The end of an era

This time last week, Summer stayed at her Bebe's house for the day while Mommy and Daddy took care of some chores. When we went to pick her up, she decided she wanted to start walking! She walked from one side of the room to the other unassisted! It was an amazing, joyous, and bittersweet moment for us, as she's becoming progressively more independent and grown up. Once we got home, she did it a few more times, but with a little less flair and enthusiasm. By the time the next day came around, she REFUSED. She did not want to walk for anyone, even though we were shouting from the rooftops that she was now walking. So, we waited it out, but she just flat out refused. We've slowly been building up the enthusiasm by showing the videos of her walking that day and giving her small, short paths to walk. She takes the bait occasionally, but mostly she does it only when she wants. We're getting there, but we're enjoying her being a little crawling moosh for now. :)

Yesterday, Summer and Mommy experienced the end of our breastfeeding relationship, a day short of her being 14 months old. We had been through lots together through breastfeeding. I feel so fortunate to have nourished her for so long. And, at the end of it, she looked forward to each feeding with much enthusiasm and ownership that I cannot help but be proud of her. Not just that, I am proud of myself for breastfeeding for 8 months longer than planned. I'm proud to admit that Summer never drank a single ounce of formula. (Not that formula is bad, it just had to take commitment to continue breastfeeding.) Breastfeeding is often not easy--especially exclusive breastfeeding while working full time, and taking on that challenge in the interest of greater health benefits of your child makes it that much more significant. I feel freer in one sense and a bit sad in another. But it was our time and it was mutual, and we're both moving on to bigger things. ;)