Monday, October 27, 2008

at least it's not a tantrum

We're going on two full days of weening River from the boobs. Over the past month, I'd managed to cut all daytime nursing out, with the remaining sessions first thing in the morning and right before bedtime. This weekend Thom suggested we go whole hog and ween River completely. It's gone very well, with some complaints and extra neediness, but overall we're all managing.

When River woke up bright and early this morning, Thom got up and entertained him for an hour then brought him to our room once he had to get ready for work. As expected, River made the "nurse" sign and put up a mighty fuss when he was gently rejected. What followed was as heartbreaking as it was amusing - pouting as he got off the bed, he left our room and closed the door behind him. His dad followed him into the hall where River went into his room and closed the door behind him.

"Um, I think you need to go talk to him."

I pulled myself out of bed and went to see if we could snuggle and make up, but every attempt to talk was thwarted. I followed him out of his room, into the kitchen, around the counter, but River had no intention of looking at me. Not a word or a cry uttered, he just didn't want to be around me. He was giving me the silent treatment.

See how you like it when I remove affection, mom.

I guess it's his way of asserting control over a situation in which he feels so powerless. My poor, sweet, funny little boy. If it's his way of coping, I can take the silent treatment now and then.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness, that's just too precious! Good for you, River. There's nothing wrong with a good pout!
Love,
Grandma

Summer Ryan Doyle said...

He did it again at nap time yesterday, but this morning he didn't even ask to nurse. We're making progress!