The Dreaded Thumb

Braden was first... he took a nuk for a while until he discovered his THUMB!  It was there when he wanted it, no one could take it away and it provided him with the comfort he needed.  


Olivia was next... she refused a nuk, was an avid nurser and yes, found her thumb as well.  


I'm not sure why I thought Norah would be any different.  She has had her hands up by her face and near her mouth since she was born.  Today she found her thumb and has been munching on it nonstop.  


I have mixed feelings about THE THUMB.  I love that it allows my children to soothe themselves and find comfort whenever needed and it is what helped both Braden and Olivia sleep through the night.  I don't like however that I can't take it away.  


We are still working on getting Braden to stop.  The dentist recommended taping a sock over his hand at night so we've been trying that.  Some nights he takes the duck tape off (he must work at it for hours) and others he leaves it on. It's a start at least. I think if it works we'll attempt it with Olivia this summer when she turns three.  


I know it's not the end of the world - my children don't walk around Target with their thumbs in their mouths but I'd like to avoid dental problems if possible.  


Regardless of whether I like it or not Norah has found her thumb and is learning to soothe herself.  Now if we can only get her to sleep through the night as well!