Why the Dentist said Quack Quack

On Tuesday after canceling their last two appointments (one due to illness and the other due to snow) the kids finally went to see the dentist for the first time.

The visit went pretty much exactly as I expected. Jake, although clearly nervous, followed directions very well. They were able to clean his teeth, take x-rays and have the dentist exam him During the time in between he was able to gallivant around the treatment room playing video games, Legos or any other numerous activities meant to help a child forget where they actually were. Jadyn was not as cooperative. Of course, in her defense she is only two but even sitting on top of me in the dentist chair she explained to the nice hygienist that she did not need her teeth cleaned. She had brushed them that morning. The dentist was able to look in her mouth, although she cried the whole time, I think we were at least able to make it from being traumatic and it will be good practice for next year's visit.

The verdict was that both the kids teeth looked really good. No cavities for Jake. His big boy teeth are crowed and crooked but the dentist said of course it would be too premature to worry about that. Jadyn's bite is off. I have been advised to make sure she no longer has the pacifier by the time she is 3 and the dentist offered tricks for making this happen. That was my goal anyway and she is slowly depending on it less and less. Overall, it was a pleasant experience considering it was the dentist. The kids left with new toothbrushes, floss, cups and toys handpicked from the treasure chest. Jake tells everyone new he sees how brave he was and I don't blame him for being proud. Then Jadyn chimes in and acts like she loved the experience too and tells you how she got her teeth cleaned. I guess I can blame her for trying to embellish. If that's how she wants to remember it, all the better for next time right?

As a reward for spending the morning at the dentist, the kids and I hopped over to Civic Center Park in Palm Desert, where as I have mentioned before they have a beautiful lake with ducks. This time we were prepared and so with bread in tow, we set out to feed the ducks. The kids really enjoyed themselves and even posed for some pictures. It was a very nice way to complete the day. Of course that was until it was time to leave when a huge white duck became thoroughly convinced that we still had food and started following us. As I tried to take a picture of him, Jadyn approached the duck and before I could warn her, it was too late. The duck had nipped her hand thinking she had food. Luckily she was not hurt, only very scared and all to eager to add it to her list of stories to tell with her dramatic flair.

Feeding the ducks:

Jadyn kept trying to get the bread pieces to this big guy. She was pretty excited when she finally succeeded:

Posing on the rock:

Right before getting nipped at:

So why did the dentist say quack quack? In an attempt to get Jadyn to cooperate upon learning we were planning to feed the ducks after our visit. It didn't work but at least he tried.