Bonding over a pair of purple latex gloves

I cannot begin to tell you how elated I felt as we left the dentist's office yesterday.  I actually wanted to prance out of there but since I'm sure that would made me look downright certifiable, I refrained.  But she did EXCELLENT people.  This hygienist got further than ANY medical professional had before.

I've learned not to have any expectations when I take Katherine to the doctor or dentist.  In fact most times I plan for tears of some sort.  We all know about her last experience at the dentist, which I don't blame entirely on her phobia due to the not so nice hygenist.  This time around I called to confirm the appointment and made sure that she would not be seeing that women again.  And in the day leading up to the appointment, Katherine started up with her "I don't wanna go to the dentist routine."  By the time the moment was actually upon she had calmed down and I think resigned herself to the fact that she was going whether she wanted to or not.  I kept it positive, carried on a conversation to her on the way, remembered her sunglasses for the bright lights and just tried to be as happy as possible (I know, it's the dentist but, hey, one can try).

Lucky for us this hygenist (who I think is also Dr. Creech's assistant) had just a cheery a personality. And instead of diving right in to things she let Katherine warm up to the room, which included a "ride" in the chair.  When she pulled on her purple latex gloves to start the official part of the appointment, Katherine asked for a pair of her own.  She happily obliged and waited while Miss K put on her pair.  That was it, Katherine was smitten.  Was this lady able to do a full cleaning? Not a chance.  BUT....drumroll please...she got the electric toothbrush in her mouth.  Let me repeat...IN HER MOUTH.  She was able to get the bottom of her teeth brushed.  Yes, go back and read that sentence.  This is a child who won't let so much as a blood pressure cuff come near her at the pediatrician's office without a tear.  She was able to do a quick examination.  Dr. Creech was in the room and both he and I broke into applause.  Katherine then held the little mirror tool for Dr. Creech in her mouth while he did his examination.  I was about to bust out of my chair people and break into a dance right there.

"Mommy, can I get a treat out of the treasure box??"  Are you serious???  You can dive right into that treasure box.  Help yourself to WHATEVER you want in there, I'm not telling. In fact, we left there and drove straight to the mecca of celebrations for a five year old.  That's right it was McDonald's happy meal time.  (Lucky for us we did NOT have to pull that one out the night before to get her to soccer practice)

Can I be hopeful for the upcoming five year old wellness appointment???