Lucas had to go get two fillings today. He was such a champ! In the past he has not been a good patient (at all). We go to a pediatric dentist, so everything is geared towards kids. They have special names for all the instruments and procedures so that the kids don't scared before anything even happens. For the cleanings, they just use a normal toothbrush and the kids stand at a kid-sized sink. But even with all of these child-friendly accomodations, Lucas just couldn't hack it. He would scream and generally be extremely uncooperative for x-rays, cleanings, exams, whatever. Last year he had to get two fillings, a frenectomy, and sealants, and because he was so difficult, they had to put him under a general anesthetic!
Not so today! I don't know how it happened, but during the past year, he has made major strides. It definitely helped that they now have a Game Cube that patients can use during procedures. I talked that up a lot during the last week! Lucas brought his own game to use and willingly laid down in the chair. We had speculated about where the screen would be and how well he would be able to see it. Get this, no screen! High-tech goggles that fit over your eyes and have attached headphones! I was cracking up because he would be saying things like, "Ow! I don't like that!" but his thumbs never stopped moving on that controller. He even refused the laughing gas. The whole procedure took about an hour, and he was a completely GOOD patient. I don't even know who he is anymore...
While I'm on the subject of Lucas, he has changed in a lot of ways in the past year or so. I remember how painfully shy he was when he was in preschool. He wouldn't sing or participate and didn't talk much at all. Kindergarten was a little better, but he was still awfully shy and not prone to a lot of participation. So I was a little nervous about him changing schools this year and starting over as far as meeting people, etc. He has shocked me -- not only is he not shy, he's actually outgoing now. It seems like every day he's telling me about some new friend of his. There were some kids in his class that he told me about at the beginning of the year, how they weren't nice or whatever. Now he's friends with them! His teacher tells me that he participates quite a bit and almost always has something to say. He is so sweet and cuddly with us. I don't know how this happened, but I am very proud of him.
p.s. I took this picture shortly after he lost his first tooth (Christmas Eve).
5 comments:
What a champ, handling that so well is no small feat. And how interesting that he has gone from shy to outgoing over the course of a year. Maybe the new school helped bring about the change...who knows, but whatever it was it's great.
I agree. I love Lucas so much! I was just telling the Denver clan about his changes from being shy to outgoing. It is definately a difference and one for the better! i can only imagine the dentist scenario you described, and it makes me laugh :) He's such a cute guy.
p.s. I sitll haven't gotten my confirmation email for my counter- should i be concerned? You have so many hits! I want one!
It is so great to see little ones "come into their own."
That's awesome! It's always nice to feel like your kids are progressing and adapting to life.
Dad and I have noticed this change in LUcas the last few times we have visited. He engages Grandpa in more playful wrestling and encourages tickeling and teasing! He is WAY too cute! Cute, cute cute, very cute,
CUTE! But I still don't get how or when he stopped wanting to wear his "pillows for his feet"! Good going at the dentist, Lucas! I don't mind fillings, but I HATE having my teeth cleaned, it might be worth learning how to play some computer game......
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