Year 5, Day 339

We instituted another new reward system for Miles this week, giving him the chance to earn redeemable tokens for good behavior and general compliance. Tokens can be redeemed for prizes that Miles himself had a hand in picking out, so we hoped buy-in would be easier. What I don't think either of us expected was … Continue reading Year 5, Day 339 →

Year 5, Day 244

Getting Miles ready in the morning is never easy. He wants to do everything himself, but literally everything he does underscores just how much help he needs (which he loudly rejects, and on and on it goes). This morning, while he was "brushing his teeth," I said, in desperation, "Miles, you need to brush ALL … Continue reading Year 5, Day 244 →

Year 5, Day 221

In "Gee, that happened quickly" news, today Brie began losing her baby teeth. Losing at least two (that we were able to retrieve and the dog didn't swallow), Brie's transition to her adult doggy teeth raised obvious questions for Miles, who has only lost one tooth himself, and that one under somewhat less common circumstances. … Continue reading Year 5, Day 221 →

Year 5, Day 35

For the last week or so, Miles has been moaning about his teeth hurting. We weren't sure whether this was a legitimate grievance or if Miles was just trying to get out of brushing (it's a real "boy who cried wolf" scenario), but yesterday one of his front teeth was noticeably discolored. After he persistently … Continue reading Year 5, Day 35 →

Year 4, Day 260

Miles got some new pants tonight, and he couldn't wait to get home and try them on...his head. Full disclosure: I'm a little jealous.

Year 4, Day 147

When we left the house for Miles's dentist appointment today, my son had a simple request. "I want to see the dentist not put something in my mouth," he said. I shrugged. "Well, the dentist is going to have to put something in your mouth, buddy." Miles grappled with this for a moment. "No!" he … Continue reading Year 4, Day 147 →

Year 4, Day 115

My Father's Day started out like this... Miles was beyond excited to deliver my gifts. ...and while this happened mid morning... ...by late morning, our plans had been a bit upended by this: What you're looking at there are the TEETH MARKS that Miles left in the hardwood floor when he slipped, fell, and face-planted. … Continue reading Year 4, Day 115 →

Year 4, Day 95

Convincing Miles to do just about anything is a real challenge at this point. No matter what you suggest, Miles will always have a counter-offer, oftentimes in complete opposition to what he actually needs to do, which he will then alter as soon as it seems he might be appeased. Binary choices frequently don't work, … Continue reading Year 4, Day 95 →

Year 3, Day 329

Miles woke up this morning to discover that he was not going straight to daycare. Instead, he was headed to the dentist for a routine check-up. Surprisingly, Miles wasn't upset to hear this or opposed to going. Quite the opposite, in fact. "I got to go to the dentist to check my head and see … Continue reading Year 3, Day 329 →

Year 2, Day 351: The Teething Diaries IX

So, yeah, it's teething again. After Miles's restlessness Sunday night, I suspected that something specific might've been making sleeping difficult. After last night, I feel pretty confident that it's his molars. While I was Miles's on-duty attendant on Sunday night, last night that responsibility fell to Jaclyn. Unfortunately (mainly for me, but really for both … Continue reading Year 2, Day 351: The Teething Diaries IX →