Honestly, there's way too much information here. You shouldn't read this:
About nine months ago, Bardo figure out how to get his pants off and thus, as my neighbors could tell you, completely forsook all bottoms. I didn't really have much hope that I would be able to potty train him (he was barely two), but I decided to pull out the
books, send off for a
potty, and
start getting Bardo excited being diaper free. And was he ever excited about being diaper free. All summer long that kid was stripping everywhere. Naked became his favorite word, not to say, but to portray. "I want to go play with Margo," he'd cry as his majesty, adorned in nothing but his birthday suit, ran out the front door. Unfortunately, though he was thrilled the day his potty arrived, he wasn't ready to let go of those Pull-ups.
He used the potty and even the big toilet when it was convenient for him. For example when we were traveling to Montana and we'd all run into the gas station to go to the bathroom, he wanted to come and observe. On the way home from Montana he
really used the toilet during each pit stop. He figured out early on that poop was icky. He did not want that stuff touching his skin, so, as long as we were home and he could use the proper sized potty, he pooped in his little potty. I would go months without changing a poopy diaper. (Instead I would be cleaning and sanitizing a little potty bowl.)
He also loved taking me on the potty tour around town. If you need to know about any bathroom at any of our regular dives, I can tell you. (I recommend Kohls on FM 1960. They have the a family restroom with a little potty
and a big potty, so you can...together.)(Oh, and Lowes has hand dryers that shine blue light onto your hands--very cool.)
Bardo's play reflected his curiousity of potty matters. This little bear he's had forever became a new found favorite--
---because it had a hole in its bottom. This bear used many a tea cup to do his business. (Shhhhh. Don't tell Pippi.)
The dolls had their pants or skirt pulled to their knees. All the stuffed animals and cars in the play room needed occasional potty breaks. Who knew?
Finally, Noel was born, and I decided I had the energy to commit. Bardo told me he would go potty for a piece of the candy that was witheld from his stocking because he was too young. He called the candy "Daddy's candy." Obviously, if you can pee in the potty, your old enough to have the sophistocated "Daddy candy." And so we went for several weeks doling out candy for potty performance. Pippi encouraged and reminded Bardo to use the toilet because she got candy whenever Bardo got candy. Potty treats became a diaper bag necessity.
Finally, the candy jar was empty. Bardo was mildly disappointed, but he was never going back. He had proudly earned the right to wear
Cars underwear, backwards. We continued to clean up an occasional accident in the car seat. Apparently it was just too relaxing. We also had to work with him on outdoor etiquette. Trees are only for emergencies. And we had a hurdle to jump through with him feeling comfortable with a babysitter, but I say now without hesitation, after nine months of potty training, Bardo is happy, well-adjusted, and diaper free!
P.S.- I'm proud of y'all who do it in a matter of days. Bully for you. Seriously.
Friday night I went on a date with the Warlock to the cannery. We picked up three of the guys and headed off to make peanut butter through the night. The Warlock looks good in a hair net, a beard net, and an apron, don't you agree?
Saturday morning, Pippi and I put on our first yard sale. We now have space in our attic. It feels good to dejunk.
