Another Tooth - Really?

So after 10 months and 5, (make that 6 as of last night), teeth, you think I'd see the signs of teething coming. First the diaper rash - little red butt cheeks and some tender girlie areas. Then, the diarrhea and warm temperature. Finally, the majorly disrupted sleep.

But no. It takes me until the 3rd or 4th wake up in as many hours to figure out (generally pointed out through sleepy mumbles by my husband) that Sophia is teething. It should be obvious - we've been lucky that she's been a great sleeper since the beginning. Her usual m.o. is 7:15p till 6:15a straight through.

It's during these wake ups that I stumble around looking for the ibuprofen in the low light, trying not to wake Sophia (or me) anymore than we already are. Once I give her some, it's lights out for the rest of the night. Sorry honey...mommy will catch on soon. Honest.
After talking to a wizened mom (she has a 6 and 8 year old) who was able to tell within 30 seconds of holding her that she was teething by the way her jaw was clenched, I cut myself some slack.

"Honey, I've been through over 40 teeth + molars and 8 years of mommyhood. That's like 25 in mom-years. You've been through 10 months. Don't worry, it'll come." These words were like music to my ears. Everything does take time and experience. I can easily tell when Sophia is hungry or tired now. Or when she just needs to get outside and have fresh air. Because it's something I've been learning about her for the best 10 months, every day.

So we're 6 teeth into a 20 tooth set. A little more than a quarter through. I promise - I'll notice the signs next time and we'll all get a good night's sleep.