Day Four

Today is day four in our serious potty training endeavor.  I say serious because we started talking a bit about the potty a few months ago.  On our last trip to Hunstville J started really showing interest.  I decided to get serious about it and buy him some big boy underwear four days ago.  Armed with about fourteen pairs of Thomas the Train and sports underwear, I determined that J would not put diapers back on after he woke up from his afternoon nap.  We "threw away" all of his diapers and started that day using the potty.  The first day and second day were a bit rough.  We had numerous accidents but would make it to the potty and he would finish there.  He figured out candy, stickers, and songs were involved and quickly became a fan of the potty.  Day two our friend Chris was there.  Now, I am not sure if he was just showing out, or if it just "clicked" but J looked at me and said "tee-tee potty." We rushed in and low and behold he needed to use the potty.  He got two skittles for asking to go.  I never thought I would bribe my child to use the potty, but it works so don't knock it.  The rest of the day he consistently asked me to go.  I was so excited.  We went to church that night and I was a nervous wreck but he didn't have any accidents.  We went to the Cookie Company to celebrate (really more for me than him, but J was excited about the prospect of a cookie).  So excited I guess he had to tee-tee.  Luckily the Cookie Co is right next to Motherhood Maternity which thankfully has a bathroom.  We rushed in but he was way to excited about the toilet paper dispenser, plunger, etc. to really go.  On our way back out to the car he had his first accident since early that morning.  Day three started off dry and we did quite well.  We went out to eat at Moe's and almost immediately he decided he need to go to the potty.  Again he got distracted and would not go.  I was a bit frustrated because I cannot stay at home forever but he really has gotten this potty thing down.  I didn't want to revert by going back to pull ups or diapers.  Finally after about trip three to the bathroom we had success.  I was so thankful.  We went to the library.  Again we had to potty and again we got distracted.  This time the potty got the better of us and he had an accident.  After getting home though, he stayed accident free the rest of the evening.  He wouldn't go before bed though and we were at a bit of an impasse.  He was really fighting me with the potty.  I finally broke down and put a diaper on him, then put him to bed.  He wouldn't go to sleep though.  I went back in his room and he frantically said "tee-tee potty."  We rushed to the bathroom and again success.  I then gave him the choice.  Did he want his big boy underwear or a diaper.  He looked for a minute, quickly picked up his underwear, and with a smile began to put them on.  I felt at that point that I needed him to make the choice.  All of this brings us to day four.  J woke up dry and went to bed dry.  Day four was a completely accident free day.  We even went out in public, and he stayed with a friend while M and I went on a dinner date.  I must say, today has been a good day.  Will we have accidents in the future, of course, but I am so proud of my little guy.  He is too.  I will leave you with J's favorite potty song.  A song made up at the spur of a moment, but has turned out to be quite fun.

"If you're dry and you know it shake your hiney, shake shake
If you're dry and you know it shake your hiney, shake shake
If you're dry and you know it, then your pants will surely show it,
If you're dry and you know it shake your hiney, shake shake."
(Sung to the tune of If You're Happy and You Know It.)