ByeBye Binkies

So we've been talking with the boys for a while now, about how some babies do not have binkies, but need them. It took a little convincing, but all three decided they wanted to give their binkies to the poor babies.  My every generous boys are also very smart, and good negotiators.  Their original idea... "One binkie for the babies, one binkie for Connor, one binkie for Liam, and one binkie for Aidan" (they go to sleep with 2 binkies each night).  Nice try guys! 

To reward the boys for their generosity (and to remind them that their binkies were gone when they woke up during the night/ naps), I decided to take the boys to Build-a-Bear.  Each picked out his own animal, stuffed it, selected a sound, and put a heart inside.  I originally thought about having them put their binkies inside their animals as well, but was so glad that I decided to go with a different strategy, as Liam was not happy that the heart he picked out was then gone when his puppy got sewn together (I can only imagine how distraught he would have been if we actually placed his binkies inside of it!)  Once the animals were made, the boys gave them baths and named their animals.  It was a really fun and memorable activity for all, including me!

Sleeping update... Ugh!  Even though the boys knew that they would not be sleeping with their binkies anymore, the transition has been tough.  Going down for their first nap once we got home from the mall, Aidan and Connor cuddled with their animals, but Liam wanted nothing to do with his.  When I gave it to him, he said "No puppy, want 2 binkies" and threw his puppy across his crib.  Since then, naps have been horrific, and during the night has not gone well either.  I'm thinking that I am going to have to do some sleep training with them again, just like I did when they were 5- 6 months.

The good news (besides having this 'milestone' behind us... all three LOVE their new animals!



Aidan squeezing all the stuffing out of "Mr. Bananas".



Liam giving his puppy one of his infamous hugs, with his huge Liam smile.

Connor looking so sweet, and loving Hoot!

***Note to Self (and anyone who wants to come over and view it, (Grandmas and Grandpas!)... I have an adorable video of the boys the last morning they had their binkies, telling me what they were going to do with them, and then handing them over to me for the last time. It really is priceless, but too big of a file to post!