Friday, August 22, 2008

I'd like to thank the academy...

It hit me this morning that I have now exclusively breastfed Ellie for her first year, a feat I've never managed before. And while I am awfully proud of myself, what struck me most today was how damn grateful I am for all of the help and support I got. I'd be totally remiss if I didn't stop to express how just thankful I am to everyone.

I had the privilege of having some really cool online mommy friends, who shared their experiences and allowed me to see just how beautiful it could be. Who answered my 1001 questions about all things boobie related. Who pointed me in the direction of Janet Tamaro's brilliant book.
And who helped me realize that the hard nursing times were just as normal as the wonderful ones.

And Curt, the most amazing husband and dad. Instead of looking at my boobs as a great excuse to check out of the whole feeding process, he gets up with us every single night feeding. He gets Elle, changes her diaper, and soothes her long enough for me use the bathroom and find my brain. And I never once have to ask him to do this, he always makes me feel like this is something that we are doing together.

The kids, who don't mind that dinner is sometimes a little late to the table, and who gladly fetch countless glasses of water. Although Brett did once ask me "If you know you are going to get thirsty when you do that, why don't you just get a drink before you sit down?"

And for Ellie, who not only was a natural from the get-go, but who inherited a very stubborn streak and still refuses any substitution to the real thing. But most importantly for melting my heart every time she looks up at me and smiles.





5 comments:

April said...

awwww. I loved nursing and like you did it all through her first year. It's the most beautiful thing when they look up and smile at you that way.

Anonymous said...

How wonderful! I am so proud of you for sticking it out.

C. Beth said...

Congratulations, Caroline. That is such an awesome accomplishment! Elle looks so content in that picture. Beautiful.

Lyndsay said...

Congrats Caroline, what a wonderful milestone.

Anonymous said...

. . . And when I decided I needed my equipment back to myself as my child was nearing age two and still attached to my milk, the advice wasn't nearly as copious as when starting the whole process. Whenever Elle decides to start accepting some sort of substitute, I hope the de-tatching isn't as difficult as starting up can be.

Congrats!