And just like that... (2nd edition)

Ben decided to assert his independence on Independence Day by climbing out of his crib on Wednesday night. Not once...multiple times. Then on Thursday morning, I heard him calling for me and a moment later, I heard his door handle jiggle. Thursday's nap was also a battle to keep him in his crib. So...

We took the side rail off and now he's sleeping in his crib-converted-to-toddler/daybed. He's doing okay so far. He definitely likes to experiment with getting in and out before he goes to bed, but generally we can't complain.

I busted out our "baby crack machine" last night. I turned it on and the music playing over and over and over and over and over and over and over.... lulled him to sleep. Same with nap time today.

So I guess that's it.

No more breast feeding, no more crib. The next thing...no more diapers! Wouldn't that be grand?

And just like that...

Ben has officially stopped nursing.

About a month ago, Ben always asked for milk before bed.

About 2 or 3 weeks ago, Ben had a choice before he went to bed: milk or books. He usually chose milk, so I nursed him. I could tell he was getting ready to wean because he would spend about 10 minutes "nursing" while smacking me in the face and frog kicking the arm of the rocking chair and trying to talk to me. He didn't always nurse on both sides either. After nursing, Kevin read him books and he went to bed.

Then about a week and a half ago I just asked him if he wanted to read books with me. He nodded his head yes, and didn't ask for milk. We read books, then Kevin read him books, and that was that.

I thought I'd still be producing enough to make things a little uncomfortable, but nope! Our weaning process was so gradual there haven't been any moments of discomfort.

I am so happy that I was able to let Ben decide when to stop. I don't have to feel guilty for cutting him off, because it ended on his own terms.

I'm grateful for all of those hours we spent so close together. In time, he won't remember ever nursing, but I believe the bond we created will last a lifetime.