Today was one of my favorite days - Cody's trip to the dentist.  That might seem shocking, but it's true.  I look forward to our visits.  And today was a no different.

He has to go every 3-4 months because of all his issues - teeth grinding, diastama, attached frenelum, pacifier damage.  Today I was particularly nervous because these little brown dots appeared on his teeth this past month and I was sure they were cavities.  Cody hasn't had a cavity yet - and when he does - it will mean completely knocking him out because he can't sit still for a dentist to work on him. 

We go to Children's Hospital dental clinic which I HIGHLY recommend!  It's across the street from the hospital and they will take any child who has any level of medical impact - as long as you have a dr.'s note that says this child has special needs.  Plus, they will see that child's siblings at the clinic!  When I enter the waiting room, I feel as if I'm in the midst of 'my people.'  No one looks twice at Cody or freaks out with all his raspberry noises.  I chase him all over and the receptionists let him go behind their desks and look out their windows and feel the floor vents.  Every child there is too 'involved' to see a regular dentist - so we are in good company.  I feel very at ease in this waiting room with each child's gutteral noises, wheelchairs, ventilators.  These are my peeps and I love them.

And oh my, the dentists are dreamy.  They 'get it' and don't even blink at Cody's problems.  They have a system for working on these kids that is like a well oiled machine.  Today, after checking Cody out, the Dr. said 'you have NOTHING to worry about.  These are not cavities!'  I was so relieved!  They are little 'pits' that are revealed from Cody's excessive teeth grinding.  Then the little pits get stained and look like cavaties, but are not.  Whew!

The Dr. was so so so supportive.  He said he couldn't believe I was so 'on the ball' and noticed the spots.  And then he really made my day - he said he couldn't believe how CLEAN Cody's teeth are!  He said G-tube fed kids always have lots of tarter build up because they never chew - but he said he could tell we were dilligent with Cody's teeth because they were spotless!  Yahoo!  And once again, I remember why I love these dental visits - they are the only time I get good news at a medical appointment!  In a sea of conditions I have no control over within Cody's body, I can control one thing:  I can make sure he has super dooper clean teeth!  The doc said he was so impressed - and therefore I floated out.

Isn't it silly?  It was like someone had told me I'd won the lottery.  So often in life I feel like I can do nothing for Cody to help him --- but in this case I can and it is so fulfilling!  We dodged cavities once again.  If only medical practitioners knew the weight of their words.  Simple words of encouragement like 'you're a great mom' will bolster me for weeks.   

It was a great day.

love, Shawna