Training Day

Note: for those of you still awaiting proof that Sameer and I have become one of those boring, suburban couples who are obsessed with their kid (and, really, are there any out there still doubting that?), I suppose this post will seal the deal.

I've been hesitant to write this post for fear of "jinxing" ourselves, but I'm finally feeling confident enough to put it in writing. It's true. Sonia is potty trained. Sadly, I think this is perhaps the single biggest accomplishment Sameer and I have had recently, which is not a statement of how hard it was, but perhaps more of a statement of our professional impact of late. :-)

Okay, okay -- first the caveats. She is not 100% trained in that she still wears a diaper while sleeping (naptime and at night), and I know for many people that doesn't "count" as being potty trained. But, in our household, where just weeks ago Sonia would cry if you would not put her diaper back on, it is victory nonetheless. And given that she still sleeps in a crib, short of denying her liquids or us being willing to get up in the middle of the night to take her to the bathroom, I don't see the sleeping situation changing anytime soon.

The actual potty training was surprisingly easy (I don't say this to brag, everyone knows we have repeatedly failed on so many fronts -- getting her to eat balanced meals, to name just one -- that I write this only to point out that we were genuinely surprised). We have been reading books to Sonia about potty training and talking about becoming a "big girl" for months, but in the end I think it was a primal desire to wear her new Minnie Mouse underwear that put us over the top (thank you, Target). As soon as she was in the underwear, there were maybe 2 or 3 accidents in the first few days, but then pretty much smooth sailing from there on out. At this point, we are back to our usual routine (going to restaurants, parks, malls, etc.), although admittedly I am developing a well-honed sixth sense for where the nearest restroom is.

One thing I didn't anticipate was how our-little-introvert would quickly realize that potty training has the added bonus of meaning alone time with one of us. I have quickly noticed a trend that if we are somewhere Sonia doesn't like (read: where there are lots of strangers, god forbid, trying to actually interact with her), then she will sometimes announce that she needs to go to the bathroom. And, of course, once you get in there she doesn't have to go. And then when it's all nice and quiet and secluded, she will say in a stage whisper, "I want to go home." I'll give her credit, it didn't take her long to figure out that putting the fear of cleaning up a mess in our heads was the easiest way to pull the ripcord on any social situation. Now, we just have to build up enough confidence in this area to tell her that she has to "hold it" for a while when we think she's faking. Wouldn't hold my breath on that one.

It also didn't take Sonia long to figure out that using the potty doubles as an excellent way to catch up on her reading. Here's a pic that shows a typical day at our house. Note the Minne Mouse PJs and the Thomas the Train book...we remain a marketer's dream household!