Goodbye Binky

We have been thinking about weaning Lucas off the pacifier or his "binky".  We wanted to start doing it earlier, but we couldn't figure out an effective way to do it.  We've tried just hiding it from him or telling him he's big enough to be using a binky.  Nothing worked.  He would just cry all night until we'd give it back to him.

Last week, we had a guest--friend of Charles and Lucas' godfather, Walter.  He is here for business and staying with us for a few days.  So we had Lucas sleep with us in our bedroom so we'd have an extra room for our guest.  While putting Lucas to sleep, Lucas asked about Mamu and Papi and I told him they went to see Cousin Zach (my 2-week old nephew).  Then I went on to say that Cousin Zach is a little baby and needs a binky but doesn't have one.  And since he is now a big boy, it's time we should give the binky to Cousin Zach.  Right away, Lucas took the binky from his mouth and handed it to me.  I told him what a good cousin he is for sharing his binky and that Cousin Zach will be very happy.

It took Lucas a while to sleep that night--he just kept blinking his eyes and staring at the ceiling as if thinking long and hard about his decision.  He tried asking for the binky twice before finally closing his eyes to sleep without it. You can imagine my relief when he finally fell asleep.  I really didn't expect him to do that well the first time without a binky.  I thought he would ask for it and cry until I'd give it back to him.  But he didn't.  He really knew what he was doing and I think he's ready to get rid of his binky and give it to somebody who needs it more--like his little cousin.

It's been four nights now and Lucas has been sleeping through the night without his binky.  He would still ask for it during the day and I didn't want to give it to him because he'd know the binky is still there.  But I gave up and gave the binky back to him when earlier today he refused to nap without it.

Guess we just have to take it slow for now.  The trick seems to be working at night, but not so much during the day.  I'm sure we'll get there eventually. 

Meanwhile, we do have Cousin Zach to thank!