Shouting Hallelujah!!

Miracles are happening over here, folks.  Serious miracles.

The pink makeup is out in full force, and you know what that means

Potty Success!!!!!!

The most success we have had yet.  And, I kid you not, tears came to my eyes as I realized that success was happening. 

Okay, as I was typing this, Ada called to me from the bathroom, where she had, ON HER OWN, gone to the bathroom yet again.  And since then, it has been a non-stop potty party over here.  I think the miralax is finally working it's magic.  I am actually starting to feel sorry for her little stomach and bottom because it can't feel good to go to the bathroom that much. 

But her confidence level is flying high.  In fact, she just said to me, "When I was a baby, I went poopy in my diaper, but now that I am a big girl I go poopy in the potty," as if the former wasn't true only three days ago!!!  It really made me laugh.  She is apparently washing her hands of that terrible situation, and we are going to simply say that it was when she was a baby that she used a diaper;)

She has used the potty so much today, that her "poopy chart" is full, and as soon as Scott gets home, the family is headed to Target to pick out a treat.  We are all in major celebration mode.  Seriously. 

I called Scott at work, and he is as excited as the rest of us, and, like me, can't believe that it's real.  And the thing is, if someone asked me what worked, what clicked and made her finally use the toilet, I still would say, "I HAVE NO IDEA!!"  Except that I have been praying about this non-stop.  Last night, as I drove to my tutoring session, I prayed about poopy the entire way there, and then as I ate lunch today and listened to Ada cry because her stomach hurt, I prayed about poopy again.  I didn't glamourize anything for my prayers; I just laid it all out there. 

Thank you, Lord, for this day.  Thank you for this weight lifting off of me and the relief that overwhelms me.  I don't know if things will move backwards in the next few days or weeks, but for now, I am celebrating!!! 

And Ada has been diaper free for two nights now, and last night there was no bed-wetting.  Poopy in the toilet or not, we are not looking back.  No more diapers for my big girl, Ada!!!  I am thrilled.  As you can imagine.

By the way, I hate that pink makeup.  After a bath, where I scrubbed and scrubbed her face, her face is still tinted pink.  A terrible choice of prizes, I have to say.

Painted!!!

I am sitting in a living room with no paint splotches on the walls.  It's been a long time coming, but Scott worked hard all weekend long, and my walls are finally painted.  I am beyond relieved that it is finally done.

The breakfast room and hallway are next on the agenda.

As for me, what was I doing all weekend?  Dealing with Ada.

Things just keep escalating with that girl.  I am absolutely at the end of myself in that situation.  Will she ever be potty trained?  I don't know.  Tomorrow will mark week 3 of miralax, and tonight she went to bed in panties not diapers.  She managed to "hold it" despite the miralax.  To say that I don't know what to do is an understatement.  My next step is to take her to the pediatrician. 

The longer she goes without conquering her fear of the toilet, the more fear she experiences in other areas.  The fear is starting to paralyze her.  She doesn't even seem like herself, and she clings to me constantly, wanting me to hold her all of the time (which obviously I can't do).  Tonight I told Scott that I haven't felt this claustrophobic since she was a newborn.  Last Thursday night when it was time for me to leave for Bible Study, Scott literally peeled her off of me, as she screamed as loud as she possibly could. 

Again, I just don't know what to do.  I say it over and over to Scott. 

I lay down with her tonight because she was feeling a bit traumatized about going to sleep without a diaper.  As she was falling asleep, I just hugged her close to me and prayed for her.  I would love it if God used this situation to draw her to himself.  And I am sure that He is somehow using it to sanctify me.  I have to confess that I find myself feeling frustrated with God, which I know is ridiculous.  It just seems like it would be so easy for Him to step in to the situation and fix it.  And in the whole scheme of life, potty training is not that big of a deal, I know, but it feels huge to me right now.  Anyway...I just want to be transparent and say that a lot of sin is coming to the surface as I deal with this situation.  I find myself frustrated with Ada, with Scott, with John (who knows why), and like I just said, even God.  The tension is high around here.  I repeat.  I don't know what to do.

Okay, that's the end of this post.  And I will close with a reminder of the exciting thing that happened this weekend--Scott painted the living room!!!!!!! 

Celebration

 I am so proud of this big, brave girl!!!  We had slight (and I do mean slight) success in the potty, and it is a celebration over here!!!  Thank you, Lord, for a break through!!!  I am going to step out in faith and predict more success later today (please, Lord, please).

