Good Times and Bad

We were lucky enough to have two special visitors this past week -- Grandma Rhona and Dodie. Both grandmothers were full of energy and enjoyed chasing the kids around, participating in the ongoing potty-training endeavor, and giving Danielle and Scott a little time off to do things like go on a date (Slumdog Millionaire is fantastic) and attend important meetings (Max will be starting a toddler play program in March). Check out the pictures below for more highlights from the visits.

On the flip side of things, we've encountered a few significant hurdles with Henry. The bottom line is that he has suddenly quit nursing and won't drink any liquids from a cup. Up until last Tuesday, Henry was a champion nurser and he never missed a feeding. He nursed at 6am and 10am on Tuesday as he normally would, and then wouldn't nurse again. No amount of begging, bribing or crazy antics suggested by the lactation consultants would convince him to change his mind. I wouldn't be upset about weaning Henry at this point if we had a different set of circumstances. He is, after all, almost 11 months, the same age Max was when he was weaned. It's very strange for a baby to just abruptly wean himself at this age, however, and it is certainly not ideal since he won't drink other liquids from a cup. I've tried formula, milk, water, and juice and a variety of different sippy cups. I can get a little juice down him, but that's it. I was so worried that he was going to end up dangerously dehydrated that I took him to the pediatrician on Thursday. She said he looked great and was no doubt getting a lot of liquids from his food. Her perspective was just to continue offering him cups and eventually, when he got thirsty enough, he would drink. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this will turn out to be the case. He's a stubborn little guy. I can't imagine where he got that...

From an emotional perspective, I feel a little sad about the fact that my "baby" is now weaned, almost walking, and soon to turn one year old. Don't get me wrong, I'll be happy to have my body back to myself (assuming I don't end up with mastitis from the abrupt cessation of breastfeeding, but that's another story), but I will also miss the special, snuggly time with Henry that nursing has allowed. I'm sad that I didn't know that our last time nursing on Tuesday morning was really our LAST time nursing! Maybe it's time for another baby. Ha, ha! Just kidding Mom and Rhona! Don't get too excited. I think I have my hands full at the moment with these two jokers.

Henry explores the baby room at Habitot museum in Berkeley.

Max gets in touch with his inner Picasso at Habitot

Max did one swipe of paint on this paper and then freaked out because he had paint on his hand. Does my toddler have obsessive compulsive disorder?

Max models his new rain boots. Thanks Grandma Rhona!

Max helps Mommy make salsa in the kitchen.

Dodie and the boys in front of the house. Can you believe we found a wreath with all of the crazy paint colors of the house in it?