the Binky dilemma

When to give up the glorious, wonderful, soothing Binky? This is the greatest dilemma we have faced with Addison yet. She wants to keep it, we'd like to see her without it. She only uses it at bedtime. Hasn't used one at school for nap since January when she moved up to the 2 year old class. We had maybe 3 days that she went without at bedtime when she first gave it up at school...but then she got sick. And then we went on our cruise. And then she got sick again. For those of you who don't have small children, Binkys can be a life-saver when you little one is sick and whiny. Nothing soothes a baby quite like a Binky. This is why we didn't push the issue in January, or February, March, April or May. Now Addy is healthy and happy and fully aware that we don't want her to have the Binky. When she asks for it, she uses a technique that reminds of me "glamouring" from True Blood (this is where a vampire will flirt with you and puts you in an almost trance-like state to get you to agree with whatever they want, ie. getting out of a traffic ticket, biting your neck, whatever). She'll say with the biggest, coyest smile you've ever seen, "Mommy/Daddy, can I PUHLEEEEESE have a Binky now?". She is so good at manipulation already it's frightening. My big question is when is the right time to forcefully remove the Binky option? Or does it really not matter? I've seen recent pics of Jennifer Garner's 4 year old, Violet, with a Binky in her mouth. Also, recents pics have appeared of Gwen Stefani's son, Kingston (I think he's 3), with a big pacificer. I'm not convinced I think it's a problem, but I don't want Adds to be dependent on it. Thoughts?

"HOT", Mommy!

Addison burned her hand on the stove today. We made fudge and afterward, she was helping me clean up. I specifically told her, "Addison, the stove is hot. Do not touch it.". I guess I should've just said, "Hey, why don't you see what it's like to burn your hand!", because no sooner than the words were out of my mouth, her hand was plastered down on the hot stove burner. She screamed and cried, Robert came to the rescue, we put her hand under cold water. She requested a binky (pacifier) - much to my dismay, since we've had two nights without binkys at bedtime. I felt horrible, but she seemed to have gotten over it by bedtime. Poor baby girl.

Fun weekend, lots to share, but sleep is calling. Check back later for a report. Also, check my picasa web photo site for some cute Christmas pics of Addison.