No More Bottle...for Mom...

Hey Folks- John here. Got some thoughts I want to share on the child you know as Mark, but we know as "Mr Perfect"...

Before I became a father, had you told me that it is a lengthy process to "wean" your child off the bottle, I would have thought that statement to be true. Like most new parents, I assumed the child would fight the change in routine and struggle for a few days or weeks, or whatever, to adjust to this change in schedule. That being said, we both knew it was probably time to take on this adjustment, but Mark slept so well (and had since he was a newborn) the thought of changing something that worked great was difficult to grasp!

And so my story begins... A week or so ago, Kristy was working so I took care of the nightly bath, bottle, bedtime routine. As we'd done for over a year to perfection, after the bath I sat down with Mark to give him his bottle and when he was done put him to bed. That night was different however. It was very clear from the moment we sat down that he didn't want anything to do with the bottle, so I didn't argue. I put him in his crib, shut the door, and called it a night. The exact same process happened again the next night, so I thought great! We're done with the bottle! That was easy!

Then came the third night...but this time mom was home. She normally does the nightly routine when she's available, so when it came time for bath I explained what had been going on the last few nights. She seemed to understand and off they went...

I was doing some odds and ends around the house and I heard Mark start fussing from his room. This seemed a little odd, b/c he normally loves his nightime routine and then is out until the next morning, so I walked over to his room and stuck my head in the door. Much to my surprise there was a bottle on the table next to Kris and Mark! I asked her what she was doing and she said, "I thought he'd want it tonight." I told her again what had happened the last few nights and how this was our chance to stop the bottles, but she insisted and told me to take a hike! So I did, after a roll of my eyes, and that was that.

The next night came along and almost the exact situation occurred. So this time when I stuck my head in the door I asked, "What are you doing?" She responded with something about this time she thought he'd want it b/c his dinner was small..... I said, "OK. Try and give him the bottle again and we'll let him decide."

As if I was having deja vu, he arched his back, closed his lips, and fussed when she tried to give it to him. I looked at Kris, walked over and took the bottle away with a soft comment about who exactly are we weaning of the bottle again?! She couldn't help but smile and laugh and the guilt was written all over her face! I cracked up as I walked to the kitchen, and she did too when she came out of the room. It was a funny evening and it reiterated to me how much mama's love their babies...

If you've been around me for any length of time you know I'm a huge fan of Kristy. She is such a great mom and loves little MT so much it killed her to take away that aspect of their relationship! Not that this bottle struggle is unique to us, because I'm sure it isn't, but our deal's a little different with Kristy's insane work schedule. She often spends the night away from Mark, or is gone for the entire day, or multiple days at a time...so I don't blame her for wanting those few extra minutes with him!

Truth be told, it just makes me feel blessed. She's such a wonderful wife and mom, and such a talented individual overall. So level headed, smart, discerning, strong, and loving....this was just another reminder of those wonderful attributes that makes her the person she is!

Mark and I are lucky to have a wife/mom who, when given the chance, will always try and spend time with her two boys!

Thanks for being a great mom and wife Kris. We Love you!!!