Looking to the Future

The Princess just lost her last baby tooth. It was an arduous process. Something cracked in the root structure last night and ever since then, she hasn't been able to eat. Much complaining. It wasn't nearly as loose as it should have been. But she was adamant that that tooth had to come out. Now.

So, for the last hour, we've been working on removing her tooth. And by we, I mean me.

I was not allowed to use my right hand. So there I was, left-handed, paper towel for leverage. Trying to maneuver in her mouth, risking digits to her braces and chomp reflex. I had her sit up straighter.

She was whimpering and tapping my arm, the signal for me to stop. Thing is, I hadn't touched her tooth yet.

I took both of her hands in mine, looked her in her wide, wild green eyes, and said,

"I mean this quite seriously and sincerely, Princess. Remember this: When you grow up, and you have babies, TAKE THE EPIDURAL."