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Stephanie Howell

reading, organizing, shopping, momming too close to the sun. Home is wherever the Army sends us.

Harper Loses Her First Tooth- A Video I Will Treasure Forever.

We’ve waited and waited and WAITED.

And the little girl who is not very good at waiting…well she has been very patient.

Although she wonders (repeatedly, and audibly) why (at nearly seven) hasn’t she lost a tooth?

A bit ago her first tooth started to wiggle.

And I snapped this photo of her smile. Made up of tiny teeth and so much joy.

That sweet smile she’s had for so long.

2 nights ago she galloped down the stairs, her voice shaking.

MOMMY! DADDY!!! MY TOOTH IS ABOUT TO FALL OUT!

She was so scared. And SO excited. Jimmy took her in the bathroom and helped her wiggle it.

But there was blood. And she didn’t like that. Not one little bit.

She panicked. Big time. And asked me to come take over.

Disclaimer: I am NOT good with wiggly teeth. They gross me out. I’m not proud of it but it’s true. 🙂 Major skeeve. I had goosebumps the entire time and NOT because I was overcome with emotion. Shudder.

I said a little prayer and started to wiggle that sucker.

After a little hyperventilating (on her end, not mine) and a LOT of reassurance and reminders to BREATHE…this happened.

Harper Loses Her First Tooth from stephanie howell on Vimeo.

That is just a tiny clip of a video that is a couple of minutes long.

I feel like being a mama is full of exhausting moments. Scary moments.

“What the hell am I doing?” moments.

It’s a neverending cycle of feeling invisible. Cleaning up,

fixing messes, quelling fears, losing yourself.

But embedded in all of those moments there are these rare,glistening,magical moments that make all of the other stuff worthwile.

Like a precious jewel that you find unexpectedly. Those are the things that make the rest of the junk bearable.

That response was one of those moments. Her face and her voice when she saw that tooth in my hand? Pure.

That video will make me sob until the day I die. So innocent and joyful.

I can’t stand it.

Also making my heart hurt? This note she left for the tooth fairy:

In case you can’t see the note, it says:

Dear Tooth Fairy,

I hope you know that it was very hard to loose my first tooth. I love you and I believe in you.

Love, Harper Howell

And here is what she found from the Tooth Fairy this morning.

Here is where I found the idea.

I made my own using PSE 9 and the “Fake Receipt” Font.

And just like that? She had a new smile.


It’s amazing how different she looks. And sounds.

I am so proud of her. Of her fears, her bravery…her big heart and her tears that she so easily sheds.

She’s amazing.

oxxo

S

Comments

  3. So sweet! Thanks for sharing all you do. You made my day and congratulations Harper!

  4. I got emotional watching that video! Such an amazing reaction and how great that you were able to capture it on video! I still have a few more years (hopefully) before my oldest loses his first tooth and I hope I can get it on video when it happens. Harper’s letter to the Tooth Fairy is so sweet! Thanks for sharing.

  5. Ahhhh … I totally teared up .. What a great moment .. It is the scariest thing for my 7 year old still!! Right now she is sporting 7 missing teeth and another really loose one ! WTG Harper!!

  6. oh my goodness, so sweet!
    she reminds me of my oldest daughter in so many ways!
    full of joy, pain, tears, excitement, wonder & fears and intensity!
    amazing is RIGHT. she is amazing.
    loved that video and thanks for sharing!
    My poor girl lost her first tooth RIGHT DOWN THE DRAIN while brushing!
    I had to tell her that her the tooth fairy could definitely fit down there to get it,
    no worries.
    that was magical steph!
    tell jimmy good JOB!
    tara

  10. Big wet tears! What a precious moment between the two of you… and even better because Jimmy was there to see it in PERSON! Hugs!!

  12. good golly do i just LOVE you guys.
    she is so precious. and amazing. adore that girl.
    xoxoxox.

  13. Oh holy cuteness! I just cried. My word, this is probably the next video that will go viral because it is THAT precious. You Howells are so special :)And that tooth fairy receipt? Genius.

  15. So cute! I admit that wiggly teeth gross me out, too! I thought I was the only one. Such a darling video and I was excited for Harper. The excitement that little kids have over things like this is so awesome and special. My 6 year old has lost two so far and we had lots of tears after the first one. When I told her the second tooth was loose she said “Oh no! Not again!”

  17. Yeah!! Congrats, Harper! It is such a scarey thing to loose your first tooth. The rest will be much easier!!

  18. Oh she is so sweet we loved it, my 6.8 year old is waiting and wondering why his first tooth isn’t get wobbly yet. We just have to wait a bit longer. Loved the tooth fairy receipt 🙂

  22. This is so precious! I can understand why you’ll treasure this forever. 🙂

  23. My oldest just lost her first tooth last week! She had a scheduled dentist appt and he did all the dirty work. The reaction was about the same when the dentist showed her the tooth, she didn’t know he had pulled it. We waited and waited just like Harper, Ashley turns 7 a week from today!

