Bye Bye Binkie

Well, we finally did it. Tonight is the first night without a binkie.

After several months of reading about "The Binky Box," a story Gramma sent us and making a binkie box, to no avail. We decided to take slightly more drastic measures. Cold Turkey was not an option. Especially for a two and a half year old. Sure, it worked for me over 10 years ago when I quite smoking, but this was something completely different. He showed absolutely no signs of wanting to stop. He really enjoyed the book, we read it at least once a week after the initial barrage and he had fun making the box but he wasn't having any of it.

A friend suggested we try a "binkie exchange" at a toy store. A "binkie exchange" works like this:

First, you talk up the idea of getting a new toy and "paying" for it with the binkies for a few days.

Second, you actually go to the store and meander around looking for the best toy around.

Third, your parents freak out when you pick a dump truck, digger combination, that is $75.

Fourth, you are asked multiple times if you are sure you want to give up your binkies for this particular toy.

Fifth, you ignore them and play with the Thomas the Tank Engine train table and trains.

Sixth, daddy spots some awesome airplanes and helicopters. Who knew!!

Seventh, you are asked again if this is what you want to spend your binkies on.

Eighth, you walk proudly up to the cashier and hand over your binkies, one by one. Three all together.

Ninth, you walk out of the store a very happy boy!

We made the day very busy, starting at the toy store. As we were leaving, both Terry and I felt horrible. Max could not have been happier. Which just made us feel worse. Was he ready for this? Did he really understand what had just happened? We would have to wait and find out. We had other errands to run and Max never let the helicopter out of his sight. He held it almost the whole morning. We may have pushed a little to hard because he didn't get to have a nap until 3. Way past the usual time. He didn't ask for a binkie then, but fell asleep with me holding his new helicopter.

After nap we played hard at the park and had dinner and a bath. Terry and I both worried about what the night would bring. It was kind of a late night to. In bed by 9, laid down with daddy for some snuggle time. Max told daddy, "no need binkie, Maxie big boy." They called down for me around 9:30 and we tag teamed. I laid down with Max until he finally fell asleep at around 10:30. He did ask me for a binkie, twice. I reminded him that we got some great new toys today and he could have one of them if he wanted but we had no more binkies. It broke my heart.

So that was night #1. Our friend said it took her 3 year old son 3 nights of crying before he finally gave up the ghost. I am pretty excited there wasn't any crying because I don't think either one of us, Terry or I, could have handled it without breaking down ourselves.

We would like to thank, White Horse Toys, a local, independent toy store in Issaquah for their help today. The woman behind the counter was reassuring and very good with Max. Even asking him if he was sure this is what he wanted.

I am a little sad, Terry too. It is like Max is really growing up and now we just can't stop it from happening. We will see what tomorrow night brings. Wish us luck!