Number 1 is in the home stretch to reach the 3rd year of her awesome existence, and it still amazes me each day that she is so early in years. There is no doubt that by the time she reaches her tweens that I will be in for a heap of trouble. 4 syllable words are commonplace and she is now a champion of the potty-set. I am currently in the process of teaching her how to complete my annual tax returns, as well as basic trigonometry, and with luck I will not have to be bothered with either within the next 1-2 years.
However, I must tell a tale of hilarity regarding #1's new-found potty independence:
Over the weekend, we were attending a barbecue at a friend's house. It was at this event that #1 experienced a terrible potty progress set-back. After and hour or two of socializing with the kids of our adult friends, #1 approached us to inform us that she needed to use the facilities. Mommy quickly jumped into action to get #1 to the toilet.
I was tasked with keeping tabs on #2 while #1 and mommy were taking care of nature's calling. After what seemed to be an eternity, mommy returned with number 1, clad in a new outfit.
Clearly something had transpired. I inquired to mom as to why #1 had the sudden wardrobe change. It was then that I was informed that there had in fact been a minor incident.
#1 is very independent. Particularly in regard to her potty training initiative. She is constantly asking that she "has privacy" to take care of her potty needs. It was in such a case of early independence that the incident occurred.
"She fell in."
"What? How did that happen?" I asked my lovely wife, "weren't you in the bathroom with her?"
She replied, "No. She needed her privacy. Then a few seconds later I heard her panicked cries for Mommy."
Apparently #1 had managed to slip through the toilet seat to splashdown in the waters below.
Now I must admit, I nearly wet myself laughing at this account after-the-fact, but it has had a terrible residual effect on #1's potty use. Since the incident, she has been terribly hesitant to use the toilet in unfamiliar venues.
So I found it amazingly fitting that while I was out running errands with #1 the other afternoon, that she pointed out the wall of toilet seats at the Home Depot we were visiting that day. In particular, she pointed out a seat that looked different from the others.
30 dollars later, I had managed to solve the falling in concerns.
The best part about this investment is that #1 gets a bottom appropriate toilet seat, and now I get a smaller target to aim for when I am in need of a bladder evacuation. This will improve my skills whilst allowing the young ones the confidence to pee without the need for hands to prop themselves up.
I will be hosting a party later this summer for those that would like to try the graduated seat.
Team Awesome Rules!
