Both boys recently went through a very major life change away from infancy and toward independence that took a great amount of will power and courage on their parts! What is it you ask? As of Feb 9, Caleb has not sucked his thumb (other than occasionally catching him doing it while he is sleeping) and Noah has not had a pacifier!
This probably sounds very trivial to any of you that have never had thumb/nukkie kids, but it was a really big deal for our boys who have basically gone to sleep every night of their lives with those special "soothers". Ever since they were little, the only time they really had their thumb or pacifier was at nap/bedtime, but even that was starting to result in some crooked teeth that we have known for awhile is not a good sign. We knew parting with thumb and nukkie would be a really big deal to them, and it definitely was, so we made it a high reward detox program with the following prize markers:
Following Night #1 - ice cream cones for breakfast
Following Night #3 - go out for ice cream as a family
Following Night #10 - sleepover!!!
They also were each given a quarter to put in their banks for the first couple weeks as an extra bonus. This may sound way over the top, but thumb and nukkie had been so special to them for a long time and we knew it would a tough good-bye. I honestly couldn't believe Caleb's sheer will power in being able to stop thumb sucking even though he REALLY didn't want to - I don't think I would have had that kind of self control!
Anyway we are very proud of them....although I have to admit there are definitely times I miss them being all snuggled up with blanket and thumb (Caleb) and Eeyore and nukkie (Noah) - especially in the mornings when they are now SO awake and raring to go!
Here are a couple pictures from their 1st ever sleepover!
They were super excited and we could hear them playing "I Spy" for awhile...
...and saying and doing lots of other things...until finally...
...they fell asleep!
1 comment:
I'm sure some of it (a little, at least) is mixed as these are all signs of "growing up".
JJ only sucked his thumb until about 1, but I do notice him stick his thumb in his mouth but not suck...maybe thumb-sucker Susie reminds him...
"taggie" on his blankie must have replaced his thumb as he "swishes" it between his third and fourth fingers in going to sleep:)
but seriously, GOOD JOB with this! and I would have given as many, if not more, rewards for such a feat!
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