Two toddlers, one mama, and the dentist

Today I woke up stressed.  Not only did I need to get the crock-pot going in preparation for hosting my book club tonight, but an appointment made six months ago on the calendar had finally arrived.  It didn't seem like a big deal at the time to schedule both kids for the dentist.   Of course, back then Linus didn't only nap intermittently and Eileen couldn't even crawl.

I was nervous when we got to the dentist.  Eileen was quiet, serious, and attached--not the qualities I look for when I know I will be laying her down in a stranger's lap and letting them inspect her teeth.  I envisioned Linus crying because he didn't want to stop playing, crawling wildly over things, pulling/pushing Eileen, maybe even biting, needing lots of management.  I was certain Eileen would cry and I would find myself holding her down while she glared back at me in betrayal.  By the end, I would need a stiff drink and a nap.

Instead, Linus hopped up on the chair and immediately opened his mouth.  He didn't even flinch when they cleaned his teeth.  When the hygienist was done, he went over to the toy area and played quietly while waiting for his turn with the dentist.  Eileen was quiet.  There were some questioning looks, but no tears, no flailing.  She patiently let both the hygienist and dentist look at her teeth.  The whole thing was almost surreal. And in case you were wondering, my kids both had perfect check-ups and didn't inherit my small mouth so they both have lots of room for their teeth.

I took the kids out to lunch as a treat.  Linus' choice: Burgermaster.  He recently learned that Burgermaster puts candy (smarties) in the kids meal.  He's sold.

I can't recommend Greenlake Kids Dentistry enough.

Eileen was a big fan of her new big girl toothbrush and wouldn't put it down.  She's also a big fan of hats.