courage prevaileth

poor dash has been tortured twice in the past 2 months with some very unpleasant dentist visits. we didn't know he had bad cavities until it was too late to be pleasant about it. after a huge ordeal through july with our old insurance company and a dentist that completely freaked him out, we were able to make some progress. new insurance, new dentist, and a much calmer dash. he needed 2 root canals in baby teeth, 2 crowns, and 3 fillings. pain was very inconsistent so we just figured he was making it up. we have since learned that's just the way it is with kids and teeth. always check it out whenever they say there is pain, even if it doesn't come back. last month he went in to have the right side fixed. he made it through and came home to tell everyone he had all his dental work done and didn't even have a shot or a drill! (of course, we just smiled and nodded) today we went back for the left side. unfortunately it was more infected than the dentist realized. he had to dig deep into the root and hit some nerve tissue. poor kid was uncomfortable and in pain. but he made it through again! he was definitely much braver than his mother would've been! and she didn't even get any pictures. so here's one after his lunch full of soft food, which he's required to eat until his mouth isn't numb anymore.

such BRAVERY!! we're so proud of you dash!