And a new chapter begins...

Last night was the first night of a new phase. Ava did not nurse last night. We're done. I have mixed emotions about it. I'm sad, but happy, and realizing that she's stepping up to be a little girl, she's not a baby. I nursed Ava for 21.5 months and am so happy I did. It had it's ups and downs, but all in all, I'm glad I could give her the nutrients and nurturing that only nursing can supply.

All week during our nursing session before bedtime I've been telling her that in __ many days, mama milk will be all done. Last night after her bath, and when we usually cuddle up, she asked for mama milk and I said, "No, remember mama's milk's all done. You can have some juice, water, or milk in a cup." I planned my phrase all week and expected a huge tantrum, but she just smiled at me and said, "juice?" That was it.

I'm expecting this week I may encounter some sort of tantrum as I continue to say no, but so far, so good.