Brace yourself!!!

It has finally arrived- the moment I've been dreading and the Whee has been anticipating with glee.

BRACES.

Yep, that wonderful 2 1/2 year project of toothy beautification, molar manipulation, man-against-metal mouth tussle.  But it was necessary.  She was beginning to resemble a shark, with layers of teeth, instead of rows.

It was all cool the first day.  She only got the top half for now, and it was an occasion worthy of calling all her friends and sharing the news.

Not everyone I know looks cute with braces.  She looks cute.  What a great smile.

Then days two and three kicked in.  Sore teeth. Pain and discomfort. Can't chew.  Realization that all of her main food groups are now off limits- no pizza crust, no Jolly Ranchers or ice cubes, no crisp, cold, apples to bite into, no gummy bears and (gasp) worst of all, the thing which may end the world as we know it- no popcorn.

This is a child who for a number of years has had popcorn as her after-school snack almost daily.  It's for movie time, snack time, pre-dinner pick me ups, late night sneak into the kitchen jaunts.  It's her life blood.  It's now her enemy, according to the orthodontist.

The weeping and wailing and (sorry) gnashing of teeth really picked up when she was offered mashed potatoes and gravy, goulash, and fruigurts (like a smoothie, but not necessarily smooth.  Fruit, yogurt and milk).  She loves all those things, but when that's all you can eat, they're not so appealing.

Mama, will I be pretty when this is done?

You're already pretty, dear one.  All over.  And besides, pretty is as pretty does.

Oh brother, Mother. What do we have to eat?

I dunno.  Potato soup?  Spaghetti? Wanna see what happens when we put a Big Mac in the blender?

Ahha!  We're off to experiment with Big Mac smoothies.

  Happy Trails, and brace yourself for an adventure!!