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
So very sweet-I got teary watching that-watching your kiddos grow is amazing, I can say from experience... Thank you for sharing!
Posted by: Jennifer Henson | 03/21/2013 at 06:33 AM
awwww! your family is awesome! LOL! :) congrats to harper! *
Posted by: lauren | 03/21/2013 at 07:22 AM
So sweet! Thanks for sharing all you do. You made my day and congratulations Harper!
Posted by: Linda Coleman | 03/21/2013 at 07:26 AM
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.
Posted by: AprilC | 03/21/2013 at 07:30 AM
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!!
Posted by: Angie Blom | 03/21/2013 at 07:32 AM
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
Posted by: tara pollard pakosta | 03/21/2013 at 07:36 AM
How adorable and precious! Good on you mama for recording this priceless moment to have forever.
Posted by: Susan Kopp | 03/21/2013 at 07:37 AM
So sweet! And pretty darn awesome that you got it on video!
Posted by: Jenny A | 03/21/2013 at 07:41 AM
Oh what is this? A video of such joy and emotion. Weeping.
Posted by: Kirsty. Your only friend | 03/21/2013 at 07:42 AM
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!!
Posted by: Emily B | 03/21/2013 at 07:45 AM
That girl is just so precious! Thank you so much for sharing. You have a great way of making all your girls feel so special!
Posted by: Jamie De Luna | 03/21/2013 at 07:51 AM
good golly do i just LOVE you guys.
she is so precious. and amazing. adore that girl.
xoxoxox.
Posted by: gabby | 03/21/2013 at 07:54 AM
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.
Posted by: tracy | 03/21/2013 at 07:59 AM
watched it twice. darling, darling, darling. What a treasure.
Posted by: sarah | 03/21/2013 at 08:01 AM
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!"
Posted by: Shanon Gibson | 03/21/2013 at 08:07 AM
This is one of the sweetest things I've ever seen.
Posted by: AnnElise | 03/21/2013 at 08:09 AM
Yeah!! Congrats, Harper! It is such a scarey thing to loose your first tooth. The rest will be much easier!!
Posted by: Kami Pfingsten | 03/21/2013 at 08:09 AM
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 :-)
Posted by: libbywilko | 03/21/2013 at 08:09 AM
so incredibly precious. i LOVE that you captured this moment. so excited for harper!!! :)
Posted by: Kimber-Leigh | 03/21/2013 at 08:21 AM
Absolutely precious!
Posted by: Jan B. | 03/21/2013 at 08:32 AM
that was PRECIOUS!
Posted by: Jenni Hufford | 03/21/2013 at 08:37 AM
This is so precious! I can understand why you'll treasure this forever. :)
Posted by: Cynthia B. | 03/21/2013 at 09:02 AM
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!
Posted by: Jennifer C | 03/21/2013 at 09:06 AM
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:)
Posted by: dana a. | 03/21/2013 at 09:08 AM
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.
Posted by: Brenda | 03/21/2013 at 09:18 AM
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
Posted by: Chris Dodaj | 03/21/2013 at 09:28 AM
This is so very cool. Love her response and the receipt idea so much!
Posted by: Elise | 03/21/2013 at 10:01 AM
I am crying some tears too. Super sweet!!! Congrats Harper!!!!!!!!
Posted by: heather | 03/21/2013 at 10:03 AM
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! ;)
Posted by: Leigh Erin | 03/21/2013 at 10:07 AM
I absolutely teared up - so sweet, the pure joy!
Posted by: Christine F. | 03/21/2013 at 10:08 AM
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
Posted by: laurie lariviere | 03/21/2013 at 10:36 AM
(big tears) glad this happen at right time and place to be captured on video.
Posted by: Jennifer | 03/21/2013 at 10:50 AM
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!
Posted by: Jessica R | 03/21/2013 at 11:07 AM
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!
Posted by: Dana N | 03/21/2013 at 11:22 AM
Beautiful story, beautiful girl. Being a mother is the hardest job ever, but the rewards! :-)
Posted by: Marianne | 03/21/2013 at 11:24 AM
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.
Posted by: Janet and Lisa | 03/21/2013 at 11:28 AM
So cute!
Posted by: virginia | 03/21/2013 at 11:48 AM
Yeah...the video has me totally crying!!! What a precious moment. Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Jaymie S. | 03/21/2013 at 12:06 PM
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
Posted by: Monica | 03/21/2013 at 12:13 PM
That was too sweet. How wonderful that you have it on video.
Posted by: Erin R. | 03/21/2013 at 12:26 PM
That IS precious, and Davis keeps asking to watch it over and over again. ;)
Posted by: Amy Coose | 03/21/2013 at 12:27 PM
What an amaziing moment! I'm so glad you have that one to treasure forever. I love that sweet little letter of hers. :)
Posted by: Beth | 03/21/2013 at 12:41 PM
Happy, happy tears! She is a doll!
So great you got to capture this moment!
Posted by: Nikki | 03/21/2013 at 12:48 PM
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!
Posted by: Miriam Prantner | 03/21/2013 at 12:54 PM
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."
Posted by: Alison | 03/21/2013 at 12:57 PM
thank. you.
*heart*
Posted by: Misty M | 03/21/2013 at 01:20 PM
This is so incredibly sweet! Her innocence touches me!