 On Saturday, I took Ada to Marshall's (because she had seen this particular item there), and she picked out this makeup set as her potty training reward.  It has been sitting high on a shelf, where she could plainly see it but definitely not reach it.  We have talked about this makeup a lot, and today she got to pick two things from the set to use (when we have LOTS of success, she gets to use the whole thing).

 she specifically asked to paint her own toes, and don't you love the make up in the middle of her forehead.  She also concentrated on the chin area.  Then she asked, "do I look like a princess, or a ballerina, or a princess ballerina?"  And I answered, "all of the above!!"

 John was in on the celebration (placed quickly on my hip after he attempted to use the potty to pull up)

Keep it up, Ada!!!!

Saturday and John's Success

So...I wanted to blog about something other than the ongoing potty drama (which has reached an all time high today), and I realize that I haven't said much about this stinker lately, and we are having all kinds of success with him.

This week in the midst of potty training, I also tackled "operation wean John," and we have done exceptionally well with step one.

This week, I stopped nursing John before naps.  To give you a full picture of how much this guy has been eating, I have weaned him down to four times a day (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and bedtime, plus at least once in the middle of the night).  So, we have dropped two feedings--the feed-to-sleep at naptime feedings.  He only cried before the first morning nap, and after that he adjusted well to the new schedule.  Our next goal is to drop the middle of the night feedings.  He gets to keep the meal time feedings and bedtime feedings until his first birthday, and then we will begin dropping those one at a time, starting with lunch.  I am guessing bedtime will be the last to go, but we are weaning and that is a huge deal around here!!

Plus, all of a sudden, he is eating solid food like a champ.  Like a champ.  We have established quite the routine, every time he wakes up--in the morning, after morning nap (so lunch), and after afternoon nap (dinner) he gets to nurse.  Then, he eats a snack of baby goldfish or cheerios or, his favorite and what I feel the most guilt about, fruit loops.  He LOVES fruit loops and goldfish, and I have to give just a few at a time, or he will stuff his mouth until he is choking.  Then he eats an entire thing of baby food.  He does this three times a day.  It has only taken us eleven months to get on a feeding schedule;)  The goldfish and other finger foods have been a lifesaver for me because I am able to keep him occupied while I cook or clean the kitchen or whatever.  And he also drinks out of chews on his sippy cup while he snacks.  So...progress, right?

As for Ada...oh man, things are not good.  The fear has taken over to the point that today she cried and cried and cried while I left the house to run (for 15 minutes).  She was crying so hard over my leaving the house that she was shaking when I got home (I absolutely had to have the running break, though).  She then sobbed and sobbed while I took a shower, and not having a clue what to do during my afternoon tutoring session, I gave her permission to watch cartoons while I was gone (they have been taken away until we have potty success).  She still cried, but the cartoons kept her calm enough.  Things are not good (and this does not even include the insane freak out when I tried to take her to get her hair cut.  She ran from me, into a corner of the salon, where she curled up and screamed.  Needless to say, we did not get her hair cut).  So...we are just praying for some direction with her.  I have a hunch that many of these fears will be released once she uses the potty, but I honestly don't know how that is going to happen at this point. 

And now both the kids are in bed, Scott is watching the Falcons on tv, and I am about to go to Target just to get some time by. my. self.  Ada is my precious girl, but I am feeling a bit suffocated. 

And there's an update.

And the Potty Saga Continues

Oh the emotional drain that is going on at our house right now.  This little girl is putting up quite the fight, and not even miralax can beat her.

 

I know, I know, I know that we will face much, much, harder things before the parenting experience is over, but in our short three year history, this is the hardest yet.  I do feel like God has answered my prayers with some new direction in the situation.  Tonight, I desperately began to google our "situation," and I found a wealth of information, with this article providing some particularly practical help.  Plus, I can't tell you how much it helps to find out that so many other moms have dealt with this (which I already knew based on the response to my last post.  Several people e-mailed me about their experience, which was EXTREMELY encouraging!!)  Anyway I feel discouraged tonight simply because it was an exhausting day due to the "potty battle," but I also feel very encouraged because I have a specific place to start using the advice from the above article.  And I am praying A LOT with Ada.  I am praying specfically that the Lord uses this "trial" to shape Ada's little heart.  I pray that he would use this to show her that he will never leave her or forsake her and that she does not have to fear for he is with her.  And I am constantly reminded that the Lord is her creator.  He understands everything from her intestines to her three year old fears in a way that I can't even begin to fathom.  It is such a small thing, but it is an opportunity for me to put all the control in his hands.  As much as I want to take this from her, I can't, and I know that He is in control, even of this situation that most likely seems insignificant from a distance. 

