Top 10 - Mini Blog Posts

I feel like my brain is all over the place. My body is definitely all over the place, with a baby in the sling a toddler on my hip and two at my feet, I'm running around the house putting out a million small fires all at one. That run-on sentence should give you a clue as to how I'm currently not functioning normally, but I wouldn't trade it for the world!

Because I cannot form coherent thoughts right now (isn't it poor grammar to start a sentence with "because.."?), here is the top 10 titles (and mini posts) I thought of when I sat down to blog:

1. Potty Training Lazzy : Day 5

Lazzy has had one accident so far today and I'm pretty sure it was because I forgot about him. Pretty good for day 5! He's napping in undies and staying dry. WOO HOO!

2. Potty Training and Humility (alternate title: 1 down, 1 to go!)

So, remember how my perfect potty training plan works every time? Remember how I potty trained my boys at such a young age so that it would be easier on us all? Well, I'm now potty training a 3.5 year old and have NO idea what I'm doing!! Suggestions are absolutely welcome in the comments below!!

3.  Introducing : PINK!!!

No, not the singer. The color!! I've never been so thrilled about a shade before! Since I can't show you the girls, below is a picture of what's been introduced into the Robbins home!

4.  Lose 10 lbs in 2 days

Want to lose 10 lbs in 2 days? Chase 3 kids around the house while wearing a baby. Drink lots of water and eat their scraps. That's all there is to it!

5. What I'm up to lately

Laundry, potty, laundry, make food, potty, potty, make food, feed someone, wipe someone's nose, laundry again and lots of hugging in between.

6. Today I took a shower.

Seriously, I know it's hard to believe, but that alone is definitely post worthy!

7. Thursday's Date Night

Thursdays will be our new date night while the girls have visits in the afternoon. I'm pretty excited about that, seeing as how Dan and I haven't had a moment alone this week!!

8.  Loving My First Born First

The little ones mostly need physical attention from me which is so much easier for me to do. Task oriented - that's me in a nut shell. SO, it's been a challenge for me to remember to talk through issues with Elijah, to connect and make him feel secure. I have to be careful not to put too much on him just because he's the oldest.

9.  Love and Hope

This is my new moto. I don't need to be the best mother in the world, I just need to love these kids. I don't have to change them or fix all of their problems, but I do need to hope and trust that God can. That's it!

10. God DOES Love Me

When things get hard, it's easy for me to think "why is God being so mean?". In the midst of this transition from 2 kids to 4, it's been so so hard but I can see what God is doing. He really does love me and I know this because He is blessing me every day with lessons in love. 

Potty Training Lazarus - Day 3

Potty training has gone well so far. Lazzy wakes up dry and goes on the potty. He has a few accidents before lunch, then goes on the potty again. A dry nap and another successful potty trip later, then it's time for a few more accidents before dinner. Today was day 3 and I'm happy to say the accidents were few. Lazarus is learning to hold it for longer periods of time which makes it easier for us to go out, although the only place we go is Tower Grove fountains. It's much easier to deal with accidents when all the other kids are wet, too :)

We've had a fun time spending our hot afternoons in the back yard. Lazzy insists on filling the pool but only because he likes being hosed in the face.

My little pool boy!

Perhaps it's easier this time around because Dan has been part of the process. Plus, I'm not charting things like I did with Eli. It's pretty relaxed with a timer in the background, just so I don't forget.

For my own records, here's today's stats:

Successes : 4

Accidents : 2

Initiations : 1

Pretty good for day 3!!!

Lazzy Potty Trains - Day 1 (Complete with Top 10 Tips!!)

Potty training your child is a lot like childbirth. The first time around, you have no idea what you are doing but hope for the best. You're shocked and even appalled at how hard it is at times, but eventually, it's over and everyone moves on. The second time around, you're much the wiser and are able to tweak your plan accordingly. The flip side to that is, AHH! You have to do it again?! NO!!!!!!! But it hurts so bad!!! Can't I pay someone else to do it for me??????

