potty training, vol. 2.

Another Disclaimer: This post is about potty training and therefore is inherently gross. I am documenting my child's journey through this milestone and if you have a weak stomach, lack of interest, or think that this is sharing too much, skip it! 

Nathan has been working on the hard-core potty training regimen for eight days now and I am so incredibly impressed with his progress. Nine days ago I was changing diapers and now I'm (neurotically) encouraging potty time and praising him like crazy when he goes.

I am incredibly grateful for his teachers at daycare, we love them! They have been incredibly supportive and encouraging to Nathan (and me!) through this process. Professional potty trainers, for sure!  That being said, Nate's track record at daycare is much better than it is at home but it's not for lack of trying. I set the alarm and when it beeps, I ask him to sit on the potty or if he needs to go.  Number One is not an issue. It's so close to being checked off the list. It's the much dreaded Number Two that is putting our washing machine to good use and keeping me on my toes (consequently he refuses to do this at daycare, must like the home field advantage?).

Here comes the grossness that the disclaimer is for. This is your second warning. I want my little guy to read through this one day :)

Incident #1:
First day of potty-training regimen. Nate did a great job at school and then came home, took off his underwear and pooped in our linen closet. Faaaantastic! 

Incident #2:
Over the weekend, Chris and I decided to remove the baby gate to our upstairs level to give Nate easier access to the bathroom. Nate ran up to his room, telling us he needed to get a toy. Not thinking much more of it, Chris and I stayed downstairs.  I should have been clued in by the silence, but I was distracted with homework.  All of a sudden I hear lots of thudding. Nate had decided to poop in the potty (hurray!), but didn't think to tell us that he a.) needed to go and b.) was done and needed to be wiped. Bunny hopping down the stairs left a horrific mess. I feel like we could do a commercial for Clorox.

Incident #3:
Last night Nathan was calmly eating his dinner and looked up at me with fear in his eyes. "Mommy, I need da potty for poop". YES! Okay, let's run!  He made it, he finished and we got through the whole process with no mess. Praise the Lord!  When we were done re-dressing and washing our hands, I called Chris at work to brag on our little guy's accomplishment. Turns out, Nate wasn't done. He proceeded to finish in his underwear and then what I affectionately call 'booty dropped' me while I was on the couch. It.went.everywhere. After screaming and launching my phone, I marched Nate up to the bathroom where I had to spray him down in the tub. It was that bad!  Let's just say that an entire couch cushion, my clothes, his clothes, and an unsuspecting blanket went into the wash on the sanitary cycle.

And we're still waiting on incident #4. There's been no 'progress' today.