cannibal dentist

If you read this blog you may remember the fracas my family caused at the flu shot clinic? My smallest child, L'il Juanita, was the most traumatized by this and still goes all-out nuts at the mere mention of the doctor's office. Juanita is old enough for her first dental visit, so in preparation we played dentist at home. I let Juanita clank around on my teeth with utensils to her heart's delight. Juanita was sure the dentist would be no big deal and off we went. Our dentist is over the top. His office is actually really pretty, as dental offices go. It has an old-fashioned train station theme with the reception area being the ticket counter and the patient stations as train platforms. There is a wonderful train overhead that runs the circumference of the office. It's all done in oak and brass with a beautiful reproduction tin ceiling. It's quite swell for all ages. L'il Juanita was really happy in the waiting area, playing with all of the interactive toys and trains, but when she heard the hygienist call her name it was: good feelings gone.They were training a new receptionist that day who really didn't get it. She kept saying, "Don't worry, Juanita. It won't hurt!" And the other office ladies would say, "We don't say the "H" word!" Then, new lady came up to L'il Juanita and said (and I quote), "Oh she is so cute, I could just eat her up! Mmmmm, fillet of baby!" Which of course, sent LJ into a vortex of terror (me, too). We high-tailed it out of there stopping only at the treasure box, Juanita had earned it even if she had never once opened her mouth other than crying. They called after us, assuring that they would take care of the insurance. Gee, thanks.