Adventures in weaning a toddler

I've always let my children self-wean. I'm comfortable nursing a toddler and fending off the ignorant comments of people who don't know all the health benefits of nursing past the first year. My boys all weaned when I was pregnant with the next baby, so between 16-18 months if my grey matter recall is working today.

My Rosie had me wondering if I'd be tandem nursing when this babe is born in May because she showed no signs of stopping her night-time nurse or the odd nurse during the day for comfort if she was particularly tired or injured in some way. Then in the last two weeks, no more boo-boo nummy requests.

Until just now.

Out of the blue, my little busy girl walked over, climbed onto my knee and looked up at me endearingly. "Boo-boo nummies, please?" she asked.

I told her I didn't think they would work any more because it's been a long time since she breastfed.

"I want boo-boo nummies please," she restated strongly, unphased.

I said again that I really didn't think that there would be any milk left in boo-boo nummies. She frowned, furrowing her little brow, and said, "Then we go buy milk at the store for boo-boo nummies." As if I could fill them up like a cup!

I laughed so hard she started to giggle. I let her try to nurse and she did for a few minutes and then left, saying, "Bye-bye, boo-boo nummies!"

Is it farewell for the moment, or is this the end of our breastfeeding relationship? Bittersweet, this weaning - even if it's gentle and unrushed.