Category: Potty Training

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4 years and beyond Potty Training

Success x 2 Now!

No More Nappies
No More Nappies

Wow, what a moment! My other little girl decided to take off the night time nappy and wanted to try without last night. This was a good start. I must say that I did have my doubts; she had already had three accidents that day. One at pre-school and the other two at a play date with a mate from school. Not sure why she was suddenly is having accidents, but one reason could be pure frustration and also to peer pressure from her sister. “I can do it now and you are wearing a nappy”, probably what she is getting from her sister?  She most likely felt upset with herself and was trying so hard yesterday that she waited too long to get to the bathroom.

I have been not pressuring her, and understand it will happen in her own time. One issue that I did have was that she is such a heavy sleeper so not getting up to go in the night. This worry was averted, I had to get up at 3am to go to the toilet, and as soon as I got up I heard little footsteps. It was the child that was without her night nappy. I took her and myself off to the bathroom and we both did what we had to do, she then wanted to come into my bed for a cuddle.

I am very pleased to report that she has gone a whole night with no accidents. I do know that there might be accidents as she is still learning but it is a great start.  Now she has done it once, she might have more confidence to do it again. No nappies now and we will see how we go. What a big girl she is, and how grown up she is becoming. I am such a proud mummy. She got cuddles and kisses and of course I told her how proud I am of her.

Did your other children just chuck the nappy when they were ready? It is good that she has decided as it makes the process so much easier. Send in your comments.

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Potty Training

No Potty Breaks

Last Saturday we were at my nana’s and as it is a long trip back home, about 2 hours if there is a lot of traffic, we usually put the kids in nappies just in case. We are on highways and there is nowhere really to stop if we need a toilet break.

There was only one nappy left in the nappy bag and the child I chose to put it on was having a meltdown so would not let me put it on her. So no nappies for both kids, to say I was nervous and worried were an understatement. They both went to the bathroom before we left, but that was no guarantee it would be fine. They told me they would be fine so I thought let’s give it a go!

As the twins had such a big day they were so tired when they got in the car, and we were not on the highway and they both fell fast asleep. Will they wake up if they need to go to the toilet? Or will they have an accident? Should I stop and wake them to have a toilet break? Or should I just drive home?

I decided to just drive home and see what would happen. I am proud to announce that both girls did not wake, did not wet or soil their nappies, and waited until we got home. They are getting there.

One of the girls still uses a nappy at night, but the other has one on but it is dry in the mornings. It is more of a comfort for her. The next trick is to lose the nappy for this child and have her in undies at night time as well.

Have you been in the same situation, a long car trip and the kids did well without needing to go to the bathroom? Did you have to stop? Did you have to wake the kids to get them to the toilet? Send in your comments.

Categories
Potty Training

Success x 1

Great news, one of my girls got up at the early hours to go to the loo (toilet). What a proud mummy I was, however after her mission to the bathroom she decided to go and get into bed with me and daddy. It was nice to get cuddles but I am definitely looking forward to having the bed to myself, no little body stealing the pillow at least.

My other little girl is not far off and it is so amazing. Both girls are doing so well. Soon no more nappies, and how good would that be. Yippee I hear you say, and yes I am saying it with you.It also got me thinking. My babies are not babies anymore, a sad thought. Although they will always be my babies, I am there mum of course.

Do you have twins? Have you found that one child is lasting longer with regards to going to the bathroom and the other is having more accidents. Sometimes it does switch so not always the same child. I am just finding it an interesting part of the development process.

I know both kids are different people and have a different timeline. All will sort itself out and I am not worried, just find it rather fascinating. Send in your comments.

Categories
3 years and beyond Potty Training University Study

Holding on longer

Both girls are doing very well with the potty training, and I suppose you could say that the training is nearly done. The next step is to have them get up during the night to go to the toilet, and we are not at that stage yet, both girls are heavy sleepers so end up sleeping through it all and we are still in nappies for night time sleeps.

