It's go time

I am potty training Roger today. I hate potty training. With. Every. Fiber. Of. My. Being. People sometimes ask my advice on potty training (Sarah and others). But, with a humble and discouraging nod, I must tell them, "I am not good at potty training."

My first attempt with the twins was an utter failure which resulted in a flood of the basement (one child had an accident while I was helping the other. I thought it would be a good idea to have that child clean up the peepee with a paper towel. I then thoughtlessly threw the load of pee-towels into the toilet and flushed. 3 hours later I walked downstairs and was greeted with soggy carpets). Stupidity, yes. Success, no.

My second attempt at potty training was with Eliza. Though she successfully donned underwear, it was only because I cleaned up poopy panties every day for about 2 months. She was afraid to poop on the potty. I was too stubborn to "fail" for a second time and kept her in the underwear despite the accidents. I will also note here that for 2 years she 'dribbled' in her underwear daily. Success? You decide.

Davis was, admittedly, a quicker transition to underwear (a full 6 months after I had 'trained' Eliza). But the child STILL streaks his underwear from time to time. So, I don't even know that I can say my 6 year old son is fully trained. Success? You decide.

So it is with trepidation that approach this new child and his quest for 'big-boy-ness.' I don't have a great track record as you can see. I am baffled and amazed at people that train in one day. I've read the books. I've talked to MANY. I try their tricks. I make it a party. We bought candy and soda and juice all especially for the occasion. There are cars ready to be bestowed upon the first day of dryness. People ask me why I am potty training him at only age 2 1/2. Well, I've had the little training potty in the bathroom for 5 months and he has successfully done #1 and #2 during that time. Sometimes, he tells me when he has to poop. So, I thought he was ready. I wasn't going to keep him in diapers for my own good--plus, they are so EXPENSIVE. I'm just doing it because the time feels right. Fortunately, I don't believe anymore that potty training success or age at potty training is an indication of brains- thank you, Davis and Eliza for doing well in school despite your hundreds of accidents.

Stats for today: Three capri suns and a glass of milk consumed. Four pairs of underwear 'soiled'- one with #2 (sorry, Lightning McQueen that you were deficated upon). Two pees on the carpet-quickly cleaned up. Six successful pees and one successful poo. Roger is napping right now. I am nervous. I covered the bed in waterproof material. I have been pacing outside his door to catch him the moment he awakes so I can wisk him to the pot.

I hate this. And I am sure you probably didn't enjoy reading the last paragraph except maybe those of you about to embark or in the process of training.

The only thing I can say that is good about this process is this: at least my expectations are so low that I am not too discouraged yet. I am also accepting all prayers tonight on my (and his) behalf (please give me patience, please give me patience).