All Aboard the Potty Train!

So today was day one of potty training for Jadon! Let me just say that, at first, we weren't quite sure what we were doing. I had read things on and off, here and there, since he was only a few months old. I had read articles about early potty training (like weeks to months old), but never really thought too much about it. Since becoming pregnant again, and with his pediatrician's recommendation, I decided it was a good time to begin the process.

For the last few days, we've been changing his diapers much more frequently. As soon as we felt even a drop of pee, he was changed into a nice, fresh and dry diaper. Jamie kept saying, "Man, this is going to cost us a fortune in diapers!" I was thinking about all of the money this would save us in the long run, since he'd hopefully be out of diapers much sooner.

Grandma and Grandpa bought Jadon a new potty chair at Toys-R-Us on Sunday, but I just didn't feel quite ready to begin the very next day. I did lots of reading on Sunday, and kept up the frequent changing of diapers on Monday, along with allowing Jadon to experience lots of diaper-free time, which he thoroughly enjoyed :) Without a plan, I figured today was a great day to just make a first attempt at getting him to take his morning poop in the potty. It is the only time of the day that we truly KNOW he is going to poop, so after breakfast, I stripped him, and kept him close to the potty. For about 20 minutes, all he wanted to do was disassemble the thing and play, calling the potty bowl a "cup." Go figure.

Wouldn't you know, as soon as Jamie had a phone call, and went in the other room with the door shut behind him, Jadon started crawling around on the floor by me and "tooted." I immediately sat him on the potty, and within a minute, he started to whine a bit. I encouraged him to try to poop, and then checked behind him...yikes! A little more whining, and all was done. Although his BM was a little more solid than usual (poor little guy), HE POOPED IN THE POTTY!!! Yay, Jadon!!! :)

Of course, since Jamie was in the other room, I had no wipes or toilet paper handy, and probably freaked Jadon out a bit, going from yelling for Daddy to praising his efforts, but all ended well, and baby got a sticker on his hand for the prize he left us in the "cup."

After the successful first poop in the potty, I figured I needed more assistance in the potty training department, so we headed to Books-a-Million to get this: We had considered buying it on Sunday, but I wasn't convinced (1) that we needed it, or (2) that we were truly ready to start this whole process---once you start, there's really no going back is there? I don't want to confuse the kid.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this kit to anyone who wants to potty train early and to those who teach their baby sign language. Jadon LOVES the DVD! He already knew most of the signs they teach (more, all done, etc.), but now he's learned "potty" and "wash," so he'll know to wash his hands, after he goes to the potty. Did I mention he LOVES the DVD??? Honestly, he smiles the entire time, and does the signs along with the cartoon babies in the video. He looks at me proudly, when he signs "more" and says "all done" everytime they do :) Smarty pants :) And it comes with a potty train whistle for Mommy or Daddy to blow, before it's "potty time"...also a lift and flap book for baby, reward stickers, and a parent's guide :) Love it!

So after watching the DVD for the first time this afternoon, Jadon took a long nap (like 3 1/2 hours!). When he woke up, his diaper was still dry! Wow! I thought, "What better time to go potty?" So we went into the bathroom, after I blew the cheesey potty train whistle of course (I'm such a mom now!), and put him on the potty. I decided I'd attempt to model going potty at the same time. It literally took less than two minutes for Jadon to pee in his potty!!! Unreal! And, for those of you who are wondering, yes, little boys pee sitting down at first. I don't want to hear anything about it, Grandpa! You're no expert, and apparently I am now ;)

Day 1: IMMENSELY SUCCESSFUL! One poop AND one pee!!! Yay, Jadon!!!

I'm sure we're in for a LONG process, and yes, Jadon did poop in his diaper before dinner, but I feel very encouraged about the days progress :) Right now, we're in potty training bootcamp mode ;) No pressure, of course...mostly just keeping Mommy and Daddy focused on the task at hand. We don't want to get lazy about this, and just let him go back to using his diaper anytime he feels like it. So tomorrow morning, we'll put Jadon in his new underwear from Baby Gap and attempt a morning poop again. I can hear the potty train whistle blowing now! Good Lord, what has become of me? :/ But honestly, it makes me so excited :) To be continued...