Not all Glitz and Glamour

We're done Potty Training.

Whew.

That's all I have to say, okay not really, but I will admit this process has been one of the most exhausting tasks I've taken on as a parent thus far.  Yes, I realize my child is only 2 years old and there will be plenty more issues to tackle down the road, but still.  It has taken both Brooks and I a few days to recover from our 3 days of non stop training!!

As I stated in my previous post, Gavin took to the potty training beautifully and was understanding the concept by lunch on day 1.  For that, we're grateful we didn't spend 3 straight days of continuous accidents since that could have been the way things worked out.  He did awesome throughout the 3 days and has continued to surprise us!  He has been able to go through the night dry and accident free for the last 5 evenings!!  We attempted to wake him up during the night the first few nights, as the method recommends, however, Gavin did NOT appreciate that at all so we stopped and figured we'd just be prepared to wake up to a wet little boy and change his sheets.  Haven't had to do it yet!  Brooks and I both feel like we have a newborn again.  We're constantly more alert at night and any sound from Gavin's room we both would jump out of bed and run to him.  Guess, it's getting us prepared to start that process all over again in a few months.  Gavin hasn't made it 2 straight days without any accidents, except for nap time.  Not quite sure what that's all about-- he can make it 11 hours at night dry, but not 2 hours during the day.  Well, if that's the only accident in a 24 hour time period, we'll take it!

I titled this post "Not all Glitz and Glamour" since there are a few aspects of potty training that you have to deal with that aren't listed in the manual nor are you fully prepared for so I thought I'd share them with you.

1. Apparently, going #2 isn't as easy to do in the potty when you're first learning to be potty trained.  Poor Gavin is scared of going and that's the only time he asks for a diaper.  We're slowly working on this, but for now, it seems Gavin's preferred location to go #2 is in the bathtub, no matter how much we watch for signs and remind him to tell us when he needs to go potty.  Yuck and Gross!

2. Sometimes, boys don't want your assistance in helping them point a certain something downward.  That wouldn't be an issue, except, when you're the parent sitting on the stool directly in front of them while they potty-- IT IS AN ISSUE!

3. No one tells you what to do when the 3 days are up.  Going out in public is a whole new scenario and there should be a handbook for that too.  From experience: 3 pairs of underwear aren't enough.  Extra shorts and shoes are required.  It helps to bring a towel to wipe up the mess and dry your child off.

4. Bringing the potty seat with you is important!  However, not leaving it in the car when you go inside a restaurant, is even more important.  For many of you that's not an issue, but when you have a driver who goes to lunch while you're in a mall and needs 10 minutes to get back to you-- it's a problem.

5. You have to teach your child it's not necessary to bring every toy with them to the potty.

6. You also need to teach your child that the show on TV will still be on when they come back from the potty.  Geez-- you'd think he was going to miss something just to go potty.

Needless to say, Brooks and I have learned a lot from potty training and we're looking forward to the day when Gavin can go all by himself.  Until then, we're going to continue encouraging him, reminding him to let us know when he needs to potty, and praying for his and our patience to not run out.

Today, I have a doctors appointment so for the first time, we're going to be bringing Gavin with us.  We aren't ready to hand him over for someone to "deal" with his potty training needs, nor do we want to risk any inconsistency causing him to relapse.  Plus, the dr appt is an hour away.  We decided this would be a great time to work with Gavin on long trips.  It wouldn't be a big deal, except there aren't exactly gas stations or fast food places on every corner or at every exit on the interstate.  Not to mention, the driving here is horrendous, so pulling over on the side of the road won't be an option for us.  This should be interesting.   I'm thinking step 1 will be for him to not get any liquids at least an hour before we leave.  Say a prayer for us as we embark on this new adventure!!!