When I grow up...

You know I remember always hearing and saying the phrase: "when I grow up ..." Generally, this phrase was followed by some profound statement of future ambition or a declaration of independence.

Haylee and I have been attending Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano for the past several months and recently our daughter has begun taking some classes on Wednesday evenings. There is a nice area there at the church where we sit for a few hours and wait for Allie's classes to finish. These few hours give us some much needed couple time. It is always refreshing to disconnect from 'life' and talk about 'life' if that makes any sense... Anyway tonight was one of those nights where we just had the opportunity to talk about where we are,  have been, and possibly going... when we "grow up."

So funny how we are always forward looking, always planning ahead, and doing everything to make the most out of this precious gift we call life. I always do my best to remember to enjoy the now while being excited about the future. So many times I've struggled even as a parent with wanting my darling child to move on to the next stage that I have forgotten to enjoy the blessed moment we were in today. 

In the past, Allie has been a great sleeper! However, recently, she has decided that going to bed without any hesitation or battle of the wills is a thing of the past! Suddenly, she's not sleeping well and occasionally gets up in the night to announce to her sleeping parents that "my room smells like a chocolate shake" or "I dreamed mommy just got flushed down the toilet - is she okay?"   I finally asked Allie last night: "Allie, Daddy really loves you but you have got to stop waking me up 3 times per night." She says "Okay, Dad", but proceeds to enter our room many times in the night despite my request.  The next morning I asked her about it and she says "I'm sorry Dad, I was trying to be quiet and not wake you up like you asked but I needed to tell mommy something..." Needless to say, I gave up trying to coach her through this time and decided I better find a way to enjoy it because as one of my favorite artist puts it, "It Won't Be Like This for Long." I guess if she is still doing this by age 13 we might have a problem. I'll keep you posted.

By the way, our darling girl has decided that when she grows up, she wants to "BE a Children's Hospital." We'll see....

Shark Crocs, Old Homesites & Motorcyle Rides!

During my most recent trip to Arkansas I took an opportunity to stop by the site of where my childhood home used to sit.  Today, only the concrete slab remains but the old site made for a wonderful picture spot for Allie. 

We also enjoyed a visit with Papa Gene who always offers Allie a ride on what used to be my motorcycle.  I actually got that bike when I was only 2 years older than Allie - unbelievable it still runs.  What's so fun about grandparents is that they are never to be outdone by one another! Since my Dad offered the ride on the motorcycle, my Mom took Allie out for a shopping trip - we came back to Texas with "Shark Crocs." 

Oh the Memories!

My Daughter @ The Dentist

When it comes to our personal oral health, my family and I follow the same protocol that we recommend to our patients and we struggle with the same problems too.... 

Today was evidence of that when my little one took her turn in the Dentist chair. We make a strong point to have Allie come to a regularly scheduled appointment with one of our hygienists so that she grows up to truly take caring for her teeth seriously. To date, she's always been a bit apprehensive - especially in the area of taking X-Rays. Today, we were so proud to see her overcome her challenge and hop in the chair, sit still & even let Teresa take X-Rays! Yeah Allie - we're so proud of You!

My entire life I have lived on the edge of technology. I remember as a child my parents and grandparents leaning on me to resolve any issue regarding a malfunctioning television, computer, and even a programable button for the car seat position. I began feeling my 'age' when I got my iPhone and witnessed my 4 year old learn to use it fluently while I still fumble around to find the right button to push. Now I have caught up to the digital world by entering the blogosphere!

For those who have not yet met me, my name is Jerit Davis and I am a dentist in Frisco, TX. My wife and I have been married for 9 wonderful years and have 1 beautiful child. We spent 5 years in Kansas City where I did my professional training before relocating to a warmer climate. I really enjoy being my neighbor's dentist and intend to use this personal blog to update friends & family as well as create dialogue for my patients.