Diaper Free

I finally got to potty train this last week, although it felt like Blythe pretty much trained herself. I have wanted to do it since she was about 22 months, but I haven't been able to until recently. I needed to wait until I had a good 4 days at home with no commitments in order to give training my full attention and that just wasn't falling into place. Then we had a few trips at the beginning of summer and I decided I really didn't want to have to carry a potty onto the plane. I also have to say that a sweet girlfriend told me to not worry and just wait until Blythe really showed interest. I am so glad I listened to her, even though at the time I pouted at the advice :)

When Jake and I got back last Sunday from our trip to Baltimore Blythe asked me to use the potty before I put her in the bath... and she did it!!! The very next day on Monday she told me she needed to go #2 on the potty... and she did it!!! Then on Tuesday when I picked her up from the gym childcare her teachers told me that she asked them to use the potty and that she was successful. I had previously marked the calendar that Wednesday was going to be the day that we threw away all diapers and I was so encouraged and excited to start. Blythe and I started off the morning by going to gymnastics and when we returned home the training began. She got it immediately! The book I read was 3 Day Potty Training and it advised telling the child that big kids keep their underwear dry. I checked her frequently for dry underwear and if she was dry she got a reward (chocolate chip). I was so relieved that she had such a successful day, only 4 accidents (and only 6 accidents total in 5 days). Night time has been awesome as well. The book says no pull ups, just get it over with, and I stuck to it. I take away her drink about 2 hours before bed time and I think that is what helps her wake up dry.

Potty training was something that I feared and was getting myself mentally ready to clean up messes and replace sheets and be stuck at home, but instead, it was a breeze. I came across a verse that made me look at the whole situation, "but seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well" Matt 6:33. It reminded me that all I need to do is keep my eyes focused on the Lord and doing the things He has called me to do and everything else will fall into place. Thankfully He uses friends, Amy Hilton, or small situations like potty training to train us and to keep us on track and He then takes care of the rest. I thank the Lord for using such a small thing as potty training to remind me to keep my eyes on Him.