The path to awesome

So I just started this blog and already I am neglecting it but there has been a major event underway in the house of the Bug and Bear….potty training!

It’s been over a year since Bug first went in the potty chair. We have had stops and starts. Bribes and sticker charts and books. We have tried pull ups, underwear and just finally resorted to letting him run naked in the house. We have videos about potty training. We have training potties in multiple rooms. We have stools and rings for the toilet. And still it didn’t seem to be a priority for him.

Then about two weeks ago he suddenly announced “I want to go to preschool!”

I said “great, but you have to be potty trained.”

He replied, “but Mommy, I AM potty trained”

Which was true to be honest. He knows his body’s signals, he knows what to do and when he wanted something (a candy, a cookie, a toy) he went through the motions just fine. Problem is Bug didn’t want to be bothered to stop playing. Most the time he was just fine in a diaper so he could go about his day without interruption. It was really frustrating but we didn’t want to make it a fight. After all, I don’t know any adults who aren’t potty trained. I’m sure he wasn’t destined to be the first.

Then this Monday morning he wakes up and asks for underwear. Well, it’s Thursday and we have had only two accidents. Both times he was able to stop himself and get to a bathroom to finish. By George I think we got it.

So last night I cautiously post on Facebook that the potty training seems to have finally stuck. And more than a few people messaged me wanting to know what I did to finally make it happen.

Truthfully….nothing. And that is what seems to make me happiest today. With Bug, I read all the “by x months your baby should be doing this, this and this.” Most the time he was right on track a few things he was really ahead and a few things he was behind. Inevitably those one or two things he was behind on would stress me out and become a topic of conversation at the doctor’s office. Generally, our doctor would be very patient and reassuring that Bug was progressing great and not to worry. A couple times he basically told me to calm down.  

I’m much more relaxed with Bear (who at two has no desire to potty train so I will assume we are still 18 months out for her too).

So this week our little Bug officially turned 3 and a half AND might have taken a big step on the “Big Boy Path”. But I took a big step on the mommy path this week in finally realizing that it’s his path to walk and he needs to walk it at his own pace. He will get where he is going and is way too cool for that destination not to be awesome.