Too Much Information

Jalen Andrew really wasn't really cutting it with potty training.

We started before he was 2 because he was requesting to use the toilet like his brothers.

He filled the pot a couple of times, but, once he realized what was coming out his back end, he quite wanting to go on the potty chair. He did, a few times while I was distracted, however, leave the potty chair, and leave a few presents for me to find.

His birthday came and went, and he still wasn't too terribly excited.

He dutifully would sit on the potty chair, and he and I would play basketball, sing countless songs, but still nothing leaked out. There was nothing to clap about, or yell "woo-hoo" for. Still we sat there day after day. Nothing.

I decided that once Christmas was over, and the new year had begun, we would get into some serious potty training. We did. We had a great time in the bathroom, spending some quality time together, but other than additional bonding, nothing else came of it.

I have to say that I wondered if the other small person in our house, who is still resisting complete toilet training, was rubbing off on Jalen Andrew. A fair concern, and a concern that I was fairly concerned about.

Then last week, Jalen Andrew and I were upstairs doing chores when my own urge hit me. I set him on his potty chair in the open space of the bathroom, and then told him to stay there while I retreated to the little closet - toilet room to take care of my own business. When I peaked out at him a moment later, his eyes were as large as saucers. And yes, he had successfully urinated in his potty chair. He was so surprised and happy (so was I!). He did it 2 more times last week, the scenario being the same as was just described.

I'm relieved (no pun intended) for he's starting to understand. He'll get it soon, I'm sure.

He's still worried however, that something is going to sneak out of his back end. So, when he gets off the potty chair to get dressed, or to take care of the little tinkle he made, he holds his little bum shut with his left hand. It is so cute to watch him waddle around, holding his little trap in the back shut tight. We haven't been able to convince him to let go yet, but are secretly pleased that he has no desire to drop any little presents on the carpet. Oh yes, and at Christmas time. . . one day he was playing with our Fisher-Price nativity set, when he asked me to get the doll house out for him. I did so, and the first thing he did was to pick up baby Jesus and put him on the toilet. It made me smile. He and I talk all the time about all the people in his life, whom he loves and admires, and how they go potty and poopy in the potty chair. I guess if sitting on the potty chair is good enough for brothers and sisters, moms and dads, grandmas and grandpas, then it only stands to reason that Jesus would do that too.

I love this stage of development, when reasoning starts to come into play!