My Toothless Wonder

There may come a day when I wish Mike had chosen a different profession, but this isn't it. For the second time, Raelynn has busted out half of her front tooth. Her permanent front tooth. Same one she busted last time. I expect, because of the nature of the break, that she will experience this particular trauma at least once a year until she starts dating and begins to be more careful about activities that may result in her face plunging toward concrete. At least I hope she'll begin to be more careful. So here's the before.

I'm a little embarrassed about my reaction both times. Here's my daughter, crying and bleeding and shocked, and all I can think is that I wish she'd just break a bone! Or if at least it had happened to Miles or Paige--anyone with baby teeth. I hate to see my beautiful girl marred like that. Bad mom, sure. But true.

And this is where the gratitude comes in. Hooray for my dentist husband! Because I can just bring her on in and he'll work his magic, and voila! Beauty restored. He's a terrific guy, a truly superb father, and a gifted dentist. What luck! He cooks, he cleans, he fixes teeth. What more could I ask for? Maybe less snoring. But who's perfect?