Tales From The Potty Chair....Part One

So I have decided that I should start trying to introduce my just about two-year old (*sniff sniff*) to the joys of potty training. I just decided this today and as of yet I have not informed my sweet baby boy about my decision. I am counting on this chapter of potty training being a least a little easier than with my other kids because my 4 year old is fast becoming a hero in his little brother's eyes. And don't little boys want to follow in their hero's footsteps? Even the footsteps that lead to the bathroom?

We are without the most necessary item right now however--a potty chair. The one we used with my 4 year old, I am sad to say, did not survive potty training. So my first task is to buy a new "throne" for my little cutie-pie. I am loving this potty training chair from Levels of Discovery, aptly named His Majesty's Throne ( they have one for the princesses too of course). Is that cute or what? I pretty sure my 4 year old will fight for the right to sit on that throne as well. Can't say I would blame him. I have stayed away from those potty training seat thingys that attach to toilets, as money-saving as they might be. This is because of scary tales I have heard about those things and the sleepy parents who stumble to their toilets in the middle of the night only to be painfully brought into full consciousness as they make contact with the potty training seat that was left forlorn and forgotten about and still attached to the toilet seat. Not such a pretty picture if you have seen some of those potty seat attachments. Though they are meant to look and be kid-friendly, Winnie The Pooh loses some of his appeal when a groggy grown-up hazardously sits down on the cold hard plastic that has sharp curves and pointy cup shaped areas. Hearing these horror stories has etched in my mind the mantra that what fits for a toddler's cute behind so does not fit for a grown-ups!

The second necessary item I will be stocking up on for our potty training adventure will be M&M's. Lots of them. Because mom needs a reward too after all.

So stay tuned for more Tales From The Potty Chair... they will be coming as our adventure begins.

My Two Year Old Race Car Driver

Oh how I love my cuddly little almost (counting down the days now!)two year old! He is so into car it's hilarious. He will watch out the window for cars (motorcycles too) going by, and jumps up and down when a loud car or a "going too fast car for mom's approval" car goes by. He can play so happily with his little toy cars, just racing them along the floor while doing his best two year old imitation of a super charged car (think audi turbo)with sounds coming out of his throat that sound surprisingly realistic!
I may have to go get my weary yet oh so loyal car supercharged just to see the amazing smile my two year old would give me! Maybe I should go check out turbochargerpros.com and see if they could breathe some new power into my trusty little car!

Toddler Activities

My toddler is always on the move. He never seems to stop from the time he wakes up in the morning. He is always exploring every drawer, every closet, every nook and cranny in our house. Getting him to stay still and involved in an activity can be challenging, but there are a couple of things that will usually work-- some better than others but even a few minutes break for moms can be helpful!

Pour some rice in a big plastic container or bowl. The kind that are rectangle or square work well, and are big enough for your toddler to really get his elbows and arms into. You may also want to do this in the kitchen, or lay a blanket down and put the container on top of it. Then toss in some plastic cups, spoons, and even yogurt containers and let your little one scoop and toss away.

My kids do not like getting their hair brushed so much, but give them the hairbrush, and boy do they all 3 like to brush each other's hair and anyone else that will sit for them. So if you are desperate for even 5 minutes of down time, see if your kids will brush your hair while you sit and breath deeply and remind yourself that you will one day look back on these days and miss them! Really.

Get a small spray bottle and fill with some water. Hand your toddler a sponge and let them spray and wipe smudges off walls, or wipe down a table. Busy little hands love to "help out" around the house.

Sit your kids down with some crayons and paper and envelopes. Tell them to draw a picture for Grandparents, a friend, babysitter, Aunt, etc. They should have fun drawing and putting their letters in the envelopes. A fun address to use is your own-address to daddy and your kids will love watching dad open his surprise mail when it comes.