Hold Me, Feed Me

My mom took this picture and called it, the baby holding her baby holding a baby holding a baby holding a teeny tiny baby. 

I nursed Sloane for the last time a couple of days ago. I think it's safe to say she's officially weaned. I never ever ever thought I would still be breastfeeding a 21 month old, but this baby of mine has taught me a lot of things about never saying never.  

I'm not sure how I feel about this stage of my life being over. Sloane has literally bitten me every day for the past 14 months. I am ready and happy for her to use a cup and straw. But biting aside, I have loved nursing my babies.  The "freedom" will be a strange, new experience. Except for a couple of very short gaps in there, I have been pregnant or breastfeeding for the past 12 and a half years. It's kind of surreal to think that my body is totally my own, physically unattached, and not being depended upon for survival by another tiny human. 

Luckily, my body still has work to do and still has years of nurturing to do. I get to "feed" these children spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually. And the hours I spend in (my office) the kitchen are also of great value to these incredible people I get to care for.  My body is still giving life in a very physical way as I labor and serve with love. There is great reciprocity in motherhood, and I'm grateful for the past 12.5 years that I've been fed and nurtured, by them, in return. Thanks, Willy babies.