Monday, October 26, 2009

Treasures

I'm a little emotional tonight. Part of it is what I'm about to write about and part of it is because for about two hours this afternoon - I was scared to death my best friend was going to die (read post below this and please keep praying for her).

So I'm writing this post for a remembrance for myself and for Harper. I would ask that if you don't agree with what I'm writing about - please don't let me know. :-)

I had always planned to breastfeed my entire life. And I have always dreaded it. It just sounded dreadful. But I knew it was something I felt I should at least try. And when we wound up in the NICU and I couldn't nurse those first few weeks - I almost talked myself out of it. Especially when the first time we tried - Harper got so mad she had to go back on oxygen. Talk about scaring a new mom out of trying again.
But a sweet LC named Tina stuck with us and helped me when I was ready to quit (and she still stays in touch - hi Tina!) And I'm so glad she did because it's been a great experience. It's been very bonding and so much easier than I ever dreamed it could be.
So when we got asked to go on the Compassion trip - I decided I would just wean Harper before the trip. And then when we got down to just a few weeks before the trip - I panicked! I don't work well under pressure and I decided to just pump bottles and that I would pump on the trip and wean when we got home.
Harper has never really taken a bottle and I tried once before to give her a formula bottle and she threw a HUGE temper tantrum.
Yesterday afternoon, I thought I would just try to give her a bottle and see what happened. And she GULPED it down. So last night I thought I would try again with her bedtime bottle - just sure she would be mad. She gulped that one too. And went to sleep drinking it and slept all night. So I've given her bottles today with the same results so it looks like she is weaned. And I think it's time. She is obviously ready. She wasn't nursing much anymore anyway. And I think the timing will work out great. I'm proud that I nursed her for 9.5 months.
I was reading Amanda's blog last week because she just went through the same thing and she talked about wanting to treasure that last time of nursing knowing it was the end. And I realized I didn't treasure that last time because I didn't know it would be the last time. And that makes me a little sad. I will always think about all those long nights in our living room when I would nurse and watch TV at 2 a.m. I'm sad to see a little era end.
But you know what? I held her tonight while she took her bottle and she is a wiggle worm who won't normally sit in my lap. She laid there and I could kiss her little head and hold her little hand (two things that are hard to do when you are nursing) and it was a different kind of sweet. And one I loved.

If I have learned anything from reading blogs and from life experiences these last few years it's that we aren't promised tomorrow and we also aren't promised that life will be easy. We were only promised that God would never leave us or forsake us. With all that has gone on for me today - I hope I'm learning to treasure every last minute.

You never know when it might be the "last". Last time you see your friend or family member, last time you kiss your husband good night, last time you nurse your baby, last time your little toddler wears a diaper, last time your child lets you reads to them at night, last time your teenager lets you drop them off somewhere.............Treasure each moment!

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take - but by the moments that take our breath away!

263 comments:

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Jody said...

Well said.

Lucky you that Harper did take to a bottle - my boys never did and it made things kind of hard when I wanted to be gone, but I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Hattie said...

I just found your blog a couple of days ago and I just wanted to tell you thank you for writing this post. I think I needed this today!

Lindsay said...

I loved this post! It's so true, you have to treasure each moment because you never know if you'll ever have that chance again. You did such a great job nursing for 9.5 months- I only lasted 3! I don't think it's about nursing vs. bottle feeding as long as you're doing what feels right for you & your child. I LOVE the before bed time with my son when I get to feed him his 1 bottle a day, but sadly, he'll be 18 months next month and we've decided to stop the bottle feeding. I'm sad about it, and I know I'll miss it, but the boy can't be taking a bottle just for his mama's sake! Thanks for sharing your feelings with us, I love to read your posts and relate to them! Harper has such a great mama!

Heather said...

Way to go!! 9.5 months is a HUGE accomplishment.

I had to stop bf'ing both of my girls prior to "feeling ready" because of milk issues, and it was vert bittersweet. I find comfort every day in finding new ways to bond and spend time with my girls, and I know that through each stage of their lives, we will have to revisit transition times, changes in routine, and modify the ways that we connect.

The most important thing is the LOVE That is present, and you are so LOVING. Great job, mama!

sw said...

Praying for your friend - complete healing and protection!
You should be SO proud of yourself for nursing Harper for 9.5 months..many would have given up, but you did what was best for your baby under VERY difficult circumstances..you put your own comfort aside and gave your baby the best possible start in life with giving her your milk..
I nursed all three of my babies for about 10 months to one year and stopping was the hardest most emotional times of my early years with them..I felt like they did not need me anymore..I was an emotional reck!! Know what you are feeling is normal..You have done a GREAT thing...I don't know you, but I can tell you are a wonderful Mom!! Good job..keep it up!!
Harper is one blessed little lady!