We've survived potty training once. The boy learned to go where he was supposed to, but not without a few bumps in the road. Now, he's four and the dinging timers and loads of laundry seem life times away from us. I'm so proud of him and the little man he has become. Ahh, hear that? No more dings. Just one mini-me, independently taking care of his business. Only problem is, we had another kid! He's spazzy and crazy and cuddly cute. Not only that, but he's reaching the tender age where I believe the small window of opportunity lies: 20-26 months old.

We anticipate a call from the foster agency at any moment. In order to prepare, I've cleared my schedule (minus my one doula client who will deliver any day now) so I can be ready at the drop of a hat. Yesterday, I found myself at home with the boys and realized "What am I doing with all this extra time?? I should be potty training Lazarus!".

I promptly took off his diaper and threw on the undies. There we were, setting the timer every 10 minutes, much like the boot camp I put Eli through just two years ago. We had a few accidents and Lazzy never went on the potty, but that's to be expected. It was just a practice round.

This morning, after sleeping soundly for 12 hours, Laz woke up dry. Hallelujah!! Then, he peed on the potty. WOO HOO!!! I guess we're doing this again. Here we go!

Top 10 : Tips to Potty Training a 1 yr old:

1. Be committed. No matter what path you choose, it is the parent that must first be trained. Do not give up on your system. Like everything else we train our children to do, it takes repetition and consistency to get the lesson learned.

2. Have a system. Whether it's a boot camp or you take your time, make sure you have set rules in your mind and follow them rigidly. Use treats or don't. Undies or camando. What matter most is that you don't switch things up in the midst of the training period.

3. No more diapers. Biggest mistake you can make is put a diaper back on your babe. Even at nap time! They need to know you are serious. If you're not quite ready to give that up, you haven't been trained and should not start potty training (see #1).

4. If you must, use cloth pull ups. "Pee pee goes in the potty, not your underwear. Oh, but here's a diaper to wear for convenience. Really, what I mean is, between the hours of 8pm and 7am, noon and 2pm, and while we are at Target and the playground, you can do what you want. But day time is potty time!". CONFUSING! Disposable pull-ups are just. like. diapers. If you absolutely must use something more reliable, cloth pull-ups will feel a lot more like underwear to your child. They need to feel when they are wet. It helps them to learn quicker. Just get a few for going out or bed time.

5.  Train in warm weather. If you can, try to train during warmer months. Spend time outside and let your little ones learn the feelings and signs associated with needing to go potty. Really, that's all you're training them to do anyways. Plus, you can sit outside and eat ice cream all day :)



6. Start young! Like I mentioned above, I believe 20-26 months is the perfect window for potty training your tot. Most kids this age are beginning to communicate clearly (my standards are low. you know this if you've ever had a conversation with Laz!) but aren't flat out defiant yet. Have you ever tried asking a 3 year old to something? It's worse than herding cats!

7. Keep it simple.  Who knows. Maybe you like the extra work of coercing your child to sit on the potty and then actually clean it out each time. I sure don't! Especially with the second child, just keep things simple and it will be less steps for you.

8. Have back up. Back up undies, back up towels, back up babysitter, etc. Be prepared and hopefully, things won't spiral out of control.

9. Give it time. The first thing kids need to learn is what it feels like to pee. What it feels like before, during and after, that is. When you potty train a bitty one before they've ever had a seat on the porcelain throne, the entire experience will be new. Give it about 6-8 days before baby is accident free.

10. Day 1 will suck! It just will. Because #9 is true, this means there will be nothing but accidents. If you already expect this, you will be more prepared (#8) and will have more fun (#5)! I definitely didn't know this with Elijah and the day ended in tears. Don't sweat, but don't give up and you will be surprised!

After a long (but fun!) day, Lazzy had three successes and 11 accidents. He's already doing better than Eli did! Pretty good for our first official day on the potty! Best part is, I'm not in tears.

