And So It Begins

If there is one thing I am not looking forward to do, like when I was in college I dreaded going to take my finals, it is toilet training my kids. It's hard to admit, but I have not been looking forward to this day since the day Caleb was born. All the horror stories that I've heard from mothers who have been on the same boat--make me really want to put this task off. I have to look forward to running to find the nearest restroom when I just want to pick up a loaf of bread at Trader Joe's. Or, I have to look forward to staring at a wet spot on his pants and drop everything that I have in my hands to look for a place to change him. Is there such thing as a potty training school? Where you can send your kids there 5 days a week for a week, and they come home acting like normal people?

At first, it can be fun..

Well, the time has come for Caleb. I've been reading books after books, magazines after magazines, online articles after online articles. While I am happy to see that most experts and moms agree, that boys' readiness is usually later than girls', I am less than thrilled to point out that Caleb acquires those signs that tell me he is ready.

I know we are in for the long haul. For the past few days, his Dad and I have been sitting in the bathroom with him, while he tried to do his business. When he showed that he was less than interested to sit on the white, ceramic thing for no more than a minute, we pulled out almost every trick we have left in our pockets. We encouraged, pushed, even threatened. So far, he still prefers to do his business in his there-is-not-a-size-bigger diapers.

I was told when Benny turned two, it took his mother only one week to PT him. At first I was extremely encouraged by such revelation. It was very soon, however, I found out that this is not possible with Caleb. He can be stubborn as a mule at times, and if he feels that he should conduct his daily business in his diapers, no one and nothing can change that.

So, in the end, this can be a month-long process. Maybe longer.

..and then, not so fun..