Day 3 starts with cautious optimism. Jake reminds me that Isabel is only 2.5 and my happiness shouldn’t be based on her going potty or not. As usual, he is right. I remind Jake that it would mean a lot to me (and Isabel) if he would ignore household chores and focus on us because we need him. Sometimes this happens as well, I am right too. We both remind Isabel that she isn’t wearing a diaper and needs to use the potty.
We also agree that we are ignoring the advice of the book we read and we are going to reward Isabel with jelly bellies for peeing and ‘poop treats’ (tootsie rolls) for pooping. We will fight the ‘you don’t get a reward for doing something you’re supposed to do’ battle later.
We got it. Success! Early in the morning we get a pee in the potty while we’re naked. THIS DESERVES A FULL FAMILY REWARD! Everyone gets presentable and we go get donuts! Isabel is happy with her donut, I am happy to be outside the house for the first time in 3 days. Life is good.
We have an accident in our pants shortly after donuts. No worries….back to naked. Spirits are still high. Success. Success. Success again…Isabel gets it when she’s naked!
An added bonus…Isabel has a really cute toddler butt.
She is loving life too. She’s leading us in naked toddler yoga (she’s very flexible) and she’s running around the house in full sprint with dad and daddy in tow. Laughs and giggles fill the house. She is even saying she has to go potty and going to the potty without prompting.
Nap time comes, we happily read books, snuggle up with our stuffed animals and rest for a bit. During naptime, Jake and I take advantage of the 90 degree day with sun and play in the pool. We agree to try pants in the afternoon, BUT…we also agree not to get frustrated if she fails.
The afternoon is a mix of success and failure, but as a team we get through it with high spirits.
Another Added bonus. I got to have this conversation:
Tom: Isabel, are you SURE you don’t have to pee? I can see you grabbing your vagina.
Isabel: (yelling and running around) I’M NOT GRABBING MY ‘GINA!
Day 4 brings an additional, but very welcome challenge. Three quarters of the Wagners came to visit before Connor showed up so we are leaving the house to do something fun – ready or not . A little stress, but we will survive. Bring on day 4!