All the credit goes to Winslow

Y'all know I tend to avoid most parenting topics because honestly, there are plenty of folks out there who have lots to say about what we should and should not be doing (most of whom are usually *way off* in my experience).  But I thought I'd share what's happened in our family that could help you if you've got little kids in the house.

Winslow has potty-trained herself.  The past week has gone beautifully, beginning with her throwing a fit over wearing a diaper.  So except for our road trip Saturday, she has been diaper-free, even at night.

The lesson?  That kids do things in their own time.  Remember how Katie was 3.99999 years of age before finally getting on board?  Well, Winslow is only 2.5, and we hadn't really begun to think about potty training. She initiated everything and made what could've been a very time-consuming (for me) and frustrating (for both of us) experience very easy.

Mind of her own, that child.

Now I know why some people are so smug about their kids not using diapers anymore.  Many are taking credit for something that probably would've happened anyway.  I learned long ago that my children are influenced by me, but certainly aren't under my control 100%, and they are their own people.  I don't parent the kids differently and yet they are miles apart in personality and temperament.  But I've been mocked and laughed at and told I'm a lazy mother for not forcing the toilet on the kids. Even well-meaning folks' brags about how easy it was felt like stabs to the heart since with Katie, our earlier attempts had been miserable and had resulted in total failure.  Thank goodness I'm over that now and can move on to turning my kids into musical prodigies and wiffle ball experts.

For Drew-baby, I'm sure we'll take the same laissez-faire approach, and I'm also sure we'll still be told we're late to the party and that he'll be calling me to wipe his bottom from his dorm room in college.  I will just smile and change the subject to things like third-world dictators since that's much more interesting and relevant.

As for dangerous thinking, I am allowing myself to fantasize about not buying diapers again until my children have their own children.  It might happen in the next year since Winslow is so close in age to Drew. And then I'll be rich with all the extra money I'm not spending on diapers!  And there'll be nothing more to worry about ever again since all that matters is perfect toilet training!  Oh, the possibilities.

P.S. Don't worry, I won't talk about potty-training again anytime soon, although I might talk about my new toilet, which is the most awesome throne ever to be shat in.

Yes, I understand

Friends, Fans, Stalkers,

I'm going to interrupt our usual programming to talk a little bit about a parenting challenge. Move along if you're not interested--it's okay.  I feel I need to provide some support for those who've had the same issue we have around here.

It's about potty training.  I won't get into the down and dirty because it's not really about the nitty gritty.  Instead, I want to commiserate with parents of kids who potty train later than many of their peers.

I want to say it's okay.  I'm right there with you.

I've read about some moms getting grief from their mothers-in-law about their 3 year old kids still using diapers (as well as other family members and perfect strangers--what's that about?  Why should Mrs. Grundy care about whether my kid poops her pants?  I don't get that at all) .  Although some people have felt the need to make fun of us, I haven't really been cursed like that; in fact, my mom-in-law, Nancy, has been pretty damn awesome, offering a bit of useful advice and otherwise making no comment.  I'm sure some of it stems from the fact that she knows my eldest pretty well.  This gal doesn't do anything except in her own time.  My mom has been very understanding, too.  Makes sense because I didn't potty train until I was about 4.5 years old.  And look at me now! I am someone worthy of envy!

We've tried a few times over the past year to get KB off the diaper train.  And it has failed miserably. Tears, begging, fussing...and I'm not even talking about Katie's behavior.

In the past couple of days, however, we've had success. It's almost been *too* easy.  I'm not cocky enough to say we're there, but the mood around here is hopeful, and Katie's having a great time.  All of this shows me that waiting was the right choice.  Patience paid off.  For the record, KB is one day shy of her 4th birthday.

So there you have it.  If it's taking awhile to get your kiddo to peepee in the potty, relax.  You are not alone. Brush off the veiled (and not-so-veiled) criticism.  Be sure to ask your critics about their own bathroom habits since it's obviously an interesting topic for them.  Or just let it go, while keeping in mind that you can remind your kiddo about this when s/he goes on her/his first date.

And now back to our regularly scheduled ranting and raving.

Three kids, Two bedrooms, and No Playroom

Our new house is a definite upgrade.

How?  you might ask.  That kitchen is frightening, the Jacuzzi tub is ancient, and the dropped ceiling is as ugly as homemade sin. 

Well, those are valid concerns.  And we'll address those cosmetic issues soon enough, so be patient!  Now sit down and listen for once in your life!

Okay, oh wise one.  Have you lost weight?  

That's better.  And yes, I've lost half a pound. So glad you noticed! Anyway, back to my original point.  Our house is an upgrade from our last two places because of the space.  The abode in Columbus was 1050 squarefeet and had two closets. The rental in KCMO, 1700 sqft or so, but no attic, 2 small bedroom closets, and a nasty basement.  And for some reason, the dining room was the largest in the house.  You could fit a grand piano, a large table with six chairs, two sideboards, a baby swing, and an enormous train table in that room.  Not exactly the right layout for us.

The Roeland Park cottage, however, has a closet in each bedroom (exotic idea, right?), a living room for the piano, a family room for the TV, and two full bathrooms.

With a nasty Jacuzzi tub.

Shut up or else I'm never making you pecan pie again.  So where was I?  Oh yeah, this house has better storage.  Thank goodness.

What does it not have? A playroom.

Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek!  How are you living like that with three children?  I bet you don't even drive a Toyota SUV.  I'm calling CPS immediately.  Every house requires a playroom.  And all families should drive gas guzzling Japanese limousines.  How do I know this? That permed blond kid in the commercial told me so.


Hold the phone, Ralph.  I didn't grow up with a playroom.  Lots of homes don't have one.  And I bet the kids are all right.  Better than all right.  Maybe they're even fantastic.  As for the Toyota, Just Call Me Angel of the Morning!

So, back to what I was saying, in order to deal with this lack of dedicated playspace, we have to be vigilant about keeping the toys down to a dull roar.  Quarterly trips to charity.  Brutal honesty about whether we should keep that little stuffed kitty cat that your Aunt Tulip gave you when you were 6 months old (I'm talking to YOU, Ralph--your kids won't miss your old toys).

That's what we did over the weekend.

And here are the results.

We still have a small toy chest with a few larger toys, a dollhouse, a train table, and one basket of blocks, but this is what remains of the toys in the family room.  No, it's not minimalism. And yet it sure ain't way too much stuff, either.

Yes, that is fake wood paneling you see.  As well as our test wall for the paint we're trying out (we decided to paint Andrew's room that color instead. Still working on an acceptable color for the family cave).

Here's a funky little desk I picked up for the girls at the antique market held monthly in Westbottoms.

::snorts::  Is that carpet I see, too?


Oh, put a sock in it, Ralph.

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