We have tried getting rid of the Mimi before, but I just didn't have it in me to follow through. Once he cried for 4 hours straight. Once he was just so sad he couldn't sleep and told me his heart hurt a little bit. How is a Mama supposed to stand up to that?
Well, with his third birthday approaching, and his continual (and disgusting) habit of rubbing his Mimi on various things, including me, him, the pillow, blankets, furniture, dogs, floors, ect. I have finally decided that this is the week.
Last week we talked about it every day. We talked about how he would like to send away his Mimies and we came up with a 5 day plan. Today was PHASE ONE!
The Special Balloon Send-off
Little Sir got to go to the store and pick out 5 balloons (it actually takes 4 to carry a binky away.) He got to keep one of them and the other four were to send the mimi that he chose to nap with today off to the new baby who needed it.
I helped him write a note to the new baby,
and he drew a picture for the baby.
Then we attached the Mimi and the note to the balloons and took the to a park near our house. He "held Mimi in his mouth" one last time.
He was concerned, but still willing to smile for a picture.
He took some time to contemplate what was about to happen.
Then he let go.
He watched the balloons float away for a bit (doesn't this face just make you want to die? I nearly did.)
When I asked him how he felt he didn't answer, he just looked at me like this. (And then a little part of me actually did die. Hurry, someone please tell me I'm not a horrible person and heartless mother.)
Then we quietly watched the ducks together for a while and before long. . .
my sweet silly boy was back to his wonderful self.
Wish us luck this week. Phase two starts tomorrow.
Hang in there.
ReplyDeleteWhat a neat idea for the way to go about this. Awww, look at that sweet little sad face. He will survive and so will you Mama.
ReplyDeleteOh little buddy... I have to admit, I'm shedding a little (okay a few) tears for dear sweet JH. What a thoughtful and wonderful boy you have. And don't worry, you're a very very good mama, my dear.
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking it's time to get rid of the binky too. I don't think I'm ready!
ReplyDeleteOh... that face! Glad you finished off your post with a smiley boy, but those few pictures of him... so sad looking. :( Best of luck over your next few days/weeks! You chose an awesome way to start the process though!
ReplyDeleteSo hard but so sweet! I too, shed a few tears. He is being so brave and you are an AMAZING MAMA! You have put so much thought and caring into to this (just so you know, I may steal every idea when it is our turn). He is old enough that he might remember some of this (the pics certainly help). What great memories he'll have of having to say good-bye to something he adored but has to give up.
ReplyDeleteHis little face is just too sweet. What a darling little guy. This sounds like a great idea. It's kinder than just taking it from him. You're a great mom.
ReplyDeleteHe is wise beyond his years! He understands so much! You are one amazing and remarkable mama - just the person JH needs!
ReplyDeleteAnd boy do I understand the binky dilemma. In our house the binky fairy came to take them all away. And that was when they were 3 - you are beating us by a few months :) !!
Beware of getting rid of the binky.....took my baby girl's away and she switched to her fingers. You can't really send those away in a balloon (wish you could)--it took YEARS for her to quit sucking her fingers--she still touches her nose when she's watching television.
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