Thursday, June 18, 2009

A day in the life of Princess Panties

I finally realized that Ally was not going to potty train herself, so last week while Ryan was taking swim lessons we spent 5 days at home trying to get a jump on this whole potty training business. I must be honest I detest potty training. I cannot take the mess, the stress, the extra clothes, wipes, panties-not to mention all the uncertainty that accompanies this particular parental challenge. I have only potty trained a little boy, and let me tell you it was NOT fun!! When Ryan finally decided at 3 that he was ready, the training went a lot smoother but, potty training him was a challenge to say the very least. I was hopeful for Ally because their little personalities are as different as night and day but, I am learning it is still a lesson in patience. (And we all know just how patient I am:-)...mom stop laughing)

Now I know there are some of you out there that trained your children in a weekend or an afternoon and that is fantastic for you. Just know that you are extremely blessed and try not to brag about this little fact while I am in line at HEB!!! You probably possess a skill that I am lacking and are a far superior parent, but I just cannot believe that any child is actually trained in 2 days with no accidents!!! Thanks, I feel a lot better getting that one off my chest:-).

OK on to my little princess.
Day 1
7:15 Wake up in a diaper that is dry-great sign, right?!? Daddy rushes her to the potty and she immediately starts screaming that she's 'all finished' before anything happens. This continues for a few minutes until-success, Yay!! Jelly Bellie #1. Waiting around constantly asking her if she needs to go potty and knowing around 10:30 it will be any minute. Forcing her on the potty when she doesn't really need to go trying to avoid an accident. No success. 2 seconds later she's screaming as she tee-tees on the carpet. Reassuring her we all make mistakes and to let mommy know next time she needs to go. Resolve carpet cleaner. Waiting, waiting, waiting...pick up Ryan from Swim lessons while nervously taking Ally in the car without a Pull-up. Lunch then wondering what to do at nap time. I opt to put her in a diaper just in case. AAHHH nap time!!! Reprieve!!! She wakes up and has soaked through her diaper. Nice. Change sheets and clothes and think I should have just let her sleep in panties. Snack, TV, books, coloring, Princess Tea Party. She screams, "Mommy I need to Tee-tee", as she is going in the kitchen. Again gently reminding her to let mommy know sooner. Decide to play outside until dad gets home. Too hot. Come in and make it to the potty- YAY! Jelly Bellie #2. I start thinking I can do this and 3 minutes later another accident in her Pottery Barn Chair. Take chair apart and cuss that I let her sit in it. Wash cover and change into Pantie #4 for the day. Fix dinner. Daddy's home! Eat, try to force her again, bath and Pj's. When is bedtime?. Officially declare that I'm done at 7:15 and lay on the couch exhausted. Accident #5 on the way to the potty. Tee-Tee all over me and Ally. Awesome. Bath #2 and shower for me. Decide I cannot clean up another accident today and put her in a diaper for the night. Bedtime. Ally's yelling she needs to potty. See that Ally has taken off her diaper and gone in her bed. Don't have anymore clean sheets. Great! Decide she doesn't need sheets and bath her again!!! Night night kisses and back to bed. Finally she sleeps. Day 1 was a overall beating.

Each day has gotten a little bit easier and on Days 2-10 we have had far more successes than accidents. In fact, she has been to VBS all this week and been accident free every day (at church anyway). :-) She has done a really good job and I am incredibly proud of her. On day 10, yesterday, I thought we are officially potty trained but while swimming at Twin Rivers I got a good laugh and lesson in humility. She was not in the pool so don't worry! Here she is getting ready to swim.

And this is face I get when I ask her if she needs to go potty.


I would love to show you a pic of her in her princess panties but Mark would shoot me. I hope you have more successes than accidents today.

11 comments:

Brett and Katherine said...

I am laughing so hard right now b/c that is how my week has gone! I decided to start potty training on Monday and I am so beat down by it now! And, I'm with you--there is no way my kids are going to be trained in 2 days! :) Call me if you need to chat b/c I'm right there with you!
Also, we went to the Hyatt Hill Country in SA. We had a great time and I highly recommend staying there!

Blessings from the Reeds said...

I am in tears with laughter AND feeling your pain! This was me each time I potty trained all 3L's. When we found out we were pregnant with Landry, a big surprise, one of the first thoughts was.....oh, I have to potty train again! I think every mom who reads your post today would give you the BIGGEST hug right now. Wishing you a day without accidents soon! Way to go princess and mommy:)

Shannon said...

Love, love, love this sweet post. I am dreading potty training Payton already! Can't wait to hang out next week while the boys are at camp! I will be e-mailing you later to get the scoop on what we do!

MLP said...

I feel your pain, my dear friend!!!

I have had a post brewing in my head titled: Potty Training a Princess. It is quite a job!

But aren't they just adorable in their little girl panties!!!

Caryn said...

Love it - i am laughing a lot at your run down of the day :) And think I'll put off starting with Wyatt a few more weeks...or months...or perhaps just live in denial and never face it.

Katy said...

hilarious. I have been dreading potty training baby Clark since I finished with AnnMarie. Poor thing, he's not even born yet! And that's for the birds about being done in a matter of 2 days. please! TMI--but getting the pooping thing down was almost too much for me! :) At least you are almost out of the woods now!!!

Kacey said...

That sounds like so much fun!!! I'm glad we still have a little while until that hurdle

Jill said...

I know it's not funny, but it really is!! I will be there before I know it!

Edison said...

that face in her PB chair...

shannonmichaelis said...

pretty much the reason why i am not pushing it yet - no desire to even begin the battle. but we must be potty trained by the end of the summer or he can't stay after hours at school. getting as close to three years as possible. good to know someone else was just as nervous as i am!

Libbie said...

She is getting to be such a big girl. I don't know where that independent nature comes from. I hope this week has been easier than last. You are doing a great job!!