Last night I had the absolute pleasure of meeting up with these two ladies for dinner. This is the second time I've been out for an evening since BB's birth – almost two years ago. In both instances poor PB had a helluva time getting BB down – due to her always being breastfed to sleep – which inevitably resulted in hours of screaming and eventually falling in a heap from exhaustion. (Her, not him. But it was equally as traumatic for the both of them).
As much as it breaks my heart and instills an irrational fear of her rejecting me, I know it's time to start weaning. One value we really push for in our family is empowerment. And it's time for me to empower both of them to be able to have an evening together with a happy ending. (And let's be honest – I could do with the odd night out). The coming weeks are full with birthday parties and garage sale planning, but after that I'm dedicating myself to getting that ball rolling.
The above photo was taken on my way out last night, PB stopped me with the camera (probably to document an outfit he actually approved of!) and because I initially had no intentions of blogging the photos I was able to ham it up, rather than looking like a stunned mullet. Apparently I'm not embarrassed about silly poses and willing to post them on the internet.
Country Road top (this season) / Belinda Fairbanks denim skirt (I think she's an Aussie designer? I found it in a sale bin years ago) / Brogues from a trip to Florence. They're my favourites and I never have a chance to wear them since being back in Australia.
You look fabioso! Hope you had a nice time. I’m with you on the breastfeeding-to-sleep-absolute-helll-breaks-out-if-I-don’t situation! It’s a toughy. I’ve been thinking about the weaning thing too. Nights are just ridiculous in our house, and after more than 2 years of it, I’m feeling very drained, literally! Good luck with it :) x
ReplyDeleteSwtiswooo! Looking great! Good luck with the weaning.. I found my 2 boys decided they were actually just to big, and didn't need mama anymore. I feel very sad for a few days, but then freedom took over. Best of luck. x
ReplyDeletePoor dad! (and Mom!) Glad to hear that you had a nice time out. We're just starting to have some nights where my husband puts the baby asleep by himself and--if you find you're not ready to wean yet, but this is not to say you should or shouldn't!--we moved the breastfeeding up in the bedtime routine (baby down drowsy) and now a bottle of milk or breast will work at bedtime (so far, a few times, at least). Just in case you need an alternative... But best of luck whatever route you go! I like the way you frame it as empowering them! So true.
ReplyDeleteHot mama! Looong legs.
ReplyDeleteAnd goodluck with the weaning. We did it last month. It was tough (I felt so mean when he asked for it and I said no!) but our big boy only took about 2 weeks and he seemed to forget all about it. Still only been out with the girls one night though, must do something about that. Want to do a weekend dash to Paris with me?
Holy Moly, you look gorgeous Anna! Twice in 2 years??! It's definitely high time you had more cheeky nights out. Especially with such amazing and talented ladies. xx Good luck with the weaning.
ReplyDeleteI just weaned my son at two. I had some of the same concerns as you. We did it very gradually and now, a month out, we are all well adjusted. It disrupted his sleep for a few weeks but eventually he stopped asking to nurse and we are still as close as ever.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the weaning- it will happen and then freedom!You look lovely in this pic- I love the outfit, Jo x
ReplyDeleteYOU ARE A TOTAL BABE. seriously look at your legs.
ReplyDeleteim so jelly (yes, i speak like a 13 years old) about your ladies date night, glad you babes had fun ;)
xoxoxoxo
Loving the pose and the outfit :)
ReplyDeleteYou look fabulous Anna. And good one you for going out for dinner (I can't remember the last time I did). The weaning process can be a challenging one...but believe me I tell you that once you put your mind to it, it will only be a matter of days. Truly!
ReplyDeleteIf you need advice (I weaned Che just before 2) let me know. I'll tell you what worked for us x
sorry for the amount of mistakes in that post - I've got a dreaded cold and clearly my head isn't working x
ReplyDeleteLoving that look, Anna! And how great is your hair looking? It makes me want to grow my colour out again!
ReplyDeleteWhat excites me most about this post is the bloggy (and hopefully slightly boozy!) catch up... what a treat! You girls are all fab! xx
P.S - the weaning... big deal. I'm still feeding Lalie like a newborn. I've tried to cut down feeds but as I'm trying to distract her after waking up... she pokes me in the boob and glares at me and says "Do it". No joke. It's got me a bit worried!
Twas so much fun Anna! You're gorgeous here and even gorgeous-er in real life xx
ReplyDeleteWe just finished night weaning with our 20 month old. She still nurses and sleeps with us...but no more milkies when the sun is away, save the initial nurse down. I was out at bedtime for the first time last weekend and she went to sleep on her Daddy - a minor (and happy) miracle. Party time! Best of luck!
ReplyDeleteI barely noticed the fabulous shoes as I was too busy noticing the legs! Rosie is so lucky to have such a generous and thoughtful Mum as you. It's such a scary prospect, weaning - even just at night. But nothing will come between that bond. It's not based on the night feeds. Kellie xx
ReplyDeleteHooray for nights out! It's funny how we aim to raise independent, empowered little ones and yet seem to do the exact opposite for ourselves. I had just got my head around starting to ween (daytime only! baby steps!) my lil man and then he got sick and all he could have was breastmilk and water and now it's all he wants ever - when he wasn't even interested before! Oh well, we'll get there eventually I am sure. Everyone needs a little time out and empowerment sometimes!
ReplyDeleteAs a mother I can totally relate. my daughter is now 22 months and still feeding a lot. Luckily at night she has a a bit of a feed and a bottle and daddy puts her and her brother to bed . If she wakes up at night my partner tries to get her back to sleep but if he is too tired i need to pat her to sleep and totally refuse at all to pick her up and breastfeed her back as it gets too difficult. But during the day when i am with her, I sometimes breastfeed her to sleep for her day nap which is always shorter than if she falls asleep some other way. Its tough and hopefully she will wean herself at 2???? Good luck with the weaning!
ReplyDeleteYou look gorgeous xx
ReplyDeleteWhat a great photo!
ReplyDeleteI weaned my 3rd boy at 18 months, because he was so hooked, and it started to slow our family quality time.
First I stopped the day time and then the sleep one. My boy cried a bit, but I always presented him for an alternative activity ' look at that book! Let' s paint! Let's go in the bath!' And after a while, maybe two weeks, he was good. Daddy was also very much there those days to help.
Hopefully, it will be as easy for you and BB.
Oh my oh me, you are stunning lady! Those legs, wowsa! How lucky that you got to hang out with such gorgeous ladies. I'm a tad jealous.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the weaning. It is a hard step but you will bond with Rosie in other ways. Plus, it means more nights out so yippee! (positive thinking, eh).
BIsous
Lovely outfit there! I like your hair...I noticed you cut it all off a while back..how did that feel?! I did the same thing, after having long long hair for AGES..and it was quite easy to chop, but im constantly noticing long hair all over the show, wanting it back bad! Love the colour in ends too, is this just regrowth or positioned dye-ing? cute.
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