Potty on the Brain

Michael has been telling me that Marshall is ready for potty training for a while now.  I've been casually ignoring him just like I do when he talks about converting his crib to a toddler bed.  Call me lazy, but I think diapers are just easier on all of us...and keeping M in his crib until he is five doesn't bother me either.  I ignored the truth until last week when I realized that yes, he is probably ready and definitely capable.  In fact, he tells me all about the potty and the potty-type things that he does on a daily basis. He is probably one of the most verbal two-year olds that I have seen.   That being said, I decided to give this potty training thing a whirl this week.  I prepped myself by reading Potty Training Boys the Easy Way and we purchased 14 pairs of big boy undies, a bath mat to cover my linen couch, and some M&Ms. 

We are well into day three.  I avoided the boot camp style training. Just don't think either one of us could handle be couped up like that when the sun in shining and parks are calling our names.  THe book I read recommends training them in sessions instead of locking yourselves in the house all day playing the "gotta pee-pee?" game.  Monday we hung out in the big boy undies for two hours, yesterday it was four hours and today the same.  Something seemed to click with M halfway through yesterday's session.  He started telling me he needed to go on his own and then heading toward the bathroom.  I have to say I am pleasantly surprised.  It's been relatively painless and pretty successful.  I've still got very low expectations.  Most boys aren't ready for this until 2 and a half, but if we can get through it with relatively little frustration, I'll take it in hopes that I may have a break from diapers for a month or two before we start over again.  :) 

Step 1: Undies and juice...

Step 2:  The potty sticker chart...

Step 3:  Carry on with normal stuff in our undies...