Potty progress

I can finally say we've got a handle on this potty training stuff. I didn't say she is potty trained, all though we are almost there, all parties involved in the process are helping the littlest member off the group learn that we go potty on the big girl potty.

There was a month span that I went through this "I can't" phase. I kept thinking I don't know how to potty train. I can't force her into this and traumatize her. I can do diapers, I can't do this. I kept saying that we work to much and don't spend enough time with her to get a good process going or we can't do all the soiled laundry everyday because we live in an apartment. (excuses, excuses, right?)

Eventually we just took the diaper off. Like ripping off the band-aid. The best advice I received came from a fellow Mom friend who just went through potty training her daughter. She said, "Ask her if she has to go potty all the time. You'll get sick of hearing yourself say it but keep asking her." So we did. And we still do. And it works.

We also say, "tell us if you have to go potty," a lot. I can excitedly say she has been telling us when she has to go for about 2 weeks now. That was a big hurdle too. Now we know that she knows when she has to go. 

There's been some accidents, something I was once scared of. But, those wipes we use so many of, they still come in handy for cleaning up accidents.

Now I look back and realize all of my reasons for not pushing the potty training were because I was scared and worried. I was worried that I'd fail at potty training my toddler. I don't really know how that could've happened but I was worried about it.

There is also the pressure that comes from the rest of the world that makes you think you're not potty training soon enough or doing it the right way. Once I let go of the fear the fear of failure and stopped worrying about what others were doing the whole processes was less stressful.

I have to give a big THANK YOU to my daycare provider. We are so fortunate to have her help every day with E. Without the consistent help and her willingness to start doing panties all day I know E wouldn't be even close to potty trained. Thank you again!

Celebrating going potty. Hooray!

I don't have a teaching degree but teaching is something that just comes along with being a Mom. And with teaching my daughter things patience and small victories are so important. It's important to make a big deal out of very tinkle on the big girl potty. 

Until next time, keep loving. 

Victory dance for E

Lately I have been having some rather in depth and great conversation with R; about work, family and life in general. It seems every time I talk of something the very next day something happens directly related to the conversation we had. Life is such a coincidence.

For example:

I was talking to T (our daycare provider) about potty training. Recently, I had been worried that E has only sat on the big potty a handful of times. In the daycare hand book it states that T will assist in the potty training process. Which is great, all though I was slightly worried that because we hadn't been pushing E much yet that it would become difficult at daycare. She said her 2 year old kiddos are not potty trained yet so E is just fine. She reassured me that every child learns in their own time.

I felt much better after the conversation. I feel like I was great at the baby stages but the toddler stages take much more effort and focus...some how. I worry more about how she is learning and communicating and developing, when really I should just care that she is happy and healthy (finally).

Well, of course T and I talk potty training then low and behold E goes pee on the BIG GIRL POTTY !! T called us right away and told us. Dad actually got the news first and called to tell me the exciting, good news.

After a celebratory victory dance of my own, tears welled up in my eyes. I was so excited I almost cried. I can't believe she went potty on the big potty. Just a couple days ago she was scared of it.

I think this is definitely a good sign; even if it might be a fluke. E got such a great response from T that I think she knows the potty is a good thing. We are working on a reward system. Even though hootin' and hollerin' and victory dances are probably exciting enough for E I think a little treat will make the experience fun.

Life is full of surprises. These kind are my new favorite.

Keep loving.