My Special Little Girl

I'm having one of my sentimental, reflective moments...

One week ago today, Bradyn and I decided that we were finished with breast feeding. We were at that point in our bedtime routine when she's sitting on my lap in Great Grandma's rocking chair and she has her nightly (and only remaining, daily) feeding. When I pulled up my shirt for her, she looked at me, then looked up into my eyes with those big baby blues, but made no motions to nurse. I decided to ask 'All done?'. Her eyes said it all. She then looked away and leaned forward to reach for a book. The next day I went on antibiotics for my strep throat, so although I haven't offered since, she hasn't asked. It was just a quiet, unplanned decision that we made together.

We've both moved on, but there's a part of me that's very sad. I know I'm still her Mommy, but that special bond is what made me unique from any other person in her life. Now anyone can put her to bed, and theoretically, anybody could be her Mommy. I know we'll find other things to do that will be our own special bond, but there's just nothing in the world like the special quiet time you share with your child while breastfeeding.

Our little baby girl is growing up so fast. She's talking, running all over, taking care of her own baby doll, and continuing to amaze us every day. 16 1/2 months old. I just can't believe it. It seems it was only yesterday that we were holding on to a tiny swaddled bundle that we really weren't sure what we were going to do with. Funny how you figure it out so quickly and then, just a quickly, can't imagine what you would do without her.

Fun At The Track

I think this is the end of my 'catch-up' pictures.
These are from our day at Hastings Park Race Track. Bradyn had a great time running down the hill and learning the word 'horse'.

Her First Trip To The Water Park

During our recent heat wave, we thought it would be fun to take Bradyn to the water park. The big one we planned on visiting was closed, so we went to a smaller one that was closer to home. What a blast! The water was pretty darn cold, but Bradyn warmed up to it pretty quickly and, in the end, we had a hard time convincing her it was time to leave.

A Trip To The Zoo

Thanks to our tourism challenge pass, two weekends ago, we took a trip to the zoo (and saved $50!)

Checking out the giraffe.

Taking a walk with Daddy (Daddy LOVES it when Bradyn holds his hand).

All this walking is hard work - I need a snack!

Watching the bear eat apples.... in two bites each.

Having a staring contest with the 'donkey' (I know it had some exotic name, but it sure looks like a donkey to me).

At last, I get out from behind the camera. :-)

Fun At The Beach

So many pictures to catch you all up on....
Here are a few from our trip to the ocean 2 weeks ago - a mere 10 minute drive away from home. (Actually, this particular beach was about 20 minutes from home, but it was a special adventure.)