a Busy Day

I don't know whose bright idea it was to plan both boys' dental check-ups and haircuts and Freddie's four year physical on the same day, but that's exactly what ended up on today's agenda.  To be honest, I've been dreading it - but the boys proved my anxiety was for naught. I guess they've finally reached the ages where they can handle all of that running around without being any worse for the wear, and let me just tell you - I couldn't be happier about that glorious, long-awaited fact.  The first stop was Dr. "Bail's." While Jones did MUCH better at his last visit than he had in most of the previous ones, I was still holding my breath, unsure of what to expect from him (Freddie has NEVER been a problem at the dentist). He was an absolute DREAM. They BOTH were. If you had told me two years ago that Jones Pressley would ever handle a dental appointment that way he handled today's, I'd have told you you were CRAZY. 

Turns out, the only crazy one was me - for being nervous. Jones acted like going to the dentist was his JOB. I have rarely been so proud. Not only were there no fits, but he was adorably conversant with the hygienist. In fact, both boys charmed their ways around the office.  Clinically, both are doing great. Freddie's Hypoplasia is holding steady, for which we are SO grateful. They took an x-ray to be sure, but Dr. Bill thought that we were probably out of the woods with being concerned about having to cap it, as the teeth will soon grow to a point where they no longer hit against each other; decay won't be as big a concern when they do. 

Here's hoping.

Jones had an x-ray to see how his permanent teeth are looking.  It was fascinating to see the picture. In fact, I wish I'd taken a picture of it myself. The teeth are GINORMOUS compared to his baby teeth, and because his baby teeth are so tightly packed together, the hygienist suggested that the permanents may not have room to come in, which would mean orthodontia down the road. Dr. Bill didn't mention this, though, so I'm not sure if it's a problem or not. The teeth are all there and look great, but the hygienist said she didn't expect they'd be coming in soon. She asked when he got his first teeth - when I told her 8 months, she said, "Yeah. He was a late bloomer, so they'll probably come out late, too. That's what it looks like in the x-ray." Freddie wasn't yet 4 months when he got his first tooth, which makes me wonder if HE might lose a tooth before Jones? I asked a time frame for Jones, and she said 6-12 months.

Time will tell. 

After another great visit to Great Beginnings, we ventured to the barber shop. The barber shop used to be as traumatic a place to take Jones as the dentist's office, but just as he did at Dr. Bill's, Jones handled his hair cut like he did it daily. Honestly, Y'all. I don't think you understand what a shock this is to me - that he has turned this corner. I.am.so.grateful. The boys and I left the barber shop and had lunch at Ferrara's - Freddie ordered the "avrioli." I hope I never forget how he says that instead of "ravioli." In fact, I will probably call it that from now until forever. 

After an hour or so back at the house, we left for Dr. O'Donnell's. Freddie had a great check-up, praise the Lord. He passed both his hearing and eyesight checks with flying colors, and he did great with the whole thing - until Dr. O'Donnell had him lay down on the exam table, so he could listen to his heart. I think Freddie had flashbacks to when he had to do the same thing at the "Pokin' Doctor" (which is what he calls his allergist) and ended up getting stuck 37 times. He cried and cried and cried until Dr. O'Donnell finally finished. Jones came with us. It was the first time since Freddie was an infant that I've taken both of them to the doctor's office at the same time. He made quite the sensation of himself, "smoking" his "pipe" and telling the nurse that "you gotta look up and then you spit smoke." 

What was that you were saying about "good health habits," Doctor?

(So grateful, obviously, for all of the good reports and excellent health. I praise God from Whom all blessings flow for taking such exquisite care of my baby boys.)