Potty Training and Other Lessons Learned

Well, I think we're done with diapers!!! I'm doing the happy dance. It's been almost 5 1/2 years with at least 1 in them. I know other families do it for longer stretches so I'm not complaining too much.

When we ran out of the last package of diapers I refused to buy any more. I kept telling Renee that that was it, no more. When they're gone, they're gone. We did have some pull-ups left over from Kaitlyn and Lauryn Arcega so I figured I was pretty safe in telling her that. She had a MAJOR accident all over the carpet in the living room one day and wore a pull-up the rest of the day. The next day the accident was on the hardwood floor. Both times she was very apologetic and upset that that had happened. So I began to wonder if maybe she wasn't ready to be done with diapers. But yet, when she would wet the pull-up, she would change it herself. She knew what was happening. CONTROL!!!

One Friday when it came time to go to Morning Moms she wanted to wear underwear. No problem, just sit on the potty before we go. NO WAY!! Thus began the "Battle of the Wills". You can guess who won. (I think that was the day the accident was on the hardwood later that afternoon.) She managed to hold it until after lunch and then the floodgates opened up. She started asking for a diaper. I found some in a size bigger than what she normally wears, leftover from Kaitlyn. (That sounds terrible.....leftover diapers. They were never used!!) She was happy again.

On Thursday of this past week she decided she wanted to wear underwear. She has only had 1 little accident since then and is so proud of herself. She sits on her own potty and goes all by herself, without me asking her if she has to. She is loving the M&M's and also gets 1 for just "brying". That is not a typo. She has trouble saying certain r-blends. (Sidenote: she keeps her CLothes in the CLoset now. No more flothes or floset.) I have said for months that she is the kid that will one day wake up and decide to be done with diapers. Why did I think I could decide which day that would be?? Duh, Barb.

So what are the other lessons learned?
1. I would be a great mom if it weren't for the children! There are some days they know how to push my buttons and the fuse is way too short. The morning of the Battle of the Wills was one of them. I went to Morning Moms knowing I had totally blown it with both of them. I asked for prayer for patience and wisdom and of course, started crying.

2. Here's what the Lord is teaching me. When I admit to other people my need for Him, that I can't do this parenting thing on my own or in my own strength, things improve. I see a marked change in their attitudes and behaviors. Or is the change in mine? I'm not sure but life is more enjoyable. When I forget and try to fly solo, I don't get anywhere!

3. Pregnancy, labor and delivery were the easiest parts of motherhood. Morning sickness, heartburn, frequent bathroom visits, middle-of-the-night feedings, teething, fussiness, spit-up; you get the idea; that all wanes compared to toddlerhood and preschooler attitude. I know the days ahead will be trying and I will need to be reminded continuously to admit my need for help. I know that I never have to do this job in my own strength. When I am on my knees and am humbled before the Lord, I am strong. I also know that for me, there will never be a job that is more rewarding than motherhood!

4. The Lord entrusted me with these 2 precious little girls for a reason and a season. As I have watched my sibling's children grow up, I know it happens so quickly. Some of them are married and having their own children. Others are in college. The years seem like days so I am trying to savor each moment with my own children.

One of my favorite things to do is snuggle with the girls. They love to sit on my lap while I read to them but seem to start fighting about who has more room, etc. Kaitlyn gets the short end of the stick these days. She got her snuggles in before Renee was born so I think it evens out, right?? Renee is a hand-holder. She will reach out and hold my hand when we're walking to the mailbox or down the stairs or through the church lobby. I love the feel of her little hand in mine. Reminds me of when I was a little girl and would hold my daddy's hand. I loved the feeling of security as my hand was in his big and strong, yet gentle hand. How I long to be able to hold his hand one more time. But I am reminded that I have a Heavenly Father who is always willing to hold my hand. I just need to reach out to him.

I'll leave you with a recent picture of my Sweet Renee, wearing an antique dress. I wore it as a 3 year old. Polly Flinders dress. Love the smocking!