First Tooth

Carter reached a big milestone on Sunday with the loss of his first tooth.  It was a big deal.  Before the tooth actually left his head, I wouldn't have thought it was such a momentous occasion.  But let me tell you, as the tooth came out, I felt giddy, sad and hopeful all at the same time.  It was nearly equal to those first toddling steps that he took four years ago. 

To be honest, this first tooth might have meant more to me than it did to him.  I was so excited and (weirdly) proud of my little man.  And he was proud, which was so darling to see.

He had an audience...we were at the Phelan's for a family birthday dinner, and Papa convinced him to tie a little thread to his wiggly tooth.  With the thread securely in place, Carter was free to pull and pry to his heart's content.  I wouldn't have dreamed that he'd go for it.  I figured that tooth was going to be, literally, dangling for days before it came out.  Boy, was I mistaken.  Not more than five minutes after the thread was tied, the tooth was out.  With a little help from Daddy and a big tug from Carter himself, the tooth was in hand and everyone was cheering.  It was a big deal.  I quickly set aside the dishes that I was washing and rushed to get the camera - as I said, I really didn't think it was going to happen.  I don't know that I'll ever forget the smile of pride that was beaming from my little guy's face. 

Look, Mom, no tooth!

It only bled the tiniest bit, so I guess it really was ready to come out.  See the permanent tooth already up behind it?  Hopefully it will move it's way forward now that there is room.

First lost tooth

Feeling around and celebrating

A cold wash cloth did the trick, stopped the bleeding quickly and made for a silly picture.The tooth fairy came in the night and left $5. I was awakened by Carter's feet running down the hall and then he nearly shouts, "The tooth fairy brought me 5 bucks. And it's paper money! 5 bucks!!!" Hope he doesn't come to expect that each time the tooth fairy makes a visit - this was a special first time rate!

We had a few interesting conversations regarding the tooth fairy the following day. I think he had a hunch that the tooth fairy wasn't real, but he did a good job of convincing himself otherwise. We talked about it for a bit and then he decided, "she must be real because I would have felt you put money under my pillow. She must be very, very tiny to be able to sneak under my pillow without me noticing." I like that, don't stop believing in magic quite yet, Carter, you're growing up too fast as it is.