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The Paci Wars: How We Quit the Binky

BY SHR

Friends,

I am happy to report that we are two plus months into the land of no binkies! Can you believe it? For the past couple of months Chickie hasn’t used her pacifiers AT ALL- like, zero, zilch, nada- and honestly, I can’t even friggin’ believe it! I say pacifierS plural because my girl was obsessed and used 3 of them at a time: one in her mouth and one in each hand. WOOF! It was a lot.. but it is no longer! We are a binky free household and couldn’t be happier about it 🤗 How did we do it? Let’s get into it..

But First

Now, don’t get me wrong; I’ve got nothing against pacifiers. Quite the opposite in fact. Binkies were AMAZING to us Rices for a long time. We started using them very early into Chickie’s life before we were even out of the hospital. Pacifiers gave my VERY sore boobs a little rest in those early days when Chickie wanted to be latched on 24/7. Once we were home and actively trying to get into a strict feeding schedule, binkies were a great way to calm down our screaming babe in between feeds.

Why Now?

Once Chickie turned one, we started limiting her binkie time a bit. At 12 months, we decided Chick would use pacifiers only when she was in her stroller, car seat and for bedtime. We decided to cut back not just because Chickie was getting more and more dependent on her binkies- needing three for bed and asking for one anytime she cried or had a meltdown- but we realized US ADULTS were getting more and more dependent on them too! When Chickie cried, instead of trying to figure out what was wrong and how we could fix it, I found myself popping a binky in her mouth instead! No bueno..

As Chickie grew older she became more aware of the world around her and her dependence on pacifiers just grew stronger. It got to the point where her ability to self-soothe after a crying episode was nonexistent without her “piti” as she called the pacis. At her 18th month appointment, I brought up my pacifier concerns with Chickie’s pediatrician. The doctor reassured me on the dependence front but warned me that too much binky use could lead to teeth/bite issues going forward. Now, I don’t know that Chickie was in any danger of messing up her bite but that worry, coupled with her (and our!) increased dependence on it made me want to call it quits with the binky.. I had a feeling the longer we waited, the more cemented her love for the paci would be; making it harder and harder to break the habit.

Cold Turkey

Our plan A for quittin’ the binky was going Cold Turkey. No weaning, no cutting back in phases just picking a date in the calendar and saying no more binky starting NOW. Plan A made me really nervous. I wasn’t convinced it was going to work so I started researching ways I could make the Cold Turkey plan a little smoother. After doing some reading we came up with the idea of replacing her binky with a new “big girl” item to sleep with, something to bring her comfort and make the transition smoother. Enter Curious George, Chickie’s favorite at the time. We took her to the store one Sunday and made a big fuss of her picking our her big girl sleeping toy. The day we put her down for the first time without her army of binkies, we gave her Curious George to cuddle with. I think it really helped the process.

Picking out George!

The first nap without binkie was on a Sunday and came with about 20-30 minutes of crying for her “piti” before falling asleep. It was rough but once she was asleep she STAYED asleep and had her normal 2.5-3 hour nap. After that Sunday nap, much to my surprise, we never gave her a binky again. She continued to consistently ask for her “piti” for about a week. The longest she cried before bed was once for about 40 minutes but again, once she was down it didn’t affect her. After a week, it became an “only when freaking out” thing. She would still ask for it, but only after a major tantrum. At around the month mark, she stopped mentioning binkies completely, and that’s where we still are today. Hooray!

Plan B

Our plan B was a more planned out, researched one. I was really scared of the impact taking away her binky would have on her sleeping pattern. Chickie is SUCH a good sleeper (knock on wood!) and I really didn’t want to mess with that. I was prepared to let her cry it out when initially falling asleep but the middle of the night wake-up without binky to help put her back to sleep TERRIFIED me. I told myself that if for two nights she had trouble sleeping, I would nix the Cold Turkey method and go for Plan B. We ended up not needing Plan B, but just in case it helps anybody out there dealing with binky stubbornness I figured I’d share.

Our Plan B was this: cut the very top of the binky (the part that goes in their mouth) a little bit every other night as pictured below. This will make the binky loose it’s suction effect gradually over each cut. The idea is once the suction effect is gone baby looses interest and gives up the binky all by himself. Since it’s gradual kiddos don’t even notice most of the time! Plan B is a much less traumatic option, it just takes a little longer to break the habit.

A Note About Planes

Since ditching the binky Chickie has been on six flights. Four out of the six were shorter flights, between 2-4 hours. Two out of the six were 8 hour flights. Out of the six flights, seven went perfectly smoothly and one went HORRIBLY, HORRIBLY WRONG. Was the bad flight because of the lack of binky? Probably not, as it was the only overnight flight out of the eight but I’ll tell you what.. MAN did I wish I had an emergency binky on hand for it!! I refused to bring one along because she was doing so well at home without it and thought that if I had it (given our dependency track record) I would use it even if it wasn’t that bad of a flight. I regret that decision so much. Traveling is about survival; it’s about doing whatever it takes to get to where you’re going. Going forward, my travel bag will always include an emergency binky and I’m giving myself permission to think that’s OK.

