Wednesday, December 01, 2004

Wow...Teething Sucks

Rachel had severe teething pain over the weekend. I've never heard her scream like she was doing Sunday night, even after Orajel was applied. I really don't like her having to go through all that in order for her teeth to break through. James and I talked about it, and he said that maybe it's like a butterfly in a cocoon. If they don't fight their way out and have pain and struggles, they won't be strong enough to fly. I'd like to think it's something similar and that the experience will make her stronger and better able to handle hurt in the future. Although I'd much rather have her not be hurt in the future, but I guess that's a part of life and something for which we'll need to prepare ourselves.

She has continued to have fussiness this week, and it's been tough at times keeping her her little chipper self. She doesn't want to be held, doesn't want to be in the bouncer, doesn't want to be in the playyard playing with toys, doesn't want blanket time...but at least those times pass. I think once the first few teeth break through, it'll be much easier and not so painful for her. Plus, she'll be able to start eating much more fun things than rice cereal, so yay!

And through the teething times, if you talk to her, she'll smile right at you, even when she has tears still on her face from the pain she's been feeling. Sweet little baby.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

lori, don't use orajel. we tried it with our first, and the pediatrician told us to stop. it toughens the gums, making it hurt more later.

we found that motrin and/or tylenol works just as well, without the gums getting toughened. talk to your pediatrician about alternatives. my 4th (yep, its been that long) just cut his back molars.

Lori said...

Well, that's scary! Thank you for letting us know. We've been hesitant to use it, anyway, and would rather use teething toys and our fingers to help her deal with the pain.