The Invasion

They're EVERYWHERE! In my carpets, in my car, in my washing machine, in my dryer, and I even found one in one of my candles! What are "they"? Rubber bands . . . tiny, little rubber bands. The tiny little bands that my son is now wearing 24/7 in his mouth. My son has been so good about making sure he wears them, and I'm so proud of him for doing so.

When Dr. B. told him he was going to have to wear rubber bands as part of his orthodontic treatment, I imagined a tug of war between me and my son on a daily basis. It seems like I have to remind him to do everything else he's supposed to do (clean your room, take your allergy medicine, take out the trash, finish your homework, etc.) but he always remembers to wear his bands. So good for him. He looks like a vampire when he talks because they're attached to both his top and bottom teeth. I'm sure it's difficult to talk with them in. And it surprises me that they don't pop everytime he opens his mouth. They're strong little suckers. But I do think they're taking over our house. I find them in my son's pockets, under his bed, and on his bed. They're on his desk, dresser, and entertainment center. They're in our living room, bathroom, and kitchen. And yes, last night when I was lighting a candle that was sitting on the living room table, there sat a lone little rubber band. I don't know how it ended up in there, but I lit the candle anyway (leaving the band in there). That's now just one less band I have to throw away.