Sara Sexton said...

Kelly,

Your words are so true. Your post brought tears to my eyes. I appreciate your reminder to treasure each moment. Mommies especially need to be reminded of this because life passes so quickly.

Kristin said...

I understand completely how you feel. I nursed my daughter until 13 months. She actually stopped on her own! By that time, I had to go back to work anyway so it worked out perfectly. I definitely miss our nights together and our morning nursing sessions! When she was younger I would also watch tv in the middle of the night to try to stay awake while she nursed. I too cannot remember the last time she nursed b/c I wasn't expecting to have her wean herself so quickly! I miss nursing but I am loving the age she is at right now, which I guess makes up for it! :)

Shelley said...

Way to go on 9.5 months! I had a similar experience. I am a working college student and mother. I think by that alone you realize that I have lots to do in a day, most importantly being with my daughter (8 months old).

I went back to work when she was 4 weeks old and pumped. About a month later she started to reject me at feedings when I was home because she preferred the bottle.

I then started pumping and made it 2 months pumping exclusively and then it just became too much. Pumping exclusively works great for someone with well established milk supply but mine was not great, so on the fourth of July I "gave it up". I just stopped pumping. It was dictating my life. I got very strong criticism from some family members and it crushed me.

Amelia and I are so much happier now that I am not tied to that machine! I think you did great and Harper will continue to grow up strong regardless of what her diet is. Again, good for you! You did awesome!

The Turkington Family said...

Oh sweet Momma...you're not alone! I had a very similar experience recently with my little one...and to be honest, I haven't blogged about it yet because it still makes me to sad to think about it any more then I have to! I admire your courage in blogging about such a heart issue...maybe now I can gain enough of my own strength to blog about my nursing journey coming to an end as well.

Heather said...

Kelly, you are such a role model for me. I love reading your blog every single day...it's so uplifting.

In this post you made me realize that I run through this life too quickly and I'm always on the go, go, go. I'm going to treasure life moments from now on, because like you said, you never know when it might be your last.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful post Kelly and so true! I lost my Mom a little over a year ago and I have definitely learned to treasure every moment and appreciate the "little things" in life. Every day truly is a gift. Keeping Laurie in my prayers!

Brittney said...

I had a pretty similar experience with my little girl...I weaned her at 11 months, but didn't realize that the last time would actually be "the last time." My girl still wouldn't take a bottle so we went straight from breast feeding to sippy cup, which actually worked out well!

From another NICU Mommy, I know how hard it is to jump on board with the process when it takes so long for them to actually be able to do - and you did a great job!

I'm praying for Laurie, and just always remember that your little girl is precious and to cherish the moments...even when the moments are a little trying!

Megan said...

Kelly, I'm in tears. What you said is so true. I need to remember to slow down and treasure each moment with Emily, especially when she is nursing. I love that time that only her and I share and I will miss it so much when it is gone. Thank you for sharing this.

Mary said...

HUGE accomplishment that you nursed her so long! To me that's just fantastic! I nursed my first for 6 months and have weaned the other two at 3 months...so I'm not an expert but I'd say you have given her so much good milk and been a champ about not being able to leave her as much, (since she didn't like a bottle!).

Great post and a good reminder to treasure the moments...time does fly but the babies just get better and better!!

Always A New Day said...

Kelly,

I have been reading your blog for a long time, and I just love that sweet girl. I have a year old little boy who is my world, so I have traveled much of this journey with you.

I stopped breastfeeding him at 10 months with LOTS of anxiety, fear, and sadness. And, of course, my son did just as good as Harper. I thought he would fight me, but he LOVED his bottle (still does sometimes :)).

So, reading your blog today about your feelings made me tear up because these were all mine. I didn't have much support from some friends, so it was nice to see you paint the pictures so perfectly.

Sorry for the long comment, but after your blog today, I knew exactly what you are going through and want to thank you for saying it.

JazzerMomma said...

Have you ever seen "Let Me Hold You Longer" by Karen Kingsbury. It is a beautiful picture book about the same thing - remembering the "Lasts". I cry every time I read it. A few days ago, I read it with my 7 year old son and HE even started to cry. Check it out! Love your blog and you never need to apologize for what you write. God bless you!
Susan in Indiana

Becky said...