Yesterday we went out for a picnic and the girls lasted over 3 hours without needing to go to the toilet, a great achievement. However Julia then announced in the car on the way home (only around the corner from the house) “We should have brought the potties mummy”, I asked why, and then she said, “I just did a wee wee”. Oh well she did a good job hanging on so long.   We thought it was funny that the blame was pushed back to the parents. It is our fault that the potty was not there and she had an accident.

Her chair in the car had to be taken out and cleaned, and now is all dry after being in front of the heater last night and this morning.  Daddy and mummy are very impressed at how good both the girls are doing with holding on. For my birthday we went to lunch and the drive to get there was over 20mins and they were so good and no accidents, I asked if they needed to go when we arrived and both said no. We managed to order lunch and half way through eating Lillian said she needed to go, so I took her. Once back Julia said she needed to go, so I took her as well. The trip back was accident free and the girls were very good and waited until we were at home to go to the bathroom.  A week ago we went to lunch at the same place and the girls repeated the same things, no issue and no accidents, they are doing very well.

I have a feeling that being at pre-school helps as they see other kids and are exposed to a bathroom at their height and it is easy to access. We have managed to go to parks, trips, playgroup (I bring the potties as there is only one toilet and if others are using this the girls might not be able to hold on), and shopping.

The girls are sometimes dry in the mornings but mostly not. I have read that this means they are not ready to transition to undies for night time sleeps. It will eventually happen, but what do you look for to see if your little one is ready? The link for Toilet training – staying dry at night from the Victorian State Government has fantastic information that will help anyone questioning if their child is ready or not. If they are ready, it gives some great tips and preparation for the parent/s.

Have you transitioned to night time potty training? How has it gone? I know it will be soon, maybe at the end of the year or next year for us. I don’t want to rush it if they are not ready. I am very pleased at how the girls are holding on longer, and very independent with going to the bathroom during the day and before bedtime.  Send in your comments and any tips or tricks that have worked for you.

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3 years and beyond Family Potty Training

Busy and tired weekend

This weekend was a busy one. Saturday was a day off without kids and Sunday was spent with family.

The girls on Saturday spent the day with Aunty Kay, my sister. She had never had them by herself before so thought it would be interesting. I knew she could do it, but thought it best to bring toys and supplies for kids to play with.  I packed puzzles, videos, crayons, pens, pencils and paper, their toy dogs, fairy wings and wands, and other things.  According to my sister they played with each item for about 5mins at the most. The girls had their toes and nails painted. Toes are now silver, and fingers are now dark pink. Very striking.  They had a good day, all three of them walked to a playground and had a good time. There was a moment that Julia was not sure on going behind a tree to do a wee (hard on the go without the potties), this was all fine once dry clothes were found in the bag I provided. According to Aunty Kay, Julia’s face was very shocked at the idea that there was no toilet.

While we were both away from kids we went for Yum Cha in Chinatown. However the first restaurant of choice, Golden Century did not have Yum Cha available that day. All very weird. We used to live around the corner and this place was always open on Saturday’s for Yum Cha. I wonder what the issue was. So we ended up at Emperor’s Garden and it was great aside from the salt and pepper squid, too well done and not enough spice.

After lunch we ended up at the Dendy at Circular Quay, we were there to see the 2:15pm session of Coriolanus, which I did not want to see. I thought it sounded terrible and had no interest in seeing it. I should in hindsight have seen My Week with Marilyn at the same time, he would go to Coriolanus and I would see My Week with Marilyn, however that did not happen. I went to the stupid film that he said was amazing and great, and I did not want to see. Two minutes or less into it I knew it was terrible, shit and just a horrible choice. It went for over 2 hours. I ended up falling asleep for part of the film and did not want to stay. It was slow, boring and I had no interest to see any of the characters live or get upset if they died. I was actually hoping that they all died so the film would end. Next time I will say if you really want to see that film, fine you go, I will see something I want to see. Now he owes me. Very annoyed for wasting our day off with a terrible film.

