Na-Na

Dear Addie,

It has been a while since I have written! You have kept me busy, between cutting 3 molars at the same time, learning new words, wanting to play hockey, and nursing all the time, writing has fallen by the wayside.

You continue to amaze me with your words, your play, your dancing, and your approach to life. You are not a dainty child. You are headstrong and go after whatever it is you want. Your greatest enemies are fatigue and boredom.

You also love hockey, Minnie Mouse, birds, dogs (and animals in general), Elmo, peas, cheese, and apples. Your brother brings you the biggest smile, and cuddling up with me for a close, cuddly nursing session brings you comfort, relaxation, and security.

While I tire of pumping at work to keep my supply up, and there are definitely days that I wish I could just lay you down in your own bed to sleep (like daddy does) instead of nursing you to sleep, I love the fact that we are still nursing. It's my favorite time of day- when you just cuddle in, latch on, and the world is instantly a better place for you.

And you seem to like it too :). You ask for "Na-Na" frequently, especially when you're tired, in an unfamiliar place, upset, and thirsty. When I'm not around, you ask for "moke" out of your sippy-cup (which is the only reason I still pump!). When you wake up at night upset and scared, you ask for na-na. And when I come home from work late, after you have been asleep, you always seem to know when I come up to bed, because you climb into the big bed, still half asleep, and you nurse. And this is my favorite part- you take your hand and stroke my chest very gently while you cuddle up right in and nurse.

I wish more moms felt supported through toddler nursing. And I'm glad I found the support I have had to keep nursing you.

It works for us. It's nice. And I think we both enjoy it :).

I will keep nursing you as long as you need, Addie. It's our special time.

Love you,
Mama