let the mission…begin!

Posted on November 3, 2008

After much hemming and hawing, hours of research, and weeks of second guessing, its all over.  We have begun the potty training process. (dun tuh duh.)

I have to be the first to admit that I am not completely convinced that Chloe is ready.  She is only exhibiting about half of the signs, but half is better than none, and I am TIRED of diaper rashes, poopy diapers, and her laziness.  And I have decided, in my infinite wisdom, that’s what it is.

So, we spent our entire day in the bathroom.  Wee!  On Ellen’s advice, I bought some cloth training pants, and I found a “Potty Monkey” while I was doing research.  (The potty monkey tells us every thirty minutes that he has to go potty.  He comes with his own little “potty,” where when you put him on it, he thanks you.  Then he asks if you are also going potty.)

She did extremely well in the morning, we only had one accident before her nap.  I was so proud of her!  I have to admit there is a weird level of pride when your child figures out something that is considered a pretty big step towards growing up.

Then, after her nap, she decided she was done for the day.  She refused to sit on the potty, the poor potty monkey had several “accidents” and, well, so did she.  One of which was while she was sitting on my lap.  Yuck!

But, after awhile, she decided she was back on board.  Unfortunately, this meant that once she was ready to sit on the potty, she wasn’t going to get back off until after she peed.  She literally sat there for an hour waiting to pee!  (We read books, blew bubbles, sang songs, played with her toys, drew pictures on her chalkboard.  You would be amazed how easy it is to entertain a two-year-old even though they are sitting in one spot!)

Our final moment of triumph was right before her bath.  I told her, “Your going to sit on the potty while mommy fills the bathtub.”  She said, “Okay, Mommy.”  Sat down, and let it rip.  I have never been so happy to hear the sound of someone peeing.  (and seriously, how often can you say that?)

Chloe was really proud of herself for peeing on the potty all day.  I feel kind of silly for holding off for so long.  I think it wasn’t just Chloe’s laziness, it was mine too.  I really didn’t want to deal with “accidents” and having to run to the potty when we were out in public.  Not to mention the upcoming road trip in Italy, where who knows where we will find facilities?

But, it’s time, and we have taken the leap.  She will wear pull ups for nap time and nighttime, but other than that, she will be wearing big girl panties from here on out.

So, I guess, start the count down…five…four…three…two… one.  Or something.