Another thing that I feel a bit sad and overwhelmed about tonight, is that I am beginning to see many fears in Ada.  Not very long ago she seemed so fearless, and I guess she still is fearless when it comes to physical things, but I am seeing so many irrational fears begin to play out in our daily lives.  And to be honest, it reminds me of so many of my own struggles.  Scott lauged at me today, because I was explaining this observation to him, and I said, "I think she is going to be fearful and a worrier, like me, and it worries me." See?!!!  I don't want to pass on my sin to her!!  I want her to live in light of the truth that God is in control and that she DOES NOT HAVE TO BE AFRAID.  Even today she wouldn't play on the playground at Chick-fil-a because she said it was "too loud."  I knew that she really, really wanted to play, but her fear held her back.  I know that much of this goes with her age, and she will outgrow it, but I also believe that much of it points to struggles that she will deal with her entire life.  And now, I must resist the temptation to worry, and instead cling to the truth that Ada can find victory from her sins because of the life and death of Jesus Christ.  Oh that I would also live in victory because of His work on the cross.  And so I pray for Ada and for me--

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, (Hebrews 12:1)

I am sorry to ramble on and on and on about potty issues of all things, but my mind is heavy with how to conquer this thing. 

Held Hostage By Ice

First and foremost, would you join me in a great big

WAR EAGLE

National Champions; I can't believe it!!

And now for the rest of the post.

What an odd week!!  We are facing day three of being iced into our home, and I confess, I am feeling a bit of cabin fever.  Today I kept asking Scott if he thought we should venture out, but it wasn't looking too good out our back door or our front.

I am thankful for the rest, though.  I have taken full advantage of Scott working from home, and I took an afternoon nap when John did, both yesterday and today.  Woo-hoo!!

Ada is thrilled about the snow, ice?, and keeps asking when it is going to melt.  She is so worried that it is going to melt that she can hardly enjoy it while it's here.  Isn't that the human nature?  Or at least the human nature of my offspring.

Here are a few snapshots from the last two days.

 view from the front door

and view from the back

 And playing with our next door neighbor, whom Ada adores.

 

Those were all taken yesterday, and John and I opted to stay inside where it was warm and toasty. 

 I'm training him early to help out in the kitchen.  One day his wife will thank me;)  (Scott is GREAT about helping me in the kitchen, so it's in John's genes)

John is showing off his new trick, waving and saying, "Hey."  I had also given him some water in one of Ada's sippy cups (in other words, not nearly as spill proof as his), and he thought it was great fun to pour water all over himself.  See his wet head?

And today, I decided that John and I desperately needed to get out in the fresh air.  I was going a bit stir crazy.

 bundled up and ready to go

And, Ada playing on the hill beside our community pool.  We made a makeshift sled out of cardboard, but she only rode it twice before it sort of fell apart, and she didn't want to ride it anymore.  John and I didn't last long outside.  I was worried about his baby face out in the cold.

In the midst of the snow, we are also still dealing with the potty drama, and I am about to pull my hair out.  I ended up putting a diaper on her before bed tonight, mainly because I needed a break.  I am just taking it a day at a time, praying and praying and praying for wisdom and guidance.  There was a time I don't think I would have believed that potty training could cause this much turmoil and praying and begging God for some answers.  I mean, it's potty training.  I am starting to believe that Ada is going to start kindergarten in diapers.  Not really...but sort of.  We are still doing miralax, after hearing from several moms, and I am hoping that eventually she won't be able to hold it.  Anyway...I could talk about this forever, but I won't put you through that.

Local friends...have you ventured out of your homes?  How are the roads out there?  It's so strange to feel this isolated!!

And success continues

Today marks day two of potty training success.  Without being reminded, Ada is sitting on the potty any time she feels the urge to tee-tee.  Yea, yea, and yea again.

Now, I have two questions for all you who have walked this potty training road ahead of me.

Today, Scott suprised me with lunch out--you know, because tomorrow is Mother's Day.  So, there we sat at a local Mexican restaurant, John all wrapped up, attached to me, and asleep, and Ada announces that she needs to go to the bathroom.  Scott looks at me, and I said that he would have to take her.  So they went, it was a success, and we went on with our lunch.  However, the thought of taking Ada to public restrooms sort of grosses me out.  You know what I mean?

So...how do ya'll deal with the public restroom situation?  Is there a good solution for using the potty outside of the home?

Second question.

Ada now expects to receive a "surprise" each time she uses the potty.  She is going to the potty regularly enough, that it's time to "wean" her off the surprise.  No preschooler needs that much chocolate, you know?  Of course the band-aids and the color wonder markers are okay, I suppose.  Anyway...how do I go from receiving prizes for using the potty to it just being an expected thing? 

