Loss of S-U-C-T-I-O-N: saying 'bye-bye' to Paci

And so began my attempt to have E bequeath his Paci(s) to the babies of the world....
...Tonight.

I need some extra sleep. Why tonight?!?! It just seemed like it was time. At nearly 21months, E is completely capable of sleeping without his paci- he's done so numerous times in his carseat, or during the night when it has either fallen out or, ssshh, don't tell him, Mommy or Daddy plucks it out.

As I put on his pjs I told him that he could have Teddy but since he was a big boy now he didn't need paci anymore, that pacis were for little babies. He seemed to take it all in stride. We continued on with his bedtime routine. I read his book, turned on his fan, turned off the lights and began sing to him and he just rested his head on my shoulder. No wining or whimpering, just pretended to suck on an imaginary paci and then decided that his Teddy might taste better.

I held him extra long, figuring we were in this together, till I thought he was good to go. Not so much. Unfortunately the last several nights he's struggled to want to stay in bed after we lay him down- just wants to be held and cuddled. Yet I was very determined to make a go of the no-more-paci, but his remained within arms reach if I decided to bail (for the greater good of my sleep).

From 7 until 940 I had to continuously go into his room to hold him till he felt asleep, laid him down & let him cry for 10-15min, repeat. But the second I went in his room the crying stopped- obviously it wasn't his paci he was missing! Yea! 9:20 rolled around. I went in for one more time. Gave E the ultimatum (he had to go to sleep or cry till he fell asleep, and that I could only handle holding him for a bit longer). My back, now thrown out from holding what I think is a 35lb 21month old, plus carrying the little one inside, couldn't handle standing any longer. I sat down with both my babies cuddled in my lap. At least one of them fell asleep, while the other one kicked and squirmed around inside.

He is sleeping. I have no idea whether/how often I'll be up tonight. I don't know what my 'plans' are for tomorrow, especially nap time (do I give him the paci then??), and what about tomorrow night (is it going to go just as smoothly?). I wasn't planning on having him give up the paci for another week or so. Never thought giving up the paci would be so hard.... on me-ha.