Ethan is 13 months old, now. A lot has changed this past month. He is only nursing about 3 times a day (morning, noon nap, & bed time.) Sometimes he nurses an extra time in the evening after his supper. He is eating table foods great. Actually, that's primarily what he eats. He's bored with baby food & I don't blame him. He's drinking cow's milk so much better now. He has been sleeping through the night wonderfully. There was a couple of months that he was waking up a lot through out the night & he was wanting to nurse. I had to put a stop to that. I like the schedule that he's on now, much better! It's amazing how much better a person can cope when they have had adequate rest!

He weighs about 24 1/2 pounds now. He really gained a lot since he is eating table foods. He is 31 " long. He has always been very long! He started walking about 2 weeks ago. He is so cute. He walks with both hands in the air, like a little monkey. He also has been climbing on things. When I saw this for the first time, I was petrified! I can't leave him alone, not even for a second! He's in to everything! He's considered a toddler now. Can you believe it!?!? I'm nursing a toddler! Nahhh! He's still a baby. He will always be my baby!

Even though he's only nursing 3 or 4 times a day, I don't see any weaning in site. He loves the few nursings he does get. I notice that he's much more "in to" it now. There was 3 or 4 months that it was a struggle to get him to nurse. I would actually try to force him. I've learned to go by his lead, because you just never know what he's going to do. He's a growing boy & he'll let me know when he needs "nummies." He lets me know when it's time & we go to "the" chair & I sit him on my lap while I'm lifting my shirt & unfastening my bra. As soon as he sees my breast, he dives in like a bird attacking it's prey. He acts as if he can hardly wait to nurse. So, when we do finally get comfortable, he cuddles up to me as close as he can get & his eyes roll back in his head, as if to say, "Ahhhh!" & I say, "This is what being a mother is all about!" The peacefulness I see in his eyes is all I need to change a rotten day into an awesome day. Nursing him is awesome! Being his mother is awesome! I never would have guessed that being a Mommy was so wonderful! I never would have guessed that I could love someone so much!

Until next time, happy nursing!

Berneda & Ethan

Read my last months journal.

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