The Paci Problem

Does anybody else have the "paci problem"? It seems like every day AP grows more and more attached to her paci. I don't really mind the "blanket friend" that she takes everywhere. I read that the comfort it provides can mean that she'll learn more and be more confident in new situations.
Then, there's the paci. I'm sick of it! It keeps her from talking correctly, is a germ-magnet, and covers up her pretty face. In addition, at this age, a paci makes her look less intelligent than she really is. She can count to 10 and has a huge vocabulary, but you'd never know it with that "thing" in her mouth. It's horrible to say, but it really "dumbs-down" her looks.

Doesn't she look brighter without it? I'd love to hear from anyone who has successfully gotten rid of one of these things. I've decided to try this weekend for a "bedtime only" policy. (If she wants the paci, she'll have to get in the bed.) It's a little scary, and it will be hard, but I think we can do it. I'm just thankful she doesn't suck her thumb since we couldn't just leave that in the bed. I'll let you know how it goes...