Last Friday afternoon, Camille said "Night-Night" to her beloved pacifiers. She did it with a smile and the first three days were a breeze. She never once asked for them and did not seem phased in the slightest bit.
I know what you're thinking. So that's it? She just happily threw them away without a care in the world?
Yes, and no.
The day before I had purchased a large doll house for dirt cheap off a local mom's site, thinking I would just surprise Camille with it for fun. Friday afternoon we picked up Clara from school, then headed to pick up the dollhouse from the sellers. Camille saw us loading it into the back of the car so naturally, as we were driving away she exclaimed, "Mama, a dollhouse for me?? I play it at home??"
And then it hit me. I am using this doll house as paci-elimination motivation.
"Well, this is a big girl dollhouse! If you are ready to be a big girl and play with a big girl dollhouse, then you will need to say bye-bye to your pacis and throw them away when we get home. If you're not ready to say bye-bye to your pacis, that is okay! The dollhouse can just stay in the garage until you're ready."
"Mama I ready, I ready! Bye-Bye paci!"
So yes, I bribed her. And it seemed to work. #momoftheyear
But, you might notice I said the first three days went well.
Well, now things are not going well.
Think LOTS of crying at bedtime and several middle of the night wakings. Last night she was up from 2-4:30am crying and "scared." She does the same thing at bedtime now, too. She cries saying she is scared and the process to get her to fall asleep is quite complicated.
We are a bit stumped as this girl has never had issues going to bed or sleeping well. She has ALWAYS been eager to get in her bed and loves "night-night" time.
We are praying this is just a phase and adjustment period, and that things will settle down quickly.
Anyone have any tips to share? How long will the crazy last? Please share your wisdom in the comments. . . cause this mama of a paci-less toddler is tired.
