Toliet Training and Tutus

Who knew that toliet training and tutus could go together? They can in our world. I FINALLY got up the courage last week to start training Jane and I have to admit, I wish kids were just a bit like cats. With cats, you show them where their litter is, take their paw and scratch around in the litter for a while with it, and then, you're done. From then on, they use the litter (as well as some of your houseplants). So why can't we do that with kids? Show them the toilet, let them flush it a few times (definitely not going to take their hand and swish it in the toilet water for a while) and then be done with it all? Sure would be nice. (Although, I wouldn't want to catch them going in the fica tree in the front room).

So far, it actually hasn't been that bad. I have had her in underpants around the house, and in pull-ups when we go out, and so far, today has been her only real accident (where she conveniently told me she needed to go AFTER she already went). It takes so much diligence, holy cow. Asking every 20 minutes, and then the process itself takes another 10 min...but it makes it all worth it to see how proud she is of herself. We have made such a big deal of it that she thinks she has won the Olympics every time and goes running and screaming through the house in a victory lap.

My favorite part is giving her the "treat" she gets when she goes. It consists of a couple of chocolate Whoppers...weak sauce huh? A lot of people I have talked to give out toys or prizes or all manner of such of things, but I take advantage of the fact that candy is still a novelty to her. I know, all those sugar conscious mothers out there are shaking their heads, but it is so easy and cheap and she thinks they are the bomb. Anyway, the best part is what she says when you ask her what she gets for going potty. She answers "SCHOCK-LATE!" in a deep, throaty voice that I can only describe as a maniacal pirate who has just found some serious booty. Or maybe a vampire that hasn't eaten in a while and finds a tasty neck - I have no idea how to describe it but it makes us laugh like crazy when she says it.

Enter in the tutu. The second day of training, I put her in underpants for the first time and she paraded around the house in them for a while. She then decided she wanted to dance in them, but who can dance without her tutu? (Her cute Aunt Stephy gave her one for Christmas). Out it comes from the closet and I try to convince her that you wear them around your tummy and not your chest, but with no luck. It was very entertaining.

Oh, potty training...I will get through this, right?