The Mother Of All Potty Training Posts. We survived.

...and so will you!

We've all been told by SOMEONE that "no kid grows up and goes off to college not potty trained. He'll get it." Or "It takes time, no one gets married while their not potty trained. Stick with it".
What else can I say? That's exactly true. Its just, at the time... that's not want you want to hear. You want someone to say "hey! No worries Ma, I'll potty train her for you. Sit back, put your feet up. I'll clean up the accidents."
Ha. Wouldn't that be nice? Potty training is HARD WORK. No one can deny that.

So, I said long ago that I would do a potty training post about our complete roller coaster of journey. This has been a monumental milestone for us. And you'll see why. Its been a long time coming but she finally got it. I don't think there'll be any turning back for her now.
Here it goes! I hope you're able to take something from this!

The beginning

I think its safe to say, that we started introducing the potty to Leah around the age of 15 months. Four months ago I might have told you that I regret doing it so early and that it was the stupidest thing I've ever done. Today? I might tell you the same thing. But I might not. I might tell you that the reason my daughter was potty trained fully at the age of 28 months (young to most, old for few) was because of our early introduction. Its always been around as far as she can remember, so far. So its what she knows, its 'normal'.
Let me just say, at 15 months we took it out of the box, sat her on it, she screamed, cried, hated it. You get the picture. She was little. Still had chubby cheeks, thigh rolls, and could've been classified as bald. Heck, she was still teething (not for much long after though).
A month after we moved she was 16 months. May. We brought it out again. She still didn't want to sit on it. She hated it. I didn't expect any different. Accident after accident happened. (Yes, she ran around pantless) It wasg easy in the beginning to stay calm and reasurring. A few days later she started having a couple pees in the potty a day. Still, accidents happened, but we remained supportive and gently, kindly, forgivingly told her its OK. But she has to go to her potty when she needs to. A week later she was doing more pees a day. Sometimes 4. Some days 1. But we were making progress, and that's what kept me going. Dancing, jumping, singing, clapping when she did go to the potty. She loved that part.

The FIRST regression.

By the beginning of June she had completely hit a wall. Did a u-turn and was headed the opposite way. See-ya later mom and dad. I don't like this no-diaper stuff.
I was a little disappointed, I won't lie. But I knew she just wasn't fully ready, even though she DID show many signs of readiness that I read to look out for AND even used the potty on many occasions. I guess the WANT on her end, just wasn't there. Back to diapersl we went.

Fall.

By this time I had received a wonderful potty training information video from Pull-Ups. It was great. A lot of good advice and Leah even enjoyed watching it. Actually this was what sparked her next episode of potty training-ish... After watching this video she said "mommy potty", excitedly I took her. She didn't go. No big deal. She wanted to be a 'big kid'. Here we go again. This time around I could have swore she was fully potty trained. Consistency with both poops and pees. She got rewards like Smarties each time. We did everything like we did the first time. Supportive, forgiving, motivating, rewarding. She still needed a diaper/training pants at night and whenever we left the house, and i was more than ok with that. She went a week without any accidents at the end of it. Yeah... I said end.

Regression #2

I'm not exactly sure what happened. But again, it was probably because the 'want' just wasn't there for her. Thinking back, I remember since we did let her run around with no pants on, when we finally did put underwear on her she peed in them every. Single. Time. Without fail. Pants didn't make a difference. Same thing. She had to have nothing on in order to go to the potty. Other than that she did so well and I was so disappointed when she regressed. I thought "she's going to be almost four before she's potty trained at this rate!" I stressed over it, cried over it...you get the picture. It was HARD seeing her just give up after so much progress. It was even more hard because this was her second time around. She KNEW what she was suppose to do. And I didn't think that it was because her muscles for holding and controlling weren't fully developed. They had to be well developed at least, because she WAS faithfully using the potty for a WEEK! At this point I was so so so devestated and borderline depressed about. It was bad. We stopped for a month and tried again.

Early winter.

