Lost Teeth

My baby boy, not really all that much of a baby anymore since he is 6.5 years old, lost both his front teeth last night. Two. Within an hour of each other. He was so happy and proud and couldn't wait for his reward from the Tooth Fairy because surely two teeth in one night must be a record and there just had to be money to be made by breaking a record. He did make out quite well....$6.00 which he woke us at 1:20AM to help him find. :)

I, while happy for him, am saddened by the lose of his baby teeth. I now have undeniable proof that my baby is growing up. Losing his bottom two teeth didn't hit me the same way. I was sad because they were part of his babyhood but this time it almost broke my heart.

I don't want him to grow up so quickly. I'm not ready but then I guess I probably will never be ready. Growing up means moving ever so far away from his need for his mommy and while I know a person always needs their mommy (exhibit A would be my own experience) it's just not the same as a child needing their mommy. I can't help but look down the path and see what these two lost teeth mean the scheme of things. Older, wiser, taller, broader...a different voice, a changed face.

I want to hold my baby tight for a while longer. No - scratch that, I want to hold my baby tight forever.

Everyone says he looks adorable with his missing teeth and I'm sure they must be right. I just can't see it. I can't yet see beyond the "He looks so different. So much older." part. He is so proud though and I certainly can't rob him of that so I keep silent with my sadness and congratulate him, tease him a little and hug him tight. I turn away just a little so he won't see the tears sitting in the corner of my eyes which, while threatening to fall, I hold back with all my might.

My baby. My son. Growing up so damn fast.