Biodegradable what?

Alright folks. This is no lie. You can now purchase an eco-friendly potty for your little one's tush. I read about it over at Simple. The BecoPotty is comfortable, durable and cheap! AND, it comes in three colors!

If I were into using little potties for potty training, I would definitely go with this one. Use it with all your kids, then have a family gardening day and plant the thing right in your back yard. Guilt free potty training...what will they think of next?

Elijah reverts, again

Ok. I spoke too soon. Now he is reverting back to the days of diapers. Eli has now stood in front of me multiple times, peeing his pants while saying "I not need to go potty". What is that all about?? Any suggestions or advice?? HELP!

Clutter free potty training

In my opinion, the easiest way to potty train a kid is to use as little potty paraphernalia as possible. There are so many things parents feel like they need in order to successfully potty train their child. The options are endless. Between pull ups, potty seats, books and peeing baby dolls, your house could quickly become cluttered with all things potty. How do you know what to use and what to leave behind for the next over obsessed mommy?

We've been using a much older version of this potty seat which I got for a dollar last summer at a garage sale. It's been alright, but the cushion comes out too easily which makes Elijah feel unstable at times. Plus, I've gotten really annoyed with figuring out what to do with it when not in use. I finally broke down a bought a more functional seat that attaches to the toilet and it's been great.

Let's start with the dolls-what child needs a doll to teach them how to eat, put on their Crocs or to go down a slide? What in the world makes us think we need a doll to teach a kid how to pee in a toilet?? Aren't all the books and videos enough? Isn't it way more effective for your child to just watch you go to the bathroom?? The doll definitely adds to the clutter as well as the clean up. Not only are you wiping out the potty chair, but you've got to deal with the doll's doings, too!

I realize that all the potty stuff is supposed to make the transition easier. I've even heard people say that the potty chair helps the child to be more independent, but I have to disagree. All you need is a stool and the little guy can climb up, put his tush on the toilet and no one has to worry about wiping out a plastic tub (which is WAY more gross than wiping the cute little tush!). I can see how it makes it easier for the child to just go when they need to, but they are still dependent on you for all the wiping and clean up. All of these things add more steps to the process. You eventually have to ween them off of the pull ups and potty chair and into underwear and using a real toilet. It's like potty training all over again and who wants to do that???

All of this is to say-I love our new attached potty seat. It stays cleaner longer and doesn't have to go anywhere in between uses. My advice-keep it simple and it will be simple.

*This post is not meant to offend anyone who has used or is currently using the "stuff" for potty training. It's truly just my opinion on the matter. It's nothing personal. You also should know that I still love you, even with potty chairs and dolls in hand :)

Boot Camp Potty Training-Day18

I am happy and relieved to announce that I believe Elijah is completely and fully potty trained. Today, he initiated going to the bathroom on his own 4 times!!! As well, he told me he had to go pee pee while we were driving home in the car today. I told him to hold it until we got home. 5 minutes later, we were home and sitting on the potty, accident free! He has also stayed dry during naps and overnight since the beginning.

It was hard at times and definitely messy, but if you ask me, 2 1/2 weeks of hard work sure beats another year of diapers!!!! To celebrate the success, Elijah got his very first set of tools (compliments of the Target dollar section). He opened them up and went straight to work on his room. I had no idea there was so much to "fix" around the house! The sweetest thing is that he knows the reason for the gift and kept reminding me throughout the night "Elijah tools! Elijah present, I go potty!!!!".

It was fun to give him something more substantial than a gummy for today's success (although we haven't given gummies in a week-he totally forgot about them!). It kind of wrapped up our Boot Camp Potty Training. I'm sure Elijah is happy to be done with the timers as much as I am. Time to move on with our lives.

Do the gummy dance!

