Life According to Kiera: "Sweet Tooth"

June 27, 2017 at 10:07 am brownwoodnewsstaff

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Written by Rowonna McNeely – I did not realize what a milestone losing a tooth would be. I mean, I know it is a big deal. But, apparently, to Kiera, it is a transition into BIG kid status.

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Last Saturday, Kiera woke me up and asked if I would come lay in her bed. I complied and read a book while she watched a movie. Now, let me just say, the night before she had not slept well. She also tends to be like her mommy when she doesn’t sleep well. We get slightly grumpy when we don’t get enough sleep.

We were lying there quietly when she suddenly sat up. “I’m going to go make breakfast.” She declared.

I briefly ran through a mental list of what we might have for breakfast and hopped up to help her. “What are you wanting to make, baby?” I asked as we walked into the kitchen. “I think we have that breakfast casserole that Daddy made.” I suggested as I bee-lined to the refrigerator.

“Mommy!” Kiera stated sharply. “I said I would fix breakfast.”

I stopped before opening the refrigerator and turned to face my belligerent daughter. “O.k.” I replied. “Would you like me to get the casserole out?”

She stiffened her body as she looked at me, huffed, and replied, “No. I am a big girl.”

She sharply continued on. “I know how to get it out of the refrigerator. I know not to use the oven.” She pulled the heavy casserole dish out of the refrigerator, straining as she sat it down on the counter. Without missing a beat, she continued her rant. “I know to use the microwave. I know not to use the big knives. I am big!”

I stood back and watched as she pulled a saucer out of the cabinet. “Now. Do you want a big piece or a small piece?” She asked.

I took a deep breath, trying to not snap back. “A small piece, please.” I responded.

She cut a small piece and placed it on the saucer before starting back on her mini rant. “You don’t think I am big. I am big. I lost my tooth and you don’t have to stand there and watch me.”

I refrained from rolling my eyes and calmly asked, “Do you know how long to heat that up?”

There was a deep sigh from Kiera and then, “How long?” she responded grumpily.

“Two minutes.” I stated. “ And I’m going to brush my teeth.”

Turning I left the kitchen, knowing that I had to give her some room to be big. Now, don’t think she got away with the attitude. We did have a discussion about respect.

I walked into the bathroom, brushed my teeth and put in my contact. As I washed my hands, there was a knock on the door. Kiera said politely, “Your breakfast is ready.”

“Thank you, sweetie.” I responded. “Did you heat up your breakfast as well or would you like me to fix it for you?”

From the other side of the door, I heard a long sigh. “Mom.” She said, “Mom, dear, sweet, innocent Mom. I’m going to have a pop tart.”

My jaw dropped as I stared at myself in the mirror while I listened to her move away from the door. Dear, sweet, innocent Mom. I growled at my reflection in the mirror, took a deep breath and went to wake up Aaron so he could enjoy the grumpiness with me.

Since then, I have encountered the phrase, “I’m a big girl. Remember the tooth?” on several different occasions. She is nice about it, but she stresses the importance of the lost tooth and her independence because of this tooth.

I never knew the amount of sweet, little girl that tiny tooth held until it came out. I’m considering putting it back in.

In fact, I’m signing off now to hunt the Tooth Fairy down.

Thank you for sharing in our weekly journeys. If you have missed any of our past stories, check out our new blog page at www.lifea2k.net or drop us a line at [email protected].

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Rowonna McNeely works with her husband, Aaron, at Willie’s T’s in the Art Department, regularly volunteers in the community, and has her hands full with her daughter, Kiera, along with two dogs and one cat.

Rowonna is a graduate of May High School (Go Tigers!) and grew up on a dairy farm. She enjoys reading, creating, swimming, and planning events. She’s also a bit of a klutz.

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