Potty Time

Before I get started let me just state that potty training has been, hands down, my least favorite part of parenting so far.  Maybe even the least fun thing I've ever done ;) Monday, we started the 3 day method for potty training.  Basically, it's 3 days of focused training at home.  I felt that Mady was ready to start, especially since she had done it a couple of times before, and the fact that she would tell me the minute she was dirty that she needed a change.  

Monday, Day 1, was the worst day.  She had accident upon accident, and did not once go in the potty on her own.  Every accident I would rush her to the potty and if we got even a drop in there, I would reward her with an M&M and a sticker.  By the end of the day, 13 dirty undies later, I was ready to throw in the towel.  I thought maybe she just wasn't ready and I wanted to just bring out the diapers again.  Needless to say, I went to bed pretty exhausted and frustrated.

Tuesday, Day 2, was a huge improvement.  We only had 2 accidents, and the rest of the time she was able to tell me she needed to potty, and we made it to the potty on time!  There was a lot of celebration and dancing on Tuesday!  It was like a light switched on, and all of a sudden, it just clicked.  She still was very hesitant and a bit afraid of letting it out on the potty, but she was doing it.

Today, Day 3, we had no accidents at all besides going #2 in the undies.  I still can't get her to do #2 in the potty, but I've heard that this one can take a bit longer to get for some kiddos.  Hoping it happens sooner rather than later.  But what a huge accomplishment!  I am so happy at how far she came in just a couple of days.  She has now mastered understanding when her body is telling her it's time to go potty, and will let me know.  She also went several hours between having to go potty, which is much better than the every hour she was going on Monday and Tuesday.  I constantly praise her for keeping her undies dry which I think has helped.  She is still a bit afraid when it comes to letting it out on the potty but I think the more she does it, the better she gets.  I know it's not the end of the road and we will still have accidents as we continue but I'm so happy we did this.  She was definitely ready, it just took throwing away those diapers and showing her that she could.  

Rewards

Our progress chart!

Her big prize after 3 days and much success!

She loved it!

We are going with using pull-ups at night for now.  The 3 day method does call for you to night train them as well, but I just don't see how that will work for Mady.  She still wakes up every morning wet, and without me waking her every night to potty, I don't see her staying dry.  It makes it hard when she's still in a crib and isn't old enough to go potty on her own if she woke up and needed to.  It hasn't confused her so far, in regards to the day training, so I'm not too worried.

Tomorrow we will be making our first outing to meet some friends for lunch.   I will say that I'm a bit nervous about how she will do once we're out, but we have to do it at some point, right?!

Reunited and it feels so good!

Last week I was finishing up my last week of summer school and Nick was working days, so our parents offered to watch Mady for us in Port Arthur.  We met them in between here and Port Arthur on Sunday to drop her off, and met back up on Friday to pick her up.  This was the first time we were home without our girl and, boy, did I miss her!  It was really hard dropping her off.  I was already missing her days before she was actually gone.  It's a lot different being at home without Mady.  Everything in the house was a reminder that she was not there.  One night we ate dinner at the table and it was so sad seeing her little placemat and chair all empty.  We decided to either eat out or on the couch after that, haha.  

While we did miss her so much while she was gone, she had a blast with her grandparents.  We are so fortunate to have grandparents that love her so much and want to spend time with her.  Thanks again guys for watching her!  Nick and I enjoyed having some time to ourselves too.  Not having to plan days around naps and bedtime was so different.  One day after my classes were done at noon, Nick got off of work early and we spent most of the day together.  It was so much fun!  Made me remember why I like him so much ;)

This past Friday we picked her up and it felt so good to have her in my arms again!  We had a great weekend together hanging out, the three of us.  Only five more months left of that!

Tomorrow we start potty training.  I won't lie, I am dreading this a bit, and not looking forward to it at all, but I think she's ready.  When she comes to me with a diaper and says she's stinky, I think it might be time.  We are trying the 3 day method, which means we will be home for three days working on potty training.  No more diapers after tomorrow!  Pray for us please.  Mainly for me to have patience through all of this, and for this to be an easy transition for her.

Tomorrow is another exciting day because I have my next doctor's appointment.   I get to hear out little one's heartbeat again, which I just love.  I have been feeling really good lately, and remembering why every pregnant woman loves the second trimester so much!  

Here are some pictures of all the fun Mady had while she was gone:  

Playtime at the mall

Lita's yummy blueberry muffins

Of course there was ice cream

Park time

More playtime at the mall

Cousin time!