Elijah has been doing well with staying dry. He rarely protests about using the potty anymore and frequently forgets about his "gummy" rewards. In hopes to ween him of the gummies entirely, we don't make a huge deal about it anymore, either. Still, every once in a while, he will remember to ask for a gummy when he knows he deserves it. The other night, he was SO excited about his treat that he held one in each hand and continued to dance around the kitchen in his underwear while stopping to giggle every few seconds. I don't know which is cuter-watching my little toddler dance around in boxer briefs or watching his face light up because of two fruit snacks.

Boot Camp Potty Training-Day 8

It's been a week since we started potty training. Throughout the last week, the house has been torn apart, almost every inch of our floors (hardwoods, thankfully!) have been peed on, and we've gone through three boxes of gummy snacks. We had a rough start, but each day brought a little more success. I am so proud to say that we have been accident AND diaper free (including naps and night time) for two days now! Eli and I have been out and about, went to a church picnic, and visiting friends. It's good to be out of the house again. The only thing on our agenda now is to enjoy these diaper free weeks while they last before Lazarus arrives and we start all over again.

Boot Camp Potty Training-End of day 5

Today was so easy. I didn't really keep track of when Elijah used the toilet. It actually might have been the reason he had the ONE accident. It had been longer than 2 hours since his last visit to the potty and he had a friend over to play. While they were in his room, he began to dance. By the time I noticed, he was already standing in a puddle.

Later tonight though, he did a few dances and even walked toward me while whining a little. I think he was trying to communicate that "funny feeling" as we call it and Eli was able to hold it until we made it to the bathroom. We spent 3 hours at the Jensens' house tonight and although I was watching the clock, I was never really worried that he would have an accident. He has continued to stay dry during naps and all through the night. I think it is safe to say that he is pretty much 90% potty trained. The next week or so will just give us time to solidify what we've learned.

I've learned a lot this week about my kid and myself. I know all the books say to "wait until they are ready" but I really believe the parents are the ones who have to be ready. Judging by day one, Elijah was NOT ready to be potty trained. He couldn't hold a drop if his life depended on it! Slowly as the week went on, his mind began to grasp the new concept and his body caught on, too. Kids are so incredibly smart. Two year olds can learn multiple languages, rules, games and behaviors. Many of them know how to put on their own shoes, feed themselves with utensils and sing along to songs they've heard. Why do people worry their kid can't learn to use a potty? It's really beyond me.

Let me say, I did have my doubts. Elijah threw his fair share of fits this week, rebelling against the new way of life we had introduced him to. He still says to me "don't want a potty mom" and I have to talk him through it. While talking to my younger sister in tears that first night, I asked myself "What am I doing?? He's too young!". I guess this just confirms to me that the parents have to be ready, emotionally and physically to stick it through and be consistent. The child almost always adjusts and follows suit. There are kids who take longer and I recognize that, but I think it's a much smaller percentage than the books are letting scared parents to believe (including myself).

Parents, take courage!! Stock the fridge with juice and milk for the toddler and plenty of ice cream for yourself (or beer, whatever...). Make a plan and stick to it. One week of hard work is totally worth it!!!

Dan has the day off tomorrow and I hope to get us all out of the house! Elijah is ready to get back out into the world and so am I!

Boot Camp Potty Training-End of day 4

Elijah is my new hero. This child can do ANYTHING!!! Today, he only had two accidents and one of them might have been our fault. He used the toilet like a normal person, going every 2-3 hours. I really think he is holding it on purpose until he sits on the toilet. We barely used the timer and I was able to be productive in areas other than the bathroom. I really cannot believe the progress this kid has made. Just in case any of you care, here is a summary of our last four days:

Day 1: Eli sat 32 times on the toilet, went 0 times while sitting on the toilet and had 11 accidents.

Day 2: Eli sat 27 times on the toilet, went 5 times and had 7 accidents.

Day 3: Eli sat 24 times, went 6 times and had 4 accidents.

Day 4: Eli sat 11 times, went 6 times and had 2 accidents.

