I'm Here to Get My Teeth Cleaned

This past Thursday, Kevin and I had our regularly scheduled dentist appointments. Last time we were there, Chloe was quite intrigued by the entire process, so we had decided to schedule some time for her to get her teeth cleaned this time as well. I had begun prepping her a couple of weeks ago.....it was going to be a new experience and she operates better when she feels informed and comfortable. Much to my surprise, she got so excited about her trip to the dentist and began asking me on occasion when it would be time for her to go! I should add here, that my prep work and persuasion were heavily influenced (in a positive way) by the fact that our good friend, Lance, is the dentist. Lance's twin daughters are some of Chloe's best friends.

So.....Thursday morning arrived and the plan was for Chloe and I to go ahead to arrive at the dentist for our 8:40 appointment. Kevin was going to wait about a half of an hour and then bring Claire with him when he came for his appointment. Well, Chloe and I got to the office and she was donning her new pink coat and her pink sunglasses. We walked into the office and she pranced right up to the receptionist and announced, "My name is Chloe Kilgore, and I'm here to get my teeth cleaned." The sweet lady at the desk was very gracious and held her laughter. Chloe continued to tell her that "Mr. Lance was going to clean her teeth because she was three now."

Here is our big girl sitting in the chair waiting to have her teeth cleaned.

Being so still and sweet for "Miss" Beth

Part of what makes our dentist's office fun.....The Disney Channel!

All done and all smiles!

Thursday morning, I was so proud of my girl! It took a lot of self control not to burst into laughter at how cute she was. However, I didn't laugh.....because she was so serious and so intent on being a big girl. I never want her to shy away from a situation because she is afraid of someone's (or my) reaction. I want her to feel confident in who she is and in her capabilities as she enters every situation that life throws at her. I know, I know....this was just the dentist....but I am constantly reminded that how I handle myself and how I handle my girls are all building blocks for their self esteem. That's a challenging thought for me.......and yet relieving at the same time. I'm so thankful that I have the opportunity to shape their hearts and teach them that they are perfect just the way that they are, because our world is all too ready to contradict. However, it's also a big responsibility for me...making sure that I shape their self-esteems with the utmost care and love.

There is a Christian artist, Johnny Diaz, who has a song out right now entitled "There Could Never Be a More Beautiful You." There is so much about that song that I like and identify with as we raise our girls. One of the lines of the song says, "You were made to fill a purpose that only you could do, so there could never be a more beautiful you!"