Before my son was born I swore he would never have a dummy and it was only after a few days of constant crying and thanks to a nappy cake I was given that he ended up having one.  From then on I convinced myself that he would only have it for a little while but of course the older he got the more he relied on it.  In the last year or so we only had it at nap times, long drives and bed but he was 100% addicted to the damn thing and I knew it would be torture when the time came to get rid of it.

We’d been talking about the dummy fairy on and off for a few months and Sam was adamant that the fairy was NOT going to take his dummy, sometimes to the point where he’d get really upset so I thought it can wait till the New Year.

After a recent visit to the dentist I was told that his dummy was affecting his bite and was strongly advised to lose it.  With that and the fact that we have a new baby on the way I thought it needed to be tackled sooner rather than later. 

So, a week ago to the day, we were off out for the afternoon and Sam couldn’t find his dummy anywhere so I told him it’ll have to stay at home and he could have it when we got back.  He never asked for it once which surprised me and then when he got back in the car tired later in the day he’d remembered it was lost at home and was completely fine on the journey.

Knowing this could be my opportunity I thought if I can just get to the dummy without him noticing and hide it I may be in with a chance of starting 'operation big boy!'  The funny part was that I had no idea where it was so I plonked him down on the sofa with a cartoon while I frantically searched everywhere.

When my husband came home I told him my plan and he said I was being mean but I knew deep down that the tears will eventually be worth it.  In the run up to bed time we discussed that the dummy fairy must have visited while we were out and that she’d decided he was such a big boy now that he didn’t need it anymore.  All was going swimmingly until a very tired boy was in bed and oh my the tears were gut wrenching as I knew his little blue crutch was only sitting in the kitchen.  My husband didn’t agree with my plan but I persisted for an hour on and off as we had lots of cuddles and tears and I told him about a 100 times that we would visit the toy shop in the morning to show what a big boy he’d become.

Of course he eventually fell asleep and that was that!  It was a week ago and we’ve had no more tears at all which has completely shocked me.  We’ve had an occasional ‘I want my dummy’ at bedtime but we’ve reminded him he’s a big boy now and he’s fallen asleep no problem without it.

The only downside to the new Sam is that he is now getting up between 1 and 2 hours earlier in the mornings which is killing me!  I’ve told him I want early mornings submitted in writing at least 24 hours in advance but this has fallen on deaf ears. 

If you are embarking on the same journey soon then I wish you all the luck in the world.  Be strong and throw the dummies out asap so you won’t be tempted to cave in!

Love

Dorsetmums

xxx

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Yesterday we had the pleasure of attending ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ at the Weymouth Pavilion and it was utterly brilliant!!  It was my Son’s first time and both myself and his Fairy Godmother haven’t had the opportunity to attend one since we were children ourselves so we were all just a little bit excited.

The opening scene to the show can be a teeny weeny bit scary for the younger guests so hold them tight and they’ll be fine.  It’s a very traditional family friendly Panto with the usual audience participation and funny lines to shout.  The Panto follows the story of Snow White and her evil stepmother the Queen.  Of course the Queen despises Snow White for she is the 'fairest of the land' and the Queen has to do whatever she can to get the gorgeous Prince Peter of Poundbury all to herself.   

The Cast all work perfectly together and no Panto would ever be a success without a character like Muddles.  He had us in stitches and along with Nurse Nelly the pair of them really did steal the show sometimes with their occasional cheeky adult humour and general silliness.  All of the Cast were great including the cute little dancers and the perfectly timed seven dwarfs!  As for the set and costumes, I won’t lie, I thought it wouldn’t be high budget like the West End but I was pleasantly surprised at how professional it looked, especially some of the Dame’s wigs and dresses!

I was a little worried about the length of the show with a 3 year old but it went by in a flash and as each scene is fairly short you never had an opportunity to get bored.  I had completely forget that as a child I was invited on stage during a Panto to play an instrument and when this happened during Snow White I was hit with a huge warm feeling of nostalgia.      

The most memorable part of the show was when the mirror started talking and my Son loudly asked ‘why has the mirror got no arms, legs, or winky’?  Myself and my friend were literally in tears.  Even today he has asked many times why the magic mirror had no body and why it floats like a boat?

The show is running until the 3rd of January so if you can’t make it before Christmas then use it an excuse to have some family time before or after the New Year.  Full details of the show, times and prices are found at the Weymouth Pavilion.   

The Theatre itself really is a beautiful traditional seaside venue and perfect for locals and holiday makers.  They have a small bar and kiosk in the entrance along with the ticket desk and then upstairs you’ll find the Piano Bar which is open for Pre Show Meals.  I feel I should add that the seats are very comfortable.  I attended a show in another Theatre when I was pregnant last time and sadly it was ruined by the fact that my bum was numb within 20 minutes!  As for the staff we met, each and every person clearly enjoyed their job and it really is noted when someone bends down to a child’s level to talk to them and welcome them to the show.

Good to know……….

If you are using the public Pay and Display Car Park which is at the back of the Pavilion then please read the signs as some Christmas special offers may apply. 

The bar and kiosk in the foyer offer plenty of drinks and snacks for the children (just in case they get fidigity).  I was also armed with a few toy cars but surprisingly they weren’t needed at all.

The usual flashy lights and swords are sold in the foyer for £5.  (Parents beware, the long one’s are perfect eye pokers and will make you see stars when turned on by accident in the dark).

Approximate running time is 2 hours 35 minutes which includes a 20 minute interval.

If you are travelling by public transport then the Train Station is not too far away although if you have little legs with you then you may wish to hop on a bus or jump in a taxi.

Big thanks to the Weymouth Pavilion, the Cast and the Production Crew for a fantastic start to what I’m sure will become our annual favourite Christmas tradition.  You put on a truly magical show and I will thoroughly recommend it to as many people as I can.

Love

Dorsetmum

xxx         

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