then we shall all be happy."  So true - this is after all about him way more than it should be about me and my selfishness!  Krista shot me a ENMV verse when I needed it most.   I had planned on nursing him at least til he was a year old, and maybe beyond depending on how his dairy/soy allergies wound up, but she reminded me:  [M]any are the plans of a man's heart, but the Lord's purpose (even weaning waaaay before momma is ready) prevails.  Proverbs 19:21

If this is the end of nursing Travis, I am grateful for the opportunity and will cherish the moments that we had together in this capacity.  I will remember the bird mouth faces he would make when he was so tiny (which seems like forever ago) and the milk drunk reaction he would have when his tummy was full and being the only thing that would make him happy when he wasn't feeling well or at night.  I love you, little stinker!

Mommas, soak it all in, every sniff and grunt and mouthful, because you never know when the last nursing session is the last.

Xoxo,
Gara