Smiles

Before

Brace Face.  Railroad Tracks.  Metal Mouth.  Tinsel Teeth.  What other slang can you think of for those of us who have endured orthodontics?  My boy H started ortho this week.  He was in some overall discomfort the first two days.  He's experienced some sore spots in the back of his mouth where some wires are poking, but he is using his wax liberally and found the water pik fun to use.  (our bathroom wall has never been so clean :) )  It's weird, but I think we can already notice a shift in some of the teeth.  Makes me wonder why the appliances have to stay so long if there is a noticeable difference in such a short time--and no wonder his mouth hurt if his teeth did that much moving in a couple of days!  I've been proud of him for keeping his mouth so clean too.

After.  He alternated red and blue bands around the brackets.

Mr. C experienced some firsts this weekend too.  He traveled with his Venture Crew to northern Ohio to ski.  He came home a little sore, but had some good stories and much success.  He made it further than I did my first time skiing.  (Also my last time.  My skiing trip --also my honeymoon-- ended in a torn ACL my first trip downhill.  Long story and too involved to write about here.)  C has also been pushing himself and experimenting with some allergies he's had throughout his childhood.  He has been allergic to Silly Putty, dog saliva and reacted terribly to horses.  He's moved past even wanting to play with Silly Putty.  With dogs he's learned to keep his hands away from his face after petting them to curb reactions.  Horses have presented a bigger issue.  However, today, his group rode horses.  He took some allergy tablets and braved riding today.  He came home a little stuffy, but it is hard to tell if it is because of the horse or being outside in the dampness skiing all day yesterday.  So proud of him for trying something and overcoming!

These boys sure make this momma smile!