Nuk Fairy

Tyler and Brody went to their first dental appointment a few weeks ago.  They did great and got a good report from our new dentist (whose office is within walking distance from our house.  The kids actually rode their bikes there while I pushed Greyson in the stroller).  I took them the week before to watch Hunter get his teeth cleaned so they knew what to expect.  Then when it was their turn Tyler went first and was a champ the whole time.  He wasn't afraid and did what the hygenist asked him to do.  When it was Brody's turn he was a bit more hesitant and wanted me to sit with him for the initial part of the exam.  After about five minutes he got the courage to sit by himself.  At the end of the appointment the dentist asked me if they sucked their thumb and I had to admit that they still took a Nuk at bedtime and naptime.  He said it was evident and that it was time to take them away.  He showed me their bite (especially Brody's) and how the Nuk is affecting it.  Immediately when we got home I snipped the tips of the Nuks (a suggestion made by the dentist) and braced myself for what was to come.  At naptime Brody (of course) noticed it right away.  He showed it to me and I acted super happy and told him how exciting it was that the Nuk Fairy had come and done that because she believed that he is a big boy now and doesn't need that Nuk.  I also told him that he was free to sleep with it as it was and when he was ready to give it up then the Nuk Fairy would return and bring him a present!  Tyler completely blew my mind and walked over to the dresser, set it on top and said, "I'm ready!"  Brody on the other hand started crying.  He kept saying, "That Nuk is broken.  I want a new one!"  I told him that the Nuk Fairy had done that to all the Nuks.  More crying.  He chose not to sleep with it and cried for at least a half an hour until he finally fell asleep.  When they awoke Tyler asked where his present was.  I had to explain that the Nuk Fairy only comes at nighttime and that if they were truly ready to give up their Nuks then there would be a present for them in the morning.  Sure enough, both boys went without their Nuks again at bedtime and that evening the Nuk Fairy came back and they got their gifts.  They were delighted but for a few days after this episode Brody continued to talk to me about his Nuk at naptime and bedtime usually saying, "Where's my Nuk?"  So I would have to remind him.  He looked sad but didn't cry after that first day.  A few days later one of them found a Nuk hiding in the couch in the toy room and it was still in tact.  They brought it to me right away and I told them that the Nuk Fairy must have forgotten that one.  I said, "Do you think we should draw the Nuk Fairy a picture with a note on it so that she could take that one too?" and they agreed.  This picture is of them drawing their picture to the Nuk Fairy.