Adventures in Late-Night Potty Training

Not that I am a goal-oriented person, but.... I read that most kids aren't ready to potty train until they are at least 24 months old. So as soon as Katie turned two, I read books, watched a DVD, bought training panties and a potty, and generally prepared for P-Day. About two hours into potty training, it was clear that Katie didn't get it, but I didn't let that discourage me. I pressed on. Two days into the ordeal, we were both about to lose it. Andy suggested that we scrap potty training until Katie was ready. And I agreed as it had become obvious that, short of strapping her to the toilet, we weren't going to get anywhere.

As the months passed, I brought it up at times to test her interest level.

Katie: Mommy, I want to be a ballerina.
Me: Ballerinas go pee pee in the potty.
Katie: I don't want to be a ballerina.

Katie: Mommy, I want to go to school.
Me: That's great! School is really fun. But you can't go to school until you can go pee pee in the potty.
Katie: I don't want to go to school. I just want to go to pretend school.

Then Nathaniel was born, and I didn't even think about potty training. No need to add to the craziness. I figured that it would happen when it happened. And Katie continued to show absolutely no interest.

But tonight towards the end of her bath, Katie jumped up and said, "I have to pee pee. I need to go to the potty!" And without further ado, she got out of the tub and ran over to her potty and successfully completed her mission. Of course, Andy and I made a big deal over it and after much jumping, shouting, calling of relatives, and giving of treats, Katie announced that she had to go again which she did. Two more times! Woohoo!

So we've scrapped everything for tomorrow and would appreciate your prayers for continued success and cooperation from little Nate-dawg. Ballet slippers, here we come!