After the film ended, it took us over 30mins to exit the Opera House car park. Not sure why, however we think it had something to do with the fact that the lane that you exit onto is not devoted to exiting the car park and you have to merge with other traffic. Finally out of the car park, we were headed to Aunty Kay’s to pick up the girls. They looked so tired and as soon as they were in the car I thought they would be asleep. Not so, Lillian was upset that we leaving Aunty Kay and we would not see her soon. Lilly cried for a while and the only way to soothe her while driving was for me in the passenger seat to hold onto her foot until we ended up somewhere for dinner. It was too late to have dinner at home and we rather have them fed and sleepy so we just had to put them in bed.

Today, Sunday, was a good day. Cool here and the girls were looking forward to seeing their great aunts and grandma. We all met and had a nice long lunch together and the girls were very happy. Upon coming home there was so much traffic coming down the mountain we were relived that we were going up it and not getting that level of traffic. While we were out today the girls told us when they needed to go to the bathroom and were very good. No accidents. So impressed and pleased that this is happening.

On the whole the girls had great adventures, spent time with their Aunty and saw other family. It is strange that this whole weekend we have hardly been home. I think that I really need to spend some time sorting things out again for the week ahead. At least tomorrow the girls are in school and I will have some time. However, I have been slack with my university work and need to concentrate on that also.

What did you get up to this weekend? Were you busy? How did your child/kids go being with family while you go out without them? Is there any adventures that you can share?  The girls loved their time with their Aunty and it is a pity that we live so far away.   Send in your stores.

Categories
3 years and beyond Potty Training Pre-School Uncategorised University Study

Don't leave mummy

The moon night light
Mooney Mooney - The moon night light

Yesterday the girls were great, we got to pre-school and they just waved goodbye and off they went to play with some other kids. I was so pleased that they were happy and content to just leave. The other week they were a bit clingy, so was very happy that this stage has passed, or so I thought.

Today the girls were so all over the place. I thought this might end as soon as they see friends and new things to do. I was wrong.  The girls did not want to get in the front door of the school, go in without me, or even want to let me go. Julia was in tears, and so was Lillian. Lillian started first, she was a mess. A lovely staff member helped me out so that I could leave. I told the girls that they can make me a picture. This seemed to calm them down for a bit. I made my way to the door, and then I heard Julia cry and get upset. I kept on walking. It was hard, I wanted to stay, but this is their school day and my day off to get things done. If I stayed it will just make leaving them at school so much harder.

I was amazed at the difference in them from yesterday and today. Other parents today were having the same issue, so at least it is not just my kids. It might be down to the weather. While driving to school today the girls noticed that it is darker and looks like we are going to have a thunderstorm, Julia was getting worried as she did not like thunder or storms. I told her that it will not be a worry; she will be inside all safe and sound. She was still worried. Lillian then said, “Don’t worry Julia, I will look after you”. How sweet is that, what a nice little girl Lillian is to offer that for her sister.

The weather yesterday was sunny, hot and just lovely. I managed to do 3 loads of washing and have them all dried on the line. The girls came home from school and wanted to go to the park. I was a bit worried that we might need to stop home for a toilet stop before the park, however the girls were insistent that it was o.k. I thought I would take them at their word, but was still worried. I did have change of clothes in their school bags so that will just have to do. The girls asked what the building was away from the playground. I explained that this was the toilets, and if you need to go, just tell me and we will all go. I mentioned that if one needs to go, we all need to go. I did not want to leave one playing in the park without me supervising. I am worried that someone might just take a child while I am away looking after the other. If that happened, I would not know where to start looking or what to do.  We were good, Lillian told me that she need to go to the toilet and started to run towards the toilets and I grabbed Julia and we ran off to catch up with Lilly.  They waited for me to help them and both went to the toilet on the big toilet. I was so proud and happy that they are doing this. Well done girls.  Also that evening Lillian insisted on using the big toilet rather than the potty. Currently they have steps to get to the big toilet, however they are still a bit small and need help to get up.

Yesterday picked up “Moon in my room”, that I ordered for the girls. It is a moon that you hang on the wall of your room and it is powered by batteries. This moon goes through all the phases of the moon, waxing and waning.  It looked great; however I need to get the batteries for the remote control. The girls were so excited to have mooney mooney, (that is what they call the moon), in the room.  I must see if we can get it to work tonight so that they can have mooney mooney again as a night light.