Language

Since the moment we ditched the binky we started talking about Chickie as a big girl. It wasn’t an easy transition- it came with some tears (mine) and I still correct myself on the daily. Anytime Sophia would ask for a binky post quittin’ day we would answer that binkies are for babies; you’re not a baby anymore are you Chickie? We started pointing out babies on the street; see Chickie? That’s a BABY, you’re a BIG GIRL. This was partly to make her feel proud of her new grown-up status and partly because baby brother is coming this fall he will DEF be using a binky! The hope is once baby is here, it will be an easier transition if she doesn’t consider herself THE baby of the house anymore; allowing her to understand why he gets a binky and she doesn’t. Our plan is to transition her out of all things “baby” enough in advance of baby brother so that  she doesn’t feel replaced- she’s the BIG GIRL , not the baby. Binkies were the first step. We’re working on diapers now.. Next on the list is the crib and then bottles. Woof! The only constant in this mommin’ gig is change, huh? Wish us luck!

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  @ALittleTooLoud
It’s Opening Day in America’s (and my husband’s) most beloved ballpark this week ⚾️🎟️🔥👏🏽 Planning on taking the kids this spring or summer? Don’t worry - I got chuuu Mama! 🥰❤️ Tips and tricks for a successful trip to Fenway Park with your littles: 

⚾️ Sign your kids up for Red Sox Kid Nation to score them a free ticket! The first tier (rookie) membership is free and also gets them some @redsox swag 👏🏽 Sign up for the newsletter while you’re at it to be notified of kid/family friendly ballpark events or special games 🔥

⚾️ Enter through Gate K (for kids!) to access @fenwaypark ‘s Kids Concourse where you’ll find fun games and activities for your littles! Think face painting, balloon art, more kid friendly concession stands, etc.. 

⚾️ Wally’s Clubhouse is a great spot for little humans to stretch their legs and partake in some ballpark fun of their own: Lego blocks, a toddler playground, magic shoes and in inning 3, photo ops with Wally himself 🥰 

⚾️ Although game goers are limited in what size bag they can bring in, diaper bags get a free pass so don’t fret about the size (just leave pocket knifes at home.. 😅😅). Small, umbrella type strollers are also allowed in the stadium 👏🏽 

⚾️ Family bathrooms are located near the Customer Service booth at Gate E and next to the elevator in the Big Concourse, on the Pavilion Level under Pavilion Box 14 and on top of Pavilion Box 2 🔥🔥 @fenwaypark also features clean and private pumping/nursing stations 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 Note: every bathroom (not just family bathrooms and regardless of gender) has changing tables 🫰🏽 

⚾️ If you are worried about drinking, purchase tickets in the CVS Family Section located in grandstands sections 32 + 33. No alcohol is allowed here and this is strictly enforced. 

⚾️ HAVE FUN!! 🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽 

What’s your happiest Fenway memory?! Mine might be the snapshots compiled in this video — the kids’ first time in a place that means so much to my #handsomehubbs and family 🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽
.. and if that doesn’t call for a @badbunnypr ba .. and if that doesn’t call for a @badbunnypr bathroom dance party, I don’t know what does 😜😂💃🏽 Click the link in bio to shop @harperwilde 15% off 👏🏽🔥 

🎥 Items shown: 

☝🏽 the BLISS bralette in the “take up space” edit in size S 🫰🏽

✌🏽 the LOUNGE RIBBED TRIANGLE bralette in size S 

👌🏽 the BLISS TRIANGLE BRALETTE in color beige, size S 

And not pictured 🩲, to spare my dad 🤣: 

🫰🏽 no show high waste brief in size S 
🫰🏽no show bikini in size S 

code GOWILDESTEPHANIE gets you 15% off 🥰❤️ What’s your fave?!?
🐰 PSA 🐰 Easter is two weeks away 💓 🥚🌷 Swipe for cutie, unique Easter basket ideas that will make it your 🐇 on time 👏🏽 and click the link in bio to shop 🫰🏽✨ HAPPY SPRING, friends! 🌷💫
🚿 Showering in #CasaRice will never be the same 🚿 Showering in #CasaRice will never be the same again thanks to @tooletries_hq 🔥🙌🏽 #gifted 

Products shown: 

🫰🏽 The Harvey & Oliver Set (mirror + caddy) 

🫰🏽 The Arnold (2 pack of hook tiles that can hold up to 4 pounds - we were SHOOK when we realized our heavy towels stay up, even when wet!!) 

