Happy Birthday Mami!

The little won has not nursed, nor had a tantrum about not nursing, since last wednesday (2/7/07). He seems to be over it.

Birthdays at his pre-school are quite a big deal. It's an all day celebration, in fact. The kid whose day it is is literally in the spotlight all day. They get a "happy birthday" banner on the entry gate to the school that has been lovingly decorated by all of the children, they wear a special crown that was made by the teachers and kids, they sit in a special birthday chair at the head of the table, they get cake, games, and just about anything else they want, for the entire day. The little won loves birthday parties, even when it's someone else's.

When the little Won turned two (back in September), I decided that if he didn't do it on his own, I was going to require him to be done with the Chi Chi's by my birthday. My birthday is in May. "Six months," I proclaimed to my Hubbie, "should be enough time for him to self-wean. If not, I'm going to force the issue." He glanced at me and asked "Why wait so long? You seem to be finished with it." I explained that I feel like it should be something he's ready to give up. Why force him to be more mature (or whatever) before he's ready? I want him to be confident that he'll get his needs met and if the boob makes him feel that way, then fine. On the other hand, I'm sick of it. So, we're going to start talking about it and by the time my birthday rolls around, he should be one with the decision. So, I announced to the little won and just about everyone in the fold: "When it's Mommy's birthday we're going to have cake. I'm going to make a wish and blow out the candle, and my wish is going to come true!" Somewhere along the way, I decided that my birthday may come a little bit earlier than in years past. But whenever someone asked me when my birthday was, I said that I wasn't sure yet. I never said out loud to anyone other than Hubbie and other breastfeeding-positive-friends-or-associates that I really want the little won to be ready and not be forced to give it up.

Since he's been doing so great with not nursing however, I decided that we're gonna run with it. Despite my concerns that he has yet to get his 2 year molars, that he is always soothed by the boob in the middle of the night when in pain or really sick, and that my job is going full-time tomorrow, we're going to have a celebration after dinner tonight. Two bite brownies with frosting on top. We'll top it off with a candle, sing happy birthday and remind the little won that now he's a big boy and that he doesn't get Chi Chi's any more. He'll say it with such fervor, I'll smile and give him a big hug. It's such a milestone, we'll take a family photo.

I'm going to get my tears out of the way now.