Aleena Is POTTY TRAINED!!

We introduced the potty to Aleena in December and she would go #1 right before her bath. I didn't want to pressure her until I felt she was ready. When Isaac came in January, and I was changing diapers all day and buying diapers every other day, I decided I should seriously try to potty train Aleena. So in early March Matt started putting her on the potty during the day on the weekends. She seemed to like it. He would read to her and that relaxed her. I also got some cute illustrated books at the library about little girls and their potties. She loved them, and really encouraged her to go. Then when her Aunt Trina bought her Minnie Mouse panties and a book full of stickers for her birthday, I decided to see if she could do it. She had been showing interest and a friend of mine said to not miss that window of opportunity.

So day #1, a week before her birthday, I put her in her undies all day and put her on the potty every two hours. There were many accidents that day. Day #2: undies, but fewer accidents. Day #3: undies, and ventured out to Target. No accident at the store, but a few at home. Each day got better and better. She even did well going #2 on the potty. I'm glad I didn't give up. It's been a whole month and she is really doing well. She only had two accidents last week, but that was because she was so excited about playing at the park and at a friend's house and didn't tell me she had to go. Since then, she's been telling me and I've been keeping an eye on the clock to make her go if she hadn't gone in a while. At night I keep a diaper on her, but she wakes up with it dry and she goes straight to the potty.

The other issue I had was taking her out to stores. She hated using their potties, who doesn't? Disgusting. But what was I to do? I'd been making sure she went potty before we left the house, and made my trips very short. But when we were at the stores she would say she had to go, and we'd rush to the bathroom (Isaac in the Bjorn makes this difficult) and then she'd sit and wouldn't want to go. Very frustrating. I kept trying, and she has started to get used to public restrooms...gross. But at least no accidents. She does love the little potties at Disneyland and at 24 Hour Fitness kid's club. Wish there were more of those.

All in all it's been pretty successful. I don't recommend trying to potty train while having to care for a newborn. Just a little too much stress. Although, I'm so glad I don't have to do double diaper duty. Thank you Leena!!

Aleena is always so proud of herself after going potty.

Her sticker chart. She loves it!!



Yay! I did it!