Yesterday was one of those days that gives a mother the conflicting emotions of pride and sorrow. Our little one, our last one, will be 2 in a week, so it is time to start Potty Training him. As I strolled through Target I looked for anything I thought would make him excited about his new challenge. I strolled…aisle to aisle…then…EUREKA!!! Elmo underwear!!! My little man loves his Elmo…and they were adorable. Much to my complete disgust of most character print clothing, shoes, backpacks, etc…I knew this was my only ticket to convincing him that pee pee on the potty was a cool idea. So I loaded up with a 6 pack of Elmo undies, water proof trainer covers, singing potty and an 8 pack of paper towels (for the soon to be puddles about my house)…I was armed and ready for Pee Pee on the Potty war!
The first sit on the potty he was perplexed, confused as what he was supposed to do, or what was going to happen, I ran water, gave him water to play with…anything to stimulate the flow! I knew once he went, he would get what was supposed to happen….we waited…Nadda…except a small puddle from the water he played in. Undies go back on and I wait. A little later we headed back to the potty both excited, he squealing cluelessly and I over excited to convince him this was as cool as going to Sesame St itself! We get there… pull down his undies, and Bamm…pee shoots everywhere! I franticly try to aim him at the little potty. Apparently the sheer thought of the potty, or the crisp air on him made it work a lot faster this time…maybe it was all that silly momma excitement? I did manage to get some “in” the potty so we celebrated…he oohed, and stared at his achievment and I glowed with pride and proceed to do the Pee Pee on the Potty Dance, high fives were spread to every family member as we celebrated. Fast forward to 30 minutes later and we repeated the same adventure and this time he sat down…waited, thought about it…and FLOW…Pee Pee on the POTTY! Whoo hooo!
I know this is a minor feat to most, and today has been far from as successful, but it is a huge milestone in his little life. It will come with many challenges…poop…is an whole other ballgame…but he will get it, and last night he actually did it.
Later last night I crawled into bed next to him (because for some reason, he refuses to sleep in his own gorgeous bed) and I found myself completely conflicted in emotions. I was so proud of his achievement, yet sad that he was growing so fast and he was my last. That was my last “first time, pee pee on the potty” moment. That was my last bringing home the most adorable Elmo underwear and seeing his face light up, and watch him explore the new garments on his body. It is a painful and joyous venture to be a mommy…but it is one that I would never want to give up.
