And then last week, Abby turned six months...and I felt sad. Sad that Abby is growing up so quickly. And sad that I will no longer be her only source of nourishment. There is something so special about a baby growing from a little egg inside of you into a healthy, happy six-month child, surviving and being sustained only by your body. How wonderful that God allows us moms to be part of such an extraordinary process! After our rough start with breastfeeding, I never imagined I'd feel this way.
Abby's first meal of rice cereal.
On a more practical note, I'm also a bit "sad" at the fact that the introduction of solid foods makes feeding times more of a chore now. There's food prep to do, bibs to wash, containers to sterilize and, of course, plenty of cleanup! It's also harder to do on the go and needs more forethought than simply throwing the nursing cover in the diaper bag. While it is always fun to help Abby experience new things, exclusive breastfeeding is sure a lot easier!
Grandma feeding Abby.
Abby is always ready to smile for the camera, even when her mouth is full of cereal!
Technically, the process of weaning Abby has now begun since I no longer provide all her nourishment. All last week I dragged my heels putting off starting her on cereal, sad to see this phase pass and to move on to the next. But as much as I'd love to freeze time and keep Abby just the way she is, I know that it would not be for her best nor even for mine because each new stage of parenting brings new joys and blessings from the Lord. Every day we enjoy Abby even more. Every day she works herself more completely into our hearts and lives. Every day we fall more deeply in love with our precious girl. Children are indeed a gift from the Lord!
4 comments:
Wow, how can Abby be so big that she eats from a spoon now. It brought back fond memeries of feeding my children when they were little. Abby's growing up so fast. You're a wonderful momma to her, Sara. (MOM) Grandma
Yes, feeding definately gets to be more of a chore! And I know a way to help that "sad" feeling... keep having babies!
Just wait till she is feeding her self--now that is easy! =) I have enjoyed feeding Coleson and having him try new things-eating as a family has been such a joy starting back at 4 months when he was joining us at the able for dinner. As he has grown he has found new foods to love and ones to pass on(but usually it's just love!) Once you are past the introduction part you will begin to love to share this time- meal time! As each stage passes there is some bittersweet feelings felt but it truly gets better and better as the time goes and before you know it you will have a happy toddler running around and a new baby on the wayhehe!)-to start over with again. Enjoy helping her explore! You are still providing her nourishment by chooseing what goes into that tiny mouth! (I know what you mean but cant say I shared the same saddness!)
On the bright side, soon you will be able to wear whatever shirt you like! ;)
Beware of dirty diapers! Once solids are introduced, the smell definitely declines from not pleasant, to VERY not pleasant! =) Daniel started on solids a few weeks ago, and he much prefers finger foods to baby food! I definitely agree that solids are a lot more work than breastfeeding! =) Before you know it, she'll be feeding herself, and that helps a bunch, too! Keep up the good work!
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