March 29, 2009

And it's finally happened...

Since I rarely post without a picture, and I'm not a nudist, my drawing will have to suffice. But at 23 months I think I can safely say, Calvin is finally weaned. All thanks to a bit of advice from my little brother. (First I must give a little background, so you all don't think that I'm completely crazy, although maybe I am. I can honestly say, I never thought I would be one of those nursing this long, but a. I can't stand for Calvin to cry. It completely breaks my heart so doing the tough love thing totally wasn't working for me and b. I was afraid if I quit nursing I would never figure out how to get the kid to sleep, and with working at home I desperately need his nap and sleep time.)

SO crazy that the one that gave me the advice that worked doesn't even have a kid, but he told me a story about someone he knows whose kid nursed until 4 and that the way they got the kid to stop was by having his wife paint a scary face on her boobs. It totally worked, and he never wanted to nurse again. I did wonder if it would work for Calvin since nothing else seems to, discipline wise. And he sure isn't scared by anything but giant stuffed bears and sombreros, but I figured anything was worth a shot. So I did it, although I figured sharpie was easier than paint and I drew a little something like this:





The picture may not be fully accurate as I have to admit I was a little generous with my cup size, but you get the idea.

Anyhow, so I put Calvin in down with his bunny milk (chocolate quick) another new diversion I was trying and of course he starts crying for boobie. I tell him a monster ate my boobs, (who knows what sort of traumatization I may be creating). Anyhow, he kept asking and I tell him again, that "boobies went bye bye, a monster ate them," and I quickly lifted my shirt to show him the monsters and let out a little scream to complete the effect. He didn't even cry. He just got a startled (probably more like a disturbed) look, laid down and said, "Sleep." And cuddled up next to me and fell asleep. Several times he woke up in the night and said, "Bye bye boob." And a couple other times he woke up wanting boob, but all I had to say was "scary boob" and he'd roll back over and fall asleep.

So today all morning he has been saying, "Bye Bye Boob" or "Boob Scary." I know it's probably scarred him for life. The whole thing is a deeply disturbing thought in which I pray he eventually forgets. His nap was the true test, and confirmed that a. he's deeply traumatized by boobs, and or b. he's actually finally weaned. He lays down and says once more, "bye bye boob" and goes to sleep. No tears no nothing. I couldn't believe it! Thank you Dane!

22 comments:

Leslie and Dave said...

I must admit I am slightly disturbed but also laughing hysterically! Congrats! I think you need to submit your story to some parenting magazine, it is for sure to get picked up. I'm excited to see what your techniques will be for potty training!

Annie said...

LOL!! Rani that is great congrats!!

Sunshine Designed said...

I'm with Leslie and Dave above. That is the best weaning story I've heard!

Tiffany said...

Nice Rani. I can relate, I too nursed Maddie until she was 23 months, did NOT intend to go that long...but. I've learned that every kid is different and if you can find something that works to your advantage, i.e. scary boob, then perfect. CONGRATS...here comes the engorgement.

Becky said...

At a loss for words..

Andy said...

Ummm, Ahhhh, I am not sure what to say other that I laughed and then laughed till I cried and cant believe that it actually worked!!! Nice job Rani....bye, bye, boobi!

Lisa, F is for Fischer said...

That is seriously the funniest story I have ever heard!!!! He'll probably be a leg and butt man when he gets older... scary boobs!

Jessica said...

I agree with Leslie, that you need to send this into a parenting mag

Kirsten Brockner said...

Finally!!!!my oh my Rani! I am at a loss for words also. At least maybe now you can get away for an evening or night!

Chris, Erica, Avva, & Alle Kinnersley said...

That is so funny. Maybe I should try it- Alle doesn't want to give up the boob either. I was ready at 8 months to give it up, but she is sooo stubburn. She won't even take a bottle anymore.

Sit A Spell said...

Ok...this is my first visit here...what a visit! Too funny...bless his little heart...he should forget about this since he is so young. He will be fine.

Have a great day!

The Cliftens said...

I am very disturbed by this story!!! Rani! Only you, seriously. But I must say I am extremely glad that he is finally off the boob...I might have had to disown you if it continued any longer. :)

Jacque said...

I'm so glad boob rehab was a success! I'm sure Dane won't forget to resurface this story when we start up the fam. So funny.

Jennifer said...

I am speechless. If this is what motherhood brings us to I am out.

Hartley Family said...

I am dying....that is so hilarious (and kind of sad that Calvin says, "bye bye boob")! You make me laugh! I've never heard that technique but will remember it from now on incase I need to give advice out to any of the parents I work with! :) Ha ha ha ...
maybe not! Give me a call when you want to potty train :)

Sarah Wood said...

Rani you seriously need to get this published!

Matthew said...

This is the funniest post in the world ever!!! Jess, my wife, read it first and told me about it and that I had to check it out. She now thinks you are the coolest.

The Shosteds said...

oh my word rani, that has got to be the best story yet! I love it!! way to go!!love you!

Carr Family said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Carr Family said...

Holy cow, I died laughing at that! I'm currently weaning Dallan, we're down to once in the morning and before bed at night. Today is the first time I didn't nurse him in the morning. He's pretty pissed about it, pounding on my laptop as I type. I showed him your drawing, but it had no affect on him:)

Meghann said...

I'm dying Rani! That is the craziest story I've ever heard. It's a subject that I know nothing about, but way to go!

Becky said...

So my friend just told me she was reading the book "A Tree Grows In Brooklyn" last night and it has that same story in it!!!!