Irini's Visit to the Dentist

Last Monday, during that six day weekend we had (below), Laurence snuck to the other side of town to visit the dentist. He took Irini with him. A few weeks ago she broke the bicuspid on the lower left side of her mouth. It hadn't hurt. She didn't even know how it happened, though we assume that it was a middle-of-the-night tooth grinding session. For weeks we flossed the broken tooth, brushed it an even used a small elongated brush (made for between-the-teeth settings) to ensure that the area was as clean as possible. For a while that was okay. Then came the pains. Not many, mind you, but enough to make Irini recognize that a dentist visit might actually be helpful. 

Perhaps at this point we should note that our earlier attempt to get Irini to sit at the dentists office didn't go all that well. 

As we did tooth cleanings on occassion we would have Irini lie down on the bed and use the bedside table lamp to pretend it was the light in the dentists office. We giggled and we pretended we were at the dentist. Irini even got to requesting the dentist service as she grew more comfortable with the idea and the sporadic pains arrived. So, by the time we got to the dentists office she was ready.

Laurence and Irini walked in and Irini wanted to go first (we all agreed), but only if she could sit on daddy's lap. The dentist agreed and moved the chair to a low enough level that Laurence could settle in before picking up Irini and placing her on his lap, both now lying down. The chair moved and they giggled as they were nearly upside down. Giggle, giggle. The doctor took a look and said that a cavity was forming and this particular tooth would probably stay in "until she is 10 or so", so we opted to see if we could do a filling right then and there. He was wonderful in explaining all the steps "we will put this little water sprayer in your mouth and I will count to ten as you feel a little cold in your tooth" and all the parts "and this one will be put in your mouth to suck up the water, like a straw. Here, feel it". Irini listened and put her fingers everywhere she was asked to to feel what it was like and, when she determined that she understood enough, sat back down on daddy's stomach/lap/chest and opened her mouth. 

Daddy spent the next few minutes holding her softly but firmly, expecting a sudden jolt or moment or fear, but Irini's limp little hands curled inside his indicated that she was very calm and relaxed. "Eight, nine, ten", said the dentist and the spray ended. The sucking continued for a while longer. Then there was the filling, also following a short explanation, again to Irini's satisfaction. She sat back, we all counted (except her) to 15 this time and the filling was all set.  The dentist, the assistants, daddy and Irini all smiles brightly. 

Laurence was impressed. Irini was happy. Laurence had his cleaning too (with Irini walking around and popping her head in from time to time to see what the dentist was up to, saying "I want to see") and then, off they went for some frozen yogurt. What else? :-)

Six Day Weekend

It happened last year too. The Deepavali/Diwali holiday on a weekday during the week. The Muslim new year on a different day of the same week. Awkward school week. Adjustments. Ta daaa!  A weekend that goes from Saturday to the following Thursday (today) followed by a 'week' of two days (Friday and Saturday). As strange as it seems, somehow where we work, it works. And so it was that many of our friends ran out of town for the 'six day weekend' while others, such as us, stayed around and tried to find relaxation more locally. To us that meant four days around town followed by a couple nights at Port Dickson, around an hour and a half away. We've been there several times, largely because it is rather convenient, has both a huuuuuuge pool (with slides) and a beach on hand, is clean and the service is friendly. So, off we went!

For once this post is put up on the actual day of our return. How 'on top of things' of us!  We went with Tía, TTmouz and Avi and shared cars on the way over and on the way back. Irini went with Tía on the way down while Amalia went with Tía on the way back. It was a good mix with the girls happy as can be to share car time with the extended family.  Though only two nights long, there were a number of first on this trip too... Amalia taking a nap holding a basketball in the car (much to Laurence's excitement); Irini going on the 'big slide' all by herself; Amalia working on her freestyle stroke; Daddy and daughter's sitting enjoying a one-on-one experience with the hotel's band from the Philippines. Amalia, in particular, was very impressed with their songs and, as Irini had done so many times as a two-year-old, she stood there, about two feet away from the singers, watching every move and listening to the music.  Finally, daddy decided to take the hint and move to the table immediately in front of the duo until they ended their set and we moseyed our way to the room for the night.

The days were a combination of sunny and cloudy (with rain) but the time was good and relaxing whether enjoying the water or under cover.  The evening cuddling watching movies and the afternoon drawing time were equally as positive. Little things make a big difference. Add water and it's even better. Back to school tomorrow. :-)

Routine Shenanigans

The girls are a-growin' and the grown ups are a-tired, but the daily lives are filled with little moments that are priceless. The pictures above are just a few of the good times in the apartment and around town. From Irini's leading family yoga sessions to bike riding around Lake Titiwangsa (yes, that is the real name) to enjoying play time and dancing away in the living room, the routine of life - though sometimes on the verge of mentally and physically draining for mommy and daddy - is filled with little joys worth sharing. Irini is now just about tall enough to reach the floor when sitting on her bike, prompting Laurence to think that it "might be time" to get rid of those training wheels. Amalia, who has no bike of her own at this point, jumps on too, and look (!) she can reach the floor as well!  Okay, so it's not while she's sitting down, but as she walks forward pushing the bike along, you can't help but think she's ready for a biking career of her own! Smiles to all.