  24. omg, that is the sweetest video ever! so glad, you were able to capture a special moment, though i doubt it will be one you will never forget. she looks great with her ‘window’ smile:)

  25. This is so sweet!!! I must confess that wiggly teeth completely gross me out and blood does too so here’s a tip that helped me with my 3 kids (especially the youngest who doesn’t lose teeth gracefully teehee). When it’s ready to come out wiggle it out with a damp RED washcloth, you get a better grip on the tooth and no one (child included) sees the blood.

  26. I got all teared up watching this Stef!
    It was about two years ago, that my Brenna lost her first tooth and Harper’s reaction is precious and just priceless.
    So lucky you got to record it! Her note is adorable too!
    Chris

  29. OMG I LOVE THAT VIDEO! Who knew losing a tooth could be that exciting! If all of us found such happiness in the little things, the world would be a happier place! 😉

  31. oh my goodness, I am all teary eyed, that was just too precious! she was so excited, lol!! what a cutie, and love her note and that receipt, too funny! Thank God for the video camera

  33. Aaaawww she is the same age as my daughter & reminds me so much of her. This is wonderful you have it on video! My daughter has just lost 4 in a row and has a bare mouth! But each time she writes a note to the tooth fairy too. I love this receipt idea. Just love it!

  34. Yay, Harper! And Yay, Momma! I teared up watching that video – I’m glad it was just a small clip, I think I’d be balling if you had posted the full version. So sweet! And that Tooth Fairy receipt? Adorable!

  35. Beautiful story, beautiful girl. Being a mother is the hardest job ever, but the rewards! 🙂

  36. OMG that video is priceless I have tears watching it – they grow up so fast and she’s so excited. Thanks so much for sharing that, it brings back so many memories of my girls.

  38. Yeah…the video has me totally crying!!! What a precious moment. Thank you for sharing.

  39. Love this! What a beautiful video! Our toothfairy leaves tiny lil notes and fairy dust but maybe her system will get upgraded soon 😉 Thanks for sharing

  42. What an amaziing moment! I’m so glad you have that one to treasure forever. I love that sweet little letter of hers. 🙂

  44. That was the sweetest video ever! I LOVE it! Especially the part where she said she was crying tears. How wonderful that you got it on video!

  45. That girl could break your heart with her sweetness. Love everything about this. And I too, am a momma that can’t stand wiggly teeth. All my kids chase me around the house trying to show me how wiggly their teeth are and I’m running away saying, “Ew. Gross. Keep away from me.”

  50. Watching that video and being at work was not advisable! Trying to explain teary eyes was even worse. Thanks though for sharing that was precious. Tell Harper she rocks! PS I don’t do wiggly teeth either and I work in a dental clinic!

  54. That was awesome. I share your eeked-out-ness about wiggly teeth, and I still got all sniffly about this : ) I only have one baby left with all her baby teeth, and I’m not super-looking forward to when she starts losing them (any day now!)

  55. This is so adorable!!! 🙂 Thanks for the receipt idea too! How did you make the bar code? Thanks for all the wonderful ideas 🙂

  58. That was TOTAL wonder and joy from that girl! It brought tears to my eyes, too. And you are right, motherhood is scary and trying and difficult at times. It produces the worst kind of self-doubt. But, those SHINING moments, those little glimmers of joy and wonder, are what keep you going! (is it creepy that I have ALL of J’s baby teeth in a little container?)

  59. that totally made me cry like a baby. both times i watched it. give that little girl a hug from me. 🙂

  61. Followed a link from Cathy Z to find this amazing post. LOVE LOVE LOVE. I, too, do not “DO” teeth — that was always Daddy’s job and they always wanted MOMMY… YIKES. So incredible that you were able to capture what you did and help her through it all to such joy. Your words of I “Those are the things that make the rest of the junk bearable” ring so true to me… as I sit her typing with a 16 and 19 year old 🙂 You have many more amazing moments ahead momma.

  62. oh lawd!! I seriously watched that video like, 5 times!! What an absolute doll!! Pure, joy and pride on that child’s face. Amazing video – what a perfect keepsake – wonderful memory!! Thanks so much for sharing with us.

  64. Oh my gosh – that is so sweet! Congrats! The Tooth Fairy has made a few stops at our house this year….pretty exciting stuff…and she left behind some awesome golden dollar coins! Ours left a First Tooth Certificate, but that receipt is pretty special! How fun…..
    Unrelated – just wanted you to know that I am anxiously awaiting my first Stitch Fix (on the waiting list) and linked over from your referral 🙂

  65. Oh bless…..I love how she had to clarify that she was crying with tears!!!
    Love the tooth fairy receipt idea – will definitely be storing that one away.

