Teeth and Tears

My sweet, brave girl just had her first ever dentist appointment.  Oh my, was she excited!  The night before her appointment when I put her to bed she said, "Mommy, I think I'm just gonna lay there all night and think about what kind of toothpaste I'll choose.  Maybe I'll choose watermelon, or maybe cinnamon, or maybe grape.  I just don't know."


When the big day came, I wondered if my sometimes-timid girl would really be ok.  Would she cry?  Would she cling to me and refuse to open her mouth?  Would she decide she didn't really want to sit in the big chair?  To be honest, I was a little bit nervous for her.


When the super sweet dental hygienist asked Tali if she was ready there was a short silence.  "Please Lord, help her be brave," I silently prayed.  After a moment of deliberation, she flashed a big grin and hopped up into the chair.  I could not believe how absolutely strong and confident and happy she was.  My four year old.  My baby!  The entire experience was priceless.  Can't you just see how proud she felt?

Needless to say, I cried a bit as we drove home, amazed that my once teeny little 7pound 13 ounce baby had just courageously defeated her first dental exam.  

She really is getting so old-so big and mature and...dare I say, little girlish.  I miss "baby Tali" but I am absolutely amazed by "big girl Tali."  I've never met a sweeter person, young or old, than this little girl.