🫰🏽Silicone body scrubber 🧽 

Thank you @tooletries_hq for upgrading our shower game, BIG TIME 👏🏽🔥😋
Best $70 we’ve spent in a WHILE 🔥 See the sid Best $70 we’ve spent in a WHILE 🔥 See the side straps?! The bag can also hold skis, too, if you can believe it 😱 I LOVE that it’s a 🎒 because we need hands free to carry the little’s bags ($30, also linked in bio!) and other gear 🙌🏽 We’ve used these for our last 2 ski trips and they are a game changer ✅ 

I keep all 4 ski bags packed with: boots, socks, waterproof layers, head/face coverings, helmet, goggles + mittens - essentially everything but base + inner layers. When we get back from a 🎿 trip, I immediately wash (regular), dry (air, no dryer) and repack 💥🫰🏽 It’s so beyond helpful to be able to grab and go knowing we’re not leaving anything behind. 🙌🏽🙌🏽 See you next year, babies 🎒🎒❤️‍🔥
One last 🎿 weekend before welcoming in the🌷🌸🌺🌼 ✨ In like a lion, out like a lamb 🫰🏽 Peace out #skiszn ✌🏽- we *really* gave it our ALL this year 🙌🏽🔥🎿✅
A little recap of Mr. and Mrs. Williamson’s ✨D A little recap of Mr. and Mrs. Williamson’s ✨D R E A M Y ✨ happily ever after 👰🏼‍♀️🤵🏼‍♂️💍🌴💓 We love you guys!!!! 💫💫💫💫
A weekend away from the kids.. but not their GERMS A weekend away from the kids.. but not their GERMS 🦠🤮🙃💚 Made the best of 72 hours in San Diego with the stomach bug, fina cortesía de mi Chickie Lou ☠️☠️ Bug or no bug, so thankful to be a part of your forever - ain’t no thang gonna keep us from celebrating our best guy finding his forever gal, @hayhaywilliamson 💓🙏🏽✨ Que vivan los novios!!! 👰🏼🤵🏼‍♂️🫶🏽
It’s a snowstorm eve miracle! 😂❄️💓 @sw It’s a snowstorm eve miracle! 😂❄️💓 @sweatybetty sure knows how to make ‘em! Click the in bio (or visit the blog and click to shop my Instagram) to shop my favorite base layers at 50% off! 🎿🔥


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It’s Opening Day in America’s (and my husband’s) most beloved ballpark this week ⚾️🎟️🔥👏🏽 Planning on taking the kids this spring or summer? Don’t worry - I got chuuu Mama! 🥰❤️ Tips and tricks for a successful trip to Fenway Park with your littles: 

⚾️ Sign your kids up for Red Sox Kid Nation to score them a free ticket! The first tier (rookie) membership is free and also gets them some @redsox swag 👏🏽 Sign up for the newsletter while you’re at it to be notified of kid/family friendly ballpark events or special games 🔥

⚾️ Enter through Gate K (for kids!) to access @fenwaypark ‘s Kids Concourse where you’ll find fun games and activities for your littles! Think face painting, balloon art, more kid friendly concession stands, etc.. 

⚾️ Wally’s Clubhouse is a great spot for little humans to stretch their legs and partake in some ballpark fun of their own: Lego blocks, a toddler playground, magic shoes and in inning 3, photo ops with Wally himself 🥰 

⚾️ Although game goers are limited in what size bag they can bring in, diaper bags get a free pass so don’t fret about the size (just leave pocket knifes at home.. 😅😅). Small, umbrella type strollers are also allowed in the stadium 👏🏽 

⚾️ Family bathrooms are located near the Customer Service booth at Gate E and next to the elevator in the Big Concourse, on the Pavilion Level under Pavilion Box 14 and on top of Pavilion Box 2 🔥🔥 @fenwaypark also features clean and private pumping/nursing stations 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 Note: every bathroom (not just family bathrooms and regardless of gender) has changing tables 🫰🏽 

⚾️ If you are worried about drinking, purchase tickets in the CVS Family Section located in grandstands sections 32 + 33. No alcohol is allowed here and this is strictly enforced. 

