I took Ava and Olivia to the dentist on Tuesday. The last time I took Olivia was almost a year ago, and the dentist was only able to check out her teeth while she was actively screaming. (She did much better at her check-up with Bryan six months ago.)
This appointment was eventful, too, but for a different reason altogether.
As the hygienist cleaned Liv’s teeth, she said to me, “So…pacifier or thumb?”
I tried the “Whatever do you mean?” approach, but she responded (rather forcefully), “Does she use a pacifier, or does she suck her thumb?”
Eyes cast down, I said, pleadingly, “She uses a pacifier–but only at night.”
The five year old next to me added, “Well, at night, yes, but also in the morning, and on the way to Diane’s, and after Diane’s, and at home, and really, Mom, she uses a pacifier ALL THE TIME.”
That gave me the push I needed. As we left the dentist’s office, I told Olivia the pacifiers were all gone. She fussed a bit on the way to Diane’s, as Ava lectured us about the importance of telling the truth.
That night, she was downright angry for about two hours. Aside from that though, she’s handled it pretty well.
Of course, I stepped out for a couple of hours tonight, only to come home to find out she had located “pink.” (We’re relatively sure there are at least 18 hidden around the house.) Bryan discarded it, and Liv spent about 30 minutes protesting.
Still, though, it’s been almost three full days, and the world has yet to stop turning.
If she comes across “purple,” though, we’re toast.
Smith Family Weblog 
Posted by Jessica on October 29, 2010 at 7:17 am
Ha! Ratted out continuously by your own children! That is so hilarious!
Posted by Karyl on October 29, 2010 at 8:24 am
Yes, that must have been fun for you! But, I am impressed that you have stressed the importance to your children, of being honest and truthful! It will be interesting to see how many ‘hidden’ pacifiers are out there!
Posted by Katie on October 29, 2010 at 9:11 am
I remember when we were in Gramma’s kitchen, and Bryan pulled Liv’s pacifier out of her mouth. She promptly took her spare out of her pocket and popped it in. I’d be checking under this kid’s pillow at night.
Posted by Rebecca's Mom on October 29, 2010 at 11:06 am
What impresses me is that Olivia knows the difference between “purple” and “pink” — in the dark — in the middle of the night — even though they are exactly alike (except for color, of course)!
Posted by Gramma Great on October 29, 2010 at 6:47 pm
Before we close the cabin up on Sunday, I’d better check really well under all the beds. I beleive Olivia stashed one there last year! Katie, I remember well Olivia pulling one from her pocket immediately after Bryan had removed the one from her mouth. How funny!
Posted by Liana on October 30, 2010 at 8:13 am
On the bright side, regardless of protest, you can take a pacifier away. What do you do with a thumb sucker?!