first dentist visit

This was Irene's first time to the dentist.  It was the usual routine.  Filling all the new patient paperwork.  Fudging a little on how much we really brush the teeth of our 3 year old....twice a day and floss all the time....really.  The dentist gave me his speech about thumb sucking and how bad it is.  I told him that I was counting on him to put the fear of God in her.  After all, I have been through this already with a couple other kids and I know the dentist can say so much more without actually saying that much.  He gave me a disparaging look and informed me that his wife is the disciplinarian in his house.  My hope started to fade.   I was counting on this.  But, he gave it his best.  And he ended it on this note.  "If you don't stop sucking your thumb, you won't have pretty teeth like a princess."  That's pretty good, I thought.  So I stole a couple of glances at Irene on the way home.  Twice she brought the thumb to her mouth and hastily pulled it away.  Caught in a moment of pity I told her, "Reeny, you can wait until you're 4 to stop if you want.  She tiredly shook her head and rested it on her hand and fell fast asleep.  Later that evening when I saw her sucking her thumb she told me she's decided to stop when she's 4.  Good idea.