Eight straight hours. That is how long dear baby Carter was awake today. It might not sound like much to the average person, but around here (to our beloved 14-month-old) it was an eternity. Because while there was some playtime and laughter, there was mostly crying and tears. Lots of tears.
It was the first time since he was little that my forever dad was around for a full day of it. More often than not, people ask “is he always like this?” when they encounter Carter’s smiley charming self. Today, it was his complete emotional breakdown that had dad asking mom “is he always like this?” 
The answer is obviously no. Sure, he has his good days and bad days. We all do. But today was definitely want of the really bad no good terribly awful days that unfortunately do happen every once in a while.
I watched as my dear people went through all the usual emotional phases. Helplessness prevailed throughout, especially for dad, who is far less used to coping with an hour (or two) of crying at a time than mom and I. From my best guess, it was a battle between Carter and teething pain, and poor Carter was losing by a landslide.
Then it happened. After eight straight hours of primarily emotional turmoil (for all of us, not just Carter), he fell asleep. I watched as his swollen eyes closed just above what had developed throughout the day into a painfully crimson nose. He was on dad’s shoulder when it happened.
It was the first time since he was little that dad held him like that. I’d say seven or eight months have gone by since it last happened. But that is where he wanted to be, and none of us questioned it. So there we were, the four of us, in the soft glow of the afternoon sunlight, silent and watching as Carter finally gave in to the necessity of sleep.
Somehow everything that had happened in the last eight hours seemed inconsequential.
It took time. And lots of tears. And it’s nothing I would wish to happen to anyone again any time soon. But in its own unique way, it forced us all to be still. And be together. That is its own kind of special silver lining in my book.
Wiley's Wisdom 
At long last, there was peace and unity.
I think I love the togetherness at the end.
The factors that made it happen may not have been so palatable, but most times, just like it is with the best things in life, a rough path precedes.
I don’t wish for such discomfort, but I encourage togetherness.
Teeth hurt! Poor Carter. Poor all of you. I hope the family silence lasted a good long time. And if the mailman came to try and kill you, I hope you didn’t bark at him!
Love and licks,
Cupcake
Oh dear, poor baby Carter. There’s nothing worse than when a little person is in pain and can’t be comforted. Praying tomorrow will be a better day xx