Warm Milk in a Bottle
My daughter had her 15-month appointment today. She’s happy and healthy, and very, very tiny. Our pediatrician asked if she was still taking a bottle, and I explained yes – sort of. You see, daughter has no trouble drinking anything from a sippy cup. But she happens to like her milk warm, and in a bottle. She’ll drink a few ounces throughout the day cold and in a cup, but not enough to meet her daily quota of milk consumption. So about an hour before bath/bedtime, I put some warm milk in a bottle and let her go at it. Calcium – strong bones – healthy teeth. I was feeling good about myself.
The last few weeks have been…hectic. I often find myself propping her up on the couch with warm-milk-in-a-bottle and letting her suck until her little heart’s content while I get five pre-bedtime minutes without her tugging at my pant legs. When the pediatrician today said she was probably fine with the amount she’s getting in a cup and it would be ok to kill the bottle, I first thought – yes! More cabinet space! Then I started getting nostalgic.
I was able to nurse both my children until they were about nine months old. Then my milk faucets dried up, much to my dismay (I don’t like not achieving a goal – and my goal was to make it to one year. It was the 152nd time I’ve had to learn to let things go since becoming a mom, but it was a big one, so I still have trouble with it from time to time). From months 9-12 I used formula and transitioned to milk. Here’s the thing about babies and bottles (or nursing, for that matter). It’s pretty much the only time in the world after those first precious few months of cuddly-newbornness that you get a few minutes to hold your perfectly still baby and just look at ‘em. Stare them down. Have a cuddle-fest. So after my excitement over a few extra slots in the sippy cup cabinet, I was overcome with sadness that this is my last chance. It really does feel like the last bit of baby-ness is slipping right through my fingers.
I haven’t put the bottles away just yet. I know it’s coming in the next few days. But there will be no propping up with a pillow just her and a bottle. I’ll be there for every last little drop from the bottle – and probably a few drops from my eyes.
Kelli, This is precious. Madonna like. Pure love!