We started this time with a 'potty party', suggested by a friend on twitter. I was so desperate for ANY advice or help. This is going to sound drastic but we spent three days in the bathroom. It was brutal. We had fun snacks of chips, granola bars, fruit snacks, and lots of straight up juice boxes (as opposed to the watered down juice she usually gets). We brought books, a portable DVD player, more toys, and colouring books. I brought coffee and a book. Yup, it was needed. I was close to insanity at the end. Partly because I was sick of seeing the same four walls, partly because I couldn't feel my butt any longer, from sitting on the floor, and partly because my house was now a complete disaster. Over the weekend she did use the potty quite a bit, but I noticed it was only pees. No matter what she would have accidents whenever it came to poops. That confused me and sort of frustrated me because she was so much younger when she was able to do both in the potty. It was like she completely forgot everything. Like none of it ever happened.
Same deal. Singing, dancing, Smarties rewards, big deals over successful potty trips.
Then...it happened. Again.

Regression #3

At this point i was d.o.n.e. Heck, I was willing to literally PAY someone to train my child. I was at my wits end. Ready to give up forever. Let her potty train herself (somehow). I was so bitter and angry over potty training. The thought of it made me cringe. If I thought it was bad before, it was even worse now. I felt hopeless. I stressed, cried, prayed, and cried some more. Some days I was so down and depressed over it, sounds silly and whatever else you might think...but you have no idea unless you've been through this potty training stuff FOUR TIMES WITHOUT SUCCESS (three at this point though). You know what? Writing this post is even somewhat hard, and I think that's what's taken me so long to do it.
Anyways, it was the same thing, again. She just stopped. Out of no where.

*I realize now that THAT time around, she really needed me to remind her. I needed to go sit her on the potty. Although, at this point she hated the potty. Hated sitting on it. So it was hard to remind her because even if she had to go she'd say "no". And sometimes TWO minutes later she'd have an accident. I understand that some kids you can put them on the potty and wait until they go and they're fine with it, but Leah never was.*

Winter

A couple months later we tried again. I figured a good break was what she needed. We did another potty party. But for two days this time. I'm going to save you the gory details. And I wish I could say this was our last time around...but its not. Yes...there was a fourth regression.

Regression #4

Again, no real reason...that I know of anyways. I did so much reading on potty training its insane. I even bought a book on it for my Kindle.

March 2012.

As I sigh in real life, writing this... its kind of stressful just thinking about it. But also satisfying and gratifying because this would be our last go at it. I wish I could tell you it was something I did this time around, something magic or whatever. But it wasn't. She was just ready I guess. Finally. I picked a day to start up. March 3rd. I bought a gift bag and filled it with dollar store nick-nacks. Right off the bat, i put underwear on her. I didnt care that she ran out of all 13 pairs in 3 days and that i had to wash them by hand, i wasnt letting her run around pant-less this time, in fear of regression once again after she did put underwear on. At this point, after all of our go's at this she knew she had to at least tell me when she had to go. When she went she either got a little gift from the surprise bag or I would put food colouring in the toilet for her and then we would flush it away. She'd wave and say "bye blue" or "bye red". We did a potty party for one day. She did okay. And in all honesty, it took her a week maybe two. That she occasionally had accidents. For the first week she had mostly poop accidents. After that, she would tell me every time she had to go. Making it loud and clear. "Oh no!! Mommy, pee!!" Or "oh no! Poopie!!" Then run to the bathroom, and wait for me to get there. She was still wearing training pants at night. And I was perfectly okay with that.

**I just want to add... i didnt use Pull-Ups. Ever. Well, I bought one pack because they were cute and pretty. I put one on her during the day. She couldn't care less if there was princesses on them. They were diapers to her. From then on I used them at night only. I personally would never use them to actually potty train my child. I know there are people out there that swear by them but they look and feel like diapers. They're suppose to feel like 'big kid underwear' but in all honesty, i think leah would say thats B.S. if she knew what that word meant. Yes, they have less of those super soaker-upper beads than regular diapers but when you put pants over top of them there is zero difference.**

Also, my intentions weren't to scare anyone about potty training. Its not like this for everyone. I like to think that its usually easier. Although I have read that usually it does take 9+ months to fully potty train a child. I just wanted to share my experience. And maybe, possibly help someone whose about to potty train or is going through something similar with their child. Potty training is hard. Harder than anything I went through when she was first born; sleep deprivation, the stress of just not knowing what to do with a newborn...
I've learned many things through this journey that I will carry with me for my other children. Sadly, like many first children, Leah is like my guinea pig child. And I always learn the hard way. Poor kid.

Today.

