So seems that all doubts have been removed and we are now in the Teething Season. You can feel his little chompers when he gnaws on your finger. It’s a little unsettling, but if I could get used to being gummed, I can get used to being chewed on.
All kids seem to handle this differently and, thus far (knock on wood), it’s not so bad. The boy is a bit fussier at times–particularly if he’s tired. He’s been holding his cheeks a little.
This kid seems to be ahead of Jack in the teething stage and he looks happy, right? So…no fear.
But otherwise… it’s not the constant yelling that seems to be the common cliche.
Naive of me, probably, to think it’s going to remain this easy. I do feel for the boy. Dental pain is just the worst. It’s almost impossible to escape save through the use of painkillers and sleep–the former of which we don’t want to rely on too much for various reasons. So it’s chew toys ahead. Teething biscuits. Toys, distractions, and lots of patience.
It’s just another one of those stages of development.
I swear, though, you have to give some mad props to Mother Nature in how these stages are doled out. Just as we’ve grown accustomed to things like the occasional diaper explosion, we’re given teething which doesn’t seem so bad now that we’ve had to wipe poop off odd places. The boy’s grabbiness doesn’t seem like a big hassle compared to the onset of teething.
It’s like Mother Nature knows just how much to mete out and at what pace so that we parents can maintain a sense of perspective on each new change.
Good on her.
So, as with so many other things, we’ll deal with this as it comes. Jack has a doctor’s appointment next week, so we’ll have a chance to make sure that all is well and normal, and to get sound medical recommendations should we need them.
All is well, and we’re very thankful for that.
And it’s not cost me too much sleep, yet, although he naps for shorter periods now during the day. That might be a little rough as those daytime naps are how I make up for my late work hours. But if it means I have to adjust again, adjust I will.
It’s all good. Whatever the kid needs. This will be a rough time, and it’s my job to make it easy, if possible. Or, at least, a little easier.
Cheers!
–John
