Sweet Smiles.

My little boy has lost three teeth in the last couple of weeks... two of those came out just today.  He was so brave and SO excited!  Of course, we all went on and on about it.  After the excitement had died down, we all went about our Sunday afternoon business.  Moments later, I came into the living room to find him snuggled up with my husband on the couch, in complete dismay... face buried in his daddy's cheset, tears just rolling down his sweet, pink, freckled cheeks. 

I was surprised, to say the least!  Just minutes before, he was elated!  I sat next to them both on the couch, and asked, "WHY are you so sad?"

My husband whispered an answer, "He looked in the mirror, and says he doesn't like his smile."

Needless to say, this mommy's heart broke into about a million pieces, right on the spot.  Oh, how I long for my children to realize how wonderful and special and beautiful they are.  If I could only show them who I see when I look at them.

Now, you and I both know that the toothless smile of a mischievous, little boy is not only priceless, but ridiculously adorable!  My hope was to convince HIM of that.  :)  I proceeded to have a conversation with my son (all the while, he remained cozily snuggled on his daddy's lap).

We talked about growing up and changing and how it's all part of God's design.  We talked about all the ways he was getting older, and how cool that was.  I explained how he should be so proud of that smile, because he so bravely earned it!  I also told him how horrible it would be for everyone if he quit smiling!  This little guy has a personality that lights up a room as soon as he walks into it.  For those of you who know him, you know that's no understatement. 

Then, I brought out the humor... (because this appeals best to him).  I pointed out how silly we'd all look if our faces continued to grow, and we still had little, tiny baby teeth! 

Last, but not least, personal relation... I told him the story about how his uncle lost a baby tooth when he was only a toddler (after a minor household injury... poor guy), and it only added more character to his already beautiful smile.  My little boy lifted his face toward mine, and I could see his eyes were starting to brighten.  Then, I told him that his Mammaw had to have all of her baby teeth pulled before she was even in KG, and she didn't have ANY at all!  That story even brought out a giggle  ...and after the promise of a treat from the candy drawer, his wonderful smile had fully returned.  He graciously shared a chocolate bar with his brothers, and life was back to normal.

Wouldn't it be nice if all parenting dilemmas were so easily resolved?

The whole situation brought this song to my mind.  It has become a favorite in our home.  We took the boys recently to see Mercy Me in concert, and they were absolutely awesome!  Take a listen to the lyrics.  It has a very sweet message... one I hope my boys will learn early in their precious lives.