Dear New Baby (also known as Wild Woman, Stinkerpoo, Ladybug or just Miss),
I cannot believe you're a whole year old. I remember discovering I was pregnant with you. It was a sharp contrast to being pregnant with your sister. With you, I watched the stick turn to a plus sign, asked your daddy for confirmation, looked over at your sister and immediately felt guilty for ruining her life. But you didn't ruin it, did you? I am proud of you and Captain Destructo for many things; one of them being that you love each other so much. It makes me so happy to see you shriek at each other, play together, and laugh with delight when you wake each other up in the mornings.
You've been full of energy since before you were born. Though no one believed me, I swear I felt you flutter at 9 weeks. Crazy thumping soon followed. When you were born, you rolled (off the bed, oops!)at 2 months, crawled at 8, cruised at 10, and thankfully are holding off on walking for a bit. You have a mind of your own, too. When I tell you "no," you like to shake your head "no" at me, and then smile as you continue to do what I asked you not to do.
It's funny that I was so excited to be done with the baby stage, and now I'm so sad thinking that it's almost over. Your chubby little belly is starting to shrink now. When I pick you up, you are starting to lurch out of my arms, and you're starting to lose that sweet diaper cream and spit-up scent. Though I'm glad that you sleep through the night now, I will miss having a baby. On your birthday, I will give you your last bottle, and I will probably cry a little as I watch you bang your little fist on my chest and scratch at my nose. I will miss our snuggly times that I know will only get fewer and farther between as you grow. I am so proud of you and the little toddler you're turning into. Don't grow any faster.
I love you,
Mommy
Sweet post Kristin! Just a question, not questioning your values or parenting in way though.... If you aren't ready to give up the bottle with her, have you considered not? Maybe sticking with one night time feed or something? I know personally, I'm just starting to question the need to make babies give up things that they still find comfort in. Like why, at one, are my children magically supposed to be independent? It is just a thought. One that I am thinking for sure! Either way, it sure is sad to see the baby phase go- it is so sweet!
ReplyDeleteThanks Megan! I guess I thought I didn't want to keep paying for formula! If I was nursing I might have kept a feeding past her birthday but I don't want to keep buying formula. I see what you're saying though. I'll re-evaluate if she has a hard time giving up the bottle.
ReplyDeleteI totally get that! Formula is not cheap. I hope the transition has been easier for you two!
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