Monster Molars

My DS has his first molars coming in. He already has most if his front teeth, top and bottom. They came in easily enough. He didn't even seem to notice. Molars are a different story. They're huge, making them very painful.

For the past few days he has been "Mr. Crabby Cakes," as my wife and I affectionately call him. He cries more and gets fussier easier. In general, he doesn't seem to enjoy his usual playing.

Things have been slowly getting better. Today he is more like himself. The bad news is: He's getting a cold. As the old saying goes, "When it rains, it pours."

The times when your kid is crabby are the real tests for parents. Anyone can handle a kid that is happy, playful and well-behaved. It's those times when they deviate from their usual selves that puts a parent to the test.

I'll confess that the past few days has been a wake-up call for me. I've been very spoiled because DS is such a happy little toddler. The crabby days have been a real test of my patience and mettle.

It reminds me of his younger days when he cried for no reason. I spent those endless days sitting on the floor, trying to keep him entertained so he wouldn't cry. Back then I knew what to expect. I learned little tricks to keep from going insane.

At least with these monster molars coming in I know what the problem is and that it is only temporary. I pray they come in fast so we can get through this stage and on to the next one.