The First Lost Tooth

Zakei was initially in denial. As a good 5-year-old kid who regularly brushes her teeth twice a day, the loose tooth came as a big shock to her. She cried when she realized it was just one of those things she couldn't mend with a glue (although she did attempt to do it with Elmer's). 

Then came the acceptance phase. Mama convinced her that it's actually a pleasant thing. Her pretty baby pearly whites will soon be replaced by a stronger and even more gorgeous set. 

I remember when I was six, every time this happened, I'd refuse to go to the dentist and have fun twisting my tooth around the whole day, then by bedtime I'd be holding it in my hand, admiring the milky incisor or molar that's been with me for a very short time. Oh, childhood. Things change every now and then in such a jiffy. But I'm glad I have teeth that never needed any serious type of dental treatment. I hope the same goes for Zakei.

Congratulations on losing your first tooth, sweetheart! Mama loves you :-)

The Drawings Mean a Lot

From left: Mommy Lola, Papa, Mama, Zakei, & Cousin Clark

Zakeisha Kathley drew this a couple of days ago. When I ask her what the huge letters on the upper right corner mean, she says, "family." Now, who am I to burst her bubble over something too trifling for a four-year-old, like spelling? I already taught her how to spell it right, though. She must really like symbols and hidden meanings.

My mischievous princess has been doodling quite a number of this sort since the day she found out how a pencil works. There are at least 20 more of her family drawings which I've kept in a safe place. I stuck most of her posters near Nelson's and my work station. So, on days when we're inclined to spend hours beating deadlines and thinking of extra ways to make ends meet, when supposedly free time is consumed by nerve-wracking overtime work and there's hardly a chance to play, all mama and papa should do is glance at those works of art, and remember that what matters most to their precious Zakei is her 'family.'