Eye Doctor

We took the girls to their first eye appointment today! Since they had never been to an optometrist before, the girls were a bit nervous, especially Jessi (who didn't want to get out of the car):

Bayview Optometry

Steve has a calming influence on the girls, so by the time we got to the waiting room they were all smiles.

First an assistant used this fancy machine to measure the girls' eyes. Then it was time for their individual appointments with Dr. Misener. Jessi went first!

Measuring eyeballs

Emily's turn!

The results: both girls have great eyesights (Emily's is even better than 20/20). No glasses, no issues, no worries!

4-6 Year Checkup - Round 2

It was time for Jessica's 4-6 year checkup and immunizations. Emily had hers two years ago, though it feels like just yesterday. Jessi did great at her checkup, minus a few tears during her shots.

In the waiting room

For fun, here's a comparison of my baby in the same waiting room for her very first doctor's appointment and now:

The years flew by!

Jessi weighed in at 38 lbs and measured 43.5 inches tall. She's around the 20th percentile for both weight and height. Looking good!

The "pee diagram" 

Having a good time? 

Good ol' Dr. Scott

(He was my childhood doctor as well)

As an after-appointment treat, we stopped for ice cream on the way home.

Next on the list will be eye appointments for the whole family -- it's about time we had our visions checked!

Quiet Weekend

The girls have spent the weekend recovering from their illnesses. Jessica did have a rough night on Thursday, but other than a reduced appetite she was back to normal on Friday. Emily got the worst of it, that's for sure. From Thursday afternoon until Saturday night, she was either lying on the couch or in her bed, drifting in and out of sleep. She barely ate anything during that time either, maybe just a couple of noodles. We took her to an after-hours clinic on Saturday afternoon, but the doctor said it was just a normal virus that would run its course (which was a relief, because we started worrying that it was pneumonia or something more serious!). Sadly we had to cancel our weekend plans, which included a birthday party for one of Emily's classmates, as well as a gathering at our house with Steve's family. Instead we had a quiet weekend of snuggling on the couch, watching tv (and worrying). Emily started feeling better today. She had enough energy to walk around and play, and she even insisted on going to my parents' for Sunday lunch. She ate a few servings of noodles and cheese. I'm glad everyone's health is on its way back up -- let's hope it stays that way!

4-6 Year Checkup

We've been taking it really easy this March Break. Playing around the house, visiting the library, and attempting a walk at Lemoine's Point (which only lasted one minute because it was too cold and windy).

Breakfast & TV

1-minute walk

The only 'major' item on the calendar this week was Emily's 4-6 year checkup! We took her to the doctor today to update her stats and vaccinations. The last time Emily had needles was when she was 18 months old (and she hated it), so we were curious how she would handle things today. She was clearly nervous, but stayed calm throughout the whole appointment and only whimpered and cried "ow!" when the shots were being administered. Hooray! Hard to believe there was once a time when Emily would just cry through her entire appointments...

Waiting

Getting reacquainted with our nurse

Jessica checking out "the pee" 

Our doctor has this 3D diagram of a bladder -- the girls have always loved it. They like to touch the (plastic) pee.

The Pee

We put some topical anesthetic cream on Emily's thighs an hour before her needles in the hopes that it would ease the pain. Maybe it worked?

All smiles with her cream/bandages

Checkup from the doctor

Jessica had a blast hanging out in the doctor's office. She was climbing, jumping, and twirling all over the place. Ha!

Hulky pillow there to help 

Getting ready for the needles!!

Happy because she gets to pick two Avengers stickers!

Emily is 45 inches tall and weighs 36 lbs. Tall and thin, as usual! Doctor said she seems healthy and well. Hooray for growing up!

First Dental Checkup

We delayed this one a bit, but the girls finally had their first visit with the dentist yesterday. It went about as expected -- Jessica didn't mind it, Emily was not a fan. Our dental hygienist was excellent with the girls though, so they both left with smiles on their faces.

Waiting room fun

Jessica went first and we all got to sit in the examination room with her. We were hoping it would give Emily a small boost of confidence to watch Jessica breeze through her exam and cleaning.

First time in the dentist chair!

Sarah, our hygienist, was really sweet and attentive to the girls' comfort levels. She started the appointment by giving the girls a 'ride' in the dentist chair, which was a big hit for both of them. Before the exam, she explained what each tool does and let the girls touch/experience all of them on their hands, fingers, and lips.

Kissing the vacuum

Exam in progress

Emily "taking pictures"

All clean!

The sad news is that Jessica has a few deep grooves in her teeth and the dentist has recommended that she gets them filled. It's not as major as fillings for cavities (they just use nitrous oxide, no freezing), but I'm still nervous about how the procedure will go and whether it will impact what Jessica thinks of the dentist! They say it's a preventative measure to decrease the likelihood of cavities down the road.

Next it was Emily's turn! She was clearly nervous getting in the chair, so Daddy made her laugh by putting the sunglasses on her Hulks.

The nervous face

Sarah barely got started before Emily became uncomfortable and started crying. Without hesitation, Sarah stopped what she was doing and had a nice, reassuring chat with Emily. They decided together that they would just look at Emily's teeth today (not touch or clean). Then Sarah spent the rest of the appointment talking to Emily about things she could do at home to help practice and build her confidence for her next dentist visit. Steve and I were so happy that Sarah didn't try to push Emily to do something that she wasn't comfortable with yet.

Having a chat with tearful Emily

Jessica chiming in, talking about her own "loose tooth"

Emily testing out some of the equipment herself

Feeling the air on her hand

Taking pictures like her mommy

A trooper's smile

So we're not out of the woods yet. Jessica still needs to get her grooves filled and Emily still needs to get an actual cleaning done. Here's hoping the girls grow comfortable with dentist visits!

Dress up gear for at-home fun