Good for you! Breastfeeding is Hard! I nursed for 1 year and kinda just accidentaly weaned my daughter:) It was a huge relief but I was also sad that I didnt realize at the time it was THE last time. I was kinda an emotional/hormonal mess for a few weeks after weaning..fyi. The best part is wearing cute bras again instead of the brown frumpy nursing bras:))) Enjoy!

Clementsville: Population of 5! said...

Great post!!! I'm so happy for you both that the weaning process went so well! It went well for both of my kiddos as well!

I love reading your posts, your wonderful!

Katie

Laura said...

I truly believe that the reason you experienced such ease with weaning Harper is because you responded to God in obedience when He said to go.

Blessings,
laura

Tara said...

Kelly, I work with the elderly and often hear my patients talk about death like they're standing on death's door. I have many times reminded them that none of us carry a promise of tomorrow. Then this past spring we lost my little brother (28 years old, husband and father of a 16 month old daughter) in a hunting accident. Never have I been more aware that tomorrows are not promised to us...but thank goodness we do have a promise of spending eternity together with our Heavenly Father. I read your words today with tears in my eyes thinking about the family reunion we'll have one day. Thanks for your sweet words!

Tara

the Spocks said...

What a great post thank you for writing it.

You have a beautiful little girl.

SadMommy3434 said...

Kelly,

I love this entry. It's so inspiring and really makes you wanna slow down. I have a 5 year old and a 10 month and I them both dearly. I wish that I would have taken the time to treasure my oldest childs endeavors. I lost my son when he was three weeks old, and I cherished every moment with him. Those 2 am bottle feedings were like heaven to me. When I got custody of the 10 month old she was already sleeping through the night. Now she's getting so big. Harper isn't too far behind her. But I look at her and realize what I've missed out on with my son. I am trying my best to cherish each moment I have with her while she's "little" and I love those moments when she's laying in my arms drinking her bottle, because that is the only time I can hug her and kiss her too!!

Harper is a cutie and I thank you for sharing your daily lives with us.

Jenn said...

thank you for this reminder!! :)

Unknown said...

so sweet. great post. sounds like things worked out just like they should!

CulyQFun said...

Well written post!

It's always good to have a gentle reminder to not forsake little moments. Thanks for the reminder!

MammaWarrior said...

Your just adorable and that baby girl is such a blessing. I lost my only child, Grace, and your post is so right, we are never promised tomorrow! I will add your friend to my blog and pray for her!! I love reading of Harper and your family! Truly blessed!
Love, Jina

Amy H. said...

I give you props for even trying after NICU, so many times we go with what is easier. Congrats on your 9.5 mnths, you should wear that badge with honor. It was hard for me to stop at a year with my Buggie, but I am excited to experience it again in the next couple of weeks with my little Jellybean!

Thanks for sharing...

-Amy
www.buggieandjellybean.blogspot.com

annalee said...

your words couldn't have been spoken at a better time. i have been thinking lots these days on the precious memories of each time we get the gift of doing these things. not knowing when the last day of just adelaide and me at home together will be causes the tears to spring up way too easily, but i know the blessings around the bend with baby two will be incredible too! thanks for sharing your heart.
ps- praying for laurie!

Lindsay said...

So sweet! thank you for sharing this. :)

Dawn said...

I didn't read through the comments, so someone may have already mentioned this. Karen Kingsbury has a children's book about all the "lasts" that we should treasure. It's definitely a tear jerker, especially with a little one in the middle of lots of firsts and lasts.

HappyascanB said...

I mean after 230 comments, do you ever tire of reading them? Just wonderin'. . . . I appreciate your honesty and transparency in this post. Your heart's experienced so much in recent days! Praying God showers you with His amazing peace!

Angie said...

I love this post! It truly spoke to my heart!

YOU are an amazing person and I really enjoy reading your blog every day!

Thanks for sharing your life with us, and thanks for the reminder to treasure each moment.

Praying for you and your family and Laurie and her family.

Justin and Jessica said...

I nursed for about 9 1/2 months as well, and I decided that I needed a break. I felt guilty everytime the thought crossed my mind about bottles and formula, but our little girl has done just fine. (After the seeing cost of formula, I think nursing is better, but I was also starting to not enjoy it anymore and needed to be done.)

Harper sure is a cutie!

Nancy said...

Kelly: This was such a beautiful and heartfelt post. I'm so inspired by you. Still praying for Laurie, please update us when you can.

Love that Harper:)

Jennifer said...

