Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Dentist time for Connor

So, I took Connor to the dentist today for the first time. It was quite the experience. For those of you who don't know Connor he is not one to try new things very often. He has always been a cautious kid and unsure of new stuff. So, I had a feeling it wouldn't be easy but was hoping it would be because he is a pretty easy kid. I packed one of his "Ed's" (an elephant he sleeps with - but actually has 3 of them he sleeps with) just in case we needed it. He was fine sitting in the big chair and putting the bib on. But once she started lowering the chair for him to lay down it all went down hill from there. He didn't want to lay down. I tried to help him with my hand. Then I pulled Ed out and gave to him. Then tried laying him down again. He would have no part of it. We tried that way for probably 5 minutes - but it totally seemed like 20! So, the dental hygienist and I decided we would try with him in my lap. He so wanted in my lap but had no idea what was in store. So, for the next 5 or so minutes I tried to calm him down and make him lay down. I told him we were doing it even if he cried the whole time. I so just wanted to scoop him up and run out the door as fast as I could. It always breaks my heart when he cries. But I knew if I did that we would never actually get his teeth cleaned. So, I laid back in the chair and pulled him down with me. At one point I had my legs wrapped around his legs, one arm holding his arms down and one hand holding his head back. It took all of maybe 10 minutes to get his teeth cleaned. Once we were done he was spent. I thought he was going to fall asleep on me while waiting for the dentist to come in. He didn't. I told him the dentist was going to come in and look at his teeth. He wanted to know if he was going to brush them again. I assured him he wasn't and he was OK. So, when the dentist did look at him he was fine. He got a sticker and new toothbrush which made him happy. But what really brought him back to the Connor I know was the treasure chest full of toys. He got to pick one out. Of course, he got a car but was very excited to see what all was in there. As I was checking out he said to me, "Maybe when I get a little bit bigger I can lay down by myself!" I said, "I think you could. You know, maybe when you turn 4 you can sit by yourself." (He turns 4 in Dec and won't go back until Feb.) He stopped and thought for a second (here comes the Connor we all know and love) and said, "Um.......maybe when I'm 55!"