You may remember that I've mentioned Spence has been working on parting with his dear blanket friend. We've had some conversations about how he's getting older, and his blanket is getting older too. And we've talked about how his teeth need to grow the right way, and how he gets sick a lot from sucking his finger. But he's still been pretty adamant that he's not quite ready to quit the habit.
Well, last Wednesday was his Grandpa Bishop's birthday. I told Spencer early in the morning that it was Grandpa's birthday, and sort of out of the blue, he said, "Maybe I should mail my blanket to Grandpa Dale for a birthday present."
Whoah!! Really?!? I almost hauled him to the post office that very second, pajamas and all. But instead I calmly told him that it would be such a special present for Grandpa, if he was really ready to let BaBa go. Hmm... He put his finger in his mouth, wound that blanket a little more tightly in his fist, and said, "maybe next year."
We mentioned the idea again a few different times throughout the day, and each time he'd say he wanted to, then he'd back out again. It was obvious he was a little unsure what he wanted to do. Finally, as we went to pick up Samantha from school, we passed our local Dunkin Donuts, and genius hit me. "Spence," I asked, nonchalantly. "Were you still thinking of mailing your blanket to Grandpa for his birthday?"
"No. Not really."
"Oh." I said. "Well, that's okay. I was just thinking, maybe if we went to the post office, we could stop by Dunkin Donuts afterward for a Boston Cream donut treat."
That was all it took, folks. He was sold, and in minutes Baba Gee Gee was wrapped up and ready to mail. (Yep, I bribed him. But really, he didn't see it that way. So... no judging here, kay? :)) Here are our pictures to prove it. Spencer, standing outside the post office, with his blanket and birthday card for Grandpa...
The perfect mailer for Baba -- green, just like Baba used to be (before it got so old and ratty and greyish)...
The happy boy, after handing the package to the post office clerk all by himself, heading next door to Dunkin, to claim his treat...
The aftermath?
I'm sure you're all as anxious and nervous as I was, wondering what the next nights and days might be like, when he realized his blanket was really GONE!?!? right? Well, I'm amazed and so happy to report, our Spencer has been a CHAMP without his blanket. No tears, not even once. He hasn't really even asked for his blanket, other than to ask how long it will take Grandpa to get it, and some other questions about the mailing process.
I'm so proud of him. And so relieved it happened so easily. And, also, maybe I'm just a tiny little bit sad, in a sentimental, motherly sort of way. My boy's growing up! yay for Spencer!!
In honor of our departed friend, here's Baba Gee Gee, through the ages...
Spence and Baba, just days after he picked out his special blanket at OtherMothers thrift store, for $2 (Not sure why I couldn't get this one to turn the right way, hmm)...
In the car. We have 50 pics just like this one...
Trying out his cousin Brianna's crib for a night...
Wrestling with Daddy...
Having a good suck after baths...
Camping with cousins...
All the stuffed animals, and Baba...
The new baby "Atalie" does not have a "right corner," he told us...
With Great Grandma Eva and Grandpa Doug. (Brian has the blanket in the background)...
Blowing out candles on his birthday cake, while sucking his finger...
Crashed out...
Yes, Baba made it safely to NY with us...
A trip to DC, watching a concert on the lawn in front of the US Capitol building...
At Monticello, in Virginia...
Cool dude and his blanket...
Scripture study...
We'll miss you Baba Gee Gee. But we're glad you're gone, and we hope Grandpa Dale takes good care of you!!
6 comments:
My, My--Will wonders never CEASE?? How wonderful that he actually gave it UP!! I think our Blaine son was at least FIVE before he gave up HIS special blanket, but this little four year old Spence is a pretty BRAVE BOY!!
I'm sure Grandpa Dale is delighted with his new treasure, and I hope he remembers not to suck his finger with it too much....We wouldn't want him getting hand-foot-and mouth disease, now WOULD we!!
Thanks for all the cute pictures, babe! (Just FYI--Trent and Melissa have all the walls (studs) set up on their new house and it's LOOKING like a house, now!! Exciting times!!) Love, Mom--and a very proud Grandma!
Yeah Spencer!!! Way to go!! Hey Kamber you should make a memory book for him to look at when he feels like he needs BaBa! Congrats on the next stage in his/your lives!
This post cracked me up. I had a baby blanket I came home from the hospital in that I slept in clear through college, I kid you not. The power of Dunkin'! :)
I. Loved. the pictures!!! I nearly fell on the floor laughing when I reached that part of the post with all the places Baba Gee Gee has been. Classic stuff, that. Good memories with that little guy. *Sniff* Gonna miss him a little. :) Yay for Spencer!!
I've been waiting for this post! I absolutely loved it! What a good idea to put pics up of Spence w/ Ba Ba over the years! Ba Ba has traveled more than me! I saw Mom and Dad last night at John's play and asked Dad if he'd received his special package yet. He had and said he is taking very good care of it. You can tell they think it's very cute! I'm so glad that Spencer has had a fairly easy time of things without his special blanket this first week! He looks so cute standing in front of the post office. Love you guys!
Hi Kam!
That is way too cute! He is a real trooper!
Hugs and Love,
Barb
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