Okay, I actually have a third question.  When do I begin letting her sleep in panties? 

This is all so unknown to me, and though it may sound crazy, I keep thinking about how it's our first big milestone.  I mean, of course there was walking and sleeping through the night and table food and things like that, but this has been the first thing that Ada has had to face, to conquer.  She has been afraid because she hates change, and there have been many tears and many prayers as she walked her way through the past two days.  What a huge thing for a two year old, you know?  And then, each time she experienced success, she was on top of the world.  Such confidence.  Such excitement.  Such a preview of all that is to come in her life.

Last night we were walking through Target, and Scott commented on what a great mood she was in.  And I said that I knew exactly how she felt.  Don't you?  That feeling when you dreaded something and then accomplished it--like my first day of teaching or presenting a seminar paper or even labor.  That is how she seemed last night.  Relieved and excited and proud.

Anyway...I know I sound crazy and sentimental, but I would love some feedback on the questions;)  Thanks!!

Success

Today lunch consisted of buttered noodles with parmesan cheese, all while sitting on the potty and watching Caillou on the computer.

Whatever it takes to get the tee-tee off my carpet and into the toilet.

"It's too hard, mom," she says.

And then, success!!!!

After that, it was one big chocolate, color wonder party around here.

Not to mention, Dora band-aids.

But you should have seen her face when she found out it's not a one time deal.  "Again?!!!" she exclaimed with dismay.

Potty Training Update

Well yesterday didn't go so well.  Ada seemed so miserable, that I finally gave in and put a diaper on her, and as soon as that diaper was on, it was full--proof that she is able to "hold it."  I was so frustrated.

So...I woke up this morning with new resolve.  Plus I have promised that if Ada can use the potty all day today and all day tomorrow, then we can go to Target to pick out new panties, new Color Wonder markers and paper (we love these!!), and, best of all, chocolate!!!  She is back in panties this morning, and I am more determined than ever. 

Thanks for all the advice, friends.  It really helped!!

By the way, I have totally dropped the ball on the anniversary posts.  You know, the best laid plans...

But I do have a wedding dress story I want to tell...I'll hopefully be back later today.

Happy Anniversary, Scott.  I love you!!

The scene at our house...

"Clementine" is also being potty trained.  Ada decided that Clementine should wear "jingle bell" panties (translation=tinker bell).

We've got Elmo on tv, and you know, weights.  What can I say, we like to multitask around here.

And books.  Lots and lots of books.  We've got to kill time, after all.

And, best of all, brownies in the oven.  Just in case we have success and need a reward.

p.s. that is Santa Claus on her pajama top.  That was Scott's doing. 

Potty Training Advice, anyone?

Today, in an impulsive move on my part, I changed Ada from her diaper to panties. 

It is the understatement of the century to say that I am ready for her to be potty trained.  So...she put the panties on.  And very soon after, I hear a panicked voice and turn to see tee-tee trickling down her leg onto the floor. 

I was not discouraged. 

I simply picked her up and rinsed her off in the tub.  I changed her panties, and I cleaned up the floor.  And we discussed that next time she should tell me if she needs to go to the bathroom.  She said okay, and we got on with the morning. 

I continued to ask her if she needed to use the bathroom every ten minutes or so, and she continued to say no.  Then, in a moment when I was upstairs "seeing about John," I heard the same panicked voice, and sure enough, another accident.  Again, I picked her up, rinsed her off, and put clean panties on.

At this point, Ada told me that she wants to wear a diaper because panties are "too hard."  I told her, no, you can do it, and we went over a list of all of her little friends who wear panties instead of diapers.  She didn't care.

My question...am I going about this the right way?  I just don't know what else to do.  She really needs to use the potty.  I am sick of changing her diaper.  It's time, ya'll, it's time, to cross over to "big girl" land.  Any advice?  Please share. 

Worth a Try

This morning's feeble attempt at potty training.
A Curious George Christmas special on PBS and chocolate milk in the sippy cup. Plus I have promised a treat if she actually uses the potty. So far, she jumps up every ten seconds and says, "all done. I want a treat." and then I have to explain that she has to use the potty, not just sit on it, in order to get the treat.She is still running around diaperless, so maybe this will result in a successful potty experience--we'll see.

Update: After an accident on the living room carpet, I have decided to put a diaper on Ada and try again tomorrow. I'll be honest with you, I have been dreading potty training since Ada was first born. It just seems so hard to me. Advice anyone? Too many more accidents, and this 30 week pregnant girl will be putting potty training on the back burner until May, when life has hopefully settled down again.

In the mean time, I have a long to do list, and I need to pry myself away from the computer and get to it.