Pump or no?

Harper's done nursing. I've tried nursing her several times a day since last Saturday but she just flat out refuses. It's hurtful when she rejects me so I've decided to stop trying. I've had to pump for comfort sake (she went from nursing 3-5 times a day to zero) to relieve engorgement. I'm trying to decide if I should continue to pump for a while since she'll happily take EBM from a cup. I called our ped yesterday to find out if there is any real benefit to BM at this age. She said there is "no significant amt of research showing any benefits in BM AFTER a year old". So, what would you do? Continue pumping for a sippy or stop altogether and celebrate with a glass of wine? Please note I'm not blogging about this to create any drama. I've just racked my brain and emotions trying to figure out what is best. I have incredible amounts of guilt and am very sensitive about this. I just wasn't prepared for weaning at all. Just last week I was telling Mark, I didn't think Harper would ever self wean like pierce did. It was so unexpected and out of nowhere. I feel like I let her down. I just keep trying to remind myself we quit on her terms. the guilt is amazingly strong. I just wasn't prepared for this at all. Just last week I was telling Mark, I didn't think Harper would ever self wean like pierce did. It was so unexpected and out of no where. I feel like I let her down. I just keep trying to remind myself we quit on her terms. I am very proud of us!

ETA: Our ped didn't say there were zero benefits from nursing past a year. She just indicated that the majority of benefits are received in the 1st year. I am well aware of the benefits of extended bfing which is why I choose to let my babies self wean. I do not want this to become a debate (or an attack on our ped who happens to be very pro bfing).

I'm here but in a funk

Just wanted to apologize for not blogging much..........I'm really taking Harper's sudden weaning very hard. I wasn't ready emotionally or physically. The guilt, bittersweet sadness, and engorgement are quite overwhelming. To top it off, PPAF showed with a vengeance on Monday. Yes, I was anxious for AF to return, but I really didn't want it to show in this manner. Harper's sudden disinterest in nursing from nursing 3-5 times a day is definitely what made AF return. I wondered if AF changing the composition of milk could have caused her to wean so quickly. Interestingly enough, Harper sucks EBM right now in a cup so that rules that reasoning out. Please forgive my absence and know that each of you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Rockin' Jane Swashbuckler

[IMG]http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n242/pj-2006/024-12.jpg[/IMG]

she's getting ready

to wean. I just put Harper to bed w/o nursing. I'm not ready for this........... I was planning to start cutting out feeds here and there when she turned 13 months old and to keep the bedtime feed until 18 months. I didn't have the heart to start cutting out feeds at 13 months and decided to just follow her lead instead. Sometimes she only nurses 3 times a day, sometimes it's 5. Tonight she was more interested in playing and biting (ouch!). So now she's in bed talking to herself, and I'm cry eyes out. Why do they have to grow up so fast?!

thinking about

destashing all my pockets. I only use goodmamas except for when we are away from home for a while and/or when I need a more trim fitting diaper. I had planned on keeping them b/c I know I will need them for a newbie if we every have another babe 'cause I know they goodmamas don't fit itty bitty ones. Then I got to thinking (i know, dangerous right?!), Harper already wears our pockets on the tightest waist setting. So they won't fit a newborn either. I'm really holding out hope that goodmama will debut their newborn diapers by then anyway. I'm gonna try to see if we can go a week w/o using pockets at all, and if we can, I'm gonna destash them too (except for maybe 2 for the diaper bag ).

Harper's capris

err longies. the rise is really long but the legs are perfect, so they actually fit her more like pants instead of capris like i had planned. i still think they turned out really cute. luv i adore the ruffled cuffs. :wub: it looks like she's wearing bell bottoms. snicker
[IMG]http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n242/pj-2006/longies001.jpg[/IMG]
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something else I've been up to

knitting! I taught myself how to knit! I had never ever touched knitting needles until about a month ago. I knitted up countless hot pads for practice. I started these about 2 weeks ago and finally finished them this evening--capri longies for Harper:
Front:
[IMG]http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n242/pj-2006/IMG_8471.jpg[/IMG]
Back:
[IMG]http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n242/pj-2006/IMG_8472.jpg[/IMG]
Close Up:
[IMG]http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n242/pj-2006/IMG_8475.jpg[/IMG]
I'm so gosh darned proud of myself. They are full of mistakes, but I learned a lot and am definitely hooked on my newest hobby. My lil' model is asleep, so I'll get some action shots of her rockin' 'em tomorrow. I'm working on some stripeys next!

Nana made interlock longies

I realized last night when I was getting Harper's jammas on that I never posted pics of her interlock longies my mom made. We kept the hem long to allow for growing room (I just roll 'em up now) since the yardage is so pricey.
Here they are in action (bonus walking pics!):
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[IMG]http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n242/pj-2006/IMG_8434.jpg[/IMG]
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[IMG]http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n242/pj-2006/IMG_8441.jpg[/IMG]

Day out with Thomas

We saw Thomras this past weekend. It was extremely windy/chilly but we still had a really fun time. We were surprised that all of the activites were free--except for the highlight train ride. P was startruck meeting Sir Topham Hat and riding Thomas.
[IMG]http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n242/pj-2006/004-28.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n242/pj-2006/013-17.jpg[/IMG]
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[IMG]http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n242/pj-2006/015-14.jpg[/IMG]

It's official

http://hyenacart.com/sweetlowear/