This guy has gone through a lot in his short life.
The choice to keep him in my life was a choice to be a single parent.
When he was 6 months old I went back to university to finish my degrees and he
was raised by a myriad of caregivers, friends, and family until he was 5 when I finished all of
my schooling. I saw him for mere hours every day. Sometimes not at all... We moved a lot
from small apartments, basement apartments, to finally a small condo where we ended up
staying for a few years.
I have no idea what all of that turmoil has done to his psyche,
but he's turned out to be a really great kid. He's gifted in music and sports and has a
wicked sense of humour.
But wouldn't you know it, life has thrown him for a loop again...
Check out the tooth.
Sideways. Completely sideways.
About a year ago he had an extra tooth come through the roof of his
mouth and pushed some of the other teeth aside. Totally to the side! So now
Phoenix has a palette expander in his mouth to make room for the tooth to turn
around, and next week he will get braces. Yay..
He's actually looking forward to braces because right now he's suffering from a
pretty good bout of low self-esteem. He wants to smile again.
Like this:
Well hopefully not exactly like this..
7 comments
That is one handsome looking young man. Tobi from reading your blog I think that little guy is going to be a great person. He has the tool of an honest and loving mom and that is all he needs.
ReplyDeleteHe is so cute! I had many teeth issues growing up, and it is such a hard thing. Teeth really do make you so self conscious. Braces are uncomfortable, and they do make you feel unattractive while you have them on...but you just have to think of the day you get them off. He will love it, and realize that they were so worth it! Just love on him during the process, and be ready to puree his favorite foods when he has to get them tightened! :)
ReplyDelete♥Lea
the important thing is that he has a mom who loves him very much. He has learned the value of never settling and the reality that it takes hard work to pursue your dreams. All of these lessons you have taught him will only serve to his benifit when he matures into his own person. You should be proud of him and yourself!! Every new challenge is an oppurtinty to grow!!
ReplyDeleteStay postive, strong and full of love!!
All the best!!
(by the way - beautiful photos)
Tobi, you are doing an awesome job with your son! All the other kids will wish they had braces too especially when he can personalize them with different colors of elastics. remember to use lots of wax when he first gets them. I was shocked at how sore and raw my daughters mouth got. That was the most painful part for her. The teeth actually staightened pretty fast because they are so young and he will have beautiful teeth by the time everbody else is just getting their braces!!
ReplyDeletePhoenix, What a handsome guy you are, sideway tooth and all. I know right now it's hard for you,but try and remember that it is temporary. You will get braces to fix this and have a great smile. I wanted to comment on this post because you just look like such a great kid and it made me sad to know that it might be bothering you. My daughter had two fangs(extra teeth) and needed braces, she also was worried. She did have some hard times but her real friends didn't care and she is still friends with them today. She's 26. Good Luck.
ReplyDeleteAwwww...he is too freakin' adorable! I think his sideway tooth is really cool...it makes him unique. Tell him I said so, k? :)
ReplyDeleteat least he only has 1/2 way to turn that tooth around . . . . my daughter had one that was turned ALL the way around . . . . good grief!!! It took a long time to turn . . . but it did happen!
ReplyDeleteThank you for commenting!