So today is a day of tidying, and sorting and hopefully some exercise. We will see if I get that done, but the tidying is of utmost importance as the place is a bit messy and would like it to look nicer. Tonight will need to do some study and reading for university as there is a lot to do, also have confirmed that there is an exam, however it is open book so that is a good thing.

I hope that the girls will have a good day at school and that they have found things to do and friends to play with. It is so hard when they are upset when you drop them off. How do you handle it if your child/children don’t want you to leave? Do you find things for them to do at the school; do you stay for a bit and then leave? What is the best thing to do? Send your comments.

 

Categories
3 years and beyond Potty Training Pre-School University Study

Don’t leave mummy

The moon night light
Mooney Mooney - The moon night light

Yesterday the girls were great, we got to pre-school and they just waved goodbye and off they went to play with some other kids. I was so pleased that they were happy and content to just leave. The other week they were a bit clingy, so was very happy that this stage has passed, or so I thought.

Today the girls were so all over the place. I thought this might end as soon as they see friends and new things to do. I was wrong.  The girls did not want to get in the front door of the school, go in without me, or even want to let me go. Julia was in tears, and so was Lillian. Lillian started first, she was a mess. A lovely staff member helped me out so that I could leave. I told the girls that they can make me a picture. This seemed to calm them down for a bit. I made my way to the door, and then I heard Julia cry and get upset. I kept on walking. It was hard, I wanted to stay, but this is their school day and my day off to get things done. If I stayed it will just make leaving them at school so much harder.

I was amazed at the difference in them from yesterday and today. Other parents today were having the same issue, so at least it is not just my kids. It might be down to the weather. While driving to school today the girls noticed that it is darker and looks like we are going to have a thunderstorm, Julia was getting worried as she did not like thunder or storms. I told her that it will not be a worry; she will be inside all safe and sound. She was still worried. Lillian then said, “Don’t worry Julia, I will look after you”. How sweet is that, what a nice little girl Lillian is to offer that for her sister.

The weather yesterday was sunny, hot and just lovely. I managed to do 3 loads of washing and have them all dried on the line. The girls came home from school and wanted to go to the park. I was a bit worried that we might need to stop home for a toilet stop before the park, however the girls were insistent that it was o.k. I thought I would take them at their word, but was still worried. I did have change of clothes in their school bags so that will just have to do. The girls asked what the building was away from the playground. I explained that this was the toilets, and if you need to go, just tell me and we will all go. I mentioned that if one needs to go, we all need to go. I did not want to leave one playing in the park without me supervising. I am worried that someone might just take a child while I am away looking after the other. If that happened, I would not know where to start looking or what to do.  We were good, Lillian told me that she need to go to the toilet and started to run towards the toilets and I grabbed Julia and we ran off to catch up with Lilly.  They waited for me to help them and both went to the toilet on the big toilet. I was so proud and happy that they are doing this. Well done girls.  Also that evening Lillian insisted on using the big toilet rather than the potty. Currently they have steps to get to the big toilet, however they are still a bit small and need help to get up.

Yesterday picked up “Moon in my room”, that I ordered for the girls. It is a moon that you hang on the wall of your room and it is powered by batteries. This moon goes through all the phases of the moon, waxing and waning.  It looked great; however I need to get the batteries for the remote control. The girls were so excited to have mooney mooney, (that is what they call the moon), in the room.  I must see if we can get it to work tonight so that they can have mooney mooney again as a night light.

So today is a day of tidying, and sorting and hopefully some exercise. We will see if I get that done, but the tidying is of utmost importance as the place is a bit messy and would like it to look nicer. Tonight will need to do some study and reading for university as there is a lot to do, also have confirmed that there is an exam, however it is open book so that is a good thing.

I hope that the girls will have a good day at school and that they have found things to do and friends to play with. It is so hard when they are upset when you drop them off. How do you handle it if your child/children don’t want you to leave? Do you find things for them to do at the school; do you stay for a bit and then leave? What is the best thing to do? Send your comments.

