I don't have a nursling anymore. :(

I'm sad. Solomon has shown less and less interest in nursing. He often just "snacks" and never gets full so he's fussy. But he's starting to get up on his hands and knees and is easily distracted. He's a very busy guy these days. I've tried taking him in a quiet room (not easy with four kids, 7 and under) but it doesn't seem to help.

Still I kept going. A few nights ago, I took my concerns to God in my daily quiet time and asked for a clear indication about when to wean. (One of these days I'll quit asking for that clear indication.. and I'll just ask for I dunno.. a milder indication? A gentle indication? A gentle nudge?)

Brandon and I believe that indication came tonight. I tried to nurse Solomon. He was having well.. a temper tantrum I suppose, but he looked like he was so hungry but every time I'd try to latch him, he'd arch his back and pull away. He's not teething... We went through this a few months ago but we kept going. In the end I was frazzled, in tears and my nerves were shot.

I tried to nurse him a little later once I had soothed him and calmed him down and he bit me. Now he's bitten me before, but only when he was under my nursing cover... but this time he clamped down and wouldn't let go (and we weren't using the nursing cover.) I had to pry his little jaws open as I used every ounce of self control in my body to not jerk away.

Thank God he has NO teeth yet.

He fussed and then after a bit he turned in to nurse and started smacking his lips.

And he bit me again... this time he clamped and wiggled his bottom jaw back and forth... It brought tears to my eyes and Brandon said "Enough. Stephanie, you've done enough. He'll be fine."

So Solomon will be weaned. I don't think it will be too hard because he's taken a bottle of pumped milk with no issues. Of course, he doesn't like to take a bottle from me-- so we'll see how it goes. Daddy will take over some feedings this weekend and if worst comes to worst, his big sisters that have been chomping at the bit to feed him bottles will get their turn Monday. I don't think it will come to that, but we'll see.

I'd appreciate prayers during this time of adjustment for our family. I'm so thankful that we both fell asleep together while he nursed the other night. (It is really rare that I sleep while nursing him. If anything, I'm hyperalert.) God knew that it was coming to an end and let me have that one last special time with him. I'll treasure it always.

7 months 21 days... and another chapter ends. *sniff, sniff*

~Steph