The Dentist

Last Thursday, James had his first dentist appointment and it went wonderfully! I was a little nervous about the appointment, just because, well, it's the dentist and a lot of people, even adults are a little weary. It was 100 degrees outside (literally 100 degrees - see below). When I took the photo, it was 83 out and not even 9am - it was like we were living in Texas again.

The appointment was later in the morning and because of the heat, we treated ourselves to a taxi ride to the office. Any other weather and we'd have walked it but it was like a wall of heat outside - just too hot for a 20 block walk there and back. James had so much fun in the taxi and kept saying, "taxi, taxi, taxi" the entire trip. The driver was laughing because James was that excited.

Anyway, we got to the office, there was a fish tank, books, toys, brightly colored walls - just a sensory overload but in a good way. Then we were called back almost immediately and this wonderful dental assistant was so nice and sweet to James. We asked him if he wanted to get in the chair all by himself and he did and then she showed James this huge over sized dog with fake teeth in his mouth - I couldn't help but laugh. But the assistant was showing James how to brush the dog's teeth and James was so attentive and then he did it.

They then went through every instrument and James even got to squirt the air and water hose. He was all about squirting this thing. Love it. Tried to take it apart. Then the dentist arrived - her name is Dr. Hayes. Dr. Mary Hayes. When I saw Dr. Hayes out of the list of dentists suggested by our pediatrician, I choose it because it's a very special name to us. When I called, they told me her first name was Mary. Just like my Aunt. It was meant to be. She even has red hair like our Mary.

Anyway, Dr. Mary (as they call her) said that James' teeth were beautiful and perfect and she was so proud of him that he drinks only water and milk and brushes his teeth. Also, I have to say she was very excited that he's quit the paci - she said that his teeth are adjusting themselves back to the correct bite which is great news. I had no idea they were not in the correct bite position ...

Other neat stuff - James has 18 teeth! Also, they gave him little sun glasses to wear while they had the bright over head light on during the exam. James sat in the chair all by himself, opened his mouth for Dr. Mary, didn't bite down on anyone's hand (thank goodness!) and was his cute little happy self. Dr. Mary even wrote in his folder: sat on own, didn't need Mom, was very outgoing, happy and well behaved. I was very proud of our little guy :)

After the dentist, we came home, ate and napped and James woke up to a very special treat. Auntie E came over to spend the afternoon with us and had dinner with us. What a special treat and what a wonderful day :)