Formula

Today Lyla tasted her first baby formula. I think Julie expected the experience to result in Lyla's first words: "Mama, what is this shit?" She would at least have the courtesy to wretch it all up.

But two ounces formula mixed with two ounces breast milk had a completely anticlimactic effect on Lyla. She grunted, burped, and fell asleep.

Julie's not judgmental about what any other mother decides to do, but she judges herself freely and enthusiastically. I know she sees using formula before six months as a kind of motherhood failure, which is, as you know, astronomically ridiculous. She knows it too, deep down, but that doesn't change the fact that formula contradicts her instincts.

Lyla's almost ready for solids anyway. When we eat, she watches us as much as the dogs do. She says things like "Mmmm bwah!" which means "My steak!"

Julie will continue to breastfeed Lyla while at home and pump while at work, but we'll supplement her milk with 4-6 ounces of formula per day. I'll let you know if Lyla suddenly starts to care.