I have 3 children and nursed them all for different amount of times. When your baby is ready, she is ready. Books can't tell you that time and it certainly isn't the same for everyone, it isn't even the same for babies in the same family. If she was ready and you were ready, then it was right time. Good for you for being willing to do it! I don't know when the last time I bf'd my 3rd was. I did it that way on purpose because it justt worked better for me that way. It is such an emotional, huge decision but as mama's, our whole life becomes about letting go. As hard as it is, none of us want to hold our babies back, whether it's nursing, or kindergarten, or leaving for college! If this is what was right for you, then this is what was *right* for *you*! Don't let anyone try to tell you different!

Sweet Italy said...

I discovered this blog just occasionally, and I like very much, I am an italian mom...!

Beverly Wooley said...

Kelly - Karen Kingsbury has a beautiful children's book about all the "last" times in their lives. She read it at an Extraordinary Women's conference I attended last Saturday and there was hardly a dry eye in the place. You might want to look at it next time you're in a bookstore - or the next time you need a good cry. GRIN!

Praying for Laurie!

Brittney said...

Kelly I am so happy for you! Congrats on such a great accomplishment. Prayerfully our weaning will go so smoothly.

Jen said...

Isn't it amazing how they instinctively know what's right for them at this age? While we struggle with all of the attached emotions, they just know! I went through the same experience when I weaned Liliana. We only made it 7mos, but she knew it was time and walked me through it. God has given us such complete little miracles!
Congratulations on such a great run with breastfeeding! Especially after all the challenges you had starting out. Liliana was a preemie (only 5 weeks, so nothing like some of these poor sweet babes) so getting food in her was a must! I would sneak formula in her before the ped visit to make sure she weighed enough to come home. Ha! The things we do as moms.

Best,
Jen

Alisha Harris said...

Kelly, I only got to nurse my sweet little boy 6 weeks before my milk ran out, but 9.5 months is SUCH an accomplishment! DO NOT feel bad for stopping! Alot of people don't even try it...Harper is getting more and more beautiful everyday!

Anonymous said...

Awe Kelly I feel for you. I remember the last time I nursed my older son Grant, and am 4 1/2 months in on Brooke. I am saddened that the time will come where this 1 on 1 time special time will come to an end. You have done her such a justice by nursing as long as you have. You are a good mom and try not to be hard on yourself. I ready your blog regularly and feel sometimes that the weight of the world is on your shoulders. Ya'll are in my prayers.

Wendy said...

I'm dreading having to wean my 6.5 month old! With his brother, I stopped at 9 months mainly because I was pregnant again so there was another little one to think about and that made it a little easier....plus the little stinker started biting me. Knowing that this will be the last baby that I ever get to nurse breaks my heart - I had no idea how much of a bonding experience it would be! When he was in the NICU and I wasn't able to feed him it broke my heart....I worried so much that he wouldn't remember how to nurse but luckily he did! It's a special bond but you're right....feeding the baby a bottle lets you give kisses and that's a great bond, too! We're so blessed....thanks for reminding me!

Sherri said...

You are a wonderful mom Kelly! You did just what you had planned. You nursed your baby.

Thank you so much for your beautiful reminders of what I need to treasure:) They really touched by heart.

Fran said...

Kelly...I know I need those moments where I realize just how precious life is. It truly is a gift. Why can't I hang onto those moments before falling right back into the "taking life for granted" mode?

I'm so glad your family is healthy and happy. And, I'm so happy that your sweet Laurie is going to be ok.

Saying a prayer for her now.
Love,
Fran

Bri said...

awesome post!!!

Heather said...

Kelly- I am praying for Laurie. I am so sorry she is having to go through this.
And this post was wonderful. I "treasured" all kinds of moments with my kids tonight after reading it. What a blessing you are to me and to so many!

Lindsey said...

Way to go for nursing her 9.5 months. That is a great accomplishment. Wish I could have done the same for my little one.

Katy said...

WOW! I can't believe how big she is getting!!! Great pictures as always and thanks for continuing to share your stories (and your recipes).

~kate

Grandma~rella said...

Sweet girl~I'm 52 years old and this brought tears to my eyes, yet joy to my heart~as I pondered the memories of nursing my babies. My oldest is just over 30 and youngest is 26...with a 28 year old in the middle. Seems like just yesterday~really does. :**(
Be sure to tape record Harper's little voice often~take too many pictures~shoot too much video....they do grow up so quickly. Before you know it~they give you Grandchildren~awww, sweet bliss! (((HUGS)))

Mandy said...

Very well said, Kelly!

Emily said...

I hope you can tell us where you got her precious little hot oink velour dress!!!
I commented earlier about how much I like your post - but I'll say it again, wonderful post! You have a talent for not just telling your story - but putting your heart in it as well-
thanks for sharing!

