[7/19/12] We came to the realization that Felix wasn't going to be one of those kids who gives up using diapers on their own. He had been asking us to put a new diaper on him, even if we asked him to sit on the potty prior to him relieving himself. We'd tried pull ups (just makes a mess because they don't handle as much #1 as a normal diaper) and offering treats/presents/new undies, and his teachers have been trying extra hard at daycare, making him sit for long periods. They told us he was getting good about holding it for a long period, though. I think a few trips into loud, scary public restrooms and a toilet at home that makes unusual sounds have also made him less inclined to feel comfortable potty training.
So, on Tuesday, July 17th, we said no more diapers (except at night). The first day we sent him to daycare, he had mixed results (but some success was better than none!). The past couple days, we've caught him in the act of #1 or #2 and sat him down on the potty (again, with mixed success). He often doesn't want to sit and gets easily distracted. We've tried sitting him different ways on the toilet, using his small potty, pretending the toilet water is on fire and he needs to put it out, having him aim at paper or Os in the bowl... It's frustrating and difficult to maintain a positive atmosphere about it, because we don't want to make him feel guilty or make him less inclined to use the potty.
Story destined to embarrass Felix someday: Yesterday, his doctor mentioned letting run around outside naked to "water the plants" and encourage potty training. I did that when we got home from his appointment. Instead of #1(kept getting distracted by the bugs on the plants), he went #2 in the yard and decided to cover it with handfuls of hydrangea petals he pulled off the plants next to the deck. Silly monkey.
After dinner yesterday, we saw he was doing a little #1 dance. Cue another 20+ minute bout of trying to keep him on the toilet until he went. First I sat with him, then Nick. And then, Felix went #1! According to Felix, his bladder was finally full. We were so proud of him, and he looked so proud of himself. I hope that will encourage him to have more success. His friend's mom told me Felix made a point to inform her that he was wearing big boy underwear today. :o)
Update [7/22/12] - Felix has been doing GREAT at going #1! Yesterday (Saturday), he was dry all day, going #1 like a big boy (standing up) several times with no prompting. And yet, we had a few #2 mishaps. Argh. Well, not everything gets figured out at once. Also (and I still can't believe this), Felix woke up at 2:30 and again at 6:30 to go #1, and he was dry the entire night. I didn't think he figure that out so quickly. Awesome! Here you go, buddy, 4 M&Ms for your nocturnal efforts!
On the Kid 2 front, I had many Braxton-Hicks contractions yesterday and today doesn't feel any different. I swear, this feels like I'm having Felix all over again - lots of hiccups, lots of contractions, lots of kicking in one spot on my right side. I wasn't expecting things to be so similar the second time around. The baby's crowding out my diaphragm now, making breathing more challenging, driving uncomfortable, and finding a comfortable sleeping position that doesn't make my side ache difficult. But unlike with Felix, I'm not in any rush to meet this little one. With Felix, I was thinking "C'mon out!"; with this one, it's more "No, please stay in there until you HAVE to...". What a difference experience makes. :o)
(The neighbors are home, and their 3.5-year-old daughter Eve keeps pronouncing Felix's name "Fe-gah-licks")
Update [7/25/12] - I pretty much consider Felix potty trained in #1! Woo! He hasn't had an accident in about a week. And tonight, he "dropped the kids off at the pool" for the first time at home! We've been trying to train him to go to the bathroom when he feels he needs to go #2, and after a few false starts (and minor messes...), he went tonight! We made a big deal out of it, and he got 4 M&Ms. I love seeing his face light up when he realizes he can do it on his own.
Update 2 [7/30/12] - Felix earned his potty training present (a Cars 2 rug with play cars) on Sunday! He had to go without any more accidents, even at night, and have a few more successful #2s. He's either sleeping through the night or he's waking me up so that I can supervise his nighttime #1. We're so proud, and you can tell that he is, too!
Felix: 3 yrs