I have tried my best not to say anything that might embarrass Eli, but tonight, I have to share this hilarious story. We had friends over for dinner and while we were reclined at the table after the meal, Elijah was playing (rather loudly) in his room. Suddenly, he comes out to say "not a accident" which I understood to mean "I didn't have an accident mom, don't worry 'bout me". Seconds later, he comes back out with something in his hand saying "look, look, look, look, look" which is what he says when he wants to show us something really cool. Dan walked over to see it and then exclaimed "Beth, what is this?!?!?!?!". I jumped up, ran into Elijah's room and saw little piles of poop pellets (imagine deer poop) all over the floor. I screamed "IT'S POOP!!!" and we all started laughing. Elijah must have decided it was more fun to decorate his room with his poop instead of flushing it down a toilet. Who can blame him?

Elijah's other poop accident happened earlier that day while he and Dan were playing outside. I'm sure we could have caught it had we been closer to the toilet. Before today, the poop part of potty training has been the easiest for us. That and staying dry while sleeping. I really have no fears about going out with him. I know he can hold it.

My camera battery charger came in the mail today, so I actually have some pictures to share! I made a potty poster and put it on the door. Now, not only does Elijah get a gummy for going potty, but he gets to decorate his potty poster with a sticker! What's funny is that he cares more about the color of the sticker than anything else. You give him the four choices (yellow, blue, red or green), he says "ummmmmmm" and then pauses for 10 seconds before he tells you his preference. It's so cute!

We are so proud of our growing boy!!!

Boot Camp Potty Training-Day 4

Elijah slept in this morning but still woke up dry!! After having his snuggles and milk, he went straight to the potty and received 2 gummies before breakfast-one for being dry and one for going in the toilet. I am taking a slightly different approach today. We will not be setting the timer every 10-20 minutes. Instead, I plan on giving him an hour off between successes. If he doesn't go in the toilet by the hour mark, we will set the alarm for every 15 minutes until he goes and then start over. I really want to work on him noticing how his body feels when he needs to go. Who knows if this will work, ha! I guess we shall see.

Boot Camp Potty Training-End of Day 3

We made it through day 3!!! Elijah had more successes than accidents. He also held his bladder much longer, about 2 hours between each pee. This is a huge deal to me because on Day 1, it seemed like the boy never stopped going!!

Eli did alright at our church community group. He sat on our travel fold up potty seat 3 times but never went in the toilet and had one accident. He was able to go on our toilet at home before bed. I feel like things are moving slowly but surely. We are just committed to sticking it out as long as it takes.

Boot Camp Potty Training-Day 3

My friend Alyssa let us borrow an Elmo potty DVD this week. While I am thankful for the relevant entertainment, I need a break! I woke up this morning with one of the songs in my head and decided that we would put that particular DVD on the shelf for today. So, Elijah and I watched a documentary on Sigur Ros while eating pop corn for lunch. Apparently, rocking out to Icelandic music is just as entertaining.

Elijah woke up with a dry diaper this morning and started the day with a huge success on the toilet (including both numbers!!). He's only had 3 accidents so far and lots of successful moments. We are going to our church community group tonight in undies, so this afternoon will have to be a little more rigid than yesterday. I really think he is getting the idea although he still needs to work on "listening to his body" as everyone calls it. I was at a meeting this morning, but Dan was able to report that Eli did recognize a funny feeling of sorts and then peed in the toilet without the timer going off. That is always something to celebrate!

It's nap time now and I am hoping it's a dry one. Dan and I stayed up late watching the same Sigur Ros documentary and I'm starting to feel drowsy. I will definitely need a nap to get me through the afternoon and our evening plans.

Just in case you are interested:

Boot Camp Potty Training-End of day 2

Today was successful for a number of reasons. Elijah used the toilet 5 times. One of those times was initiated by him. I didn't have to deal with a seriously dirty accident (if you know what I mean). Eli only had one accident before 3:30pm. Dan got home early from work today and was able to help me carry the load (no pun intended). It's my friends birthday today, and since Dan got home early, I was able to shower, put on some earrings and go out for dinner with adults! We all had good attitudes and Elijah made huge progress. The list could go on but it's 10:30pm and we have to do it all over again tomorrow. Time for sleep!!!