 

Categories
3 years and beyond Potty Training Pre-School

Social butterflies

Saturday the 25th was a big day; the girls had two parties to attend:

1. A birthday party for a boy at pre-school.

2. A goodbye party for their mate Mia, who is living to live in Germany.

The girls were very excited and I realised that the centre of the universe is going to be Blackheath or at least close to it for a while. Both parties were in Blackheath and as the girls had now started school in Blackheath this is probably going to be more frequent. That is fine with us, however it was just strange that the two events were on the same day. We are never that busy really and both parties were for the girls not us, us parents were just the transport.

It was sad that their good friend Mia was leaving and it was nice that she came along to the birthday party as well. All the kids go to the same pre-school.  The girls had an excellent time at the birthday party, they loved decorating their cupcakes and playing games with the other children. We filled out Mia’s friendship book and hope that we get a letter from her soon.

After the birthday party we all went to get some lunch, ended up getting fish and chips and going to our land to have a picnic. So that was impressive. After we went home had a quick rest, and then off to the next party. The girls made a necklace and bracelet for Mia. It had her name and theirs on the necklace with hearts and the bracelet had just Mia’s name.  Very cute and they were very proud to show Mia their handy work.

We stayed for a while at the goodbye party; however the girls were so tired, ended up falling over to often and getting upset. Happens a lot when they are tired, both the girls did not want to go, but we had to they were exhausted. So we said our goodbyes and made our way home. Gave them some dinner, and milk, and off to bed. We did not hear any noise out of their room after we put them to bed, very tired indeed.

The girls were very good and managed to have the whole day out without nappies and had no accidents, aside from rest time.

Today we went to kids kingdom and the girls for the first time went there without nappies. Lillian told me she needed to go to the toilet and I took her. She was great and very grown up. I asked Julia if she needed to go, she said no. After the kids played, we went off to Woolies at Leura to get some shopping. We were at the checkout waiting to pay and Julia said, “I need to go to the toilet mummy”, I rushed to the end of the shops, and the toilet had a queue. I then went to the other toilet and there was a queue there as well. I asked Julia if she could hang on. She said, “Yes mummy”. I was hoping that she could and we would not have an accident. The lady in front of me offered for us to go first, I thanked her as it was very nice of her to offer. Julia was good, and hung on until we got to the toilet. Clever girl, and then we washed hands and headed off to find daddy and get the shopping to the car.

I am very impressed with the girls and not wearing nappies anymore. I think they understand that they need to hold on and have the ability to do so more now.  I am just an impressed mummy at such a wonderful thing, maybe the end of nappies soon?

Daddy, the girls and I danced to music, they played with their doctors kit (ended up taking the doctors kit to bed, plus a teapot, in case they need to make some tea), and then they were off to bed.

Lunches are made for school tomorrow and have a house to get cleaner or at least tidier tomorrow as well. What have your social butterflies been up to? Is school filling your social calendar with parties? I think that we will have more functions to go to, which is good. Hopefully we will expand our network and meet more people.

Categories
3 years and beyond Katoomba and Weather Potty Training Pre-School

Too Easy

The girls successfully have completed their first week at pre-school. They both had a great time, however Julia took a bit of work to get organised in the mornings to get out the door. Julia decided that she did not like her shirt, shoes, did not want her hair brushed and dealt with this by falling down in the hallway screaming and crying. Once out the door and at school she was fine. I am thinking it is due to the new schedule and the change from childcare to pre-school. I could be wrong, she was doing this before, and so it could just be a stage.

Today was the first day not at school this week so we all went to playgroup. It was a wonderful change in the weather to have blue skies and sunshine and currently still do. Crossing fingers it lasts more than a day. Due to the good weather, I have done about 3 loads of washing, clothes are on the line and we all walked to playgroup. Well, mummy walked the girls were in the pram. Although the girls are big enough to walk, it is easier to take the pram. The girls end up getting tired and I cannot carry everything with me. When we go, I bring their potties as there is only one toilet, what to do if someone is in it and one of the girls or both need to go? So I take our own. Better to be organised.

