I think it is a good thing when we become adults we cannot remember things that happened to us as a child. Cutting teeth is one of those things. I don't recall what that feels like, and I'm very grateful for that.

   Unfortunately, my daughter can't say the same. She “remembers” it, because it is a pain she is enduring every day. I think at 12 months old, it is probably about the most traumatic thing that has happened in her “entire” life.

   As with any pain your child has, as a parent, I wish I could endure it for her. I wish I could take it away, and that she'd never feel an ounce of pain for the rest of her life. But, let's face it, so far at least that is impossible.

   Instead, my husband and I are learning to deal with our own pain: the lack of sleep. Puffy, sore gums, a low-grade fever, puddles of drool, it is a series of unpleasant symptoms for all involved. However, the toughest for us all is the waking every few hours.

   Before I complain too much, I have to say we are very lucky parents. Both of my children by three months of age were sleeping through the night. By the time I had to return to work, I was blessed with a typical eight hours of sleep before each day began.

   I can even say we were lucky again with my son. Our first child, he was very mild-mannered and quiet. (I don't think I can say the same for the boy at age 3. We haven't heard a moment of silence since he learned how to talk.)

   When my son cut teeth, I think it honestly took about three or four weeks, and he suddenly had a full set of baby teeth in his mouth. It was quick, mostly painless. He never cried for long periods of time and never had a fever. He was pretty easy with teeth.

   No so for the little princess in our lives. My poor baby girl is miserable. We've done the usual laundry list of solutions for her: cool wet towel to chew on, teething rings and chewable toys. We give her Tylenol for her fever and pain. We rub Anbesol on her sore gums. Honestly, none of it seems to make a difference.

   Like a lot of stages in baby- and childhood, I get through it as a parent with the common phrase, “this too shall pass.” She won't be teething forever. At some point, all of those pearly whites will be in, and this misery will be over.

   The funny thing is, she won't even remember it. Her mommy, however, will remember the dark circles that may permanently be under her eyes … and may some day remind her daughter why they are there.