Monday, April 14, 2008

Decommissioning

I finally did it. G is fully weaned. This was not an easy task and to be honest, one that was fraught with all sorts of mixed emotions. R was an easy baby to wean, but not so with G. G would be nursing right now if he had his druthers.

When I was pregnant with R, I figured I would give nursing a try and see what happened. If I got through one day, I reasoned that was better than never trying. Both the boys were seemless feeders, never once giving me all those newborn nursings travails that I read about and wince. So week after week I just took it one day at a time and before I knew it, R was 1 and weaned.

G was not going to give up nursing without a little fight. But as time went on, and the inconvenience of nursing in the middle of the day grew tiresome (nursing a newborn in your son's preschool parking lot is not so bad, but a one year old? A different story.), we slowly cut back and cut back and so did my production.

What started as an experiment in nursing turned into a really special experience. Since a third child is still an unknown, as I weaned G I found myself feeling, hmmm, a bit decommissioned. Don't get me wrong, I feel an incredible sense of freedom and accomplishment too...but there is also a twinge of bittersweetness. I know, I know, onward and upward, there are plenty of things to look forward to in this adventure we call parenting...

The meals this week are a bit in flux since SPH has his orientation for his new job, two night classes and R and SPH have their new class "Sporties for Shorties" too. I think we will be doing a lot of "winging it" and easy pasta throw-together meals. Slacker Mama, thanks for your idea of putting pasta, pasta sauce and peas together for an easy kiddo meal. We do this all the time now. Any other good and creative meal shortcuts for nights like we are going to have this week?

Have a sweet week-
SPC

8 comments:

Deep in the Heart said...

We're doing meatloaf and sweet potatoes, tomato soup and grilled cheese, and then hopefull some Indian later in the week.

Congrats on the weaning. I know what you mean. It's been hitting me again lately - now that Jake's nearing 3 and Rachel will be heading off to kindergarten in the fall. Where did the baby years go?

JerseyBaby said...

One day, when both of the kids were about 13 months old, it was just suddenly OVER. And as much as I was ready for it, the ending was definitely fraught with emotion. (I'm sure my husband would attest to this too!) On the bright side, no more intensely watching what we eat and drink...

Quick dinners this week with probably include Slacker's 4Ps (in our case it's pasta, peas, parmesan and pesto), and omelets with black beans, cheese and broccoli.

By the way, it's been so fun "meeting" you! We have Slacker Mama to thank, I suppose.

Slacker Mama said...

We had pasta-n-peas tonight since John got home late. We're kind of in flux as well...we're going to my parents this Wednesday for dinner with my aunt and uncle. So after a quick trip to Super Target we are trying to McGyver a meal or two together before going back to the store.

What about quesadillas with black beans, spinach, etc. Or breakfast for dinner (did I ever tell you that I make your healthy pancakes all the time)? Or English Muffin pizzas?

Also, the Joy of Cooking has a Black Beans and Rice recipe that's really easy, uses things you have in your pantry, is healthy (esp. with brown rice) and pretty tasty to boot.

Slacker Mama said...

Oh...and congrats on the nursing. As someone who wasn't successful either time (sniff! sniff!), I'm always happy to hear the success stories. And after getting used to the convenience of formula, I'm always amazed at people who can stick with it for over a year!

Mama in Training said...

I can't believe G's 1 now and onto milk from the cup. WOW! Congratulations, mama. That class sounds like fun for the boys. Mark is going to take Hunter to swim lessons when the pool opens. How cute!

Sweet Pea Chef said...

Thanks for all of your kind words. Thanks for the Macgyver recipe ideas. I think that is a future post in the making. :)

Steel Magnolia said...

Congrats on a job well done J! As someone who could nurse (with abundance) the first time and not at all the second time around-just that step from breast milk or formula signifies that they are growing up...sniff!sniff!

We are having barilla plus pasta with fresh asparagus, cherry tomatoes, roasted fish, basil from my garden with olive oil, salt and pepper, chicken fajita tortillas and garden primavera lasagna (from Martha Stewart Food Everyday Mag), roasted salmon, risotto and peas, and grilled turkey burgers with oven baked potatoes and a green salad to round out the week!

Anonymous said...

"Sporties for Shorties" sounds like a lot of fun!

We had your lunch box chicken salad as a quick supper this week. Since I don't have to pack lunch for my kiddos, I have used your chicken salad as a super quick dinner recipe several times.