So, about a month ago I finished reading "Toilet Training without Tantrums" by one of my favorite parenting authors, John Rosemond. I take the time to delve much into the book but will say he advises to toilet train between the ages of 18-24 months. Of course in my mind, we had to jump on this since Jacob was already 19 months - gasp! (what is wrong with me??)
On April 17th, we banished all diapers. And for the past 2 weeks off and on there has been lots of craziness from mommy and plenty of bare-bottom time for Jakey. Last Sunday we started using the potty-bell, a timer that goes off every 15 minutes or so to remind lil j to sit on his potty. Getting him to sit there for more than 2-3 seconds was the first challenge. Getting him to make the connection that he was supposed to deposit something into the potty chair was the next. This past Friday, however, he really started to grasp the potty's purpose and yesterday he showed the potty who was boss!
I am proud to announce that in the past 30 hours we have only had 1 accident! (bedtime wetting not included - that will come later) We even ventured to Catalyst today and he rocked that potty! I was so proud. And so relieved that we now have freedom to get out of this house. The next challenge: helping him find a way to communicate to me he has to go. That will come though. I'm not worried.
In retrospect, I should've waited a few more months. I don't know why I get these crazy ideas in my head and then get so dead-set on doing what I've set out to do. Stubborn. It would've been easier to wait, especially since communication has been such an issue for us in this process. While these 12 days have been some of the longest in my life, they have been worth it. I know it is not necessarily all smooth sailing from here. I'm certain we will have our share of "oops" and "uh-ohs."
But I am so extremely proud of my son. He is truly amazing. And, together, we have conquered the potty!
