One More Major Milestone...

We needed some excitement in our house - and fast.  We've been cooped up in the house sick and have had to cancel three major events - two trips to two different states to visit family and a Disney on Ice show the day after Christmas.  We've been going a little stir crazy.

Today was the day we got what we needed.  And then some.  Brian and I spent a ton of time together today.  Over a cup of hot chocolate I noticed that his wiggly tooth looked like it was hanging on by a thread!!  I told him that losing his tooth seemed quite imminent... and he instantly burst into tears.  "I'm nervous!"  "I'm going to miss my tooth!"  "Can I keep it forever?"  I reassured him that it wouldn't hurt... that we can write the tooth fairy a note to please leave the tooth... and we can put it in a very special container and save it in his memory box forever!  He seemed happy with that plan.

 After dinner while brushing his teeth - the electric toothbrush must have vibrated it right out!  He didn't even feel it.  He quickly looked in the mirror - checked for blood - no blood, whew! - and smiled.  As I stared at him in the mirror - and I know this is going to be shocking - it was hard to hold back the tears.  My sweet boy is growing up!

And it's emotional for me to know that this is the second milestone that Brian has had that Gavin never did.  Brian turned six... and now lost a tooth.  It's just another reminder that we are further and further away from Gavin being alive and here with us.

Brian got in his pajamas and asked me to write a letter (that he dictated to me) to the Tooth Fairy.  He asked her to leave his tooth... and to also leave "some kinds of money" which, to him, means coins.  He explained to me that he wanted one of each - a penny, nickel, dime and quarter.  He also asked for a dollar and a toy.  I had already bought him two tooth fairy books - one of which explains customs from around the world when children lose their teeth, which he'll love!  I also got him a tiny Darth Vader key chain that lights up to attach to his backpack!  My plan is to slip a note from the tooth fairy under his pillow and leave all the "tooth loot" on his desk which is right next to his bed.  I also have a little "fairy dust" which I'll leave under his pillow and on his desk! He's going to be very excited when he wakes up!!

He put the little baggie with his tooth and the note under his pillow before we read a book.  After we finished the book we chatted for a bit.  

The two of us watched the movie E.T. this weekend - a favorite of mine.  He loved it.  And, proving that he is definitely our child, he shed some tears at the end.  I love the message in E.T. - that you can communicate heart to heart.  And that you can stay connected forever - that people you love will always remain inside of you in memories and heartprints.  I asked Brian as we sat in Gavin's bed if he felt like he could still communicate with Gavin "heart to heart" and he said yes.  

Then he asked me if Gavin had put his tooth under his pillow in this very bed.  I explained that Gavin had never lost any of his teeth.  "I'm so sad for him," he replied.  Me too, buddy.  Me too.

And then we kissed and hugged goodnight.  I love this child and his sweet little heart.

Earlier today I decided that we HAD to get out of this house.  Sick or not.  It wasn't super-cold here in Pennsylvania, so I asked Ed to set up Brian's new bounce house that he got for his birthday in the yard.  It was really easy to set up - and take down!  We all bundled up and headed to our side yard.  I figured a little fresh air couldn't hurt any of us!

Brian was so excited when he came around the corner and saw the bounce house!

And it didn't take long for him to jump for joy!

Hope even joined in the fun!  She had a ball walking...

 and falling...

and attempting to bounce!

But most of the time she sat in the corner with me inside the house... 

...and outside the house in her stroller...

...and we watched her crazy brother!

Brian and I must have played catch over the top for close to an hour.  He had such a great time.  I think it was just what the doctor ordered.  For him - to get out his pent up energy... and for me - to watch him have so much fun.

I've been having a great time getting to know my new camera!  (For those camera buffs that have been asking, Ed bought me a Canon EOS 70D for Christmas and it's pretty amazing.)  I'm still learning all of the features and trying to learn when and where to use different settings to get the best pictures.  Most of the pictures in this post are with my new camera.  You can probably tell which ones were taken with my phone!  (The blurry ones)

Today I practiced with my ever-moving model, Hope as she hung our in her favorite spot enjoying her favorite pastime - touching Christmas tree ornaments.

And trying to climb UP the slide in the living room!  This little girl is fearless!

I must go tend to this tiny tooth now!  My first time as the Tooth Fairy - what an exciting milestone for me, as well!