I have a theory that socks and soothers are somehow related: they each go missing, no matter how many you have. Socks, I can somewhat understand because everyone knows about the dryer burglar. But soothers? Is there a soother monster I don't know about?

Thankfully, Playtex just sent me about ten thousand* soothers, because I'm sure in a week I'll end up with only five.

*ten thousand in exaggerated Jen-speak translates to about 20, but that's still pretty awesome.

And what's even more awesome is that Cole really loves his soothers and they have proven to be a life saver. I have gone to extreme contortionist measures to pick up his soother while I’m rocking him and he’s nodding off to sleep. You’d think by now I’d know better to have it handy BEFORE I begin rocking him. Sigh. I’m not a quick learner. I often find myself doing deep one-legged lunges to pick it up while still holding him in the exact same position. At least I’m getting a work-out.

Another thing I hate (in addition to deep lunges) is when Cole’s soother gets gunk all over it floating around in the diaper bag. Well... *insert angelic choir music* Playtex has a new package that solves this little problem. Their soothers now come in a handy reusable carrying case to prevent this issue. Amazing.

Also, you can get their OrthoPro & Binky pacifiers with a sterilizing case. Giving these silicone soothers just two minutes in the microwave kills 99.9% of bacteria (and that .01% that it doesn't kill is probably good for them anyway). Sure beats picking it up off the ground and licking it yourself first. Though I must admit, desperate times call for desperate measures. I've yet to do this myself, but I'm not judging. I'm sure there will come a time when I'm not near a microwave.

What I also like is how they are designed to maximize air flow around the mouth while he’s sucking away. This helps prevent that awesome and incredibly attractive spit rash that can sometimes form around their mouths.

Anyway, it's time to play my favourite bedtime game of "let's find the soother." Maybe it has somehow found its way into the dryer and is hanging out with the individual socks? It's sort of like an Easter egg hunt. Without the chocolate.

Mmm...chocolate...