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Pearly Whites

Ethan had a dental checkup today and he did GREAT! By great, I mean that he sat in the chair like a pro all by himself (after choosing a Wiggles video to watch), and was having a grand time when it occurred to me that I really didn't need to be by his side. So, I asked the hygenist if it would be better for me to wait in the lobby and she said yes. I told Ethan I was going to go wait for him and he didn't even flinch...just a distracted "bye" as he listened to the show through his headphones.

About 20 minutes later he came bounding into the waiting room with his new Tigger toothbrush, a "clacker" toy (they have a treat drawer for the kids), and a big smile. "I'm all done, mom!" The hygenist told me he kept telling her "Thank you for taking care of my teeth" and she thought he was just sooo sweet. No cavities to report and he even let them take x-rays this time!

I'm so used to everything being new and a little scary for Ethan that when we first arrived it didn't occur to me that he might not need me there. The first couple of visits to the dentist involved quite a bit of freaking out and crying, so I was still in that mode of operation. As I stood there watching my big boy take everything in stride, I realized he could handle it! What a liberating thing - I could go WAIT and didn't have to do anything. I just wish I had brought a book to read!

Of course, the flip side is a little sadness that my baby is growing up and doesn't need me to hold his hand for everything anymore. It seems like it is happening suddenly...or maybe I'm just finally noticing.

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