the joys of teething Finally, our back molars have each emerged. My slobbering, drool-box, "part st. bernard" children have all four of their primary molars!! Mind you, the teething experience hasn't been all bad. I've heard nightmarish tales of what to expect from those that have been there, done that. Thanks to the makers of Baby Motrin, for without it, the teething experience may have been unbearable. Granted, Elliott has been more of the "temper tantrum" teether, becoming fussy around bedtime.......and Cooper did become more fussy AFTER each tooth emerged rather than the initial swelling. Nothing can really prepare you for the "joys of teething". Elliott's final lower molar emerged after he had what appeared to be a blood polyp just above his gum line. How I know this, is because he enjoyed moving it around with his tongue during feedings. Each time their teeth were ready to break through the gum line, their gums would swell up and becomes "squishy". Sometimes the gum line will actually bruise before the tooth finally pushes through. Then, as a excited mother, I would actually stick my finger inside their mouths to feel the rough passage of their newly acquired tooth. I have on many occasions experienced the "chomping" effect of Cooper and Elliott proudly demonstrating the use of their new teeth....OUCH! For me, each tooth is just another reminder that my babies are growing up, and the start of the next adventure. My babies love to sport a smile and show off their pearly whites....and it's amazing how just one emerging tooth can change a babies face into a more toddler like smile. Now, Cooper and Elliott each have 12 teeth......and grins that bring out huge dimples in their cheeks. Sometimes I look at Cooper and see myself, but when he smiles, I see reflections of his daddy. He has a "flirty" smile that fits right in with his batting long eyelashes. Elliott, who I feel looks a lot like me (minus the blonde hair), when he smiles it's like a "dennis the menace" cute mischievous smile. His smile is bright and vivacious. Already at the age of 15 months, they know how to work their "cuteness" with smiles that can melt my heart.