Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Breaking the Habit

We did it. I really feel like a parent now. Remember how in my last post I swore that I would take that binkie from her soon? Raise your hand if you really believed me? (There should be absolutely no hands raised. Not only would you look foolish raising your hand to your computer, but I myself didn't believe that I would really have the guts to take it away!)
Well we did. I did my research last week and looked at the post from The Idea Room (thanks Kate, I saw it too.) Liked some of the ideas but finally decided to go with one about Build-a-Bear. Knowing my husband would only go for this type of a place on a special occasion like this (seriously build a bear, you are a little pricey, I bought Addi's swimsuit for way less than this one!) And I knew Addi would be so thrilled to make a stuffed animal of her own. So, with thousands of knots in my stomach, we dove in.
I had talked to her all morning about what we were going to to and I have this weird way of scaring her (and scarring her) all at the same time. I told her she was getting so big and that she would be going to school before she knew it, but the kicker was when I told her that it was making her teeth funny. That did it, she looked at me and spit that cute little mouth piece out right then. Kinda like the time that I told her she had to hold my hand in the street so that cars wouldn't hit her and now she wont step on anything black for fear that a speeding car would immediately arrive out of no where and plow into her. Good solid parenting people. I will write a book later.
ANYWAY, I let her have the binkie while we played in the fountains and while we looked at a few stores; I let her have that sweet bink for her last hurrah. Every time I would look at her and her cute little binkie face I would feel the guilt pulse in my gut. Finally in the store she picked out her cute monkey and I held my breath as she shoved her last remaining binkie into the animal. All was good, she got a cute monkey, she dressed it and named it and was happy as pie....for about 3 minutes until she asked to have her binkie back.
(Final binkie taking the plunge)
(I think this is when she realized the mistake that she had made)
(this is about 3 minutes after when she asked for her binkie back...and my heart sunk)
I wish that I would have a clicker to mark how many times over the last few days she has asked for one. She has even asked to open the monkey or go to the store where we can just buy more binkies, and despite the fact that I have often times wanted to rip open the monkey myself, we have hung in there. Sometimes I picture her sitting in a corner with scissors in her hand and the carnage of the monkey around her with her binkies all in her mouth. We will see how long it takes to break the bond. Naps and night time is hard and I liken it to a smoker, she just cant seem to relax without her 'fix' but we are very proud of her and how she has handled it all. I however, am exhausted! I miss the binkie so very much but I vow that when little sis comes she will NOT have her binkie this long. Addi is much too verbal and too convincing now (even more so at night when she is used to being soothed so now she has long in depth conversations at night and I don't have her 'off' button anymore!) Next time I will need to make my attack when she is young and cant convince me otherwise.
Finished product!




9 comments:

Kate said...

Yeah!!!! So proud!!! Of you and Addi!!! The sad story is that I vowed to not let the 2nd have the bink as long....but with the 3rd on the way...I fear "I" need it more than he does!! We'll see!???! Ahhhhhhh!!!!

Cheyenne said...

Wow!!! That is so fantastic! I am so proud of you!! I am a sucker for 2/3 year old sad eyes and a good "please?" I don't know if I could have done it! Impressive, very impressive ;)

Jennica said...

Atta girl! I have to admit I didn't buy into you actually doing it and so I'm very impressed! It's always so hard to take away something that makes them happy and makes our lives easier.....but unfortunately it's inevitable. Good for you....I will celebrate your awesomeness with some Starburst jelly beans....thanks for the treat!

McKelle said...

Oh course your daughter would pick a monkey with a string bikini. Hooch! I'm proud of you. Good job on getting rid of the bink. I know it's traumatic.

Crystal said...

Congrats on the big day. I am so proud of you for sticking to your gun. Love the monkey. I had to laugh when you talked about scaring her. It is so funny to see people's faces when I teach Chenielle little lessons like stranger danger and running across the street. They look at me like I am the most horrible mother for scaring my daughter. Maybe I can add my two cents worth in your book one day :-)

Kelli said...

That Miss Addie is a crack up!!! At 3 years old she is more worried about how her teeth look than her emotional needs, she picked out a polka-dot bikini for her monkey when it's 50 degrees outside and she needs a "fix" before going to bed.
Mandy, I admire you, no wonder you're exhausted. PS Can't wait for your book! I'm not having babies 'till I read it COVER TO COVER!

Anonymous said...

Ha ha that is such a fun idea, it made me laugh! Congrats! The monkey is so cute!

Jodi said...

Sounds like a rough day for all involved! no pain, no gain right? Hey at least she didn't have to live in fear of the evil binky fairy all her life!

Melissa said...

Mandy...what a great idea! You really should write a book. I feel like I'm already learning so much from your experiences... I love the pic of her in her stroller holding onto her monkey. I kind of feel like i want to bring her a binky! Ahhh... it's hard to take aways something that they love! Hang in there with the naps and bedtime and hide your scissors... ;)