I’ve written about my 3 year old daughter’s love affair with the pacifier several times now. First, as part of her love trio: paci, blankie, and bear. Then, about whether or not I should pull the plug. Finally, I thought perhaps her and Suri Cruise might in fact become fast friends over their pacifier habits.The days of the pacifier have indeed come to an end. I know you all have been waiting with bated breath, wondering when I would pull the plug.
Truth be told, I was fairly certain I would have to lower the boom come her fourth birthday since it seemed she had no interest in saying good-bye on her own volition.
Then, two days ago she suddenly announced, “Mommy, I’m all done with my paci. When is the pacifier fairy coming?”
Honestly, those words were like music to my ears. For the last few months, we’ve been talking to Little Sister about the day drawing near when the pacifier fairy would come and take her pacis. In return, she could request a special gift. We also emphasized the health of her teeth. I just wasn’t sure she cared much about those “talks”.
I am so proud of her. She came to the decision on her own…after some gently nudging.
We sat down and wrote a note to the pacifier fairy. She requested a panda pillow pet and I got all sweaty and nervous wondering how I was going to find that by the day’s end.
Target.
They saved the day. The stars were all aligned or something like that.
Little Sister was so excited to see that thing lying next to her when she woke up. So excited that she had to call me in at 2:30 a.m. to share in the good news and excitement.
I think that it went as smoothly as it possibly could. Good job, to both of you!
So very sweet! I know this was tough, for both of you. Great job Little Sister & mom too!
What a sweet story. I'm glad the stars aligned for you!
Giving up the paci is not easy; you guys did a good job.
Poor baby-saying goodbye IS hard!
You are both doing a great job! I got lucky, mine spit his out as soon as his teeth starting coming in at 7 months.
With future children? I just know it won't be that easy!
I know what you mean about freezing time, but not really! My little one is growing so fast! She's lost all her babyness. She now is looking like a big girl! While I love the person she's beginning, I do miss the days when she would hug my leg and look up at me with love in her eyes!
Goodbyes truly are never easy. Two thumbs up to you and your little gir!
It is so cute that she wondered where it went. Sounds like paci was a friend to her.
You're right — goodbyes are never easy. But they're do-able with a mom by your side. I love the picture of the two of you on her second night without her paci.
I found the Binky in a cabinet the other day. It's awfully old…but I still teared up!
So beautifully written. I hear you on sad to see them grow up and wanting to freeze them in time. So edible at this age aren't they.
Am pleased the end was so uncomplicated and painless for you and your daughter both.
We also sent all of our pacifiers to "Santa Claus" (had to and not the paci fairy as my son's were sent there 4 years ago and he remembers this… So had to stick to the story). I had those talks about the teeth as well. Our daughter had 3 tearful episodes during the day the first day and that was it. No crying at night. To ensure she could get to sleep, I gave her extra cuddles and sang many rounds of Hush Little Baby that first night. Worked like a charm!
Oh, Melissa! I remember those days…and nights. My son was quite fond of his, but my daughter never even used one. And I remember just being SURE he would never be able to sleep without one!
He's not taking one to college. He survived!
And so glad you found the pillow pet!
Awww, that has to be so hard on her! I hope she forgets all about it soon!
Losing the binks used to scare me to death…until we did it. We gave them to their new cousin who had been born and never looked back. Every now and then, they still ask for them, but it's a joke. They say it and immediately start cracking up!
My son held on to his binky like it was a lifeline! We actually started out by only giving it to him during naps and when he was real fussy, but as time went on, he seemed to want it more (it went from a suckle need, to a want). My mom found the bye bye binky method ( http://www.bye-bye-binky.com ), printed it and suggested that we go with it. At first I was a bit mad at my mom, but I soon got over it. The method worked amazingly well. My son stopped sucking on it after 4 days! He proceeded to carry it around for another week, but never put it in his mouth. He then got tired of carrying it and simply lost interest. Mom was right, it worked, highly recommended!