Jack's First Trip to the Dentist

Today was a big day for our little 3-year-old. He got his teeth cleaned at Daddy's office. And after 3 years, boy, did they need it! We noticed the staining on his front teeth and despite scrubbing them twice daily, we weren't making any headway on the plaque and staining that had befallen them. We can see a noticeable difference now, although the entire cleaning only lasted about 10 minutes (that's all the little guy could sit still and hold his mouth open for).

Ben took him alone, because I had a 6 month visit to the doctor today (oh yeah, nothing to report there...heartbeat is good and baby is growing and moving well). Based on Jack's history at the doctor's office, we were expecting the worst. Although, I digress a moment, to brag that at his 3-year-old check up at the doctor, they put him through, what seemed to me like, rigorous testing for such a young child. First, a weight and height (on the big, stand-up scale), then blood pressure, followed by an eye exam using a picture chart instead of letters. Dr. Singh (his pediatrician) was quite impressed and said that there aren't many 3-year-olds that successfully complete that eye exam test. But back to the dentist appointment...

Ben said that, surprisingly, Jack did very well and didn't fight back or cry at all. His reward...a visit to the treasure chest where he picked out a little red superhero toy. Funny how a cheap, little, plastic toy can bring such joy to a little boy. Needless to say, he is looking forward to his next visit to the dentist when he can pick out another toy from the treasure chest.

A quick sidenote: Thanks to Ben for capturing this moment that I couldn't be there for!! I begged him to take the camera (which I knew he would be reluctant to do) and record the first dental appointment. I've been there for all of Jack's first and to miss this one was hard. Anyways, he took the little point and shoot camera and apparently the batteries hadn't been charged. Luckily, he didn't give up and took these photos instead with his cell phone camera. Actually, I am quite impressed with the quality of the photos that he captured with his LG Shine. Thanks honey for not giving up and making a poor sap of a mom happy!

Ms. Donna cleaning his teeth

Saying cheese to show Daddy how shiny and clean they are (apparently Miss Denise reported that he also did this all day at preschool as well and told them all about going to the dentist). Good dentist's son!

"The Super Star" as Jack calls him...he's only about 3 inches tall