Last Wednesday was Owen's first trip to the dentist. You might recall that Sophie actually went to the dentist a month ago. I was afraid her teeth were coming in wrong, so our pediatrician recomended we take her to Pediatric Dental Specialists. (It turns out what I thought were teeth were "Enamel Pearls".) I liked it so much there that we went ahead and made an appointment for Owen. The pediatrician had noted how brown Owen's front teeth were, so I was a little afraid that the appointment would be problematic. We tried to prepare Owen by getting some dentist books and hyping it up. It also helped that his school was also talking about dental hygiene and the dentist. (We had a friend who said he had his kids sit back in a chair and they shined a light into their mouths to practice, but alas, we found that out too late.) But I was worried that maybe we were sending him too early. He doesn't like us brushing his teeth and isn't very good at opening his mouth for us. Turns out he did just fine. You could tell he was scared, but with some encouragement he let the hygienist clean his teeth. There were no tears shed. She did have to spend some time on his front teeth, which she said is likely from iron supplements (which Owen did have to take when he was younger). He really enjoyed the train motif of the office (there was even a train going around the ceiling), and of course the surprise toy at the end. If you ask him now if he enjoyed going to the dentist he'll give you a smile and say "yes!".
And then on Thursday, more dental news: Sophie got her first tooth! For real this time! Which seemed to explain why she was getting up in the middle of the night. Overall I think she handled the pain fairly well.
Friday was another first for Sophie: her first trip out of town. Unfortunately the reason for the trip was not happy (my brother's wife's father passed away), but it was good to give Sophie (and Owen) some new experiences. Owen was able to play with his cousin Ben, who turns two this summer. I was able to see my brother and spend time with my parents. It was also enjoyable to see my sister-in-law's family, albeit under bad circumstances. Keith had to work so he did not join us, which meant that the car trips were just me and the kids. I timed it so that they were both napping, which worked well. It's gotten easier to do long car rides with Owen, even if he's awake. He is at the point where we can carry on a conversation (or play some verbal games) to pass the time. I wasn't sure how Sophie would handle all the excitement, but she did great. She wasn't happy if strangers held her, but I imagine that's normal to a certain extent. (I do worry that she is too attached to me since we are together so much. There were several people who commented on how lovingly she looked at me.) It was a bit stressful having to pack everything for the two of them, but aside from the annoyance of changing so many diapers, the trip wasn't difficult. Feeding for Sophie went pretty well.
Which brings me to Sophie's next first: taking over 5 oz from the bottle!! A whole feeding!! Lately she has been taking 2-3 oz. She has never taken more than 4 oz before this weekend. After we returned from Tucson on Saturday, we went to one of Owen's friend's birthday party, which is where she took the full bottle. Before this weekend I would have thought that eating in unfamiliar surroundings would be hard for Sophie, but she proved me wrong. This is a huge step for Sophie. I realize we still have a ways to go, but this brings me hope that Sophie will be a normal eater some day. [Update: She took another 5 oz on Monday at home!]
About a week ago I had bought some "Cars" underwear for Owen. I figured that Sunday would be a good day to try a no diaper day (his first) since we were planning on being home all day. Owen does well with going to the bathroom on the potty, but we always have to ask him to get on the potty(and sometimes he doesn't want to). I don't think he's ever said "I need to go potty" on his own. I take that back; he says it at night when we are trying to put him to bed as a stalling tactic. He only had one accident today, which didn't turn him off to wearing underwear, so I think we're making progress. He still hasn't asked to go potty, but hopefully that will come with time.
So a very busy few days!!
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| From O So February 2011 |
Owen getting ready to get his teeth cleaned.
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| From O So February 2011 |
Showing off his pearly whites!
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| From O So February 2011 |
Underwear!!
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| From O So February 2011 |
You can't see the tooth, but it's in there.
A few words about Rick Eck, who passed away from mesothelioma. Rick's smile was infectious and his hospitality generous. Rick and Sue have always welcomed us like family. Rick's obituary says that he was an advocate for people with special needs. I wouldn't be suprised if he had something to do with Sophie taking a full bottle. Last time I saw Rick he took me sailing on his boat in San Diego. I had mentioned that it had been two years since I had sailed (due to Owen being born). He told me not to let that happen again and that anytime I'd like to go sailing he would take me. Rick, it will hopefully be a while until I can take you up on that offer, but I'm holding you to it!
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| From San Diego August 2009 |
Rick with his wife, Sue, and grandson, Ben.
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