Big Steps for Berkley!!!

Berkley is a paci boy. We tried very hard to get him off it before Brenner came, and we were. That is until Brenner actually came home, and then Berk needed his paci. Over the last 8 months his need for it has intensified, and I finally said ENOUGH! A cute girl in my ward gave me the idea to take him to build-a-bear and put them in a bear, so for a few weeks we have been telling him about our plan, taking him in to look around and showing him the bears on the computer.  The day after we got back from our Utah trip he told me he wanted to put his paci in a bear. So, I gave him one last night and day with it and that Tuesday we loaded up the car and headed to the mall!

Picking out his new bear

Putting the three pacis inside. The worker was so good. She asked where he wanted them (both hands and his head) and waited for him to be ready and then had him slide all three in the bear. You can feel them in the hands, and that is perfect for him.

Look how excited he was!

Then he rubbed the heart on his head, so he wouldn't forget and on his muscles to help him be strong- it really was adorable.

On his shoulder, so the bear would always be there if he needed him.

Finally, they stuffed him and let him squeeze him to make sure he felt right.

Then we were off to 'bathe' and clothe the bear.

Meet 'Binky' the Jedi Knight camo bear!

He had to type the stuff in himself. Good thing he knows his computers and letters!

The first night he had a little remorse, he asked where the strings were so he could get them out. Rusty gave him 6 days before he cut into it, but we are on day 5 and so far so good! He asks for it whenever he is hurt or sad, but we just give him his bear instead, and he is doing great! The cutest was that day he had swiped a paci of Brenners, and so after we got home and told him he didn't have any more pacis, he said, "I want a Bren-bren paci!" So sad, but so cute. 

As and added, unforseen bonus, this week he has totally (FINALLY) gotten interested in potty training (yes he's almost 4, don't judge). He has gone pee nearly every time, and has even done #2 without my prompting. When we get back from Lake Powell we have a month to get him 100% trained before preschool starts again, and I know he can do it! Rah, Rah, Rah for Berkley!