Its been almost 2 months now and I am so proud of my big girl. She can now wear her big girl panties plus pants over top, obviously making her a 'big kid', right? She never has any accidents, always does both #1 & #2's on the potty, and even has about 4 dry nights a week. We did start off with putting training pants (pull-ups nock off) on her whenever we went out and she quickly started to stay dry whenever we went out. Then she started telling me she had to go potty when we were away from home. I always find a bathroom as quickly as I can, and usually people are really nice and understanding about it. So now? She never wears training oants during the day! Ever. Just her panties and pants.
Still, I continue to bring extra changes of clothes with me just in case. Sometime, although I don't know how, while using the potty, it will spray out and get her pants and underwear wet. Seriously? No big deal, whatsoever. That's nothing. I never get upset over it.
I learned that she is just a super independant child. I said earlier that I wanted her to train herself, and in all honesty? I think she did. I played a small part. Helping with her pants. That's it. Whenever I asked, or even if I ask now, she'll still say no, even if I see her crossing her legs. Two seconds later she'll say "oh! Pee!" And run off to the bathroom with me in tow. All that time spent trying to train her, she had to do it herself.

Every child is different, we had a hard go at it, but that doesn't mean you will. Just because your child might physically show signs of readiness, they need to be COMPLETELY mentally ready. And its hard to know when that is, unless you have 27866448 attempts at it like us.

Since she's been potty trained, she's now becoming a better sleeper as well (mostly thanks to daddy)... but that's another story. Another LONG LONG story...

I am so happy when out with Leah and I look down and see that cute little tush without a diaper! So so proud of her. People don't believe it when I tell them. They all say "oh my gosh, she's so little and young!". She is little. People think she's 1.5 not almost 2.5! But this just brings one of those smiles to your face that is so big you feel kind of like an insane clown, smiling away to yourself.

Seriously, its a hard sometimes torturous journey, but its worth the hard work. You and your little one will feel so accomplished at the end. And I promise you... there is an end ;)

******
Here are some pictures throughout OUR journey.

The first was looong ago. In the beginning. Don't let the big smile deceive you.
The next two is our potty party.
Forth is food colouring in the toilet
Fifth... big girl.
Sixth... she uses the potty seat on the big toilet now. :-)

A Perfect Day. Except...

...The series of unfortunate events.

Yeah, you know when you try your hardest to make a day perfect but no matter your efforts, the universe seems to have other plans?... Even going as far as making your kid get their first bloody nose? THAT.

So, our day began with a family grocery trip early in the morning. She had a mini meltdown, which in reality is no biggie. I mean, meltdowns are a daily thing anyways. Next up? Daddy left for work. I had a super fun idea to take Leah's new bike to the library. Which, of course, included a whole lot of terrible steering on her part, and achy arms for Ma {where would I be without you push bar?}. I think its so cute seeing little chairs and colorful keyboards for the little people. Leah always asks to play the Dora and Elmo game. So, we do. She plays bingo and matches her colours, animals or shapes. I usually get way too excited and we end up with an audience. Heh.
After that, we continued on to the park. Pictures were taken. We swing. We slide. We run. We sand...castle. Tons of fun, right? Truly...it was. At this point anyways. An hour and a half later I asked if she wanted to ride her bike to the river. She said "OK. Bye park." Off we went. Again with the terrible steering {she'll get it eventually, right? Haha}. Minutes before we got home I noticed Leah stopped steering, well...stopped trying anyways. I went in front of her and realized SHE WAS ASLEEP! And that, my dear child is what happens when you wake up 2 hours before your suppose to.

Anyways, we get home...got some lunch and a couple hours later walked down to the river. Bucket, blanket, and camera in hand. Thankfully, just behind our parking lot there is a small trail that leads down to the perfect spot to sit and dabble. Just 5 minutes after getting all comfortable, Leah decided to dump the remaining small rocks in her bucket into the water. While doing so, she slipped. And with a small splash she fell into the cold but {thankfully} shallow water. I jumped up as soon as I saw it coming. I wasn't worried that she was hurt because she fell just at the edge. As she sat there the funniest look came over her face. Shock, surprise, questions. She got a little fright. Off we went to get her changed. And you know, being two and all, she had to show me what its all about. Major freak out of the day. We did make it back to the river. Eventually.
This is where it gets juicy.
We usually let her do her little exploring thing, because although she curious, she's careful. Most of the time. Well, she didn't have to go far to make this time by the river more perfect (enter sarcasm). She was just behind me and beside a small bush of leaf-less branches when I heard her whine just the tiniest bit and say "ouch." I turned to look and she was getting up off the ground, from what looked to be a fall. Then, I saw it. The slimy, wet red. Smeared and dripping from her nose. Because I was SO prepared (not.) I conveniently had to use my cardigan to clean her up. Thankfully its a dark brown so I think I'll be okay. Oh....right, my child. She's okay too. It didn't bleed much at all. I think she just nicked it on a branch while falling. Less than 5 minutes later she was off playing again.

