2/23/09

Potty Training Is Not For Sissies


Sebastian and I took a break from potty training this weekend to visit Brett's family in southern Missouri. We had great intentions of remaining consistent with big boy underwear despite the change of scenery because they also have wooden floors. HA!


However, we had the diaper of the year. My gracious MIL didn't chide me for throwing that pair out. I didn't even know where to start.


We're back at home now enjoying the peaceful atmosphere only your own potty can offer. Am I right?


My only question is, "Are we done yet?"

25 comments:

Anonymous said...

such beautiful photos!! i think you have perfectly captured the sweet mixture of integrity and vulnerability that comes with learning how to use the potty. <3 absolutely gorgeous.

skirts and wellies said...

Ah, the potty training process. So much not fun! I finally had to call it on night time pullups as the dry nights weren't coming naturally as the experts said they would and my boys are 6 and 4. My husband cringed when I hid all the pull ups and put everyone in underwear and plastic sheets, but as long as I can chill about the constant washing and keep the incentives up with the star chart it seems to be going well. Pretty soon I'm hoping to say "Are we done yet?"

suzy said...

Oh that last photo is so gorgeous!
You and Sebastian are doing a wonderful job.

Jogirl said...

I am laughing out loud, at myself and what you are talking about...I sooo hear you! We are just coming off the "backend" of this "pun was intended". Hudson is just 3, and was so not interested, and then one day it just clicked. We didnt use a potty though, not interested, straight to the toilet for this one.
What gave us the most success was putting a ping pong ball in the toilet. I know it sounds weird, but they float and the boys love having something to aim at!
Now with number twos this can be tricky, and sometimes you may loose a ping pong ball or two but dont worry, keep going. You know that saying "keep calm and carry on" that so applies. Good luck!

Anne Esquibel said...

I think the star chart is a great idea. I know other little ones training and it is such a great incentive. For me when I was little, I learnt because I had big bro's who use the potty and when I couldn't make it on time etc - I learnt via embarrassment. Which I think is how a lot of kids learn in Daycare, because most potty train them, but for living at home - maybe a few play dates where he can have another little boy as an example will keep things going? I've only potty trained girls. I'm afraid of boys it seems. Sounds like he's doing good though. Perhaps he will be a clicker and with just click soon. :) Keep it up!! I think you are going a wonderful job Rachel.

melissa said...

Hi Rachel! I tried potty training our son, Carsyn, for over 3 months this summer with absolutely NO SUCCESS! I was so discouraged and frustrated that I decided to take a break. Well, over the holiday I noticed that Carsyn was just "getting" a lot more things...like games and remembering, just maturing in so many ways. So I tossed some cheerios in the toilet for targets and off we went. He TOTALLY got it and has been using the potty ever since! It's true what they say...when they're ready, they'll just do it naturally. Good luck!

Amanda said...

I love it that he is reading a book! Somehow, guys never get over reading on the potty, do they?

Anonymous said...

I love your photos. Wish I had takent them with my children. I am the potty training guru in my group of friends...and family. Son was DONE even at night by 2 yrs 1 month and daughter at 2 yrs 3 months. You're doing it right with the hardwood floors, and freerange peeing. We even included the bathtub when the potty was downstairs (don't laugh). It was second nature by 2 and both my kids never looked back! :) I've helped w/ my nieces, nephews & friends and they all seem to do well w/ the hardwood floor method. :) GREAT WORK!

lizw said...

We are potty training too. My son likes to read "Everyone Poops" by Taro Gomi while he poops. We have been potty training him for two months now and making progress. I agree, potty training is not for sissies!

Pink of Perfection said...

hilarious. these pics really brightened my day. :)

Vanessa Herrema said...

So funny!!! We will be starting this adventure soon as well. I love the last photo, so sweet!

Anonymous said...

You go Momma!

molly june. said...

omgosh!! you make me laugh SO stinkin' hard! i have twin two year olds (okay, they're two & a half now, so what..ha!), & i am scared out of my MIND to even start the whole process! what do i do?? :/ EEEEEK! it's making me twitch just thinking about it! at this rate, they'll be in diapers until they're 12. not funny (well ,maybe just a lil' bit funny) thanks for the encouraging potty posts ;) sorry for my ramble rant!

Charin Adams said...

Haha! :) Go Sebastian! :)

jen geigley said...

oh my goodness, such adorable photos! what a sweetheart! (i'm taking notes... we're not quite there yet!)

Sandy said...

oh it can be such a mind-battle!! my girlie literally trained in a day and then decided she was gonna be really good for everyone BUT me. at the sitter's she was awesome, came home peed on the floor. this went on for 6 months. after a few weeks i was like what-ev and would just put her in a diaper when i got home. i felt like such a failure. oy! then one day she decided that there was no power struggle i guess and that was it. he looks like he's doing great!! good luck sebastian!!

Anonymous said...

Is it weird this isn't taking place in the bathroom? I don't know the first thing about such things -- and I don't have kids. Not making a judgment call, curious if this is the norm for kids learning to use the potty -- doing it all out in the open.

Amber Filkins said...

Just came over because I saw what you posted on Twitter. I don't think it's thaaaaaaaat rude, I mean, it definitely could be worse!!! But it definitely could've been nicer. :)

And good luck with that, I know it's definitely a process!!

RachelDenbow said...

It's about making them comfortable enough to learn a new way to do their business. We are quite tidy if we ever have any spills. Some people skip this and go straight to the adult toilet or get a special seat for that.

We've tried both and he'll stay put longer on this one.

Our bathroom is so small, there isn't room to keep it in there.

RachelDenbow said...

Amber,

This anonymous comment is the kind I appreciate. The rude one is on the previous post.

steppie said...

what a cute little thing! :)

Anonymous said...

honey- you will never be done! once he masters this, then it's standing, then it's a battle for the next 16 years or so to keep it in the toilet and not on the floor! My son is 3 1/2 and is still demanding "diapers!" every day! oh well! gotta just keep at it!
Don't let others and their neg. comments effect you too much - remember, there is ALWAYS someone out there that will find something to criticize - even if they don't know what they are talking about! ( my experience is that it's usually the ones that don't have any kids!) I was a thumb sucker and I remember how hard it was to stop doing that - I was like 6 or 7 by the time I stopped (most kids stop at that age) How is a paci any different? I think it's great that he gave it up so young! You did a great job with that! Really - you did!
Amy from Texas

RachelDenbow said...

Thanks, Amy. I appreciate it.

Katherine said...

oh, boy--i feel for you! my son was three when i sent him to his dad's for a week in the summer in diapers and he came home in underpants and never looked back! i do not recommend split custody, but there are those times when it has its advantages. good luck! :)

Anonymous said...

I just came over here from a link on Newlwedisms by Bryn and I wanted to tell you I love your blog. :)

We didn't even try potty training my son until his 3rd birthday. Everyone kept telling me to wait and bypass all the hassle, and I'm glad we did. I am tempted to start earlier with my youngest son (he just turned two) but his communication skills are poor so I think we are better off waiting.

Good luck!