Binky the Zebra

For 3 years, Jackson has loved his binky.  At first it was something we gave him as a newborn to help him sleep.  (It didn't).  We talked about getting rid of it when he was 18 months, but with Bella soon to be born we were advised against it.  So he kept it.  Shortly thereafter, he became VERY attached to the binky.  With a 19 month old and a newborn, we weren't looking to make our sleep any worse than it already was.  So we let him keep it a little longer. 

Somehow, Jackson turned 3, Bella was now 18 months, and he was still holding on to that binky. (Only for sleeping). We decided it was time.  Time to say goodbye to the bink.

So we loaded the kids into the van and headed to the mall.  We went into Build-a-Bear and told Jackson he could choose any animal he wanted.  (Well.... any animal that would fit

 into his bedroom's jungle theme).  He chose the zebra (Mommy seconded that choice.)

We gave him his binky, he took one last hit, said bye-bye, and 

he put binky into his new zebra.  I was surprised at how sad I was.  It was like I was saying goodbye to Jackson being a baby.  He was now, officially, a little boy.  

He helped fill the zebra with fluff and put a little heart inside of it.  Then we made his birth certificate.  Official name: Binky the Zebra.  Jackson was instantly in love, hugging Binky and putting him in his "house".  

That night we told Jackson he no longer had binkies for his mouth, but he had Binky the Zebra to hold on to.  He put his little arms around Binky's neck, kissed us goodnight, and we never heard another peep out of him.  We had put it off for a year fearing the sleeping repercussions, and were amazed to see how well he did.  Kids are amazing.

He did ask us to "open it" over the next few days, but never threw any fits.  He now introduces his "new friend" to people that come over, and is quite proud of Binky.

And we are so proud of our little boy.

posted by Shara