Where'd It Go?

Imagine my surprise tonight when I helped Levi finish up brushing his teeth and found that he had lost a tooth sometime today! As is often the case, he handled everything on his own. I did not know that it was loose and he did not indicate that anything was going on. There was no puzzled expressions, crying, or blood. Just a missing tooth that I am wondering what happened to. Hmmm....

I have heard that kids like Levi have a very difficult time when it comes to losing teeth. In fact, I had just been wondering within the last few weeks when it might happen and how it might go for him. He is, afterall, the age that several of my kids were when they lost teeth. My only clue was that he was chewing on things a bit more than usual. Of course, I chalked that up to him needing more oral stimulation. More than likely, it had to do with the tooth. I was shocked to discover the next tooth showing so much in the space. That tooth beside it doesn't look like it's gonna be around much longer either.

Lord, please continue to be with us as we go through this losing teeth stage. Protect Levi from biting down on any that come loose since that could damage existing teeth. Help us to be aware of Levi's needs despite his independence and barriers in communicating. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Chef Levi

Levi helped prepare dinner tonight, which was a breakfast casserole. Unlike with carrots, he is a champ when it comes to peeling potatoes. I like to give him a butter knife with "teeth" on it to cut the potatoes into pieces after they are peeled. He seemed to want to move onto something that took a little less concentration, but I gave him several more slices to cut up. He did not object, and I was glad to give him a bit more practice using his hands. As you can see, I need to teach him to use the end of the knife rather the middle. A lot of times he will hold the knife upside down also. It's only a matter of time before that is corrected since he watches everything and is very good at copying how things are to be done.

A Little Thin

After a sad post the last time I blogged, I am happy to share something on the light-hearted side. My Levi boy loves to help in the kitchen! It's great training in life skills and a good way to keep him occupied in a positive way. I smile whenever I look at the top picture of the extraordinarily thinned carrot. Levi needs to be taught how to turn the carrot as he's peeling, but it also points to his willingness to stick with something. I think that working in the kitchen is one of the greatest ways to develop his motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Yet another way that the Lord is helping me to give Levi what he needs to grow! I am blessed.