Cow's Milk

Well, we made it this far...and I'm both thankful and proud.

When I first started nursing, I never thought I'd make it this far.  Those first 6 weeks were hard.  They were challenging.  The anal part of me wanted to know exactly how much he was getting but with breastfeeding that's not possible.  But once I got past 6 weeks and got the hang of it I knew I was in it for the long haul.  It's been a long 10 months of no dairy, dr pepper, sweet tea, chocolate (ok...so I might have snuck this in every now and then) but it's been so worth it.  To have a happy baby who didn't have colic and no spit up issues (other than to certain things that I ate but if it bothered him I eliminated it) and a baby on a schedule has been totally worth every hard thing I've done over the past 10 months and 3 weeks and 4 days.  Some may not think that eliminating those things was necessary or didn't think my schedule was best, but for me and for my Easton, it was the best. I have no doubt.

I'm thankful for the extra that the Lord did bless me with on the front end so I could freeze and store it up for those sick times and for now when I'm almost at the end.  I was even able to feed little Zoe with some frozen milk when Brooke needed some help.  That was a sweet experience. One I'll cherish forever.

However, my milk has recently taken quite the nose dive south.  I used to pump 8-9 ounces at each sitting, now I do good to get 7-8 for the whole day.  And, those numbers just don't cut it.  Easton needs 2- 6 ounce bottles at school.  I have enough frozen to last us a week or so to combine with the fresh milk but I felt like I needed to start whole milk as well to see if he has any issues.  I didn't want to wait till it was too late and have none frozen and no other options but formula. (BTW- Formula is FINE, I just didn't want to deal with it if I didn't have too.)

So, today is the day.  Today Easton got 1 ounce of this stuff in his bottle. 

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I know, 1 ounce.  You're thinking Ann, get a hold of yourself...but this is a big deal.  I think if he's going to have an allergy to it, 1 ounce would show that.  Everyone I've talked too said if they're gonna have a reaction they'll have it with 1 ounce or 6 so I'm praying all goes well.  I plan on adding a little every day to my milk until he's entirely on whole milk.  I do plan on nursing through a year, even if just in the morning and at night.  It's such a sweet bond and I'm not ready to give it ALL up just yet!

So, here's to whole milk!!!  Getcha a big ole glass....and some oreo cookies.