A girl and her puppies

That would be no less than nine puppies she is sleeping with.  She is slightly obsessed and loves each and every one of them.  I have been trying to get her to name them because I never know who she is asking for, which often results in frustration on both sides as I show her different ones and she yells that she wants a different one.  Unfortunately, I have not been successful and only one has a name, the one she calls "Wiggly Puppy".

 

She and Maya did have quite the argument over the name of the big brown one... Laurel was upset when Maya suggested we call it Losie.  Apparently its name is simply Puppy, a name that doesn't help in the identification process.

 

Proud

Some may call it bribery... I choose to call it a reward for a significant accomplishment. After months and months of talking with the girls about stopping the finger sucking and getting rid of the pacifier we decided it was time to take the plunge. We also thought it might work best if they could motivate each other.

First up, the proper motiviation. We took them to the dreaded Disney Store and told them that they could pick something out after they both stopped. This is a store we never go to (too expensive. too much glitter. too many princesses.) and they were mesmerized. They walked around and each picked a dress that they wanted.

Next step, a two week sticker chart for Maya. I drew some boxes, she decorated it with rainbows and flowers and we were on our way. She worked so hard to not suck her fingers, I was impressed.  Even when she really wanted to, she came up with ways to keep her fingers out of her mouth including sitting on her hands. 

The last night. Once Maya filled her chart it was Laurel's turn. We have talked for months about giving the pacifier to babies who need them since she is now a big girl. When we first discussed this she was distraught. As time went by she become more and more ok with it. On the last night, I pulled out a gift bag and started to put the binkies in it. She said "no mommy, I gonna do it". And she did. Found each of them in her bed (she slept with them all over!) and put them in the bag so we could give them to the babies. That night she didn't even mention them when she went to bed (and has only asked about it once since then, a quick reminder that she gave them away was all she needed). And the best part, no tears!

So, on Sunday morning we headed to the mall. And anyone who knows me knows that it is a HUGE deal that I was willing to head to a mall over Thanksgiving weekend. Especially to the Disney store. But, I was proud of the girls and they certainly earned it.

Maya picked out a Princess Sofia dress and Laurel chose a Cinderella gown. And lucky us, they happened to be on sale :-)

 

The process was a lot easier than I expected, especially with Laurel.  I guess there is something to be said about waiting until they really are ready.  Although I would love to take credit for being such a smart parent, ultimately it was nothing more than the result of me not wanting to risk my sleep earlier on.  I have been saying I was going to get rid of the pacifier for a year and a half now :-)