My first baby lost her last baby tooth this week.

She was thrilled! So excited!

I was not so much.

The loss of the last tooth was another reminder that my baby is growing up. It seems that this 10-year-old time is a time of stretching their wings, seeing how far away from home they will be allowed to go. Can I ride my bike around the block? Can I ride my bike to my friend’s house? Can I ride my bike across the neighborhood?

It’s a challenge to know what to do. How far is too far?

With my oldest, I am struggling with these choices. Sometimes, I am not so nice to her about it.

"You just can’t go!" "Not today!" "Because I said so!"

I am not really angry with her. I am scared of losing her. I am afraid to let her go where I can’t protect her. I’m almost positive that by the time my third is facing this, I won’t even think twice about letting him ride his bike wherever he would like to go.

Right now, in this moment, it’s hard for me to let her go. I can’t even imagine the emotional turmoil I will go through when she gets her driver’s license or leaves for college.

I am guessing I will get used to it. I will learn to let her go one step at a time.

This week, we let go of her last baby tooth. I’m not sure what’s next. I’m not sure I am ready for it.

The one thing I am thankful for with the whole last baby tooth situation is that she actually still believed in the tooth fairy. Maybe a part of her doubts the fairy’s existence, but she never mentioned it. We went through all the motions and it turns out the tooth fairy leaves a note and a little extra money for your last tooth. I guess the tooth fairy is sad to see it all end too.

The note from the tooth fairy:
I am so sad that this will be my last visit to you! My how you have grown since I first started visiting you when you were in kindergarten. I have enjoyed watching you grow into a beautiful young lady.

I will miss you so much, but don’t worry. I will peek in to check on you when I come to visit your brother and sister.

Congratulations!

Love, The Tooth Fairy