This is what happens when I tell Juliet to say “cheese”
I needed to get Juliet’s 23rd month update up because she turns 2 in less than 2 weeks! Pinch me. I can’t believe she is almost 2! This second year has gone by twice as fast as the first.
I am busily planning and prepping for Juliet’s 2nd birthday party that is coming up on February 15 (her birthday is the next day). I am in love with the theme and can’t wait to get a post up with all the inspiration going into her party. Mostly though, Juliet is the inspiration. She brings joy into every moment of my life and each month she gets older I think to myself “wow, it just keeps getting better!”. Maybe that won’t be the case in her teen years but for now I am cherishing each sweet second.
While there were a few milestones this month, there was one monumental one.
Juliet weaned.
You may have already heard me talk about it on Instagram last week and yes, Juliet is officially done breastfeeding. Wow do I have so many emotions around this. Mostly, I am sad. I can’t believe this chapter is closed for us and it really signifies that while Juliet will always be my baby, she is no longer a baby. She really hasn’t been for months but that breastfeeding bond kept her close in my arms, her sweet head nestled right next to my heart. Don’t get me wrong, we still have awesome cuddle time, she still reaches her hands up and says “momma hold you” when she wants to be held and I still lay next to her every night while she falls asleep. But I do miss breastfeeding her.
I always thought we would wean around the time Juliet turned 2, but I had no real timeline. I hoped that Juliet would self-wean and that’s pretty much what happened. Traveling to Mexico for 4 nights definitely contributed. When Erik and I returned, Juliet did want to breastfeed but shortly after we got back she started losing interest and stopped asking completely.
At this point it’s been almost two weeks since she last breastfed. We did have a last session a couple weekends ago where I just knew it was our last. I held her extra close and kissed her cheek and twirled her hair between my fingers and stared down at her eyelashes while she nursed and fell asleep. And I cried.
But as much as I’m sad I’m really happy, too. Happy that we went for almost 2 years. Happy that we overcame a really tough first few weeks of trying to successfully breastfeed with a terrible latch. Happy that Juliet and I shared that amazing breastfeeding experience together.
I want to write so much more about our breastfeeding experience but I don’t have the energy right now. I’d love to dedicate an entire post on it (I’ve gotten a lot of emails and questions) and may do that in the near future. Let me know if that would be of interest. I’d also just love to have that documented for her to see when she’s a momma herself.
I want to write so much more about our breastfeeding experience but I don’t have the energy right now. I’d love to dedicate an entire post on it (I’ve gotten a lot of emails and questions) and may do that in the near future. Let me know if that would be of interest. I’d also just love to have that documented for her to see when she’s a momma herself.
Besides that big milestone Juliet has been talking more and more. She’s been saying:
“Momma lay down”
“Dada come play with me”
“Dada who is it?” (when the phone rings)
“Come on kitty”
“It’s icy”
“It’s not cold outside”
“Mama has pimple” (I really love this one. Uh)
“I don’t want it”
“Have a tea party”
Besides being my little talker Juliet is becoming quite independent. She insists on walking to the car during daycare pick-up, and doing tasks herself like buckling herself into her high chair and peeling her own banana.
Juliet loves to sing and she knows all the words for a bunch of songs (Where is Thumbkin, Twinkle Twinkle, Ba Ba Blacksheep, etc)
Juliet loves to sing and she knows all the words for a bunch of songs (Where is Thumbkin, Twinkle Twinkle, Ba Ba Blacksheep, etc)
Happy 23 months my beautiful darling girl. I can’t wait to celebrate you turning 2!
The Many Thoughts of a Reader says
February 9, 2014 at 8:57 pmaww. <3 I'm grateful to have done self-weaning too. I don't think I would want to mess with a forced weaning.
gabrielnbelle says
February 10, 2014 at 6:32 pmJenna, my daughter is only three months older than Juliet, so I feel like I've been on this journey along side of you. I really enjoy your mommy/Juliet posts. My little one weaned around 21-22 months. I can relate to your emotions. It's such a precious time with our little ones. Oh, and by the way, i turned 32 this week too 🙂
Jenna says
February 10, 2014 at 6:54 pmTotally agree. I was so worried about Juliet not wanting to be done when I was ready.
Jenna says
February 10, 2014 at 6:56 pmOh how awesome! Thank you for saying you enjoy my mommy/Juliet posts, that means a lot to me. That's so great you guys breastfed until your little one was 21-22 months. Happy birthday to you!