Not on the Floor

While most people probably spent the weekend soaking up the last moments of Summer Break, we potty trained.  For the first time all summer, we had an entire weekend with no obligations, so we penciled in potty-training.  In preparation, I read articles, gathered advice, and dreaded this parenting task. After two intense days, I think we're teetering dangerously between success and a big mess.  Regardless, there is no turning back. 

I stocked up on juice, m&m's, fruit snacks, mini cupcakes and a small present.  I kind of love that potty-training is the one time it is universally acceptable to bribe your kids, although it is so counter-intuitive to our parenting style.  Anyway, the girls picked out new panties and I had one of many unsure moments during this process.  We're staring at a wall of options and the girls want the train underwear.  Not a problem, except those are for boys and I have no idea if we should start our undergarment wearing days in gender specific apparel or not.  Really, I just have very little knowledge about the difference between boys' briefs and girls' panties.  I hated pushing them towards another choice, but as a first-time potty-trainer, I needed to keep the unknowns to a minimum.  I don't think they'll be scarred forever because they didn't get the trains.

Saturday morning, the girls woke up and collected all the remaining diapers in the house.  In exchange for throwing them away, we gifted Mia and Ava a small present.  For the rest of the day, we tediously put the girls on the potty about every 15 minutes.  If they sat, we gave them a fruit snack, if they went we gave them 2 m&m's and if they went on their own, we gave them a mini cupcake.  Ava was a superstar and found the whole process to be quite fun.  Mia has been more of a challenge, but we're confident she's ready, just stubborn.  I have a feeling the next couple of weeks are going to be filled with carpet cleaner, loads of laundry, practices in patience and celebrating successes.  I'll be the first to admit that I'll be so glad when my day doesn't consist of saying, "not on the floor!!!!"  

Collecting diapers

Ava throwing them away

A present in return for their unused diapers

Ava enjoying her first of many mini cupcakes

It took a little longer for Mia, but she finally earned one, too