The Dentist

I have to go to the dentist tomorrow. Yuck.

I was a regular at the dentist when I was younger along with a 4 year stint as an orthodontic patient. I've had the pleasure of having my molars sealed, a tooth capped, a bridge, and the occasional filling. I can tell you that the dentist is not my favorite place to hang out. Spending the day being saggy faced, drooling and numb up to your eyeball is not my idea of a fun time. In my opinion, it's a necessary evil.

While I wasn't really one of those kids that grew up knowing what they want to do with their life (heck, I still don't know!), but I can tell you this. Being a dentist was NOT on my list of to-do's. Now I know we need dentists, and that they are a vital part of our healthcare. But there's something a little morbid about waking up one day and deciding that you want to spend your working days digging crap out from between peoples teeth, shoving giant needles into people gums, and smelling that ground teeth smell. Not really a career path I would chose. Some people love it (you'd have to to stick with it), and that's great! Hats off to those guys!

We're also coming up on that time when Lily is going to need to go to the dentist for her first ever check up. I've heard raving reviews about the kids dentist in Sherwood, something about a Wii in their waiting room and toys galore. I remember being super young and loving going to the dentist. Those flouride trays with the orange creamsicle-flavored foamy stuff? Yes please! Remember the sucker thing? Remember how if you breathed in just right, you could get it to make the most fantastic pig noise? I can only hope and pray that Lily sees the dentist as a fun time. Hopefully she will be on the "No Cavities Wall" (if they have one) as I was as a kid. There was no greater joy than being able to give the dentist's assistant a bright and shining smile for a picture after the Dentist has declared you officially cavity free.

But something happened when I got older. I always brushed my teeth (still do, ha), thought I took good care of them. But for some reason, I started to have issues. There was even a point where I had to have a gum graft because my gums were receding so much. I'll spare you the gorey details, but I can tell you this: that post-braces retainer came in really handy for protecting the stitches on the roof of my mouth!

And now, with this whole being grown-up thing, there has been a new issue. Turns out going to the dentist is expensive! And there's a little thing called dental insurance. I don't get it through my work. However, Jesus' employer offers it, and we've been able to put us all on it. So no more excuses. I gotta go. Gotta do it. Boo.

So wish me luck tomorrow as I sit there with my mouth gaping open for the whole world to see. It's not going to be a pretty visit, I can tell you that. But I'll feel so much better with bright shiny, freshly and professionally cleaned teeth.

Bike Riding

The rain decided to let up a little bit this weekend, so Lily was more than excited to wear her new "helmet for her head" and hop on her bike. We raised her seat a little bit, and she's scooting along like a pro.

There's a good chance that this could be the last bike ride of the year.

Fall is Here!

It's raining. It's 60 degrees and I'm okay with that. Don't get me wrong, I love summer. I love the sunshine, the long days. But with those first fall days comes a sense of coziness. Those days when I can pull out and dust off my much loved sweaters is one of my favorite times of the year. Along with about 500 other favorite times, of course. I can finally see out my dining room window again because the air condition and the large board that blocks the window is long gone. I can light candles without the wind from the fan blowing on them and making them burn crooked. I can make dinner on the stovetop and not have to strip down as much as possible to survive the extra heat. I can make soup again!

But along with these nice cool, rainy fall days has come those dreaded "Terrible Two's". Man, I swear Little Miss was the sweetest little girl, always up for a hug or a kiss, always saying "I love you Mommy" then BAM! Sweet Little Miss is sweet no longer. Sure there are still times where she's just a doll, and I'm almost positive that those moments outnumber the bad, but holy cow! She has discovered an independent streak within herself.

"Lily, please eat 2 more bites of burger." "NO! I don't WANT to eat more burger!" Cue pounding of hand on table. "Mommy put my shoes on RIGHT NOW!" Cue pounding of hand on couch. Lily, I need to go to work, I'll see you later." "NO! You don't WANT to go to work!" Cue hand gesture midair. (okay, she's got that one correct, I'd MUCH rather stay home with her. But I also like having a roof over our heads). Where did she get this demanding, independent little attitude? **looks around** Anybody? (No comments Mom!)

Thursday we start the Love and Logic Parenting class at our church. It couldn't have come at a better time, in my opinion! I'm excited to start, to hear that our kid isnt the only one that is going through/went through this stage. I'm excited to hear new strategies for nipping this newfound attitude, because let's face it, mine aren't working out so hot.

But even with all that sassiness, my kiddo is the most perfect kid in my world. I love that little girl more than words. And honestly, wouldn't life be boring without a little bit of attitude here and there? At least that's what I'm going to keep telling myself...