Love in a Bottle

Today is a sad day for me and my little mister.  Here's why:  Way back when my little mister was born, almost 11 months ago, I wholeheartedly dived into breastfeeding.  I breastfed Em and was determined to breastfeed little mister for a year.  So when I had an excess of milk I would pump and even bought a deep freezer so it would last longer.  For 6 months I pumped an extra feeding EVERYDAY and for months after I pumped at work like crazy.  It was a lot of work and irritating but I wanted him to have the milk later.  So at 9 months he no longer wanted to be attached to me and gave it up.  The biting was too much anyway.  I had the frozen milk supply so I wasn't overly concerned.  So everyday (except when we were out of town because that's just too much work) he got a little extra love in a bottle in the form of frozen milk.  I did not plan for what a big eater he would be at 10 months. For today is the end of his breast milk supply. 

I really hoped it would last longer, I hoped to make it to a year.  I know 11 months is pretty great.  He is a healthier boy for the time he got my milk.  I am still so saddened and I feel the loss of weaning again. 

Five on Friday

This has been quite an eventful week here in the Kennison houshold. 

1.  Andy had his first interview for the captains position.  He has been working so hard, studying, and practicing it is nice to finally get it done.  He did great and we are waiting to see his score which should arrive in the mail next week. 

2.  Emily has finally started feeling better from her strep infection.  It has taken her quite some time to feel better.  She ended up getting a reactive arthritis from the infection.  She will have no lasting side effects but it could take up to months to fully correct itself. 

3.  Will has officially given up nursing.  It is so sad.  A step I was not really ready for.  Even though it was his own decision I cannot help but feel tremendous guilt that I could not make it longer.  He is happy though and that's what matters most.  Fortunately we still have lots of milk to feed him so he will still have the great benefits of breast milk for some time.

4.  I finally got a picture of Will with his first two teeth!  He is now getting the top two also but I am so excited to finally get a picture with teeth!  He is growing up too fast.  Love my boy.

5.  Lastly, I am so excited that little Paisley Mallon Boyer has finally arrived today!  We have not yet had the pleasure of seeing her cute little face, but hope to make it over this weekend.  We are so excited to have this little girl around!  She will be so spoiled.

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Breastmilk saves Lives!

I just found this great article this morning.  I have been reading a lot lately about breastfeeding and it advantages for a project I am working on.  This article sums it all up so great.  Breastfeeding is so important for not only our children but for mothers too.  Mom's have such an amazing ability to change the world with little changes in the home, starting with breastfeeding!  We can decrease obesity, diabetes, leukemia and SIDS just by breastfeeding.  Along with the benefits to our children it is so amazing for moms too.  It decreases our chances for cardiovascular disease and cancer.  With all these facts how can anyone say no to breastfeeding?!  As a nurse I will continue to spread the word to our patients to continue breastfeeding for as long as possible.  And at home I still continue to breastfeed my little guy, because its the best thing I can offer him.

Time to wean...

I have been struggling with the decision to wean my little porker from breastfeeding.  We have made it to almost 9 months of great breastfeeding and for the first 6 months I pumped extra milk everyday to feed my deep freezer also.  We will still make it to 1 year or longer with our extra storage so he will still have the best diet nature can offer him.  And yet, I feel like I am failing to provide for him. I love our time together nursing but I am craving the freedom.  It's hard to pump at work, it's hard to feed on the go, and I am ready for a real bra.  So, since I worked the last two days and Andy already set up a new routine, I am sticking with it.  I skipped my first nursing for his nap.  Here we go.