First, Hayden is very risk adverse when it comes to trying new things. Food is definitely the first thing that comes to mind in that department but I also remember when we took him to the doctor for his 3-year checkup and he was scared to death of getting on the scales to be weighed. I picked him up to set him on there and he acted like I was holding him over a pit of hungry crocodiles. We had to weigh the two of us while I held him and then weigh me alone to get his weight. The visit went from bad to worse for him because a few minutes later they gave him some shots. I was holding him for that too, but this time it was more of a submission hold than an "it's OK, daddy's here" type of hold. Second, its next to impossible to get Hayden to do something he doesn't want to do. The harder you try to persuade him, the more determined he gets not to do it. Potty training was the ultimate battle of wills. Even with a 2-1 advantage and supposedly more wisdom we finally gave up. Once he realized he'd beat us, he decided to do his thing in the potty from then on. Lastly, Hayden likes to be in control of everything and everyone all of the time. I think most people would agree that sitting in the dentist chair with a person pokin' around in your mouth with sharp instruments does not feel "in control".
Against all odds, Hayden sat in the chair and let the hygienist clean his teeth. Maybe he's growing up, maybe the hygienist is good with kids, or maybe it was the promise that he could go to McDonald's after if he was good. Either way, we were proud of him.
They did find a cavity, and Nikki took him back another day to have it taken care of, but she wasn't so lucky. It was going great until the shot in the gums to numb him up. Then it was all over. Maybe a little gas is in order next time.
Love,
Brikki
