Emotional

That's not unusual for me, I'm very emotional, always have been, always will. But for some reason, the tears won't stop rolling down my face as I type this. It's silly, really, for you see, my little Brady Bear just continues to grow and grow and this Mama isn't really ready for that.

Tonight is a big night in our house. For tonight the magical fairy named "Pacifier Fairy" is coming to our house. Yes, it's true, up until August 19th, Brady was still using a pacifier. Over the past year Mike and I have talked about just when we should "make" him give up his pacifier. There was never a good time, something BIG was always just around the corner like a move, a baby sister, etc.. But, on August 19th, something happened and Brady decided that he was done with his "ooeeies" as he has called it since mid-2007 (prior to ooeeies, it was known as "uh-oh").

And that was the end of it. Just like that. I asked him what he wanted to do with them, and he was happy to just put them in Mama's drawer. So that's what we did. For the past 3 years and 7 months, that green little pacifier was a big part of his life, my life, our life. It's silly I know but so many funny memories and pictures that tug at my heartstrings are ones with the green soothie pacifier stuck in his mouth. Lovey's are a big part of both of our babies lives here and I'm so thankful for them. Thankful for calming their fears, soothing their pain, quieting their tears.

Mike and I wanted to reward Brady for this accomplishment. He knew about "The Pacifier Fairy" who, if he wanted too, would come and take his pacifiers away to give to other children who really needed them, and in return a surprise would be left for him. Tonight, he decided that it was time. Time to send his beloved green ooeeies away for good. We wrote the fairy a note and this is what it said:

Dear Pacifier Fairy,

I want you to pick up my ooeeies so I can have a surpirse.
I loved doing funny things with my ooeeies like putting two in my mouth.
I made this green picture for you like ooeeies is green.
I'm going to miss them a lot. I loved my ooeeies.
Love Brady.

The note

Sitting outside his door, waiting for the Fairy to come tonight.

One last pic with them. I asked him to put one in his mouth and he said "no"

This whole pacifier thing taught me a lesson that I guess I've been learning for the last 3 + years, something that my Mom has always said, "they'll do it when they are ready". Whatever that "it" is, potty training, sleeping through the night, sucking their thumb, and in our case, getting rid of a pacifier. Maybe it takes some kids longer than others but they'll do it and until then, don't bother them or fuss with them over whatever "it" is. What's the sense if having all the drama and tears. Just let them be little. Thanks to my Mama for always gently reminding me of this.

So, goodnight little ooeeies. Thanks for the memories. The good, the not so good and everything in between. And goodnight big boy, Mama loves you more than you'll ever know.

Tomorrow is a new day and a surprise awaits. It's a big one, I tell ya. You deserve it kiddo. I hope this "surprise" will provide you (and your little buddies) hours and hours of big belly laughs. Stay tuned....