My Dentist Story and some random thoughts

Dentist Story
It was time for my dental cleaning this morning and James went with me. I would have planned to do it on a Monday when Chris is home to take care of him but my dentist's office is closed on Mondays. Little man was coming with me. You gotta love a dentist that will be so understanding. Well, needless to say, James LOVES it when I have to go to the doctor or dentist. He was at the doctor last week for another bout of  impetigo. The doctor had to lance a couple of little pustules on his thumb and it took me and a nurse to hold him down. It was not a fun day. He is doing better now because he saw the doctor. I'm sure, in his mind, he was thinking, "Yes! Your turn Mommy!" He really got the royal treatment during MY appointment. He got to push the button to take the x-ray photos of my teeth then he was say, "Open, Mommy!" so the hygienist could move the film around in my mouth. He got to sit opposite Ms. Erin (hygienist) on the the special chair with the belly bar. She gave him a pair of latex gloves and then handed him the suction tool. He really wanted the water squirter! It was a good compromise and he even got to use it...in my mouth! Ha! It was cool. He got to ask all sorts of questions like these directed at Ms. Erin:

• Can I make Mommy go down in the chair? (No)
• Why do you wear that pink mask? (so our germs won't mingle)
• Why is Mommy wearing sunglasses? (the light is very bright)
• Is that blood? Ewww Mommy, you have blood! (it was just a little)
• What are those green, yellow and red buttons? (to call the dentist)
• Why can't I pick Mommy's teeth? (instrument too sharp)
• Do we need to hold Mommy down? We should. (Lord!)
• Did you see any sugar bugs in Mommy's mouth? (No it's super clean!)
• Can I play on your computer? (No)
• Mommy, what flavor is that toothpaste? Mint? (Yes)
• Can I polish Mommy's teeth? (No)
• Am I being a good dentist helper? (Yes!)

James professed his desire to be a dentist at the end of it all. It's surprising really. He has eight, yes eight, "silver teeth" (crowns) because he has had his own issues. He didn't like his last dental appointment because he had to have a small cavity filled. He even told his dentist that he was having a bad day. At one point, the hygienist asked James if he was in preschool and he responded, "Yep. I'm a homeschooler now.".  Her response was, "That's awesome!". I was so proud. And I couldn't help but think....he is getting to do cool stuff I never got to do growing up. I don't think I even went to the dentist or doctor with either of my parents. Ever. He has been allowed to be a "helper" AND get a prize from the treasure box. I got the opportunity to model how a good patient acts and interacts with the dentist/doctor. And make an appointment to get a cavity filled. Apparently there was a sugar bug.

Random Thoughts

1. I was thinking about some additional things I want to do with James next year during Kindergarten. I found a great Art Study package of Van Gogh that I would like to do with him. I just love Van Gogh. Kids Study Art- Van-Gogh I also found another little fun thing call Little Passports which would be a great way to introduce geography. I want to buy a really cool globe like this! Ha!
2. Did you read about the North Carolina teacher that was suspended with pay from Rowan County? Students defends himself in the classroom and records the whole thing with his phone and then posts it on Youtube. The link for the youtube video is at the end of the news story. Just crazy! The teacher was so hostile and....wrong!!!!!!! Yes, wrong. Anywho...
3. I am all for freedom of speech in the classroom like the high school student that tried to do so in Rowan County but I really and truly believe students should say the Pledge of Allegiance. Frankly, I think it should be mandated. Who says the Pledge? Well apparently only 43 states/territories recite the Pledge. North Carolina does not require it through state statutes. That authority is given to the local school districts and even if a school district decides the schools will recite the Pledge, students are not required to do so. What a shame. Well...WE PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE!!!! WE ARE PROUD TO DO IT! AND WE ARE THANKFUL THAT WE CAN LIVE IN THIS GREAT NATION.