⚾️ HAVE FUN!! 🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽 

What’s your happiest Fenway memory?! Mine might be the snapshots compiled in this video — the kids’ first time in a place that means so much to my #handsomehubbs and family 🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽
.. and if that doesn’t call for a @badbunnypr ba .. and if that doesn’t call for a @badbunnypr bathroom dance party, I don’t know what does 😜😂💃🏽 Click the link in bio to shop @harperwilde 15% off 👏🏽🔥 

🎥 Items shown: 

☝🏽 the BLISS bralette in the “take up space” edit in size S 🫰🏽

✌🏽 the LOUNGE RIBBED TRIANGLE bralette in size S 

👌🏽 the BLISS TRIANGLE BRALETTE in color beige, size S 

And not pictured 🩲, to spare my dad 🤣: 

🫰🏽 no show high waste brief in size S 
🫰🏽no show bikini in size S 

code GOWILDESTEPHANIE gets you 15% off 🥰❤️ What’s your fave?!?
🐰 PSA 🐰 Easter is two weeks away 💓 🥚🌷 Swipe for cutie, unique Easter basket ideas that will make it your 🐇 on time 👏🏽 and click the link in bio to shop 🫰🏽✨ HAPPY SPRING, friends! 🌷💫
🚿 Showering in #CasaRice will never be the same 🚿 Showering in #CasaRice will never be the same again thanks to @tooletries_hq 🔥🙌🏽 #gifted 

Products shown: 

🫰🏽 The Harvey & Oliver Set (mirror + caddy) 

🫰🏽 The Arnold (2 pack of hook tiles that can hold up to 4 pounds - we were SHOOK when we realized our heavy towels stay up, even when wet!!) 

🫰🏽Silicone body scrubber 🧽 

Thank you @tooletries_hq for upgrading our shower game, BIG TIME 👏🏽🔥😋
Best $70 we’ve spent in a WHILE 🔥 See the sid Best $70 we’ve spent in a WHILE 🔥 See the side straps?! The bag can also hold skis, too, if you can believe it 😱 I LOVE that it’s a 🎒 because we need hands free to carry the little’s bags ($30, also linked in bio!) and other gear 🙌🏽 We’ve used these for our last 2 ski trips and they are a game changer ✅ 

I keep all 4 ski bags packed with: boots, socks, waterproof layers, head/face coverings, helmet, goggles + mittens - essentially everything but base + inner layers. When we get back from a 🎿 trip, I immediately wash (regular), dry (air, no dryer) and repack 💥🫰🏽 It’s so beyond helpful to be able to grab and go knowing we’re not leaving anything behind. 🙌🏽🙌🏽 See you next year, babies 🎒🎒❤️‍🔥
One last 🎿 weekend before welcoming in the🌷🌸🌺🌼 ✨ In like a lion, out like a lamb 🫰🏽 Peace out #skiszn ✌🏽- we *really* gave it our ALL this year 🙌🏽🔥🎿✅
A little recap of Mr. and Mrs. Williamson’s ✨D A little recap of Mr. and Mrs. Williamson’s ✨D R E A M Y ✨ happily ever after 👰🏼‍♀️🤵🏼‍♂️💍🌴💓 We love you guys!!!! 💫💫💫💫
A weekend away from the kids.. but not their GERMS A weekend away from the kids.. but not their GERMS 🦠🤮🙃💚 Made the best of 72 hours in San Diego with the stomach bug, fina cortesía de mi Chickie Lou ☠️☠️ Bug or no bug, so thankful to be a part of your forever - ain’t no thang gonna keep us from celebrating our best guy finding his forever gal, @hayhaywilliamson 💓🙏🏽✨ Que vivan los novios!!! 👰🏼🤵🏼‍♂️🫶🏽
It’s a snowstorm eve miracle! 😂❄️💓 @sw It’s a snowstorm eve miracle! 😂❄️💓 @sweatybetty sure knows how to make ‘em! Click the in bio (or visit the blog and click to shop my Instagram) to shop my favorite base layers at 50% off! 🎿🔥
Another week, another library trip 🫶🏽Really Another week, another library trip 🫶🏽Really excited about this week’s picks! 

🔥 Stella Never Gives Up by @andominguezzzz ft. a Latinx girl who wants to save the ocean while on vacation — sound like anyone you know? 😂❤️‍🔥 Chick is bound to love this series 🤞🏽🤞🏽 

🔥 Anisa’s International Day by @reemfaruqi centers Pakistani culture 🙌🏽 as we follow Anisa’s adventures introducing her culture to her classmates! 

🔥 The Lemonade Series grabbed Chick immediately! It humorously covers themes of sibling rivalry and conflict resolution. She was laughing out loud while reading this morning 😂😍

🔥 The Invincible Girls Series are shorter chapter books geared towards the 7-10 age group. Chick devours them in *literally* one sitting 🥲 

🔥 Say it Out Loud by @allisonvarnes is one we will try to read together as it’s more advanced (and longer!). The main theme is bullying and the consequences of staying silent. It looks really interesting and has great reviews ❤️‍🔥 

She likely won’t read all of them - I never know what will grab her attention! — but I loaded UP this week because most books are on the shorter side ❤️

Links in bio!! 🫶🏽🫶🏽
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