Liz said...

k, you have been a tremendous mother and harper is the perfect example of how amazing you are. there are so many 'lasts' yet so many 'firsts' to come. i never wanted olivia to get teeth because i didn't want to let go of her gummy smile. now, with 12 teeth, her smile is even more beautiful than before. each little moment, each little stage is something a mother will never forget. i know you're sad but, just think, scott can get up in the middle of the night with harper now.....

khull05 said...

Wow. I needed this today. I'm the mom of a 3 week old (my 2nd) and we are in the battle zone with nursing. My son had GERD as does my new sweet daughter. I did not have a clue with him and ended up not being able to nurse him after 2 months.

It is hard work, and this is a good word for me-it's not always easy, but it will be worth it.

So happy for you and your great nursing success, especially after such a tough start!

Sarah said...

I don't know if I posted a comment the other day when I first read this, but I LOVE the latest pics of Harper--she looks so grown standing up! :) I miss "bottle time" with my niece--I only got to feed her maybe 3 times (she lives 1000+ miles away and I don't see her often [sadness]), but I will remember it forever. Very precious time! :)

Spencer's Take Singapore said...

Kelly,
How fitting you published this post. I am in the process of weaning my 12 1/2 month old. I had no idea it would be this difficult on either of us. She was only nursing 4 times a day. So two weeks ago, I cut the afternoon feeding. This week I cut the mid morning feeding. Next week is the morning and the following week is the one before bed. It breaks my heart. I had no idea it would be this hard. She takes her sippy cup in place of her feedings and often cries for a bit. I expect the next couple of weeks to be more difficult. I will pray for you and Harper. Please keep us in your prayers too. Best of luck!
Kelly

Hilary said...

I could only pump, which I did for 2 1/2 months. I then discovered my daughter has a milk protien allergy so we had to switch to formula. I never got the actual breastfeeding experience but I'm still extremely bonded to my daughter with bottle feeding her. You went a lot longer than alot of other moms do so CONGRATS! I wanted to go longer but it just wants possible. But you're right, there is something special about holding your baby when they are drinking the bottle that's special too.

Courtney said...

My daughter weaned herself before I wanted her to also (and I planned on nursing her until she was at least 2). It was hard to accept that she's growing up so fast! You are a wonderful mom for being attentive to and respectful of what Harper was obviously ready for (even if you weren't ready!) I'm praying for you to feel peace about this situation and about your upcoming trip :)

kimberly t. bowling said...

Glad to hear (as I'm late in responding to this post) that Laurie is now doing better and at home!

I, too, loved every single minute of nursing my babies (all 3 of them for over a year each). Sure there were those middle of the night, sleep deprived moments that I may have not treasured immediately, but I certainly remember them fondly, now....years later.

And I just have to say how much I love "minky dot" fabric....Harper's dress is too precious. That stuff is the best feeling material ever made!! :) I wish they made adult blankets out of it! Ha!

Ashia said...

i'm late in leaving this comment, but i just wanted to tell you that you (without knowing) encouraged me to breastfeed! and like you... it was SO hard at first, and i wanted to give up, but now i'm SO glad that i stuck with it. my baby is 6 weeks today, so we have a ways to go!

Meg said...

This is a beautiful post, I couldn't agree with you more. Nursing is a beautiful gift we have as mothers and I am so thankful to have been blessed to be able to do so (even though I know it's not for everyone and not everyone can do it). Glad weaning went so smoothly for you. I dread the day, it wil be bittersweet for sure! But boy do I look forward to my dairy and caffiene again!

Meg said...

This is a beautiful post, I couldn't agree with you more. Nursing is a beautiful gift we have as mothers and I am so thankful to have been blessed to be able to do so (even though I know it's not for everyone and not everyone can do it). Glad weaning went so smoothly for you. I dread the day, it wil be bittersweet for sure! But boy do I look forward to my dairy and caffiene again!

Unknown said...

I love that quote, "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take - but by the moments that take our breath away!
A dear friend of mine lost her son just days after his 2nd birthday to a very rare genetic disease. She took that quote to heart when he was diagnosed last year and lived true to it to soak up every last minute she had with him. We need to cherish our loved ones for every moment we have. I don't know why I'm sharing this with you, but I guess just wanted to thank you for sharing your experiences with your blog readers.

Molly

Joelle said...

ahh.. i am beginning to start and try weaning.. and im scared to death! hope it is just as easy for my daughter as it was for harper.. all your posts give me good advice and hope (like this one)

thanks Kelly,
joelle

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