We Survived Day 1.

Yesterday we began potty training. It was exhausting, it was hard, and at the end of the day I wasn't sure if I was up to the task. In fact, I convinced myself that I'd rather go through natural child birth than endure potty training. The problem with that idea, is that I'd then have 3 kids to eventually potty train. The resolution: we will be adopting the rest of our children. And they will need to be potty trained already.

Ok but seriously, we spent Saturday talking up using the potty, getting Claire excited, watch some potty song videos, and even took Claire to pick out her own rewards. (Chocolate candies. She takes after her grandmother. )

The morning went alright. 2 successes and 2 accidents. And the afternoon was just insane and frustrating. After the girls went to bed, Ross and I just relaxed. Come bed time, I was prompted to ask Ross for a blessing. I didn't know what for and it was probably the longest blessing I've ever had. And I knew that it wasn't Ross giving the blessing. He was a tool for Heavenly Father so He could talk directly to me.

After that I felt so much more peaceful, confident, and whole. Yesterday was just awful and challenging. I read the same stupid board book probably 10,000 times while she sat there, sang ridiculous songs, and had chats. I'm just not realizing how socially awkward I am. Not just because I spend my days talking to a two year old (and lately it's only been about poop and pee), but also coming out of Utah county. It's interesting, every time I go out, it's impossible for church to not come up in a conversation. Anyway...

This morning Ross and I woke early. While he got ready for work, I got ready for potty training day 2. I cleaned the front rooms, set up the potty next to a hot breakfast, and prepared myself for the day.

This morning was a little frustrating, but we had two successes and I think she's starting to get it more. She seems a little afraid of actually going, but hates having accidents. I read somewhere that some toddlers see going to the bathroom as literally losing a part of themselves, so I've been trying to be as compassionate and patient as possible. Ross gave Claire a blessing this morning, as well. Hopefully that'll help her figure this potty thing out.

I think she's getting it, but I'm absolutely expecting lots of accidents over the next few days. I've seen a lot of "potty train your child in 2 days" or 1 or 3 days things going around Pinterest, but I think Claire will need more time than that. She should have it down by this weekend though.

After last night, I feel a lot better about the whole thing. I'm not worried about cleaning or cooking. Aoife is fine just playing and watching Claire. Maybe I've finally figured out I don't need to do it all. And not having it all together doesn't mean I'm a terrible homemaker or mother. And I'm really really looking forward to just having one kiddo in diapers. We survived day 1, and now we just have to survive day 2. Feel free to send us a Hallmark card. I'm sure they have something for parents enduring potty training, right?