Potty Training

So we have started potty training. WARNING... if you don't care to read about the ins and outs of a toddler peeing, then you might want to skip this post. :)

 It was not something we had planned to jump into full force yet, but I am so glad we have. I always told Brieleigh when she was little that I was not changing her diapers when she was 2. It looks like she might be potty trained before her 2nd birthday, so that is good news for her. :)

We have been half heartedly introducing Brieleigh to the potty. She has loved going through the motions for some time now. She will put her potty seat on the toilet, crawl up there, make a peeing noise, use the toilet paper, jump down, flush it, and remove her potty seat. We have been glad that at least she was going through the motions and not scared of the potty like many kids are. I usually sit her on the potty when I change her diaper or before her bath on occasions just to help her get used to it, and she pushed, but never seemed to figure out those muscles.

 Last week sometime while we were in the bath, Brieleigh (who had just sat on the potty) told me several times, "Tee-tee, Mommy, tee-tee!" I told her she just tried and could try again after her bath. She kept persisting so finally we got out of the tub, set her on the potty, and she really went! We were both so excited and called her Daddy who was traveling, and he was quite happy too. Brieleigh said, :I did it!" which made my heart melt. This week we bought her some big girl panties just to have on hand for when the time was right. She has tried wearing mine from time to time. As soon as we got them home she wanted to wear them! She had two accidents that night then a success. She was so proud of herself, so we decided to give it a try this week.

She wears panties except for nap and bedtime (which her diaper usually ends up pretty dry now). Often she will start to go before she realizes it and will them run to the potty to finish. We have been so impressed by our little 21 month old. I had no idea she was going to do so well. I give her a sticker everytime she goes for her chart.

This is her 3rd full day, and as you can see she has done pretty well. I think the first day she had a few more accidents then successes, which seems to decrease every day. She even did more than pee in the potty yesterday! Of course I had to be at work. :( We went and bought her a big prize for that though- a mini Elmo doll (since she loves the furry red animal even though she has never seen him on tv). I think she is still not too sure of which muscles to use, and she does not have much warning beforehand, but she is learning and doing quite well. I hope she continues to like it!