Night Weaning

For the last several weeks, I have been pretty sick with pneumonia. And so your father took it upon himself to give me as much rest as humanly possible, knowing that each time you woke me up to nurse, I was up for hours coughing and trying to get back to sleep. It was not easy for you. And he certainly carried the brunt of this difficult transition. But after about a week and a half, you started to accept the idea of it. I bought a book shot night weaning and we read it together many times when I was feeling better. We talk about when the milk goes to sleep, and when the milk wakes up—yes it is basically an entity now, but it made things easier on you. The first night you fell sleep with me and no milk was a disaster. Richard had to stand and rock you to sleep because you were hysterical, and then I took you and shushed you back to sleep in the bed. It is emotional. It is always emotional to not be able to soothe you. 

The next night went better. You locked a Moshi sleep story (I suggested them to Richard and they have been a huge help through this) and fell asleep in my arms. No fuss. We haven't dealt with any wake ups next to me yet... Richard takes you to the other room and you usually only wake a time or two and aren't even asking for milk anymore. Before bed, we nurse on the couch, and then either I take you or Richard. Tonight you went to him with enthusiasm for the first time. Today was also the first day you napped with me here without nursing the whole time. You were very upset when I put away the milk, but ten minutes or with some Moshi music got you to sleep and then you slept well. 

It is weird to process this whole situation since it wasn't exactly our choice, and when everything is changing, this is an emotional process to work through... for both of us! I miss you sleeping next to me, but I'm grateful for the rest. 2.5 years of waking up every 2 to 3 hours is hard.   I'm really proud of how well you are handling this, but please know, I also miss you terribly, and our sweet milky cuddles. ❤️

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