Potty Party

Parenting comes with 100's of 1000's of adventures. Our most recent adventure with Peyton was potty training. He started showing interest in the potty while I was at the end of my pregnancy with Cohen ... we toyed with the idea, but my heart was just not in it! I was tired, fat, and preparing for a newborn. So we took a break and decided to re-visit that adventure at a later date. Unfortunately when I tried to re-visit the idea he would have nothing to do with it! I was a little confused. So I did what I like to do best and researched, read, asked all of my "expert friends" and decided to try again.

I stepped into round two a little timid and fearful. I had heard many horror stories about potty training being one of the worst parenting experiences, tears, and many failed attempts ... I did not want any of that! But I also knew that every child was different and if my experience was going to be any more enjoyable it would only be by God's grace. So I prayed about potty training A LOT and begged for patience and joy in the experience, and thankfully that is exactly what God gave us! Peyton enjoyed the whole process with all of the accomplishment and praise he received, and I enjoyed giving it!Now we have a proud little potty trained 2 year old. Since everyone hears about the hardships in potty training I wanted to share some of the joys, things that made it easier, the things I loved. Booo on Pull Ups, they were robbery! I loved the plastic undi covers, my sister Sunny recommended them and even gave me their old ones and they were fabulous. I am still using them for over night. I loved the sugar free Jelly Belly's as a reward! Unfortunately they gave Peyton fierce gas ... we still used them =) He uses the potty way too often to give him real candy.Once we got the hang of this at home we had to venture out, first to Lowes with Daddy, then to Taget with Mommy, and then to Kid Zone at the gym! All of the trips were accident free! My absolute love for potty training on the move was this little potty seat. My friend Melisa used a similar one for her little girl Kaylyn and recommended it. It was/is A.M.A.Z.I.N.G! Peyton loves to use his "melmo potty" when we go places because the big public potties are "sooo gucky"! He carries a little backpack with him with all of his potty stuff in it; his seat, his candy jar, his sanitizing hand wipes, and his extra chonies and pants (just in case). SO EASY! I have no idea why I was so afraid to venture out with Peyton in chonis ... I thought I was going to have to put a garbage bag over his car seat because he would be peeing on everything ... I had no faith in the boy!Positive reinforcement! For mommy and child =) We did lots of clapping, singing, dancing, praising, pictures, showing baby Co-co what big brother could do, saving poo-poo's in the potty for daddy to see when he got home, making up special poo-poo high fives, and calling grandma's and grandpa's to share his success with him on the phone. All of the excitement and joy pushed the frustration aside. Peyton we are SO proud of you!

MAJOR DISCLAIMER: I know that it was only so easy for us by God's grace and not by ANYTHING I did. For those of you who had a harder time I AM SO SORRY. And for those of you who have not yet started, pray for grace =)

Enjoy all of your little parenting adventures, every second is a blessing!