Bringing Up Bella Eveline

I will preface this post with some background about me.  I am a clean freak, somewhat germaphobic actually.  I don’t like dogs that shed or slobber and I cringe at the thought of a child’s snotty nose or baby vomit.  Very maternal and loving, right ?

So, when Bella came home from the hospital, I was proud to say, my daughter measured “DRY” on the Drool Meter.  Needless to say, I was thrilled!  Or did I speak too soon ?  Bella also had an immature esophagus, which means the process of clamping down and keeping food INSIDE her belly was a little weak (very common for a baby born 3 weeks early).  We began to get daily milk showers after a meal.  Keith and I refer to them affectionately as “wardrobe malfunctions”, because inevitably one of us AND Bella would end up naked. running through the house with the baby after shedding milk-filled clothing !  I guess when it’s your own kid, it’s not AS gag-worthy, but it’s still stinky and pretty gross.  I’m learning.

Fast forward a few months and my big girl’s esophagus is fully functional!  Such a proud moment for me. HA !  But, that was NOT the end of the DROOL !!!!   For such a little, delicate girl, who looks like a china doll, it amazes me that she is capable of producing almost as much drool as a Saint Bernard on a hot summer day.  She and her clothing are constantly drenched.  Our nanny says she is teething..  and “excessive drool” IS a symptom (according to Dr. Internet).  But, how would I really know if she is teething until I  actually see a tooth ?  I read on BabyCenter about “tooth buds” under the gumline.  I can barely see to put makeup on, much less see if there is an infinitely small white bump BELOW her gums while her big tongue is in my way, constantly trying to lick me!!  I’ll take their word..  And it’s good to know this is a temporary condition, otherwise someday she will have a hard time getting a date! 

I have actually learned to LOVE Bella’s drool, because it’s HERS.  It’s soft and doesn’t smell.  I love kissing her on her pretty little shiny wet lips!  Children apparently get all of their baby teeth by the time they are 2 years old.  So, here’s a toast to 2 more years of teething and baby drool !