Loose Tooth

The phone in my office rang, as it does many times a day.  The caller ID indicated a familiar number. 

"The Bean has a loose tooth," WonderWife™ told me when I picked up.  This was the Bean's first loose tooth.

"That's awesome!" I said.  "Is he excited?"  That was a dumb question, since I could hear him yelling in the background.

"He's jumping up and down on the couch." 

I could detect a sadness in WonderWife™'s voice.  "What's wrong?" I asked.

"I've held it together during all of the milestones he's had.  I didn't shed a tear when he graduated from preschool..."  She began to sob.  "But I...He's...They never look the same once they lose their teeth!  They don't look like babies anymore!"

"I hate to break it to you, babydoll," I said.  "But the Bean is a full-fledged kid.  He has been for some time.  He's growing up."

The crying subsided somewhat.  "I know," she said through a sniffle.  "I know."

"I'm totally charmed by you," I said.