Guess what???

We have been NUK free for a WHOLE week!!! 

I have had this bug up my butt about ridding Benjamin of his NUK for about 6 weeks now.  Pretty much when since he started asking for it all-the-time!!  It was not like it was an appendage to him - I swear ;o)  We really only gave it to him for naps, in the car and bed time.  And.....of course, there would be the rare (uh huh) occasion that we'd be out and he'd be throwing a fit and we'd pop it in his mouth to quiet him down (I am going to miss this).  We...ok I... have been talking to Ben about giving his NUK to the babies and he's a big boy and the poor kids...and on and on...well finally the day came and it went down like this. 
Friday night - Adios NUK.  He went to bed WAY past his bed time, fussed but was not crazy, he just had a hard time settling himself.  It was about 1/2 hour before he was quiet.
Saturday afternoon nap:  15 minutes or so to settle and fall asleep
Saturday night:  again about 15 minutes or so to settle and fall asleep
Sunday afternoon nap - 2 hours to settle!!  BAD!!  Almost gave in but didn't.  Went up there and told him that Grandma was NOT going to come over for dinner if he didn't sleep.  Then I turned on the music box (should have thought about that 2 hours ago!!).  Slept for 2 hours!!  YES!!

Ever since - naps or night time - there has been no problems!

Don't get me wrong, everything has NOT been peachy.   Our BIGGEST challenge has been the car.  EVERY-SINGLE-TIME he asks - sometimes SCREAMS - for his NUK.  I tell him that his NUK is all gone, he crabs for a minute - sometimes 2 and I give him a toy to hold/play with.  That seems to be doing the trick.  I just need to make sure that I have something in my purse or vehicle at all times.

Going up north for a 3 hour car trip should be very interesting.....we'll cross that bridge in a few weeks.