T.'s loose tooth is still hanging in there--practically by a thread. Since its appearance we have had many conversations about teeth, and the tooth fairy, and I used her loose tooth as a chance to pull out my own tooth-related anecdotes from when I was a girl, because that's part of your job as a parent, isn't it? To pass onto your children those stories from your own childhood, even if they make them squirm?

We’ve hit two milestones in one week, both of which have thrilled me to the core, yet quite different.

The first may not mean that much to you (especially you southerners), but Monday we fired up the grill. Not a “try-and-use-it-quick-because-we’re-desperate-for-something-grilled” grill that we’ve been known to do in a slightly-mild winter weather; but a real grill, a grill when the boys play in our backyard and I cherish being out of the kitchen and cooking under the sky.

A milestone will be passed in schools around my city this week, because yesterday was the first day of school for the rest of the public school kids, and Tuesday and Wednesday will be staggered entry days for the brand-new kindergarteners. At the pool yesterday, moms and dads were abuzz with discussions of school-supply lists and first days and teachers' names. I felt a little like an outsider, since L. has been in school for almost three weeks now. But it also felt good to have our first day of third grade over and done with, and the school routine settling down a bit for us.

K-Man ate dinner last night at the table. No booster seat. Just hanging out with his plate, fork, sippy cup and eating like the rest of us. Holy crap. When did that happen? I know it doesn’t seem like it’s that big of a deal, but what? He’s just sitting at tables now? Just eating like a human? Huh? He’s not quite two-and-a-half. I kinda like having a toddler. Don’t go growing up into an actual boy. The time…it does go quickly. I’m afraid if I blink, I’ll open my eyes and find him using one hand to hold up his pants and the other to send text messages.