Isaac Reads

We haven't posted in a while as things have been quite busy this fall. However, dedicated readers of "Becoming Isaac OM," we promise more Isaac-content in the weeks to come. Here's a short video Anique shot this morning of our boy reading/reciting several of his favorite books. This kids loves books: often he tells us to sit and read one book while he thumbs through a different one.

Halloween friends

This morning we got together with our friends for a Halloween brunch. This is the same group I've met with somewhat regularly since we were all pregnant at the same time. Now all our kids are talking, climbing everything and stealing each others toys. Check out our little frog in the pictures that Anne and her husband Neil took:
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Apple-picking with Aunt Moracca

My sister Moriah is visiting this week from Tuscon and Isaac is loving the time with his aunt (so much so that he's currently refusing to take his afternoon nap). Because "Moriah" is a little hard to say, and because Isaac's attempts sound a lot like his "Maya," Moriah has agreed to go by the (awesome) nickname, "Moracca." Isaac has been calling her that all day.

This morning, we went apple-picking at Honeypot Orchards in Stowe. After a long year in the desert--were temps were 100 last week--Moriah has been appreciating the "grey skies," chilly weather and fall colors. We had a great time at Honeypot playing in the pumpkin patch, picking a few of the remaining Empire apples, sharing cider donuts and visiting with the farm animals. See for yourselves:

Isaac at the playground with Grandma and Grandpa

Here are a couple of short videos Grandpa Bob shot of Isaac at a local playground. Yes, he's still in his pajamas even though it's almost 6 PM. Enjoy!

At the Cooper-Hall Lake house, Hillsborough, NH

Pictured (from left to right, babies in all caps): ISAAC, Anique, Jose, Bill, COOPER, Emily B-W, MAYA, Josh, NOAH, Emily W, Rebecca

The official end of babyhood

Isaac is close to 18 months old. This past Saturday, after bath, PJs, and books, I nursed Isaac for the last time. I didn't know it would be the last time while it was happening, but it was. He was already down to just two times a day and while he probably could have gone on nursing for another year, I was ready. I've been looking for an out and on Sunday morning, on mistake, he gave it to me.

Normally, it was the first part of his day. On Sunday, we went downstairs and I started making coffee. At this point, he usually asks to nurse (a combination of sign, words and facial expressions). On Sunday, he didn't. He pointed at sippy cups drying by the sink and said "ba-tl." I said, "Bottle?" and then he said, "Elk!" He wanted milk and asked for it! I grabbed the milk from the fridge and filled up a sippy. I then watched in amazement as he downed it in under a minute or two. As the day went on, he didn't ask to nurse, but just to be safe, I had Josh put him down for a nap. At bedtime, he didn't ask and so I put him in his crib. As I shut the door, he cried out. As I walked down the stairs to ask Josh his opinion on what I should do, Isaac stopped crying.

Since Sunday, Isaac has asked a few times. Today while I was home for the Jewish New Year celebration, Isaac was really tired and really could have benefited from the wonderful cure-all that is breastmilk. But I held firm even when he spoke "nurse!" and pointed at the couch (our regular spot).

While I won't miss the presence of all those horrifying teeth or the sometime demanding nature of his requests, already I miss how calm my big walking, talking boy would get when we would nurse. Like an adult after meditation or a big work-out, Isaac slowed down when he was in my arms and relaxed completely. He'd look up at me when I'd tickle his feet and smile with his eyes. Afterward, he was happy and ready to play again (or fall asleep).

Many people choose not to breastfeed a big baby. They think it's disgusting somehow that a child can ask to nurse. I always remind those people that babies "ask" to nurse way before they can actually speak the words. But once they can ask, as Isaac could, why is that so bad? I know Isaac didn't need my breastmilk in the same way that he needed it right after he was born, but I know he liked it and I liked it too. Not in a weird sexual way, but in a, I'm his parent and I love him way. Some babies choose to end nursing on their own. A couple of my nephews were like that. You see, my sisters have always talked about nursing as a mutual relationship: it's wonderful until it's not for one of you. That's when it comes to an end--when it's not working anymore for both mom and baby. Like any break-up, there is one person who is a little happier than the other about that outcome. I guess in this instance, that was me.

So after almost 18 months of breastfeeding, Isaac's babyhood is over. I know he'll still be a "baby" to Josh and me, but now that Isaac walks, talks, eats with a fork, has his own wants and desires, I see that we've entered into a whole new phase of his development.

Uncle Paul!

Tuesday night, we left Isaac in JP with his Uncle Paul and cousin Maya so that we could go to the Red Sox game (tickets from Josh's colleague at the Journal). Paul had his game face on and seemed ready for anything--tantrum, tears, hitting... We left him and wished him well. A few innings into the game, we called to check in. Things were...perfect! The kids did great together and Isaac didn't fuss at all during bedtime. Great job Uncle Paul!