First let me apologize to all of you who check our blog frequently.I have been unable to post a blog or even respond to emails for most of this week.For some reason the Internet has been completely unstable and very frustrating.It has been a busy week and I have several stories ready to tell you!
We have reached a new phase of “settling in” here in Nairobi.It was time to find a dentist.We located a husband and wife team of dentists who have a clinic at the local Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital which is less than 10 minutes drive from campus.
We have all had check ups.Lisa needed some work on a cracked tooth.Tim and Max got a cleaning and a lot of praise for having such BIG MOUTHS.Simon was fitted for and has received an “expander”.Simon has quit sucking his thumb (again) and is now wearing this colourful retainer – which looks something like a butterfly!We crank it open twice each week and it will change his bite and allow his teeth to come in straighter. This week Max also lost one of his teeth (to make room for a new 10-year molar).He received 100 shillings from the Tooth Fairy.The African children have told us that there are many tooth traditions here.Some do put their tooth under the pillow and receive a few shillings from the Tooth fairy.Some throw the tooth over their shoulder for good luck.Some throw the tooth under their legs to bring blessing on their Grandparents.Some told us about a Luo tradition which says that if you put chicken poop on the empty spot in your mouth, then the tooth will grow back in quickly.Some throw their tooth on the roof – that’s the one Max chose!
We have reached a new phase of “settling in” here in 
We have all had check ups. Lisa needed some work on a cracked tooth. Tim and Max got a cleaning and a lot of praise for having such BIG MOUTHS. Simon was fitted for and has received an “expander”. Simon has quit sucking his thumb (again) and is now wearing this colourful retainer – which looks something like a butterfly! We crank it open twice each week and it will change his bite and allow his teeth to come in straighter.
This week Max also lost one of his teeth (to make room for a new 10-year molar). He received 100 shillings from the Tooth Fairy. The African children have told us that there are many tooth traditions here. Some do put their tooth under the pillow and receive a few shillings from the Tooth fairy. Some throw the tooth over their shoulder for good luck. Some throw the tooth under their legs to bring blessing on their Grandparents. Some told us about a Luo tradition which says that if you put chicken poop on the empty spot in your mouth, then the tooth will grow back in quickly. Some throw their tooth on the roof – that’s the one Max chose!
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