We are growing up, yes we are.

Here it comes, and get ready 'cause it's a big dealio -- 

Emma finally decided to try sleeping without her "bubs" (pacifier) the other night. Tried it; did it; hasn't needed it since. For serious!! 

Emma has had a deep and meaningful relationship with her bubs ever since she was a wee little babe who relied on it for comfort when her horrid mother left her to cry it out at night. They've been thick as theives ever since, and I was sure it was gonna take an act of God or Congress to break 'em up.

Turns out, all it took was this:

(No, not sedatives - I know I know,  Emma looks totally drugged'n'drowsy here.)  

It's the Littlest Pet Shop Pet Cruiser!! She's jumped on the LPS bandwagon recently, and once she asked for this for the 438th time, we decided to take advantage of her obsession with - you got it - good ole' fashioned bribery. :D

Once again, Emma never ceases to amaze me. I've stressed about this step for literally years, ever since I started using a bubs with her - which was about 2 days after she was born, so.... yeah. Long time coming. Especially after getting to know Emma, I knew it was gonna be full scale war when the day came; I suppose that's why she almost made it to her 4th birthday before I addressed the issue.

But, after many discussions about this upcoming change & by simply making her a part of it, she was ready to make the call herself & feel the ownership of that decision.

**I'm beginning to discover that that's the #1 secret to Emma's behavior, giving her more control over her choices and actions. Something I'm sure every other parent out there already knows... but I'm still gonna feel totally proud of my discovery, as if I'm the very first to realize this huge step in early childhood development.** 

As a result, we've had no setbacks or reversions. We are bubs-free, and loving it.