Great Beginnings

If I've not been posting much lately (and I haven't), it's because not much has been going on. Oh, sure. Jeremy and I met some of my buddies at the beach last weekend, while Jones and Freddie stayed with my parents, but beyond that, it's been a pretty routine couple of weeks.

Until today.

Today, the boys had their six months' exam with Dr. Bill.

If you've ever been to the dentist with Jones Pressley, you'll know why I've dreaded this day. They've told me he'll outgrow the irrational fear of laying on that exam table, but I had ZERO hope that the maturation had happened yet. Still, I let the receptionist talk me into bringing both boys at once this time - which I've not done, since Freddie's first appointment at ten months' old when Jeremy went with us. Anticipating mayhem, I asked my mother-in-law to come along.

Gratefully, she was able.

Jeremy made the mistake of mentioning the check-up to Jones last nite. He was immediately told, "No, I'm NOT having a check-up." Ugh. The fear had kicked in. Even on the way to the doctor, he was all tense, which, in turn, made me brace for what may be ahead of us.

Surprisingly, though, he did better - well, a LITTLE better - than last time. He had to be constrained by myself and another Dental Assistant while he had his teeth cleaned, but by the time Dr. Bill came in, Jones laid on the table and took it like a man.

I was equal parts proud and surprised at the change in his behavior.

Freddie was a little anxious with the cleaning, but he didn't cry at all, and with Dr. Bill, he was a champ.

All in all, it was a successful day at the dentist, even if Jones's visit got off to a rocky start. Both boys behaved (reasonably) well - and Jones did significantly better than last time - I even allowed him to get his Great Beginnings balloon and toy surprise, which is NOT a given (to me, they have to EARN those treats, and when it comes to the dentist, Jones rarely does!). The official report is that both boys are in the Cavity Free Club, and Freddie's enamel hypoplasia is holding steady, requiring no further treatment at this time!

HOORAY!

Next up: swim lessons start Thursday. If you thought I was nervous about taking Jones to the dentist ... (seriously. I'm considering letting FREDDIE have the first six lessons and letting Jones learn after he sees from Freddie how non-stressful it is).