The twins did it! They said bye bye to their pacifiers for good at Build-a-Bear Workshop yesterday. We brought Cormac and Declan to Build-a-Bear Workshop for the very first time on Saturday and used our trip there to finalize our goodbye to our binkies.
We'd been working up to getting rid of our binkies a few months back, but were unfortunately delayed when we had to make a transition to big boy beds first due to our incredible climbing skills. Back on track this past week we had gotten rid of binkie usage during the day, and were down to only using it at bed. We knew the next step was the biggest one and wanted to make this final leap a positive and special one for our little men.
Build-a-Bear Workshop had recently offered us the opportunity to review a visit to one of their stores providing us with the necessary gift cards. And as luck would have it, I had read something a while back about a fun way to create a bit of memorable magic around giving up the all important pacifier.
Our Build-a-Bear Workshop Bye Bye to Pacifier Ritual:
The twins spent quite some time deciding on the perfect new friends. Ultimately, they both selected dogs which was not a surprise, they love all things dog related. Cormac picked Velvet Pup and Declan selected Scruffy Puppy and then it was on to deciding on a "sound" to add. They both thought the dog barking noise was funny, so it was one of those for each boy.
The real magic begins when the Build-a-Bear staff helps your little one bring their new friend to life by stuffing it with fluff, the sound, sweetly kissed and wished on hearts, and in our case ... our beloved binkies.
These pacifiers have for almost 2 years been a soothing security to the boys, and much needed calm to us. Letting them go was no small feat for them or us. And with the help of Build-a-Bear we made this monumental occasion one that will benefit us all. The boys each placed their binkie into their new stuffed friend transferring all those "special powers of comfort" right into it.
No tears! The boys were a bit quiet and extra observant as they watched their newly empowered friends be all sewn up. It was a quiet awe moment that I really think they understood on some level. Not once have they asked for their "binkie" since this special event. They are still fine tuning their "winding down" rituals. Sucking on plastic has been replaced with big squeezes and hugs from their new furry friends, extra sips from their water filled sippy cups, and "uping" the mommy, daddy, big sibling love as needed.
With the moment of binkie placement behind us, it was on to big fun with our new friends. The twins enjoyed bathing and brushing their stuffed pals with the help of their big sister. Big sister was also a huge help in selection of the perfect stuffed puppy fashions. It was basketball themed apparel for the velvet pup and football apparel for the scruffy puppy.
Next comes the naming of the pals, the twins were obviously too little to decide this on the spot so big sister to the rescue again. Mr. Corner is our football puppy and Mr. Dribbles is the basketball one.
The boys were quite fascinated with the house shaped boxes provided to tote your new pal home. Each proudly held theirs in the stroller. Additional time was spent coloring and playing with the box when we arrived home too.
Big Sister, Cordelia's reward was she got to bring the twins' pals to life online on BuildaBearville.com. At 9, she's created a character and really enjoying exploring the online world the twins are clearly too young to be a part of just yet.
I really look forward to bringing the twins back to Build-a-Bear Workshop for future help with milestones and occasions big or small. I can't wait for them to experience the fun all over again. When I was there, I was inspired with a great idea for a visit next year. I noticed little Bear "undies and briefs" and think another visit focused around potty training time might be perfect. I wonder if they've considered a little potty?
UPDATE: GIVEAWAY ENDED
Enter to Win: Share your clever ideas for Build-a-Bear Worshop visits with myself and other readers for a chance to win a gift card. Build-a-Bear will provide one lucky reader with a $25.00 gift card to their store. Simply leave your ideas in a comment below.
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An email address is required to enter. Please leave it in your comment, or make sure one is visible for me to find in your blogger profile. If you qualify for additional entries please comment separately telling us which options you have used. A winner will be chosen via random.org. The winner will be contacted by email and will have 48 hours to reply before a new winner is chosen. This contest is open to 18 + USA only. Ends on Saturday, April 24th, 2010 @ 11:59PM CST.
1 extra entry if you blog about this contest and link back to it.
Rules:
An email address is required to enter. Please leave it in your comment, or make sure one is visible for me to find in your blogger profile. If you qualify for additional entries please comment separately telling us which options you have used. A winner will be chosen via random.org. The winner will be contacted by email and will have 48 hours to reply before a new winner is chosen. This contest is open to 18 + USA only. Ends on Saturday, April 24th, 2010 @ 11:59PM CST.