Little Miracles

It was time, once again, for our biannual visit to the dentist. It's always the same thing.
I beg, plead, coax, threaten, and anything else I can think of for 20 minutes before Antalya eventually opens her mouth just long enough for the dentist to quickly look inside, and if he's lucky, get a good look at her molars (where cavities are more likely).

We count that as a successful visit, and leave with hopes that next time will be better.

And today...it was!

Six months ago I never would have believed this picture could be possible.

But there it is. Proof that my girl sat in the dental chair, leaned back, opened her mouth, and let a stranger clean her teeth for several minutes.

Miracles happen!

And today's miracle was made possible by this cute little sister that showed her big sister there was nothing to fear.

Doctor, Doctor

I love the English school system! In fact, I could go on and on about how wonderful it has been to be here during Antalya's preschool years. The thing I love most is how individualized it is - or at least our experience has been.

Many of you know of Antalya's extreme anxiety whenever she enters a doctor's office or anything that resembles such. For the last six months or so I have really made it a focus to help her get over her anxiety and be alright with a doctor visit. Her school has played a huge part in this too. The have set up doctor play areas, and frequently send Antalya home with a book about visiting the doctor.

Today, all our efforts culminated. Antalya, two of her classmates, Antalya's aid Michelle, and myself headed to a nearby doctor's office. As soon as she realized where we were she started freaking out and wanting to run away, but she quickly realized that everyone was calm and that her classmates were actually have a good time. And that was all it took!

She listened to my heart with a real stethoscope, she stood on the scale, sat on the patient bed, measured how tall she was, got her blood pressure taken (or as well as you can on your forearm), and even let the nurse look in her ears. It was incredible!

I know for a lot of kids this would be no big deal, but for Antalya, today was huge! It will have me smiling for several weeks at least! And the timing couldn't be more perfect - tomorrow Antalya has a dentist appointment. With any luck she will think it is a continuation of today and be excited to see all the new things.