NO time limit

This morning a couple changes have been made in the Howland home. Justin and I have decided to shy away from using the crib until Ava is one year old. A lot of people must be reading this and thinking, "What is wrong with you!" but this is what is going to work best for our family. Ava has been co-slept since she was five months old, and while it was suppose to be a temporary switch, it has definitely become something permanent. It kind of hit me last night when I put Ava bug down for bed. It's seldom that Ava cries at bedtime, but I heard her kind of sniffing in her sleep. All I had to do was cuddle her next to me, and she just instantly stopped. All my baby really longs for is security. I can give that to her. If that means sacrificing bed space, then I will. A lot of people have asked about "intimacy" with my husband. What happens to that? Justin and I have no issues in that department. When you have kids your entire intimacy dynamic has to be shifted. You can't just do whatever you'd like, whenever. That being said, we have found ways that work for us. It has actually forced us to be more creative, and I absolutely love this aspect of things.

Another change I decided to make regards to nursing. I am not going to stop nursing when Ava is a year. I do plan on giving her whole milk, and other juices, but I will not stop nursing. This has been such a huge ordeal for me. I don't know why it's become so huge, but it is. Nursing is so much more than nutrition. It's so much more than just bonding. I don't expect to be nursing my three year old (who knows, maybe) but I do know that you can't put a time limit on nursing. It's my daughter's comfort and I will not take that away from her. I can't tell you the boost of confidence and " I am woman" demeanor I have received because of nursing. It's an amazing experience and I'm so glad I've been able to nurse this long. I got an email not too long ago asking about Ava biting me. I have had one incident where Ava bit me, but now we are golden. I read a book (can't think of the title at the moment, but if you want to know, email me and I'll look it up) and it went through the steps of correcting "the bite" you sometimes get when babies get teeth. It was a super easy process and I encourage mama's to not allow "the bite" to sway your decision for nursing longer.

I'm really happy and content with the decisions I have made. Each parent has their own way of doing things, and this way is the way that works best for my family.

This picture was taken during Ava's first 48 hours of life. 

Happy Friday all!

   ♥- Leilani