Boot Camp Potty Training-Day 2

I considered calling this post "IT'S A MIRACLE!!!!". Today has been completely different for so many reasons. It's 12:30pm and Eli is down for his nap. We began our day of boot camp potty training just before 7am. Eli woke up dry (!) from the night, he laid in our bed with a cup of milk like usual and then we headed to the potty. I knew he would pee inside the toilet since he had held it all night, and HE DID! The excitement on his face was incredible. He squealed with delight while Dan and I cheered with tears in our eyes. It was so wonderful to begin the day with success.

Thankfully, the success has continued. Elijah has stayed dry with only one accident and has gone in the toilet two times. One of those times he was standing up like a real big boy. That made him feel so cool and he continued to talk about it afterwards. "I stand on da stool and pee in da potty, like a dada!".

After browsing through the official Potty Training Boot Camp book last night, I decided to go ahead with some sort of reward. The book suggests to give a reward both when the child goes in the toilet but also if they are dry when the timer rings. Elijah has been able to enjoy numerous little "gummies" (Annie's Organic fruit snacks, ha!) throughout the day and we are all very happy.

I have just started a medium sized load of laundry (another success!) and am off to bed myself to rest up for the afternoon/evening.

Boot Camp Potty Training-End of day 1

I'M SO TIRED! My back hurts, my feet hurt and almost every towel in our house is soaked with pee. I had to do a load of laundry during nap time so we could finish out the day. Dan got home at 7 and I gladly went to Target while he put Eli to bed. We need more underwear and paper towels so I can worry less about laundry and more about the boy. It has been a very long time since I stayed at home all day long. Really, I can't remember the last time I did that.

Elijah had plenty more accidents this evening and STILL has not gone into the toilet. While at Target, I picked up some fruit snacks (or "gummies") to reward Eli for staying dry between potty times tomorrow. Now I'm off to bed for hopefully a good nights rest. Tomorrow is a new day and I am hopeful.

So far...

It's been a long morning, but not too painful. Between 8am and 12:45pm, Elijah had 7 accidents, sat on the potty 12 times (5-10 minutes each time) and still hasn't actually gone inside the toilet. Still, he has helped to clean up each accident and is pretty much trained to go straight to the bathroom when he hears the timer go off.

So far, the most frustrating thing has been the timing of the accidents. Eli sat and sat for 15 minutes before his nap and nothing came out. 3 minutes later while standing in his room, he had an accident. Either he is holding it on purpose or I need to get better with my timing.

Elijah has been napping for an hour (sans diaper) and hasn't woken up in a wet bed, yet. This is encouraging! As well, the fact that he is happily going along with things has made the day a lot of fun. Really, I've enjoyed all the time we've spent together so far.

Side note: Apparently there is a book out there called "The Potty Boot Camp" by Suzanne Riffel. I had no idea about this book but by "looking inside" at amazon.com, it seems as though we are already following this ladies strict regimen, minus the rewards. According to her, you can get 90% of the training done in 1-2 days. It takes a few weeks for the child to be completely potty trained and independent, but the hard part is done. We'll see if it works for us!

Boot Camp Potty Training-Day 1

Today marks the beginning of what I expect to be a very long week. We have nothing on the calendar until Friday. Our main agenda is to potty train Elijah. He has sat on the toilet hundreds of times but has never actually gone while sitting on it. He is totally aware of himself and often spends time running around the house naked. He also is very quick to tell me about any accidents he might have had. Being the little rule follower that he is, I am hopeful that learning to use a toilet will be fun and easy. It will just take time, consistency and a lot of patience on my part!

The rugs have been put away, the potty books are on the table and there isn't a diaper in sight. Wish us luck!