POTTY

I've changed my tune.

Potty training has been the most humbling lesson for me thus far. By a long shot. Before JP turned one, I was certain that he'd be diaper free before he turned two. After all, I was potty trained by 19 months, and my brothers were shortly thereafter. How hard could it be? I rolled my eyes when I saw three year olds with diapers hanging out of their pants at church. I couldn't believe that moms were buying size 5 diapers at Target. I was astonished to read in my parenting magazines that most experts suggest starting to train between 28 and 32 months old. What was wrong with these parents?

And then it was my turn. We took JP to buy a potty seat before AA was born; probably around 16 months or so. He loved to sit on at at first, but then he grew terrified. I put it away for 8 or 9 months and then took it out again around his second birthday. Throughout the summer and fall he sat on the potty a time or two each day, tinkled maybe once or twice each week ... but I don't think his brain and bladder really were connected. Around October, I started potty boot camp. We shopped together for Thomas undies, we loaded up on candy, and we spent a weekend going commando (well, just JP did). Every hour we marched into the bathroom and sat. The neurons seemed to be connecting ... JP would go all of the time when on the potty ... but he went all of the time off of the potty too. I was frustrated beyond belief. I read, and researched, and prayed! We tried sticker charts, verbal, and sugar rewards. We shopped for new undies, and we even worked on things at Miss Emmy's. But JP still had accidents. He rarely told me when he had to go. I nearly gave up. Just how does everyone do this? It was then that I grew completely humbled. I was filled with remorse for judging other parents before enduring the process myself!

And then finally. Finally. FINALLY. When JP was READY, something clicked. All of a sudden, JP started telling me when he had to go. He wanted to wear his underwear and informed me that diapers were for babies. This seemed to happen around the same time that he started his new daycare in early January. Thankfully, all of his classmates were at the same stage, so he was completely encouraged.

I'm not sure at what point I can actually mark down on his calendar that JP is "potty trained." He still wears a pull-up to bed and wakes up wet once or twice each week. But I'll take that. I rejoice in the financial freedom of not buying diapers each week! I love that JP goes in the bathroom, pulls up his pants, and washes his hands all without telling me (okay, so he still calls me to wipe him!). He did it! I did it! We did it!

Better late than never.