The Day the Binky Fairy Came

Ever since Gracie was a few weeks old, she was easily comforted by her may may (her word for pacifier). At around 18-months old, however, we limited her use of the may may to naps and bedtime only. Once Gracie turned two, we knew it would soon be time to break her of the habit once and for all.

So a few weeks before we left for our vacation, we started telling Gracie that the Binky Fairy would soon be coming to take all her may mays to give to the tiny babies in the world who need them. We explained that it might be hard to say goodbye, and she would probably miss her may mays at first, but it was a very brave and generous gesture for such a big girl to make. She actually seemed to understand, and really didn't object to the idea. So the day after we returned home from vacation, the Binky Fairy came.

Here's Gracie reluctantly waking from her nap, savoring the last few suck sucks on her beloved may may:



The Binky Fairy left this fancy basket for Gracie to fill with all her may mays. At first, Grace just wanted to snuggle with us and look at the basket. But after a few minutes, she very methodically placed each of her may mays into the basket, one by one.











Chad and I braced ourselves for a few difficult nights as Gracie adjusted to bedtime without her may may, but she was incredible. Other than a few quiet tears immediately after she handed 'em over (I think all three of us mourned her loss that afternoon), she seemed completely unphased. No sleepless nights. No meltdowns. No sweat!

After dinner that night, we celebrated her bravery with some cake and ice cream (plus, she moved from her high chair to a booster chair at our dining room table). Does this look like a child in mourning to you?



The morning after the Binky Fairy came, Gracie awoke to find the fancy basket filled with special little gifts (including a cuddly stuffed bunny, some bubbles, a tiny embroidered tote bag with lollipops inside, and the Binky Fairy's wand). She tore into it so fast, we didn't even have time to take pictures! Additionally, to prove that her may mays went to a good home, Chad showed Gracie a website featuring photos of three newly adopted babies from Africa whose primary comforts were -- you guessed it -- binkies.

Although it makes our hearts ache to see Gracie grow up SO FAST, Chad and I are incredibly proud of what a strong little girl she's becoming.