Firsts.

 

My five year old  has been walking around for two weeks with four loose teeth.  When I tell you that these “toofers” have been grotesquely hanging, I am not kidding.

As Saturday’s pick up time was approaching quickly, I had done some prep work with myself.  After all, what were the odds that my son would lose his first tooth before bedtime on Friday?  I had coaxed myself into accepting the fact that it probably would not happen and I was going to be okay. Sometimes you don’t have a choice.

In the final hour, mere moments before tuck in, my Chasey came running into the baby’s room spazzing out, wide-eyed and grinning. I shooed him out as I placed Gabby’s blanket on.

“What’s wrong?” I asked him as I rushed out of her room.  By then, Ryan had walked up behind him and Chase was pointing to the gap in his mouth.

I looked up, whispered, “thank you” then rushed to squeeze that boy, my little boy, as blood pooled on his lip and inside his mouth.

When you share your children, there are many missed moments. You rationalize some by telling yourself things like, “The date on the calendar doesn’t matter, it is the celebration that counts.” But sometimes it does matter and missing holidays, birthdays, and especially the firsts can be a heart breaking side of divorce.

This time I was lucky and I am grateful and if the cards are played right, maybe Chase’s father will get to experience the second tooth falling out.

I just hope his Tooth Fairy pays the same as mine.