Baby Steps

I haven't wanted to post any updates about Nick sleeping in his big bed. Every time I would think about doing it he seemed to take one giant step backwards, and I really didn't want to jinx myself. But I can now report that, most of the time, he goes to bed at night without issue, and I usually have to return to his room and tuck him in three or four times before he settles down for a nap each afternoon. The point is, he DOES finally NAP there.

I am of the opinion that I shouldn't ask too much of my kids. By that I mean, that I want to make sure Nate is comfortable sleeping in the crib before letting him put himself to sleep there, and that Nick is comfortable in his bog boy bed before putting both boys to sleep there at the same time... OH, and that Nick is comfotable with his transition to big boy bed before starting in in the potty training.

I have an issue with potty training. That issue is: impatience. Not Nick's. Mine. I hate things taking a long time. I am famous for my undercooked pasta. I planted seeds two days ago and I'm already upset that nothing's happening. I truly have no idea how I am going to deal with the issue of potty training. But now that Nick is almost 2, given the fact that he is prone to getting rashes, and the fact that he is now learning to undress himself, likes to flush the toilet, and is constantly pointing out his penis, I think it is about time.

I have started this off by giving him a small potty seat for Christmas, and he sometimes sits on it for as much as 10 seconds before begging for paper so he can flush it down. The other day I purchased Bob th Builder pull up pants. I HATE the idea of pull up pants, and I swore over and over I would never use them. But then I became a parent and realized I needed to get Nick excited about potty training SOMEHOW.

So far the biggest roadblock on our trip to diaper-less nirvana is Nick. All the books, the pediatricians, the specialists, EVERYONE, says to wait until the child is ready and willing. But if you ask NIck if he wants to sit onthe potty, he always says NO. He says NO to EVERYTHING, though, including chocolate and playing outside. Then if you don't give it to him anyway, he pitches a fit. So how am I supposed to know if No means No, or if No means "I'm not really listening and I felt like saying something and No seemed like a good thing to say at the time."

And I know that successful potty training depends on Nick's cooperation, understanding, and... well, it's HIS accomplishment, not mine. I think I'm in trouble.