She even picked me a beautiful weed. A "fower". She sweetly said "Mama. Fower. Here take!" So...I gratefully took it and smiled lovingly at my thoughtful little two-year-old.

Other than the unfortunate events... it was, a perfect day of mommy and her girl, together. Happy.

Friday Fragments & Memories.

Somedays there just isn't enough videos, pictures, or journals to bring those moments back. You know what I'm talking about. Those babbles of nothingness, uncontrolable giggles of pure happiness, that first month of learning to walk, or those toothless smiles that will always bring a smile to your face. Those are times you will never get back. Gone. The best you can do is relive that special time through memories.
I will never forgive myself for not getting professional newborn photos done of L. Like who does that? Yes I have photos that I took, but its not the same. She will never be that small again. Its sad, but I've gotten over it {as much as I can} because no matter what picture I look back on, she's smaller. Same eyes, nose, smile. Same Leah. Just baby and chubby. But its hard to believe how much has changed, how much she's grown. Its crazy to look back and see her holding that little "tay bear" of hers and realize that it was a whole year ago! Its been a whole year since we moved here but it seems things have always been this way.
While I was going through pictures of exactly one year ago, I came across one of her holding and drinking out of a bottle of milk {Boy, did she love her bottle}. And that, of course, reminded me of how {strangely} easy it was to wean her from it. One year ago today, she was still wearing diapers, and was unable to climb out of her crib.
Oh how times have changed. My baby is spouting up and slimming down. Her hair is getting longer, and sometimes she likes to pick out what she wants to wear. She eats less and plays more {strange how that works}. She's mischevious {like her daddy} but polite, persistant, and impatient. You know, typical toddler.
Today while we were at the library, we saw a small little baby, maybe 10-11 months old, walking around. Doing that penguin walk that we didn't see long enough. Strutting her stuff and giggling away at Leah. Then I seen it. My baby. Is. A. Kid. Honestly, she looked about 4-5 years old next to this little baby. And in all seriousness, my heart ached a little. This girl is my world. The life in my bones. And she's growing up faster than I ever though was possible. And with more children {God allowing}, time will only pass more quickly. But despite all this, I realize she is still a toddler, still a baby in many ways. We have many journeys ahead of us. This is toddlerhood. So I will continue doing special things with her and showing her how much she's loved and how important she is.
This girl? Is my girl. And I love her unconditionally.

We sick zombies over here.

It seems the 'viral eye infection + worse cold ever' has missed me. I currently live with a red-eyed-daddy-zombie and the cutest red-eyed-baby-zombie of all time time. We got tissues, blankets and eye drops up to our elbows. This is fun stuff. Well, i guess you can classify me as a zombie too. Its been sleepless nights for weeks around here, but obviously i get even less lately.

Despite the goopy and uncomfortable looking red eyes, worse running nose, and crazy congestion, she seems to be in good spirits. She's still laughing and playing. But what makes everything better is teddy bear cookies, beach toys and Elmo. Of course.

"Hi Dorty!!"

Easter Goodness

This Easter was pretty much the best one yet. Leah is finally old enough to talk about the Easter bunny and look for eggs. There are no words to describe the feeling of seeing your child's face light up with complete awe and real happiness when they notice the Easter Bunny has come and left goodies for them.
Friday we went to my moms for dinner. Strangely, that was the only dinner we had. Usually its 2 or 3.
She was extremely happy with what she got; a bike, and a My Little Pony train set as well as a bit of chocolate, obviously. When she first saw the gifts she walked up to them saying "kank you daddy!!". And once she has them opened she was saying "kank you easer bunny. Kank you Santa! Kank you mommy. Kank you daddy!" Cutest thing. I know I'm biased but she's just amazing to watch... here's some photos of our Easter weekend.