Independence

For the last week or so, there's been a growing trend in our house.

Prior to this last week, when Jude was ready for a nap or to go to bed, he would fuss until I picked him up and he would fall asleep nursing. Sometimes it was a little ill timed: dinner needing to be finished, company over, etc. but it was also nice that he needed me in that way. However, he's now taken to wanting a bottle in his crib or swing with him when he falls asleep.

He still gets fussy and wants me to hold him. He also still wants to nurse (both sides for that matter), but will also use me as a jungle gym and punching bag. To actually get him down he has to hold a bottle in his hands and suck on it until it induces sleep.

It's been a bittersweet change. I enjoy the new found ability to simply put him in his crib with a bottle and shut the door, but I miss him wanting me to put him to sleep.

Oh independence, what a funny thing you are.