13 months

I feel like we have truly gone from baby to toddler this month because she is a real toddler now. She is much better on her feet now & falls less than she used to. This month she has officially started walking (June 2nd) without holding onto mom or dads hand.  She toddles around on two feet nearly 100% of the time. Tantrums have been a whole new can of worms. Lilly is very much into climbing – stairs, her chair – & she’s not very steady yet. Thus, we have to tell her “no” a lot when we’ve had our fill of back-breaking spotting. With the word “no” comes a head-banging, back-arching tantrum. I just do my best to support her body while she flails about so she doesn’t hurt herself & ride out the storm so to speak. And my gosh I am soooo tired of changing diapers holding her down with one hand! I wish I could explain how important diaper changes are to her wellbeing.

Lillian has been 100% breastfed. This is something I dreamed of being able to do through her first year of life & is something that I am extremely proud of.  At the same time, breastfeeding is something that I am happy to say goodbye to.  Was it easy?  At first- Hell No.  Is it worth it? ABSOLUTELY! Only the greatest for Lilly! I am determined to give her what was & is best. I have started weaning her after her first birthday. By that time, we we're down to just four feedings a day anyhow. During this month, I had dropped down from 4 feedings a day to 1 over the course of a few weeks. We’re still nursing once a day. 

Everyone keeps asking me why I haven’t stopped completely. I’m just not ready! First thing in the morning is so easy & convenient. Lilly still asks for milk as soon as she’s up, so I’m waiting to see if it loses its appeal in the coming weeks. I think she’s holding onto the routine as much as I am & just staying on for comfort. To say the weaning process has been bittersweet is a huge understatement. Yet as hard as it to say goodbye to nursing, I know it is right for us. Now on the other side, I’ve been really happy with the decision & timing. I’m so thankful we have had such a positive experience & I definitely look forward to giving it another shot with baby number two, someday. 

I have started giving her cow’s milk at lunch & dinner. She usually sips a few ounces, but she doesn’t chug it down. For the first month I gave it (maybe a few times a week) she just let it dribble back down her chin, but lately she’s actually been taking sips. One time last week she drank the whole cup & asked for more. Lillian is eating almost all of the food we eat now.  I wouldn't say that we necessarily went the traditional way or even the "baby lead weaning way"... we were just sorta winging it with a little direction from friends & family.  
She continues to be a picky eater & changes the foods she likes daily. Sometimes it’s frustrating to figure out what she wants to eat. Where do you find the balance between a short order cook & having them go hungry? Isn’t she too young to understand the whole “this is what you get. eat it or go hungry” concept? I think so, but I don’t want to be starting bad habits by getting her whatever he wants... hem hem cheerios! Some of her current favorites are cheese, blueberries, tender pieces of chicken & most recently she'll try anything that we're eating!