Extended Breastfeeding

Before having my own children, I always assumed I would breastfeed for the first year.  I thought that once my child was able to walk up to me and unbutton my shirt that I would be done.  HA! The crazy parenting ideas we have before actually becoming parents....

Ruby is almost two and still nursing, four times a day actually.  Most days I love the nursing relationship we have.  I truly believe it is why she is so smart and healthy.  Ruby has definitely moved beyond being able to unbutton my shirt and latch on herself, waaay beyond it.  She now has the ability to bargain for her "milky", as evidenced by the following conversation:

Ruby: Momma, I need milky.
Me: No, Ruby.  It's not time for more milky yet. Would you like some cow milk instead?
Ruby: No cow milk. Momma milky... please?
Me: No, not until bedtime.
Ruby: Just a lil' bit? (smiling sweetly and tilting her head)
Me: No. Not until bedtime.
Ruby: I have a lil' bit? Just a minute, Momma?

She definitely gets an A for effort :)