Weaning

It's bittersweet, but we weaned Izzie this weekend. Izzie has been a breastfed baby, since day one. If that offends anyone you can stop reading now, because I'm going to continue to talk about our breastfeeding. It's natural, it's healthy, and it might be the best gift a mother can give their child. We had our moments during feedings and we both (Izzie and I) learned from each other how to make it work. It wasn't easy. It was hard work at the beginning. Not only did she reap the benefits of the milk, but it's great bonding and cuddling time.

Todd and I knew we needed to wean soon. We have a Disney World trip lined up in October and we are going to be on a plane. Nursing for us was a very private thing. We weren't big into doing it in public. So, we definitely knew that being on a plane for a few hours would not be good for Izzie. When Izzie is hungry she means business... and if she doesn't get what she wants when she wants it then well it's complete meltdown mode. Not to mention, Izzie is getting a little too big to handle when it comes to nursing.

This past Friday, we just decided it was time. We also decided that cold turkey was the best way for US (we know this is not the best way by the book). It was definitely painful for me. Izzie handled it pretty well, since she spent the first night at her Gammy's (my mom). I also had to work that night, so it didn't matter to me. I didn't get to see her till Saturday night. We used a lot of distraction techniques. If she started getting fussy and acted like she was wanting me then we would find something quick to get her attention. Todd also did some hard work by putting her to sleep and fixing lots of bottles.

I'm sad it is over. However, I'm happy we have it out of the way. I miss my cuddle time, but I think we are learning how to cuddle without the nursing part. She still loves me which makes me relieved. Izzie is officially a full on bottle/ sippy cup drinker. I think she is doing a lot better than I am at this point. I guess this feeling too shall pass...

11 Months Old... well at midnight.

Izzie is sound asleep in her crib. So, I am taking this quiet moment for a blog update. Izzie will be 11 months old tomorrow!!! The picture above is one I took of her for her first birthday invitations. Oh, I have so much more to do and just a month to get it all straight. It's a lot of fun though. I know she is going to dig into her cake like a professional, no assistance needed. Izzie has a sweet tooth or 6 of them rather. There is going to be so much going on in the next 2 months. We have another first birthday to go to this coming up weekend. Izzie's birthday will be the first week of October. Then, we have the fair to look forward to. After that, we are leaving for Disney World!!! There is just too much excitement contained in one tiny month. Not to mention, Fall is the Kirkland's favorite time of the year.

I'm getting so sad and happy at the same time thinking about all that is happening. Izzie is walking, well more like running all over the place. She started taking steps a little over a month ago. We are now busy trying to keep up with her. Izzie likes to be chased, too. It's so funny. She intentionally will walk away, try to sneak, and wait for you to come get her then hurry as fast as she can out of your reach. She does this while squealing and giggling. She's too cute.

You can tell in the picture above that she has these little flyaway curls. Notice on the side of her little noggin. I wonder what it will be like when it grows longer? I'm sure that strawberry blonde shade will get darker with time.

Izzie doesn't have a very big vocabulary, yet. We are working on it. I guess some kiddos accelerate in other areas faster. She does ma, da, dog (well what we think is dog).. I think that's pretty much it right now.

Her new favorite things to do are clap and point. She points at everything!!! It's a good way to communicate though. The pointing sometimes makes it easier to figure out what she wants.

Favorite foods: anything with tomato sauce, noodles/macaroni, pizza, cheese, gerber graduate puffs, goldfish, and chicken. Of course, you already saw the sweet tooth comment. Unfortunately, she is about as picky as her parents. She will occasionally eat a carrot.

She is currently wearing 12-18 months (more like 18 months). She is a size 4-5 shoe. She just keeps growing. I think it is starting to slow down a bit.

I think that's it for now. Izzie is asleep and it's mommy's bedtime, too!