Smile!!

Staley is very sensitive to how things feel.  She's always been picky about clothes and shoes.  She hated grass as an infant.  She doesn't like to be messy.  She hates the dentist, freaks out at the mention of pulling out a loose tooth, and complains whenever I brush her teeth.  So was I excited to know that this was my child who would have extensive orthodontic needs?  Not so much.

We have seen the orthodontist twice in the past year as he was monitoring Staley's mouth and determining how best to make room for all the adult teeth to fit in a mouth that barely has room for baby teeth.  At our appointment in July, the orthodontist decided it was time to start Phase I of this little project.  And so today Staley went to get an expander. 

What is an expander, you might ask?  It is a happy little metal device that crosses the roof of Staley's mouth and is glued to her top molars on each side.  Each night before bed, I have a special little tool that I insert into the middle of the expander and turn one rotation.  With each turn, the expander widens a tiny amount and in 4-6 months, VOILA!  Staley will have a wider top palate with (hopefully) enough room for her adult teeth to come in.  Sounds fun, right??

I was worried about how Staley would handle this as she dreads each trip to the dentist.  However, Staley has been very excited about getting her expander.  I don't know if it's because it's something novel that many people don't have.  I don't know if it's because later in Phase I she'll have some little braces and will get to pick from a multitude of colors for her rubber bands.  I don't know if it's just because they mentioned eating lots of milkshakes and smoothies for the first few days.  Whatever the reason, she was pumped and has been counting down the days.

The process of putting in the expander was quick and painless.  Staley liked the bag of new toothbrushes and little tools that she got to go along with her new mouth piece.  She was excited that they gave her a DQ gift card so she could get her first milkshake.  She was happy to find that it didn't hurt at all.  She has realized, however, that it is harder to talk, eat, and swallow.  Although I've reassured her that she will become used to it quickly, she has commented no less than 182 times in the past 6 hours how weird it feels, how she doesn't know how she'll ever be able to eat with it in, and how she would like to go back tomorrow and have them take it off.  

Unfortunately for Staley, expander removal occurs about 6 months (not 6 hours) after it has been put on.  On the plus side, that leaves plenty of time for milkshakes and smoothies. 

Before...

...and after.

And So It Begins

My kids still think I'm fun.  They like to spend time with me.  They want me to play with them.  They hold my hand in public, sit on my lap, laugh at my jokes, and want to tell me everything.  I love that and intend it to stay that way forever.

I was at a conference for work all day yesterday and today.  During one of the breaks, a co-worker was teaching me how to floss.  As opposed to the cleaning between your teeth definition, flossing is also a dance move that all the kids are doing.  I came home from my conference and showed Staley what I had learned, thinking my ability to floss would bump up my cool factor a notch or two.  Instead she said, "Mom, don't do that.  That's embarrassing!"

And so it begins.

Maybe if I avoid flossing, I can stay un-embarrassing for a little bit longer. 

Lion King, Jr.

Adelie has spent the past 5 performances that Staley has been in watching from the audience and asking when she can do it too.  Well, that time has come.  Adelie joined the cast of the Lion King, Jr. for the summer Stage Kids performances.  She and Staley were baby hornbills and monkeys in the ensemble for the production.

The cast

 Adelie loved joining Staley on stage.  She loved going to rehearsal every week, loved making new friends, and loved finally getting to be a part of the action.  I don't know if her joy came from being on stage (as it seems to for Staley) or just from being a part of something she's watched Staley do for the past few years.  Regardless, both girls had a great time.

The girls with their director, Ms. Kelleen

Staley auditioned for a speaking/solo and was initially a little disappointed that she didn't get a speaking role.  However, she seemed to get over it quickly and was excited to be sharing a part with Adelie so she could help her know where to go and what to do.  On the contrary, Adelie didn't audition for a more prominent role and informed me even before the audition that she knew she would only be an animal.  It's good to be a realist.

Adelie and Staley with their friend (and fellow hornbill) Mady.

The performance was very well-done and the girls both looked so cute on stage.  With the cast ranging in age from 5-18 for this performance, it always catches me off-guard to see how little the girls look compared to most of the cast.  Even after 6 performances with Stage Kids, Staley still remains one of the younger and smaller cast memebers...and Adelie even more so.

My little hornbills

Neither girl looked nervous and both of them had lots of fun performing for the audience.  And, of course, the girls are always excited to have family and friends in the audience to watch them.

Our baby-sitter and her mom

Staley's (and now Adelie's) kindergarten teacher and her daughter

Special neighbors

And, of course, Grammie and Grandpa...

...and Uma and Papa.

We were so proud of our two little actresses.

St. Jude Run

I try to tell people about the St. Jude Run.  I try to explain it.  I try to put into words the feelings that abound on a day long run from Eureka to Peoria, surrounded by an inspiring group of people all coming together for an amazing cause.  It's hard to explain why this day is one of the best days of the year.  Regardless of the heat.  Regardless of the sore muscles and tired legs.  Regardless of the sweat and the blisters.  Regardless of the hours and miles on the road.  I consider each of these a physical reminder of why we run...for those who are battling far greater battles.  

I run to be a part of something bigger than me.

I run to support my  husband in his passionate pursuit.

I run with gratitude for my 3 healthy kids.

I run in memory of those who have lost their battle.

I run for those who are still fighting.

I run so there are more success stories.

I run because childhood cancer still exists.

I run with the hope that one day it won't.

I run because I can.

And I run for those who can't.

Quote of the Day

Staley:  "I'm glad I'm a girl because that means I'll be a mom when I grow up and moms know everything!"

#smartgirl

#hopeshealwaysthinksthat

What's Missing?

One week before Kindergarten.

One less tooth in her mouth.

One mama who is watching another baby grow up too fast.

Quote of the Day

Staley:  "I don't want to get any taller.  It already takes too long to put on my sunscreen."

#kidproblems

#thatsonesolution
#growingtoofast