Chewy, alone time, and movie

We call the pacifier a chewy.  Drew never had one.  I had heard it was easier to give up crack than it was a chewy so I never introduced one to Drew.  Instead she ate books and paper and put everything she saw into her mouth until she was three.  Looking back I think she would have loved one.  With William the nurse gave him one of those blue Soothie chewies in the hospital and he loved it and I didn't care that he had it.  I didn't care SO much that he had his until he was 3 years old.  From 2 years old on they were only allowed in his bed but still... he had one.  I know, it's not that unusual but I think age 3 is a little old.  Especially considering William would take his chewie out, spew some great knowledge, then put it back in.   It was kind of ridiculous.  We chose to get rid of them at Christmas by leaving them on the hearth with the cookies for Santa so that he could take them to a new baby who needed it.  William was a big boy and didn't need it anymore.  He was cool with that.  He cried for it once a few nights later and that was that.

Lauren.  Lauren loooooooves her chewies.  She stashes them around so that when I take one away she pops a new one in almost immediately.  We've half-heartedly tried to keep them in her crib only but she's sneaky with them.  And honestly, I haven't cared.  I've got greater things to worry about, like the mountain of clean laundry to fold and put away or lunches to make or Real Housewives to catch up on.  Spending my energy on a "No chewy downstairs" policy just hasn't been a priority.  Until now.

Lauren's addiction is crazy.  It's time to not quite cut her off - she'll be leaving her chewies for Santa this year, too - but it's time to make them a bedtime only thing.  She also gets it now.  I explained to her what would happen if she brought them downstairs.  I would snip it.  We did the same with William and after snipping one chewie he never brought one down again.  I figure the same lesson will be learned with Lauren.  She put it to the test today, so we'll see.  She brought down her purple one and I said, "Lauren, no chewies downstairs, remember?"  She said, "NO!" so I had to do what I said I was going to do.  Please don't hate me, I know it's sounds cruel but trust me!  It totally worked with William.  He never brought one downstairs again.  Yes, she cried.  Yes, I felt like an ass.  And yes, my fingers are crossed that it worked.  I don't want to do that again.

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This weekend was all! about! the kids!  Yesterday we had a fun birthday party and then went right to see Phineus and Ferb LIVE.  We stopped on the way home to get ice cream.  This morning Chris took them to do some birthday shopping for me (holla!) and to get donuts for breakfast.  This afternoon I took them to see Dolphin Tale at the movie theatre.  I mean, really.  That's a bit much.  After the movie and we were all home for a while, I was off to return a few items and pick up a few new ones (socks, winter coat for Lauren, jeans - you know.  Fun stuff.)  Drew wanted to come with me.  I said no, I was going to run errands by myself, daddy was going to feed them dinner and I'd be home before they went to bed.  She cried and cried and cried and wouldn't leave my car window.  It's nice to be wanted.  It's nice to be missed.  BUT OMG.  I needed an hour (or two) to just have some quiet and get a few things done.  I kissed and kissed and kissed her but still left her crying on the curb.  That sucked.  A few minutes later Chris texted me this picture.

So sweet, right?

And see how the white board needs a good cleaning?  If she hadn't sprayed her brother with the white board cleaning spray and gotten it taken away a few days ago she could. 

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We saw Dolphin Tale today.  It's the sweetest movie.  I would say it's for ages 6 and up, only because it doesn't have any spontaneous dancing and singing.  It's dialogue and content.  The subject matter certainly is appropriate but I'm unsure if it would hold a little one's attention.  We loved it.  I would definitely recommend seeing it with your kids.  Gives you lots to talk about on the way home, too. 

Have a nice Monday, friends.