and the potty training journey begins...

And we're off...

I will be completely honest, the kiddo could be completely potty trained, if his mama I  had any commitment and was ready for the horror of the public restroom.  Seriously, for the last week the boy has been all about putting on his "ellerwear" in the morning.  He has only about one accident each morning...and it usually has to do with mama being distracted and a change of scenery ...like going outside.  He announces at times when he is going.  Other times the timer dings or mama reminds. 

Then of course, being he is child #2, he has a brilliant motivator, his big brother.  I had planned to start the potty training adventure after school had started.  Figuring, we could stay home a few mornings and really concentrate on things.  However, with Henry's excitement and the fact that Charley is such a big help, I am getting more and more guilt for not committing now. 

So for Henry this is what is working...first off, he really wants to wear the big boy underwear.  Second, the kid loves candy and it doesn't take much to motivate him.  We started out with a tiny bowl of M&Ms and have now added a few other little things to the mix.  If he goes on the potty he gets 1 or 2 pieces.  Charley gets a piece if he has encouraged, reminded, or helped in any way.  This motivates him to be in there, reading books, reminding him when they are playing, and cheering him on.  AMAZING.

The first Saturday morning we did this I was washing dishes and Ed was working on the computer and you could hear Charley in the bathroom with Henry: "Okay, Henry.  Let's go potty.  Here I will help you get your pants down.  Now sit down and I will show you this book.  Good job, Little Brother!  Now let's wash hands and go get CANDY!"  I yelled to Ed...maybe we should participate in this whole thing.  So we have been more present in the whole thing.  But big brother is who he wants in there and who is giving him the biggest kudos. 

We also have a sticker chart that he can put a sticker on but he is not a kid who is motivated by that.  A simple little minty candy makes him happy. 

So today was our first attempt at leaving the house in "ellerwear."  I am not ready for the public restrooms...it is my biggest deterrent to potty training.  And the fact that I have boys is the biggest blessing because frankly - I can't even imagine how I would stomach this process with girls.  At least with my boys I can somewhat plan around their poops and I have the future of peeing standing up to look forward to.  I have a feeling Henry will transition to standing far faster because he is in awe of Charley and his skill.  Anyways, today I decided to throw the potty seat in the back of the van and away we went.  It worked slick until a little poop showed up and the diaper was put on immediately.  We have not dealt with poop yet because it usually shows up in the afternoon (TMI).  So still a long way to go.  But, for now...we are on our way to an extra 20 some bucks a month in our pocket...well for a few months before baby arrives and diapers become a budget line item again. 


Anyways, for now...I have said it and I will say it again...the year of 2...is my favorite ( and I know that every stage can be a favorite...but really the age of 2 is the best).  The talking, the wonder, the looks, the fine motor development, the excitement, the energy, the naps, the routine...and the little bum that is squatting down racing match box cars or crawling quickly up the stairs - with Batman or Thomas smiling back at me - is my FAVORITE.  My very favorite age.  And I am so glad that I can imagine going through all this one more time.  

My  Hank.  I love you.  I am so proud of you.