The other mums were asking me, and the girls how they went at pre-school this week. Anna asked Julia and Lillian, and then Lillian said, “It is too easy”.  I thought that was very funny coming from them as this is the first week at the new school, however on Wednesday the teachers were giving them tasks to learn about the colours or at least see if they know them. Both girls know all their colours so it was no big thing for them. They were also asked to put a pink block tower back together once the teacher took it apart.  They had water play, painting and collage. So at this stage it is possibly easy. Not sure what else is in store for them this term, but I am sure there will be other things that they have never done, that won’t be “too easy”. Or maybe it is for them, who knows, we will see.

Yesterday Julia wanted to put her seat belt on in the car all by herself, and gets annoyed when it does not happen. She ends up twisting the straps so it makes it impossible to get it clicked in place no matter who long she struggles with it. She gets in such a mood that I cannot show her how to sort the straps out. She does not want me to touch it as that is considered mummy fixing it and she wants to do it. She yells, screams and cries, “I want to do it, me, let me!!!”, however you cannot just stand there for hours waiting for a seat belt to be done up. Lillian the other day has figured it out.  It does not help that she says proudly “I did it”.

The new pre-school fosters independence which is good, but as Julia had this breakdown with the seat belt 3 times yesterday I was so over independence. Just let me do it, so that we can get going. It is a pity that the mood she gets in she will not listen to what I am saying, I am happy that she tries to do it, however I need to show her how and then I am happy to watch her do it, but not when it is all wrong and never going to work.

Both girls are now able to get in and out of the pram themselves. They can put their seat belts on and Lillian can take her’s off as well. Julia can put it on but has some trouble getting it off, this will change in time. It is nice that you can tell the girls to go into the pram and get their seat belts on and they do. Very relaxing indeed.

Let’s hope that school is “too easy” for the girls, and they do well. This might change when they move to big school in 2014, or at least to harder concepts at the pre-school.

Does your child want to do things by themselves? Is it easy for them or do they struggle? Are they doing some things better than others? How do you manage with the child/children trying to do things themselves when you need to be out the door for an appointment? I usually take over if I need to be somewhere and deal with the tantrums and screams.

Categories
3 years and beyond Potty Training

Well done girls and especially Julia

The girls went out and about with Daddy this morning as I am not feeling the best.  The girls were all dressed up and were not in nappies yet again, yeah!  While at the hardware store Julia looked like she needed to go to the toliet, Daddy asked if she needed to go and she said yes. He asked if she could hold on. He explained that he had no nappies, or the potty with him and that she needed to wait if she could. She said she could wait.

They then finished at the hardware store and Daddy wanted to go to the shops to get some food. He asked Julia if she was o.k to go to the shops or should they go home. Julia said that she could wait and they should go to the shops. She was a very good girl and hung on and waited until they all got home to go to the toliet. Very proud of her to have done this, just a great thing to have done.

Julia also on Australia Day told us she needed to go while we were on our way to the airfield, she gave me the look that she could not wait and she needed to go now. It was a very intense look with eyes open wide to express the urgency. We stopped along the road, I raced out of the car and in my haste thought it was Lillian that needed to go. She told me, “Not me mummy”. I then realised and got Julia out and the potty out and all was good.

What great progress we are making and big girls they are becoming. To think I was worried that they would never be potty trained before pre-school. I am so pleased that they are doing so well and ready and on that note that I only have 17 sleeps to go till the girls start pre-school.

Categories
2 Years and beyond Potty Training

Well Done Lillian

Today after the girls afternoon nap, I found them without their pants and also their nappies. They told me that they wanted them off. Fine, I thought best go get the potties and make sure that they know they are there and to see if we can do more with the toliet training.

Julia did 4 wee wee’s in the potty and Lillian did about 3. Then the big moment arrived. Lillian went and sat on the potty like previously without any guidence from us and she then announced that she did a pooh. Her first pooh in the potty. It was great news.

We were so happy for her and it is a great start and hopfully it will ramp up now that she has done this. Soon no more nappies.

