The Destroyer was addicted to her soothers. She had to have them on her at all times. So much so, that she even told me she would keep it in her pocket. She had to have it and got all bent out of shape when I took it or it was forgotten or she wasn't sure of its whereabouts. But like a squirrel, I am convinced she had them stashed away because she would leave the room with one and come back a few minutes later with another. And I never knew where she was finding them. She had her stash secretly placed.

Finally, after another rash formed around her mouth, I told Hubby that we needed to pull the chute on this soother thing. She will be 3 next April. There was no reason for it other than A) it was her sole comfort in life and B) well, it was just easier to put a cork in it.

I had been working on it for a couple of weeks with her. I told her it was time to give up the Soo Soo for the little babies who needed them. I told her that the Soo Soo Fairy would come, pick up the soothers, and then leave her presents. She looked at me square in the eye and said, "Pwesens? For me?" I replied with an excited and very convincing, "Yes! All for you! To thank you for helping the little babies!"

She never thought we'd go through with it.

I pulled the soother from her cold turkey. Just like that. I couldn't take it anymore watching her get all chaffed, her jaw structure changing as her teeth started moulding around it. She was so upset. I quickly found as many of the others as I could and got them out of her sight. I even found one behind the coat stand. Sly dog, she is.

I ran to the local Dollar Store and picked up a few items- some crayons, a little dolly, toy dinosaurs, a magic wand, and Life Savers gummy candies (which she carried around with her unopened the entire following morning). It was all assembled in a gift bag with a hand made card for Hers Truly and set out that night.

That night.

Withdrawal.

Putting her to bed without her soother was like trying to pull an addict from their prescription meds. There was the wailing, the cries of death, the fetal position, you name it. All I kept thinking was, I hope I am not going to have to rub her back like this as she hangs over the toilet bowl. Seriously... She moaned herself to sleep after an hour of going through hardcore withdrawal.

But what a pleasant little girl the next day! Addiction? What addiction? I don't have any clue what you are talking about! I never had a soother in my life! She was thrilled with her presents from the Soo Soo Fairy. She felt good about giving her soothers to the little babies. And who are these little babies anyway? I can picture handing over the bag of crusty soothers to another mom who gently accepts them with the tips of her index finger and thumb, all while sporting a half-smile, half-ewwwww look on her face. Hey, let's not be picky. At least it will cork the kid for a few moments of peace and quiet.

The Destroyer has only asked for it a couple of times since. And she has a hard time going to bed. Hubby has cuddled her a couple of times downstairs. Right now she is in our bed and then I will transfer her to her own bed.

Why not end one addiction and start another, right? Sleep aids. They help millions around the world.

Oh and what did I do with the soothers? I put them all in a poop and scoop bag and tossed them in my bathroom cupboard. I think I can pitch them now. Unless she finds the stash first.

All's I'm sayin's all.