Since Jenna was born she had some trouble soothing herself. We quickly introduced the binki (aka schnüller) and she took to it. I thought it would be good to help her learn to keep her mouth closed (and maybe help stop drooling). I was never was sure when the right time was to move on from the binki, so I let her continue. Months and years now have gone by and it was always in the back of my mind that she needed to stop using it but I dreaded the weaning process. A few months ago she went to the dentist for the first time and I was surprised that he knew she still was using a binki, and that jolted me into thinking finally I should do it. Afterall, she needed it when in the hospital and at various times when she has had to go through a lot of new things, but she was through those now. It was time. One night I couldn't sleep since I was obsessing about this process. Well, this weekend (Friday) I did it.
I know this probably wasn't the right way to go about it, but I told her that her binki's flew away to a baby that needed it. I didn't want to tell her I was taking it away or she would whine and try to manipulate me to giving it back to her. It was the best I could come up with.
I was absolutely shocked how well she did. She never once asked for it over the weekend. She has cried in the night and I have put her in bed with me to help comfort her, but each night she has gotten better. I guess she was totally ready. She has been watching this show where they read a book about a girl getting rid of her schüller over and over. Niki freaked out and thought we were going to take his cuddle duck away too. I guess that is for another time. Now I wonder when I will tackle potty training!
Last fall when we met with the Developmental Pediatrcian at the ReHa, they recommended special orthotics for Jenna to help her get more feedback from her feet, which could help with her balance and sensory issues. It went back and forth all year. The OT said that the insurance would only pay for regular ones...so we told her we would pay the difference (189 euros--highway robbery) just so the process would go forward. Then she said they wanted the doctor to call the insurance...we waited and waited. The school year ended and I was chapped about it not being accomplished in that time! When Jenna went back a few weeks ago I started pushing the issue hard. Waa-Laa, we have them now. I was shocked when I first saw them since I was thinking of something like the bumps in those massage sandals or something. Well this is what they look like:
We have to gradually introduce them since they are very drastic. Looks like they would be quite uncomfortable!
She hasn't been complaining when we make her wear them, so that is a good sign. We will wait to see if a bill comes. I hope when the doctor called that took care of the billing too.
Jenna is a funny girl. The favorite things she loves...Hats...she sometimes puts them on her feet and scoots around the room laughing.
Playing in the sand:
Making tea parties/picnics. She lays out all the dishes and things on a blanket and sometimes has a teddy bear.
She is Miss Congentiality--always smiling and friendly to people. Even ones she doesn't know aren't real!
She is growing up.
The shoe inserts are interesting --- but I can see how they would help with balance & sensory input. Jenna IS growing and how nice that she can move beyond the schuller. Good luck with the toilet training --- if she accomplishes it within the next 6 years she will beat out Mr. T. Smile! Although I must say he's making good progress and we are all thrilled! Hopefully you won't have Olympic withdrawals!
Posted by: Dana at August 25, 2008 05:19 PMYay Jenna! It's hard to break that habit, but much easier than thumb sucking! I had cut the tops off the binkis we had, saying they were broken. Brilee ended up finding one under a bed one day and was happy as a lark. That one got cut up as well. She wasn't happy but it was a quick wean. I love Jenna's smile, it brings one to my face every time I see her.
Posted by: Traci at August 25, 2008 05:51 PMDanielle is in the process of weaning Keira from her Schnueller...I'll have to suggest this one. Cutting it up is also a good one. I think orthotics are great! So many kids have problems with pronation and what-not because of too much ease with the shoes. You'll have to keep us posted on how she's doing. It's good to be back in touch with you after I was on vacation for a week. I've been able to catch up on your blog, but wasn't able to post comments on your other entries because they were closed because of spam. Keep me posted on Niki's ears. Yak at ya later.
Posted by: Jeni at August 25, 2008 07:09 PMGreat pictures and update on Jenna. What a beautiful girl!
Posted by: Anna at August 26, 2008 10:12 PMI'm glad that Jenna is doing well with giving up her Schnueller. Lauren also had a hard time. What finally worked for us, was having her give them to the clerk at Toys R Us in exhange for a new toy that she was able to choose herself. We even took pictures of her doing this so when she asked for her "paci" later we were able to show her the pictures as a reminder.
Posted by: Marnie at August 27, 2008 05:35 PM