Didn’t I Just See You People a Few (Short!) Hours Ago?
October 24, 2006
Today was dentist day. We LOVE this day here at Casa de CrazedMommy, it goes right up there with haircut day, or root canal day, or the ever popular colonoscopy day. And this time we did it up in grand style.
I was referred to a local pediatric dentist by our family dentist because Scamp wanted no part of the nice ladies, soothing music and cute birdhouse distractions of his office. He pretty much screamed his disapproval from the moment we went back to the exam rooms. So they kindly and politely told us to get the hell out and don’t bring him back until he’s in his 30′s. On the way out, they handed us a card for this really great pediatric dentist who was new to the area. “Go check her out” they said. “We beg you”.
So we did.
I decided that since Spiff was also due for a cleaning, I’d just take both of them at the same time. Mind you, our family dentist had no problem with Spiff; he enjoys his stories very much. The screaming one could go; the storyteller could stay. I had no problem with that per se, but I thought that if Spiff went with his brother, it would provide an example and moral support.
Thinking is WAY overrated, let me tell you.
Spiff didn’t even go back with Scamp in to see the dentist. Apparently, I wasn’t invited either so Spiff and I waited out in the lobby for Scamp to be done. This dentist was smart. She must have had soundproofing put in the walls, because I didn’t hear a peep. It was heavenly.
I know some tears must have been shed, however, because he came out with his eyes a little on the red side. He was happy though, and got to pick out something from the toy box. As a kid, I loved the doctor’s toy box. Between that and the trip to some fast food restaurant as a treat after any kind of doctor’s appointment was the makings of a great day. Especially since I was also missing school for said appointments, just like the boys were today. Spiff reminded me that it could be inconveniencing the teachers if I took him in now, so he should really miss all of school today.
I laughed. Loudly and with abandon for several minutes.
In my scheduling brilliance, I scheduled their dentist appointments this morning, and my beauty appointment at noon. That didn’t factor in travel time to both schools, a slight oversight.
Once the boys had selected their toys, the staff presented me with my bill. I always wondered why my mom was not happy when we’d leave appointments, even when I had been on my best behavior. I didn’t understand why she never looked happy. It made no sense.
Oh, but it does now.
The kind lady behind the counter informed me that the lovely dentist who cleaned my son’s teeth (and who is now showing them off to all and sundry) doesn’t take our insurance. That’ll be $268.00, please.
Wha? You did the last time, yes?
Well, no. They charged me $45 for Scamp’s first visit, a look see. I paid it, and thought that insurance covered the rest.
(Hi, Honey!!! Freaking out? Everyone, wave to The Hubby, who’s now reading this and turning apoplectic. Shall I put him out of his misery?)
The good news is, Our dental plan will allow us to go to any dentist, including this one. The bad news is, I have to pay up front, and the insurance will reimburse me one they approve the claim, etc. Basically, I have to do the paperwork, and I’m out almost $300 until they process and cut me a check. Annoying, but totally doable. The forms are currently waiting to be picked up in my mailbox. I’m a fast worker when I’m out some coin.
The not so good news is when my son fell and hurt his mouth awhile back, it shocked one of his front teeth, and the root is dying. Since it’s a baby tooth, it’s not so bad because another one will grow in and replace it, but it does make a lot more sense now because Scamp has complained about his teeth hurting him sometimes. Spiff is going to need some covering thing on two of his teeth. They paint it on. I should be relieved, at least the dreaded braces word was never uttered. My neighbor’s son isn’t so lucky there.
So, I took them both to their schools, and went to my beauty appointment. I then basically got home just in time to get the wee one off the school bus. Now I have to go play Lego Star Wars 2 with him. We’ve unlocked Lego City. I’m going to have to pry the controller out of his hands to eat dinner.
I need a nap.
October 25th, 2006 at 4:27 pm
I haven’t heard the term “beauty appointment” in some time. Nice! (And good that you did it after all the hassle.)
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October 26th, 2006 at 3:27 am
It was either that or be more graphic and use words like “bikini” and “eyebrow waxing”. I figured “beauty appointment” was much more quaint and reminded me of my mother, which is always a good thing.
Thanks, Kari!
Shash
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