Dentist and X-Rays

We were told at our last dentist visit that they would be doing x-rays of the children's teeth on the next visit...something they start at 4 years old. Knowing this, I started talking it up with the kids way before our scheduled visit. Timo had just had some x-rays taken of his chest at the doctors so he was pretty excited to see a picture of his "tooth bones". Unfortunately the hype didn't last and the visit quickly went down hill when they put the heavy protective cape on Timo and asked me to leave the room...uh oh, someone was not happy...
I heard him crying for out in the waiting area and knew it wasn't going well. After about 5 mins they let me back in, only getting one x-ray out of him instead of three. The visit just got worse and worse after that...Timo wouldn't sit in the chair even though I sat with him, he wouldn't open his mouth, wouldn't let them brush, floss or fluoride. Basically, it was a bust visit for Timo. The dentist did tell me the first x-ray visit are typically the hardest. If the x-rays go well, then the rest of the cleaning goes well. But if the x-rays don't go well, chances are pretty good that the cleaning won't go well either. Yup, he was right.
But Cameron, on the other hand, was so excited and co cooperative. I've learned that usually when one of my children is being really difficult, I can count on the other one being really good...and letting me know how good they are being. It's almost like their turn to shine. Cameron was in the adjacent room getting her x-rays and cleaning so I know she heard Timo's melt down. Even though I heard her express concern for her brother, she also slipped in "I'm being a good girl" a time or two. I could hear her chatting away about her favorite foods, how much she loved lady bugs, her favorite color is pink...on and on about anything and everything. The dentist had a hard time getting her to stop talking so she could clean her teeth! She did great with her x-rays, they got all three pictures and her teeth are nice and healthy...good job Cameron!
I thought if Timo saw how much fun Cameron was having then he might settle down but no such luck. Only when he saw her getting a "prize" of of the box for being a good patient did he relented a little, opened his mouth just long enough for the dentist to take a quick look for cavities.

Before we left the house that morning, I told the children that if they were good at the dentist office then I would take the out for hot dogs and french fries for lunch. So what do you do when one was really good and one was not? All I have to say is Timo owes his sister a big Thank You for paving the way for him to have a fun lunch! He thanked Jesus for his sister when we prayed for our lunch.
We went to Mel's Diner (using a Groupon) to get the cool, fun race car box hot dog lunch...but of course Cameron, true to her nature, had to be different and ordered waffles! Ah, I love my little unpredictable little girl...