Binky Fairy

November 2011 - -

A week ago last night the "Binky Fairy" paid a visit to our house. It was a much anticipated visit and after a bit of deliberation we decided it was kinder to take her paci away from her a week or so before her birthday rather than ON her birthday. We had been talking about the Binky Fairy's upcoming arrival (Jacob too helped remind her) and bless Sesame Street for having an episode dedicated to Elmo (and Curly Bear) giving up their pacis. That evening we put all but two of her pacis in a basket outside her door for the fairy. She knew in exchange there would be a stuffed animal or toy. (In the night the fairy also managed to find and remove the two pacis she took to bed with her as well.) In the morning she had a special new stuffed giraffe and a new pair of pink elephant slippers in the basket. When she roused early that morning and realized she really had no more pacis she cried in my arms for about 20 minutes. She was so sweet with her grief it touched my heart. And since then she has fussed only a few times for it (her most difficult time without it being right after she wakes up from her nap) and has also talked about it openly with her teachers and friends. : ) We are proud of her for being both potty-trained and sans pacifier prior to her 3rd birthday.

Two sweet stories: on Wednesday Catherine and I were at Wal-mart and as we were entering the store she told me she was having a hard time with no pacis and that she needed a puppy (to help cope I suppose.) : ) Now she is wondering if Santa will bring one instead...?
Also, right after the fairy arrived a somewhat sad Jacob kept asking if the Binky Fairy had left him anything... So we decided we should double check his pillows and covers just in case. (The "Binky Fairy" then covertly slipped a small stuffed zoo animal in while we were searching.) : ) He was very happy afterwards.

As a side note it is important that the "Binky Fairy" be quite thorough as she has since found three pacis in her purse! ; )