Another 2 teeth have bitten the dust. Gavin had to have his top 2 removed because they weren't coming out fast enough. The one tooth had been wiggly for nearly 3 months, but it just wasn't coming out! The dentist said it could create an infection in the gums so it had to go. Gavin wasn't as sad about these two as he was about the first tooth. I guess since he was reassured that they always grow back bigger and better than ever, it's worth the sacrifice.

The best part about his new grin is the whistling "S" noises he makes now, just like in the Christmas song "Two Front Teeth." Plus - he really learned to whistle! He only has about three notes he can hit with this newly acquired ability, but it's a refreshing addition to the usual hums and buzzes he makes when stimming around the house.

Of course, he would never ask Santa for something like his two front teeth. Who would waste a request on that? He's spent the entire year being good - well, actually just the last couple weeks really bearing down and trying to be good. So he wouldn't squander a Santa wish on something as useless as the front teeth, would he? Of course not. When we took them in to see Santa, Mr. Claus took one look at Gavin and said "I bet you just want to get those 2 front teeth back, don't you?"
Gavin's reply was priceless, "Actually, I know that they will grow back. I need a metal detector so I can find pirate treasure." Well said, my man!

Bodie is getting 5 teeth all at once! His whole top grill is coming in. At first, just the two canines on top were showing, and he looked like a little Dracula. So cool! We were going to call him "The Count". We could've gotten him a little black cape and done some great shots for a Halloween Snugfits promotion, but its too late now. These teeth are just busting out all over.

Needless to say, he's pretty ticked off about the whole thing. He's usually a great little happy bug, but not these days. He doesn't want anything to do with food unless it's cold and squishy, like pineapple chunks or cantaloupe. Plus, he gets a fever along with it, about every two or three days. When Gavin and Garrett were teething, they got mild fevers with every new tooth, so that isn't new to us. The only thing that we found really helped with Bodie's brothers' teeth were teething tablets. They're sold at Walgreens, and can help ease the pain a little, but I don't think anything can make a kid content when he has five teeth coming in all at once. That oragel stuff is a waste of money. It just makes them drool even worse. We tried that stuff with Gavin, and I remember he just had this confused/angry look on his face. Like "Why can't I feel my mouth?"
Oh yes - and popsicles help too, if you want a sticky but somewhat satisfied baby. I don't think there is any perfect answer for helping your baby through this harrowing experience.

Bodie is also grinding his new teeth. A lot. It is a godawful sound. He really seems to enjoy it so we just let it go on. He's trying out his new teeth, I guess. It probably feels pretty good! He makes the funniest faces when he's chomping. He looks like a little Popeye! I tried to catch some good pictures of this yesterday when it was warm outside. He loves to be outside, too. Probably because it's so big, and there's no ceiling. When he's outside, he just looks around at everything like he's witnessing a miracle. Its so awesome to watch. Taking him outside to roll around on a blanket is great distraction from the teething pain.

To ask Bodie, I think he would tell you he just wants to be held, and to chomp on my finger. Youch! His mouth is like a pair of vice grips sometimes. I give him a wet washcloth to bite while I hold him, but it doesn't last long. He takes it in his hand, shakes it, bites it, throws it down in disgust, and bites me. Oh well. This too shall pass.