Earlier this week, we took a trip to visit Auntie Erin. In addition to being a wonderful friend and my lovely sister-in-law's sister, Auntie Erin is also Dr. Carson - a pediatric dentist.
At first, I was a little bit nervous about how MJ would react to the whole thing. We'd spent some time talking about what to expect: the dentist was a doctor who looks in your mouth; she was going to look at MJ's teeth and help him use a special "fi-fi" to brush them.
We practiced saying "ahhh!" and opening our mouth wide. We practiced sticking out our tongue and putting our fingers in our mouths to touch our teeth, just like the dentist would do.
Preparation was going well and MJ seemed to be excited about the dentist (he does after all, LOVE brushing his teeth). Still, with a toddler there are no guarantees...
But as soon as we arrived at Dr. Carson's office, I knew things were looking good.
First, we were greeted by an adorable welcome sign for new patients. MJ got a kick out of seeing his grown-up name, Michael.
The waiting room was totally set up for children, with a small table and puzzles for MJ to play with while I signed some paperwork. Then it was onto the kids' waiting room – a wonderland of sorts, complete with a wall of video games and movies (MJ paid them no mind), tons of toys, and an outdoor courtyard with a working carousel. How cool is that?
Despite all the shiny objects to behold, MJ's attention was fixed on just one thing - the helicopter.
When it was time for MJ to come back for his cleaning, the hygienist even let MJ take his treasured helicopter back with him. Wise lady. Something tells me she's done this before.
They started the appointment by giving MJ a balloon when he sat in the dental chair. Again, wise move. These people are pros!
The hygienist tied the balloon to his arm and he loved watching it bounce up to the ceiling and pulling it back down.
Eventually, it was time to get down to business.
First, the cleaning. The hygienist showed MJ the special "fi-fi" and let him touch the rotating brushes. We practiced putting it in his mouth and "tickling" his teeth.
We got through about four to six front teeth before MJ seemed done. Sensing the natives were getting restless, the hygienist decided that was a fine amount of teeth for a first cleaning and switched activities to something new. Water.
MJ adored the water pick and suction wand; I thought he might.
With the cleaning behind us, it was time for Dr. Carson to take a look. She let MJ hold the dental mirror, which he was all too happy to shove in his mouth. How helpful.
He even opened wide and said "ahh" like we practiced so Dr. Carson could examine his back set of molars.
Unfortunately, sticking his tongue out was not his favorite part.
Sadly, a few minutes after this gleeful photo was taken, MJ's balloon met an untimely demise. Exhausted from his jubilation, MJ lay down on the floor to give his balloon a hug.
Yep, you guessed it. Pop! The balloon was no more.
I screamed because it scared me, which scared MJ as well. He cried. A lot. At first I wasn't sure if he was crying because he was hurt, scared, or sad.
Luckily, I didn't have to wonder long. He quickly switched gears and began to play with his sticker.
Last but certainly not least, MJ's true love. A toothbrush. He took his new fi-fi for a twirl...literally.
All in all, I'd say our trip to the dentist was a success. And the next time we visit Dr. Carson at the office, MJ's little brother will be here to come along! Hurray!
But as soon as we arrived at Dr. Carson's office, I knew things were looking good.
First, we were greeted by an adorable welcome sign for new patients. MJ got a kick out of seeing his grown-up name, Michael.
The waiting room was totally set up for children, with a small table and puzzles for MJ to play with while I signed some paperwork. Then it was onto the kids' waiting room – a wonderland of sorts, complete with a wall of video games and movies (MJ paid them no mind), tons of toys, and an outdoor courtyard with a working carousel. How cool is that?
Despite all the shiny objects to behold, MJ's attention was fixed on just one thing - the helicopter.
Mommy, there are helicopters here! This is the best place ever!
When it was time for MJ to come back for his cleaning, the hygienist even let MJ take his treasured helicopter back with him. Wise lady. Something tells me she's done this before.
They started the appointment by giving MJ a balloon when he sat in the dental chair. Again, wise move. These people are pros!
The hygienist tied the balloon to his arm and he loved watching it bounce up to the ceiling and pulling it back down.
Eventually, it was time to get down to business.
First, the cleaning. The hygienist showed MJ the special "fi-fi" and let him touch the rotating brushes. We practiced putting it in his mouth and "tickling" his teeth.
Next it was time for some toothpaste. MJ selected strawberry and the cleaning started.
MMM, this stuff is delicious.
May I have some more?
We got through about four to six front teeth before MJ seemed done. Sensing the natives were getting restless, the hygienist decided that was a fine amount of teeth for a first cleaning and switched activities to something new. Water.
MJ adored the water pick and suction wand; I thought he might.
Then it was on to flossing practice. MJ patiently allowed the hygienist to floss several of his front teeth and even a few back ones. I was really proud.
With the cleaning behind us, it was time for Dr. Carson to take a look. She let MJ hold the dental mirror, which he was all too happy to shove in his mouth. How helpful.
Auntie Erin, this is how you do it.
He even opened wide and said "ahh" like we practiced so Dr. Carson could examine his back set of molars.
Unfortunately, sticking his tongue out was not his favorite part.
And with that, we were done! Dr. Carson gave us a clean bill of dental health and let me know that MJ has 16 out of his 20 teeth; only the 2 year molars remain on the teething docket.
For me, the best part was a successful trip with no meltdowns or misbehavior. I felt a bit like Super Mom, having apparently succeeded in preparing MJ for the experience - or perhaps just getting lucky and catching him on an easy day.
But for MJ, the best part was playing with his loot when we got home. His haul included an orange balloon, a sticker, and a brand new toothbrush.
First, the balloon.
He loved to toss it up to the ceiling.
Weee!!!
And then wait until Mommy got it back again and handed him the string. Rinse and repeat.
He also danced with it. A lot. Round and round we go!
Yep, you guessed it. Pop! The balloon was no more.
I screamed because it scared me, which scared MJ as well. He cried. A lot. At first I wasn't sure if he was crying because he was hurt, scared, or sad.
Luckily, I didn't have to wonder long. He quickly switched gears and began to play with his sticker.
It's sticky, Mommy.
Last but certainly not least, MJ's true love. A toothbrush. He took his new fi-fi for a twirl...literally.
I love you, Fi-Fi!
All in all, I'd say our trip to the dentist was a success. And the next time we visit Dr. Carson at the office, MJ's little brother will be here to come along! Hurray!
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