It's Day 2 of potty training here in the Barros household and I'm doing my best to hold down the fort. We are currently at a standstill as we wait out the toddler's next move. His strategy seems to be holding it as long as possible before slightly wetting his "big boy undies." He then proceeds to run up to me shouting, "No!" while trying to simultaneously remove said undies and run to the bathroom. From there it's at least another 10-15 minutes of playing with toilet paper and nonsensical talking before he finally lets it loose and finishes the job. To date, we have three potties in the toilet. Zero #2's. While I introduced him to the potty months ago, I had not planned to take on this mission just yet. Here's my report on why I felt it a good idea to exhaust myself with this endeavor:
It was last week. A Saturday morning I believe. The husband rose early to go feed his new horse. In the process he managed to awaken the toddler. I heard him fuss for a minute after his dad closed the front door, but there was silence afterwards. Assuming he had gone back to sleep, I, too, closed my eyes again. Not much time had passed before I checked the video monitor to see if the toddler was in his bed back asleep. No sign of him. He must be quietly playing in his room, I presumed. So, I took my time getting up, putting in my contacts, brushing my teeth, the usual. From there I make my way to his room. He hears me on the move and yells, "Ma!" I'm coming, I'm coming, I think as I waddle his direction. As soon as I get to his door, he points to where his books are thrown all over the floor and keeps saying "Ew! Yuck!" The room smells like poop. The toddler is completely naked. Great. It turns out the little creature had removed his clothing, his diaper (but at least he threw it in the trash!), and because he couldn't figure out how to put another diaper on (there was evidence he had tried), he decided it was a good idea to POOP ON THE FLOOR. It didn't just make on the floor, however. He had also managed a nice pile of poop on one of his books. I believe the title of the book was called, "You're My Miracle." Yup. That's exactly what I was thinking at that moment... I guess this kid is going to make a good outdoorsman because you could tell he had plopped a squat and pooped in a nice neat pile (mostly). So... I got everything cleaned up (including the toddler), threw away the book, and started my awesome morning...
This kid... I'm not sure what's more exhausting. Potty training him or dealing with him taking his diaper off every chance he gets. So, I finally gave in and started the official potty training. I know he will regress after little brother gets here, but I might as well get the ball rolling if I'm picking up poop and cleaning pee sheets already (yes, he has also taken his diaper off in the middle of the night and wet the bed...). We woke up at seven this morning (he slept in a diaper) and he had a full diaper and a poop. I put undies on him and they are still dry at almost 10 AM. I've sat him on the pot several times this morning to no avail. Guess we will just continue to wait it out!
In other news, as you may have heard, Jeff bought himself a horse! It's a six-year-old painted named Apache. He is sweet, but not completely saddle broke just yet. So, he is going through training as well! We are hoping he makes a good family horse for the boys to ride when they get older. Right now, it is really Jeff's pet and project. It will be a few months before I get to enjoy our new family pet! Probably not a good idea to go horseback riding right before (or right after) giving birth.
Update on Camp Potty: Bennett just peed all over my carpet. Not even 60 seconds after he had told me he needed to potty and we sat on the toilet for a while! Again with the "No!" yelling as he is peeing his pants and looking at me... Good thing I have my little carpet cleaner sitting out and ready to go! (Did you really think I could write a blog post in one sitting with a potty training toddler running loose?)
Then, of course, there is Halloween to talk about! Bennett went as a little bull rider, Jeff as a rodeo clown, and me as a fat, pregnant lady. Bennett was adorable and it was so cute seeing him and daddy together in their costumes! Bennett couldn't get over the make-up on Jeff's face. Bennett helped me make my shirt with his little footsies. It was fun. He dressed up in his costume that Monday for Story Time at the library. Then we all dressed up for Kidfest at the church Wednesday night. That place was insane! There was tons of people from the community. It was awesome! We painted some pumpkins the next night, then just stayed indoors Halloween night, ate a yummy dinner, and passed out candy. I think Bennett had more fun handing out candy to trick-or-treaters than he did getting candy on Wednesday night! He loved seeing everyone in their costumes and making animal noises at the ones dressed up like animals. Every time the door bell rang, he ran to the door, opened it and shouted "Trick or Treat!" Then told everyone Hi and Bye! It was hilarious.
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| My tough boys! |
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| Trick or Treat! |
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| Pumpkin Painting |
We did get some unfortunate news this month. Jeff's dad is dealing with skin cancer right now. After losing his mom three years ago (this month!) to the big C-word, it was a pretty emotional thing to hear. Luckily, it sounds like they may be able to cut out all of the cancer because it is only on the surface. Jeff takes him to the city next week for the surgery, so please be praying that they get everything and for a quick recovery! Bennett loves playing with his Po-Po so we have to make sure he is in good working condition before letting our toddler tackle him again!
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| 21 and 27 weeks |
This pregnancy seems to be going both quickly and slowly. The great thing is that I have had no complications and my blood pressure has been perfect so far. I have been much more uncomfortable this time around. Baby boy is sitting so low and I'm already waddling around like a duck with hip dysplasia. I can't wait until he gets here! Just two more months! I can't wait to see what he looks like. Bennett was such a surprise with his blonde hair and blue eyes, so I'm am wondering how alike or different these handsome brothers are going to be. And, surprisingly, I'm really looking forward to the whole unmedicated, natural birth thing again! Trust me, I haven't forgotten how painful back labor was with Bennett, but I know that it is only a temporary pain and that the reward is totally worth it! My biggest worry now is finishing my Master's thesis and my final Master's course this winter! I have until February to finish my thesis and I only have one chapter completed. I was actually giving myself a little pep talk in the shower last night as I soaked my aching back in the warm water. I feel like the little engine that could, repeating, "I think I can. I think I can," as I chug along. No worries, right? Just have the holidays to worry about, a toddler to keep alive and potty train, Christmas AND a birthday party to plan and shop for, my Master's degree to complete, and a baby to finish growing. All while my patience and energy continues to wear thinner and thinner as January approaches and my big belly gets in the way. How does anyone make it through life, or even the day, without having a personal relationship with Jesus to turn to? Seriously.
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work. - 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
