Adventures in potty training...

From the very first tiny diaper that I changed that first day of Grace's life I remember thinking, I can't wait until she is potty-trained! Well, 2 1/2 years later we are getting very close. Grace is able to keep her pull up dry most of the day, with very few accidents, and is very good about telling us when she needs to go. What has surprised me, however, is the amount of work that having a potty-trained child has turned out to be. I used to think it would be so much easier when we didn't have to worry about carrying diapers and wipes around, and when we didn't have to face the ever looming possibility of "the blowout." What I have found though, is that this is all much easier than the constant effort it takes to a) find a bathroom anywhere at any time, and b) get your child to the bathroom and onto the potty while holding another kid and your purse/any other items you happen to be juggling at the time. What do you do when you are on the highway, late for an appointment and you hear the familiar "mama I have to go pee pee." I am the first to admit, there have been times when I have said "please just go in your diaper." (probably not the most effective way to potty train your kid!) The other day we pulled over and used our travel potty in the trunk while it was pouring rain and the wind was blowing all around us. Poor Grace. She looked at me like I was insane, and I have to admit, I probably wouldn't choose to pee in hurricane-like conditions. I have also found that it is crucial to cover the sensor on those toilets at large stores. Found that one out the hard way after the toilet flushed and Grace jumped off and ran bare-bum across the bathroom while both kids wailed. Days later I still have to convince her that the toilet will not flush while she is sitting there. Grace loves potty training videos, and if you have never experienced one, click below. This is currently her favorite, followed closely by Elmo's potty time. Oh man, after watching this movie, Steve and I laughed so hard we were crying. "She's a super-duper pooper" is our favorite song!