Growing Up Right Before My Eyes

Christa is losing her baby teeth.

She's got a gapped-tooth grin that is endearing. Two bottom teeth are missing and her top front tooth is hidden under her pillow even as I type this blog. The other front tooth won't be in her mouth for long.

Losing each tooth is a long, drawn out ordeal. Christa hates the wiggle-wiggle-wiggle effort required to get her teeth to budge.

I've got to admit, I hate to see her baby teeth go. It's not the process--although sometimes I grow a little weary of reminding Christa that she survived losing teeth before and she'll do it again. She doesn't need to be a dental drama queen--at least, not over baby teeth.

Once those new teeth come in, Christa's face will take on a new, more grown up shape. I'll lose sight of my little girl as she grows up, one tooth at a time.

So every time I cheer for my daughter when another tooth finally falls out, there's a part of me that's sad. I find myself taking extra peeks at her little face--and its silly, uneven smile--trying to imprint it in my memory.

Before I know it, Christa's little girl grin will be replaced, with "big girl" teeth--and a more grown up Christa.

I know I'll like that version of my daughter too. I'll just miss the "little girl" smile. I kind of got used to it.