  66. I think I’m dreading loose teeth more than the teenage years!!! 😉 I’m SO grossed out by it at school!
    Love the video! Miri wanted to watch it over and over and over! Yay for lost teeth and awesome tooth fairies! 🙂

  67. This was so AWESOME to watch!! I have tears just watching her, she is so sweet!! I’m so THRILLED that you both were there for her and could watch this moment together, HOORAY for a video!! I bet she will love this forever also!!
    I had to laugh at you being the grossed out one about wiggly teeth. Here I thought it was only my hubby that was like that. I’ve had to do most of the kids teeth and they also help each other. We’ve lost some down the drain and outside. They will try to loose their thooth at school because of the special envelope you get to bring it home in. The most expensive tooth fairy fine was $25 for my Summer’s two front teeth, she wouldn’t let us pull out. She was soooo afraid it would hurt but they both had to come out and we had to go thru an hour of wiggling and crying not to, OMG she is my drama one. Well everyone felt bad so they came over and gave her money afterwards on top of the tooth fairy money. Well fast forward 7 years later and she fell off her bike and chipped those two front teeth and had work done on them and probably will forever. She loves to tell this story and I’m sure Harper will love telling her story.
    Thanks sooooo much for sharing this with us, totally made my day!!!

  68. I agree with tracy’s comment…that could go viral b/c it’s just that awesome and heartwarming. I only wish there was more of the video b/c it was precious!!! Congrats Harper. You are awesome!

  69. That was an amazing reaction. I got teary eyed and then laughed. My seven year old is currently sporting what well fondly call the “snaggeltooth smile” which consists off all of his front teeth being lost and growing back in at various stages. hahaha. It’s so stinking cute and I know it won’t last forever. wtg Miss Harper!

  70. Oh my goodness that is soo adorable!! I love her personality! She’s going to be a fun teenager!! 🙂

  71. Wow. I sense from her A LOT of relief. My daughter’s first tooth came out after months of being loose and my daughter was crying from being so tired of it being hard to eat, brush her teeth etc so when I had to take her to the dentist to have it taken out, she was just said “FINALLY”!! lol My daughter had only just turned 5 when she lost her first tooth and now she’s just turned 7 she’s lost 8 of them!

  72. I so enjoy reading all that you share with us in blogland. This is just the sweetest post and video! Brought tears to my eyes, and great big smile to my face! Thank you thank you for sharing. Congrats to Harper, she is just so stinking cute!

  73. Congratulations to wee Harper. Another first! I also HATE loose teeth & as we say in Scotland: it gives me the dry boak!! X

  74. Love it! I only wish I thought to video my kids when they lost their teeth but cameras were bulkier 10 years ago. I have been known to pull a few teeth in my day. I found that using a tissue for a better grip and swearing up and down that I was only wiggling and not pulling was the most effective means to getting those tiny teeth to fall out. Now as for making me squeamish, I couldn’t even look when the doctor did a procedure on my DD’s ingrown toenail.

  77. Aw congrats! She is so so amazingly beautiful. I might have cried a little when she started crying…yeah a little ;,) Oh and I’m totally grossed out by teeth. Blood not so much but teeth ugh. Hugs Momma

  78. Such a sweet video! My boys haven’t gotten that excited about losing their teeth. It was fun to watch Harper!

  80. Oh, sweet Harper girl!! Totally made me well up. The “I’m crying with tears” comment was sooooooooooo precious. You must be over the moon to have this video to share for years to come…so special!!

  83. O my word she is so so sweet!!! I got teary watching that. How precious!! You guys are the most awesome family:) Your girls are just gonna make the best “people”!!! What does she say about her tears? o it’s just so cute!!!

  84. How sweet is that?? Totally made me cry. My son is 7 now and has only lost 4 teeth, so I am pretty sure he could he relate to Harper’s lack of patience on the issue. 🙂 I’ll confess- when he lost the first 2 (had to have them pulled b/c the adult teeth were coming in behind them), I sobbed. It is bittersweet. It was like the last bit of my “baby” had left, but it was exciting to think about all of the big chnages that were coming his way.
    Thanks for sharing that!

  86. she is a sweetheart! my little guy lost his tooth and SWALLOWED it, so I totally copied your idea! He was so upset! However, I am relieved! I hate!!!!! teeth! =)

  87. Instantly they leave babyhood behind as that smile changes. Congrats to all! maggieb!

  89. Thank you for sharing this precious video.
    Her reaction made me very emotional and the note is even more precious!
    I hope I will get the same opportunity to capture my son’s reaction when he loses his first tooth too!

  91. Playing catch up with your blog – saw the video, and teared up immediately. Oh how I loved her reaction – and the way she hugged you tight! I am all soppy now – my only child is a little girl – 5 years old, and I am just picturing this with her in the future. Thanks for sharing with us!

  92. Ok…I’m over here sobbing. While I’m very proud of H for losing her tooth and being so brave while doing it, I couldn’t help but think about my kiddos that are 4 and 1. How easy is it for us as adults to pass the every day, exciting to children times, by and just go about adult business of cleaning and cooking and reading what we want to read and doing laundry and dusting and working? To easy! This is such a good reminder to live in the moment and be present with your children for the small and big to them events in their lives. Whether that means painting nails together or playing cars, laying on the floor for the 100 millionth time! Thank you Harper for reminding this Momma that even little things are a big deal to kids and I should celebrate with mine daily!

  94. Here I sit nursing my teething baby crying my eyes out over this PRECIOUS video. I love her sheer joy! Perfect capture.

  95. What an amazing video! I saw this from a friend in Washington who pinned it! What a great idea!!