Caitlyn at the Dentist

 Caitlyn had to go to the dentist today to finish up the rest of her dental work.  A month ago she had half of it done.  That day, the dentists were both male and they were THE BEST.  They played little games with her so that she didn't even know she was being numbed.  They were energetic, happy, positive, and made her experience wonderful.  She didn't need laughing gas.  It was such a wonderful experience that she was actually looking forward to today.  Well...it didn't turn out as well as the last time.  She did not get the same dentists this time around.  She got a women in her 60's who did not seem like she was a pediatric specialist.  She was not fun, not enthusiastic, and she didn't play any games with Caitlyn while she was being numbed.  In fact, she didn't give her any warning at all...which meant that it caught her completely off guard and she started crying.  She didn't want to continue.  She didn't need laughing gas at the previous visit...but today she definitely needed it.  She was able to calm down, fortunately, and she was able to get the rest of her dental work completed.  I held her hand the whole time and I think that helped her.  And the laughing gas helped as well.  I felt horrible for my little baby girl.  I would have done anything to prevent her from having to go through this experience.  And, of course, the mom guilt was piling on.  If I would have done better at keeping her teeth clean this wouldn't even have been an issue.  It was a hard day...for Caitlyn as well as for me and my Mother heart.  I was so proud of how brave Caitlyn was.  She told me that she didn't feel brave because she cried...but I made sure that she knew that she was extremely brave.  Doing something that you don't want to do is very difficult and it takes a lot of bravery.  She is brave and strong.  I am so proud of her.

I also met Morgana today for the first time.  I made her some cookies and dropped them off.  To be perfectly honest, I was a little nervous to meet her.  I have only been communicating with her through the phone and I wasn't sure that she would like me once she saw me.  But she seemed to genuinely like me.  I brought Caitlyn to the door, so I'm sure that helped, ha ha.  Morgana looks as if she has been through a lot in life, but I sensed a goodness about her.  I hope to be able to continue building my relationship with her.

Anyway, that was the gist of the day, aside from school.

William is doing a fantastic job at learning his letters!  I absolutely love this kid.  I sent Nana and Grandpa Duncan a copy of his "Sunday Script" from yesterday.  Nana wrote me back and told me how much she loved reading it.  William is a joy!

This is an example of one of Caitlyn's math problem today.  I can't wrap my mind around these problems.  I don't think first graders have reached a developmental level to be able to figure out these problems.  Poor Caitlyn!

Caitlyn was supposed to gather 3 living and 3 non-living objects from around the house.  William wanted to join in on the fun!

I love how she wrapped the snake around her leg!  I love, love, love this girl!

I came home from the dentist and was happy to see that Lizzie had folded the laundry and vacuumed a bit.  She is such a good helper and I'm so grateful for her!  She is the best oldest daughter that I could have ever hoped for.