Bye-bye Paci

My little Jake is growing up. No longer a baby, he is acting more and more like a big boy every day.  So I decided that at two years old, it was time to suck it up and get rid of his companion and friend...his pacifier.

Now, I feel for the little guy. He has had a pacifier his whole entire two years of life.  That's gotta be rough to have to suddenly kiss it good-bye.  I bet giving up a pacifier is equivalent to someone, say, giving up smoking or (even worse)...chocolate! Poor, poor baby.  I hated to have to do it, but for the sake of his oral health, it was time. 

Since Abby had never taken a pacifier, I was unsure of just the best way to do it.  Getting lots of advice from other mommies who had been through this battle, I decided to tell him that since he was a big boy now and didn't need a pacifier, we were going to send the pacifiers up to heaven for God to hold on to for a new little baby that hasn't been born yet.  He seemed okay with the idea.  So with pacifiers and balloons in hand, we headed out the door. 

Sissy was more than happy to help Jake rid himself of his pacifiers

On the count of three, we let the balloons go.  Our big dramatic moment was ruined when the balloons got stuck in a tree and we had to try again, but eventually we got the balloons up and watched them soar higher and higher into the sky.

As soon as they were out of sight, I had Jake check the mailbox.  SURPRISE! God had sent him a little thank you gift for sharing his pacifiers.  Jake was so excited.  He didn't ask about his pacifiers at all the rest of the day.

That night, I was prepared for the battle of my life.  I was just sure he wouldn't go to sleep without a fight.  Surprisingly, after I reminded him that his pacifier went up in the sky, he said, "Paci...on...da MOON!" and layed down to go to sleep.  Seriously? That's it? No screaming? No drama? He accepted it just like that?  This kid really knows how to throw me for a loop.

The next couple weeks, naptime was a little rough, but nighttime was a breeze.  He would just remind me that his pacifier was on the moon and that was that.  Sometimes I don't give my tough little guy enough credit.  I am so proud of him for accepting this like a big boy.  Perhaps I can learn a lesson from him about accepting change.  Isn't it funny how we think we are here to teach our kids, when many times it's the other way around?

My sweet boy sleeping WITHOUT his paci!  Gosh I love this kid.

Next challenge on the list to tackle: POTTY TRAINING!!!