Finally :: The Prize she Deserved

New Porcelain Doll, originally uploaded by islandj.

Siena stopped sucking her thumb this spring, after five long years of thoroughly enjoying it. It was not easy (or it would have been years earlier), but it was a choice she made herself. We kept a chart for seven weeks - leading up to Easter, coincidentally, and every day she had a band-aid on to keep her remembering to stop (especially at night). She was determined from the start, a noble character trait. We were really proud.

Sterling was another story - his required a thumb guard and some well placed motivation (like a trip to Chuck E Cheese). It took him several weeks after Siena started to decide, on his own, to begin, but once he did, he never faltered. He wore that blue guard day and night, in public and in private. It was a victory when he reached 8 weeks.

So, Sterling got his trip to Chuck E Cheese way back in Austin, and had several HOURS of fun playing the games and winning tickets and picking prizes. Siena had her eye on a porcelain doll she saw at the store - ironically, it was a quinceranos doll (in this case, specifically a Mexican fifteenth birthday doll, who she believed to be a bride), it was expensive, but she was so pleased to work towards it. We convinced her to wait until we moved (they were not small), in a way, hoping she'd forget it. Porcelain dolls are not very practical. She doesn't even really like dolls. But she has remembered.

I was given a porcelain doll as a child. I don't remember receiving it, though I remember having it, and remember that my great Aunt Dot gave it to me. A few years ago I encouraged my mom to share it with someone else who might like it, as I didn't think I'd need it. Well, times change... but the doll has moved on to more receptive girls. Thankfully, my mom found THIS doll under her storage bed, and was so kind as to send it to us right away. Siena is beyond happy with Rosemary (or Rose or whatever she calls it in the moment). Rose goes all around, is petted and waited upon, and rests quietly on a high shelf when not in active play (I know, a porcelain doll should never be in active play, but that's the way). My goodness, but this girl earned her new friend. Another time it was worth the wait!