Potty Training Adventures

I have posted several times we were potty training E. But, then I wasn't consistent. I never pushed. I only encouraged. I didn't go through the steps of asking if he had to potty, and got bored with the training half way through the day. The moment he made several messes in a row, I put a diaper on him and was done.

Yesterday, he showed interest again. I decided because Hurricane Irene was ravaging the coast and we were going to be slightly affected by this weather, we can really pursue potty training. If E actually successfully completed his weekend training, I can thank Hurricane Irene. Considering my husband's grandmother's name was Irene, it may even be a sweet thing to say it was her helping me as my guardian angel.

I should say the only reason I don't like diapers is the cost. I don't mind changing him--I barely do it now with him having three older sisters who do it as soon as they see a need. And part of me is sad because this is the goodbye to babyhood in our household forever. However, I cannot stunt his phases in life. Ultimately, he'll need to be potty trained. A 20 year old in diapers will be looked at funny, now won't it? I remember feeling the same way with G who was potty trained before I knew I was pregnant with E. I had thought she was my last for a few years--possibly forever.

Day 1 of The GREAT POTTY TRAINING ADVENTURE: I do not believe in bribing children with food. But, I think by the time I hit child #4, I really just want this to happen in the weekend and be done. So, I am bribing Everett with malt balls (yes, I'm a bad parent..I went through 3 girls and never bribed)...he never made it to the potty...we had a puddle at the lunch table (I should say nice spray as apparently, boys shoot pee across the room when they are naked (the way I train is no clothes) so we dug out the Thomas underoos I bought to reward his potty training and they were a hit!

Day 2 of The GREAT POTTY TRAINING ADVENTURE: E woke up and was changed. But by 10am he asked to go potty. He really wanted the malt balls. On day 2, malt balls are not rewarded for merely asking to go potty, but when peeing actually occurs. So, I tossed a fruit loop into the toilet, told him to aim, and a little pee came out. He was promptly rewarded with a malt ball and Thomas Underoos. He was ecstatic.