Opposite Day

Today was the first Dentist visit for Riley and Ryan.  We talked about the day and told them that they were big now, so it was time to go to the Dentist.  They would need to listen and do exactly what they asked.  They didn’t need to cry because mommy would be right there with them the whole time.  If I had to guess I would have thought that Ryan would be the one that would be a little scared, but would do everything they asked and do it without hesitation.  I would have thought that Riley would turn “shy” and cling to me. 

I was wrong. 

We walked in to this wonderful office.  There were bright colors, toys, books, video games, tv and even 2 live birds.  Yes I said live birds.  It was like a child’s paradise.  They called us back and the first thing they got to do was pick their toothbrush.  Dora, Diego, Princess, Ducks – the choices were endless!  After that we decided Ryan would go first.  We called him the “winner”.  He did great…at first.  They brushed and counted all his teeth.  They sang to him and talked him through everything.

Then she started flossing.  Ryan began squirming and closing his mouth and then crying.  I encouraged him and said just a little bit longer and then you get a prize!  His response in the saddest little voice was "but Mommy I really don’t like this!”  He just so happened to be looking the Dentist right in the eye!  We all laughed but he was dead serious.  Flossing was never finished.  Then it was time to paint on the fluoride.  He did have one tooth that really needed the fluoride, so they had to get through this part.  After flossing, he was done, so by the end of the fluoride we were literally holding him down while he was screaming and crying.  Hopefully he was not too traumatized.  I was shocked at his response to all of this.

I got in trouble for taking this picture. 
Ryan screamed at me “Don’t take my picture!”
Bad Mommy…but I had to capture this face.  It sums it all up!
I bet I made a few of these faces today too!

Then – it was Riley’s turn.  She hopped right up in the chair.  Put on her cool glasses that shaded the light and was good to go.  Compliant doesn’t even begin to describe her.  She did everything they asked.  She answered all the questions and never once complained – at all.  She really couldn’t have been much better. 

All the while, I was about to have it out with Ryan.  He got into the dental floss and pulled and pulled and pulled it out.  When I tried to correct him and show him he was just wasting it, he fell into a total fit.  He replied in an ugly voice.  He stomped his feet.  He all but threw himself on the floor.  He could not be still and could not be appeased.  Nothing was right for him.  At one point they suggested Ryan and I go get some stickers down the hall.  He certainly didn’t deserve anything, much less stickers, but we needed to get out and let Riley shine in her glory!  By the time we got back from sticker time, Riley was done and they gave each of them a coin to “buy” a prize.  Both got a glow in the dark ball.  Fun Stuff! 

I paid the bill and just when I thought we had rounded a corner and Ryan’s bad day was behind us, I was thrown yet another curve ball.  I suggested we all go to the bathroom before we headed out to our lunch date at Chick fil A.  Ryan looked at me and said “No Mommy.  I’m already wet”.  Oh no.  Not now.  Yep – he had wet his pants.  Not just his pants, but his socks and his shoes.  And guess what – we didn’t have any extra clothes or shoes.  AAAAAAAGGGGGGHHHHH!  We had no choice but to go home to change.   We headed home to get Ryan cleaned up and changed and then off to Chick fil A.  At this point I was frazzled, but trying to keep it together.  As soon as we sat down Ryan knocked over his drink and of course it fell on the floor – top first.  Yep – sticky lemonade all over the floor.  They had to bring out the wet floor sign and the mop.  Just the icing on this wonderful experience.  I took them back to school and then headed back to work – 3 and 1/2 hours after I left the office.  Yes – all this took 3 and 1/2 hours!  I felt like I had run a marathon.  I’m hoping I will be able to laugh about this soon, but not just yet.  My blood pressure begins to rise when I think about the next appointment.  I informed Daddy that I would not be going to the next visit without him.  Honey, mark your calendar for August 18th!

Web Albums Added:
http://picasaweb.google.com/hutchinson.heidi/20110126FirstDentistVisit