Family Man® A Little Inspiration

Sure enough, Jacob survived the night. And the next night. While he slept on the third evening, Wendy created a certificate of completion from the "Pacie Fairy" and put it under his pillow along with a few dollars. Jacob arose the following morning with a huge grin. He really had quit the pacie - on his own terms - and he was beside himself with pride.

As much as we felt proud of Jacob, we experienced pangs over our baby's growing up. In his force of will to surrender the pacie, Jacob shunned his beloved blanket, stopped petting our hair during evening cuddles, and even eschewed his mattress, choosing to fall asleep on the floor. We told him he didn't need to chuck all of his soothers, but his resolve was firm.

And, for the first time, Jacob was an example for his older brother, who had done everything "first" before him. Benjamin (8) hadn't given up sucking his fingers to fall asleep, which, as the dentist explained, was preventing his front teeth from fully extending. Needing some orthodontic work done as well, Benjamin was fitted with a "palate expander," which had to be tightened each night to enlarge his mouth to accommodate future teeth. The metal contraption made finger sucking impossible.

Sad at the loss of a longtime comfort and struggling to relax at bedtime, Benjamin found a cheerleader in Jacob, who told him, "If I can do it, you can, too." This certainly helped my oldest boy, who can now fall asleep without those fingers in his mouth.

In this month of resolutions, during which I have my own challenges of giving up procrastination and late-night comfort foods, I am humbled by the determination of my sons. Along with the happiness they usually bring me, my boys have become inspirations as well.