Ana's Binkie Ceremony

Recently, we decided that it was time that Ana become a big girl and give up her binkies.  We knew this was going to be hard for her, so Mom looked up some good ideas for the task.  The best idea we saw was to take all the binkies to Build-A-Bear and imbed them in a stuffed animal of Ana's choosing.  That way she will always have them close, but she can't use them.

This Saturday we rounded up all the binkies and set out for Ana's big day.  The day got a rough start as we drove all over town trying to find the store location.  Eventually, we arrived at the right place and Ana quickly picked out a Hello Kitty doll.  In true Hooper woman fashion, she changed her mind and finally decided on a pink pony named Pinkie Pie.  We thought this was suitable as we renamed her, Binkie Pie.

Ana was a very brave girl throughout the process as she placed binkie after binkie into the pony.  She was a little hesitant, but she never cried.  At the end, she was very excited to have her new doll.  We knew that the hardest part was yet to come at nap time and bedtime.  Sure enough, nap time was a bit of a challenge, but dad had a good plan for bedtime.  Ana got a "spend the night party" with both Daniel and Charlie Saturday night.  The boys were very good big brothers to keep her company and support her as she fell asleep Binkie Pie in hand.  It was a very successful evening until Daniel got sick and threw up every where, but that's another story . . .

Ana's Binkie Ceremony