Thoughts from a First Time Potty Trainer

I took the plunge a week ago yesterday to start potty training Bailey. I kept going back and forth about it because she isn't two yet, and I didn't want to make it any harder than it was already going to be. At the same time, she had shown interest in using the potty for a while and even talked a lot about it. Once she started telling me when she would go, I figured that it was time for me to be ready to just do it.

In reality, that was the biggest obstacle... I just wasn't ready to train my little girl to use the potty. Yes, it will be nice to not have the expense of diapers, but it gives your child a new form of independence. Yes, I want my children to use the potty. Yes, I want them to be independent. I just didn't think it would happen this fast! Anyhow, I think having another one on that way that will need to go through all of the same stages Bailey has gone through has helped me not to be too sad about her newfound independence!

So, what is potty training like and how is it going???? IT IS EXHAUSTING, FULL OF HIGHS AND LOWS AND EXHILARATING!!!! It is exhausting having to constantly monitor Bailey for signs that she has to go to the bathroom then make sure she gets there in time. As an example, Bailey successfully went potty at least 25 times in the first 3 days of potty training... what human being uses the bathroom that often??? (I guess the stickers were a good incentive.) It has its highs when Bailey goes a full day without accidents or makes it through a nap or the night completely dry, but the lows come when she has an accident and pees outside of a local produce market right in front of the free popcorn samples. Mostly, potty training is truly exhilarating!!! We have had numerous celebrations that consist of dance parties, stickers and suckers.

Last night was the first night that she has stayed completely dry through the night. I have had many feelings (through the lows mostly) about waiting another month or two and trying again; however, this morning when she woke up dry it solidified that Bailey really was ready to do this. Now that the first week it behind us, I definitely do not want to start over! Bailey is truly becoming a potty rockstar, and I am proud of her newfound independence!