Day 1 of Potty Training

Today, Michael and I went and helped Emerald pick out her first big girl potty and "panties"!

As I have mentioned before, Emerald is showing definite signs of being ready, so I consulted my pediatrician's home guide that said she is a good age to give it a try and I got some general guidelines that might help ease the transition. So, this morning before Michael went to work, we packed up the kids and headed for Target.

The potty Emerald actually picked out sang a triumphant song every time she "goes" in her potty, but as it was twice as expensive, I have heard mixed reviews on the product itself, and we are not even sure she will take to potty training at all yet, we got the very practical transitional one--it can be a stand-alone potty, attach to the big toilet, and eventually become a stepping stool for when she is older. I don't really want her to view the potty as a toy, so we are holding off on the (somewhat obnoxious) singing toilet.

Per advice in my guide, I went ahead and picked up a package of the off-brand pull-ups for girls. Side note—pull-ups are EXPENSIVE!! Back to our story--she so loves her new big girl "panties". We are hoping this is the last pack of big diapers for her, as well as the last pull-up package. Once she shows noticeable headway with the potty training, we are going to have a special "party" in her honor--I know it's dorky, but I like celebrating milestones. I am going to get McDonalds for us three, put up some balloons, and bake a cake for the big girl--she will even get a present of us taking her to pick out her first big girl undies. Yes, I realize she will probably mess in those, but if I let her stay in the pull-ups for too long, I also know that she will have little incentive to progress.

Today, all we did was have her sit on the potty in front of her Wiggle show, fully dressed, so she can get used to it.

I will keep you updated on the progress!!

--Andie--

Potty Training and Little Sickies

First, Gabriel--my little darling is the proud owner of his first low-grade fever. It's probably just teething or a little infection, maybe, but the poor dear hasn't wanted me to set him down even for a moment today. He spent most of the day sleeping in mama's arms and refusing food, so some good friends kept Emerald happy and entertained for me while Michael was at work. Luckily, I did get some time with her this evening, and hopefully Gabriel will be feeling better tomorrow.

Emerald is showing definite signs of wanting to potty train, especially around BM's. The other day, she woke up and looked me right in the eye and said "poo". I was obviously confused, so she made the hand sign for "make". I ask her what she means, and she sighs heavily, crawls to the floor and squats right in front of me, proceeding to "make". Goodness that girl...

Other than that, there are other clues--she will go and pick out a book, magazine, or comic to "read" during, or will bring me wipes and go in front of me. I am thinking she is ready for the concept to be introduced. 

So, I have never done this before, obviously. I have bought a book on clearance called "Once upon a Potty". Michael finds it a little obscene, but it is all I have today. I read the hints in the handbook my pediatrician's office hands out, and according to its advice, I sit Emerald on the potty fully dressed, and read her special book to her. She didn't like balancing, but she enjoyed the story, and all went well, until I showed her how to flush--she ran screaming from the room. First run, a colossal failure, but after Michael gets his paycheck in a few days, I will take her shopping to pick out some candy and a special potty, and we will try this again this weekend!

As it is, Gabriel is screaming his little heart out, so I must go tend him--any advice on potty training is always welcome!

--Andie--