Posted by: SparklinD | 03/21/2013 at 01:20 PM
Sweet moment and sweet girl! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: diana | 03/21/2013 at 01:32 PM
That is the most precious thing EVER!! What a treasure!
Posted by: Jen | 03/21/2013 at 01:33 PM
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!
Posted by: Sara from NZ | 03/21/2013 at 02:32 PM
Awww ... that is so sweet. Congratulations Harper!! And {hugs} all 'round!
Posted by: Gayle W. | 03/21/2013 at 03:27 PM
That is so beyond awesome. AWESOME.
Posted by: Account Deleted | 03/21/2013 at 03:33 PM
Seriously wonderful. Love. Love. Love.
Posted by: Natalie | 03/21/2013 at 03:39 PM
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!)
Posted by: Elizabeth | 03/21/2013 at 03:45 PM
This is so adorable!!! :) Thanks for the receipt idea too! How did you make the bar code? Thanks for all the wonderful ideas :)
Posted by: Robin | 03/21/2013 at 03:47 PM
Love this! I hope I remember to capture moments like this for my children.
Posted by: Stephanie | 03/21/2013 at 04:10 PM
Yep. I just cried.
Posted by: Design Editor | 03/21/2013 at 04:19 PM
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?)
Posted by: Sonya R | 03/21/2013 at 04:24 PM
that totally made me cry like a baby. both times i watched it. give that little girl a hug from me. :)
Posted by: Jen | 03/21/2013 at 04:36 PM
Oh my heavens that is so sweet....what pure joy!
Posted by: Kristine | 03/21/2013 at 05:45 PM
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.
Posted by: Lynn | 03/21/2013 at 05:47 PM
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.
Posted by: Tara Orr | 03/21/2013 at 06:04 PM
That is the sweetest!
Posted by: Nita k. | 03/21/2013 at 06:07 PM
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 :)
Posted by: jennifer | 03/21/2013 at 06:17 PM
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.
Posted by: KarynS | 03/21/2013 at 06:42 PM
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! :)
Posted by: justem | 03/21/2013 at 07:22 PM
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!!!
Posted by: dawn | 03/21/2013 at 07:27 PM
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!
Posted by: Kristen | 03/21/2013 at 07:38 PM
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!
Posted by: sam | 03/21/2013 at 08:08 PM
Oh my goodness that is soo adorable!! I love her personality! She's going to be a fun teenager!! :-)
Posted by: Kaila | 03/21/2013 at 08:13 PM
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!
Posted by: Jen Thompson | 03/21/2013 at 08:20 PM
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!
Posted by: Lisa Adair | 03/21/2013 at 09:26 PM
Congratulations to wee Harper. Another first! I also HATE loose teeth & as we say in Scotland: it gives me the dry boak!! X
Posted by: Bessie Segal | 03/21/2013 at 09:58 PM
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.
Posted by: Linda E | 03/21/2013 at 11:08 PM
i am speechless.
THAT was priceless.
thank you for sharing it with us.
Posted by: mary | 03/21/2013 at 11:25 PM
I LOVE Harper's reaction!! Made me smile :) big time
Posted by: Victoria Wilbeck | 03/21/2013 at 11:34 PM
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
Posted by: Maria Stanley | 03/22/2013 at 07:40 AM
Such a sweet video! My boys haven't gotten that excited about losing their teeth. It was fun to watch Harper!
Posted by: Jennifer | 03/22/2013 at 12:46 PM
love it. you are an awesome mother.
Posted by: jung a | 03/22/2013 at 03:48 PM
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!!
Posted by: Stephanie Baxter | 03/22/2013 at 04:22 PM
I teared up watching this, she was just so sweet.
Posted by: Catherine | 03/22/2013 at 07:15 PM
That video made me cry....love it
Posted by: Maggie | 03/22/2013 at 09:30 PM
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!!!
Posted by: Janna | 03/22/2013 at 09:55 PM
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!
Posted by: Marti Richards | 03/23/2013 at 07:56 AM
so sweet, brave lttle girl. she looks awesome. video brought tears to my eyes
Posted by: kate | 03/23/2013 at 03:13 PM
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! =)
Posted by: Bridget =) | 03/23/2013 at 08:44 PM
Instantly they leave babyhood behind as that smile changes. Congrats to all! maggieb!
Posted by: maggieb! | 03/24/2013 at 09:36 AM
I cried some tears too watching this! XO
Posted by: Jen | 03/25/2013 at 04:45 AM
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!
Posted by: Sandy M | 03/26/2013 at 11:56 AM
OMG, that video and her joy are priceless!
Posted by: Trisha Hamilton | 03/26/2013 at 12:17 PM
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!
Posted by: Patty W | 03/27/2013 at 04:16 AM
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!
Posted by: Kim Ryden | 04/01/2013 at 12:25 AM
That's the cutest reaction ever!!!!
Posted by: Yvonne | 04/12/2013 at 09:24 PM
Here I sit nursing my teething baby crying my eyes out over this PRECIOUS video. I love her sheer joy! Perfect capture.
Posted by: Arre | 04/22/2013 at 04:26 PM
What an amazing video! I saw this from a friend in Washington who pinned it! What a great idea!!
Posted by: Michelle | 10/11/2013 at 01:37 PM