As a continuation of my first “Potty Talk” post. . .

Bridget has gotten to the point of heading to the bathroom to do her thing without even telling me that she needs to go. Even though its good to see her express some independence here, it makes me nervous and scared. She’s getting pretty good. BUT. . .

– What if she tries to empty the kid potty (it wouldn’t be the first time) and makes a mess? Hopefully she won’t try to clean it up with her bath towel. Ew!!
– Will she really wipe? Well? Will she use too much TP?
– Will she try to use the plunger? She’s gotten it out before.
– I know she can’t turn on the sink by herself. Will she still try to wash her hands? Will she give up? Or come and get me?

I probably need to loosen up a little bit. She needs to learn. . . but thinking about the potential answers to some of these questions makes me want to vomit.
I don’t think I’ll be able to trust her to use the bathroom by herself (and do it right) until she’s 35. Or at least 12. Or 3, or 4 maybe – if she’s lucky.

January 9, 2008
– She’s been accident free since last Friday (Jan. 4th)!!
– Her pull-up has been dry every morning, with one exception!!
– I taught her to wipe herself this morning. She seems to be catching on. I’m sure I’ll still have to help out for #2.
– She’s been napping in underwear.

. . . It has been nice having her be able to wipe herself. My hands are spared from excessive washing on occasion. . .

. . . She can use the big potty without a problem, but every now and then she still wants the little one. I’ve told her that she can use the little potty if she wants, but there will be no ‘potty treat’ for using that potty. Its worked pretty well. . .

January 12, 2008
– She woke up from her nap soaked and confused. Poor kid. I guess that technically ends the week long accident free streak, though she has stayed dry during waking hours.
– She’s had a couple of wet pull-ups in the mornings. The pediatrician told me that it is common for night training to take 6 months longer than daytime training. Guess I still have to buy Pull-ups.
– She has had a bit of diarrhea the last two days. Thankfully, she’s made it to the potty each time. Once I didn’t even know she was using the toilet until she came down half naked announcing she was done.

We went to the doctor the other day, and she used the bathroom while we were there. She came out announcing to all of the nurses that passed by, “I went potty in the potty.” She had this proud smirk on her face, that only got bigger with each person that expressed excitement on her behalf. Oh, the things you can get away with when you are two!

January 13, 2008
– Sunday #2 in underwear was a success. The nursery leaders brought her to me once during Relief Society to use the bathroom. She did, and miraculously went easily back to class.
– We went to a friends house for dinner. She asked to use the bathroom about a dozen times, but only went twice. I guess its better than accidents.

Speaking of things you can get away with when you are two:

Yes, that is her little friend, Josh. The picture was taken in mid-December on the first day we dared leave the house with Bridget in underwear. I was on edge the entire time we were away from home. Shortly after this she had an accident and ended up in a diaper again.

Bridget, when you are sixteen, and reading this. . . I am sorry to have embarrassed you. But, hey, today at 2 years old – its pretty darn cute.