Categories
2 Years and beyond Potty Training Swimming lessons

Big day – Swimming, Snow, and No nappy please!

The girls experiencing snow for the first time
The girls experiencing snow for the first time

Today the girls were off to their swimming lesson. It was a saga to get both the girls organised and especially Julia in her swimmers. She kept on saying “I don’t want to go swimming, I want to stay home!” Oh well, I finally go her dressed in her swimmers and in some clothes and jacket, the same with Lillian. The wind was so loud and fast that it was very scary to hear it in the house, I was not looking forward to going outside at all, although I had to. I was happy that the lesson is only for 30mins and once inside it is nice and warm. Just the issue is
getting to and fro from the car.  To give you an idea of what the temperature was this morning here is the breakdown for temperature and wind speed :

  • Current temp 9.1°C
  • Recorded min: 5°C
  • Recorded max: n/a
  • Feels like: 4.3°C
  • Humidity: 64%
  • Rainfall since 9am: 0.0mm
  • Wind: WNW 50km/h
  • Wind gusts: 89km/h

The girls finished their lesson and wanted to go to the wading pool. They are so much more confident now as they went up to the water that sprays out and put their head under it. They were having a great time. After that we went home as it was just so cold. We all had lunch and off to bed went the girls for their day rest and my chance to do some things for me or housekeeping (oh the joys). As they are not sleeping well together during the day the girls are seperated, one in the porta cot and one in the bedroom, each child has a turn in the porta cot so it is not like a punishment. During my time out, Lillian who was in the lounge room was screaming and crying.  I went in to see what the problem was, I was then told that there was a monster. I cuddled her and told her that I will tell the monster to go away. She liked this idea. However it was not just Lilian who was not happy. Julia was crying and screaming as well. Maybe it was the scary wind.

Decided to get them both up and cuddle them and maybe we should watch a film and then get ready for dinner. However during the nappy change time, I realised it was snowing. Who knew, but it was so cold that I thought it might happen. Oh well, lets get dressed so that we can all go out and experience the snow, it was just flakes but it was coming down and managed to close the highway at Mt Victoria to Lithgow today – http://www.smh.com.au/environment/weather/everything-is-all-white-heavy-snow-falls–in-parts-of-nsw-20110621-1gd5j.html.

Also the other amazing thing that has happened today is that in the change room of the swimming pool, Julia told me that she did not want a nappy on. I tried to fight it at first and then decided to see if she was going to remain dry and clean. She did that until after lunch when we were at home. I took her out of her pants and put her in dora the explorer undies and she was great. A very clever little girl. Also at the pool she used the big toliet like last week and I was so impressed by how well she is doing. Today at home she has kept dry mostly and has used the potty about 4-5 times and done about 3 wees and tried to do a pooh but had an accident. Lilian this afternoon also insisted on having undies on as well and did a wee in the potty. So that is such great news. Nana (my mum) has purchased the girls an Elmo Chicken toy and when they do something amazing in the potty they get to play with it. So this afternoon it was Elmo Chicken, Dancing, Snow, Stickers and many cuddles and kisses to show that they are doing such a great job.

Maybe this is the start of no nappies??? I have always been told that the child will let you know. Maybe this is Julia saying I don’t want to wear a nappy anymore? I was so focused on trying to get them potty trained that it was not working, that I have just given up and done things in small stages. Currently they have been doing it when they want to, and Julia has been more interested than Lilian other than today. I was so amazed and taken a back that I did not know what to say. I suppose I just have to keep plodding along to see if this works and maybe by 3 years of age, the girls will be potty trained. Well I can hope, but with the warmer weather again, I was going to make a bigger effort again. Problem is that I don’t want to push to hard that it does not help the training effort, So I am very pleased about today and it all came from Julia and also Lillian.

 

Categories
Potty Training Swimming lessons

Wet and off to swimming lessons

Today it is cold, foggy and pouring with rain, and yes I have to go out with the girls. We are off to swimming lessons.  I was good today, managed to get there on time. It is hard to find a park near the centre, and manage to get yourself and 2 kids into the pool centre in one piece. Thanks to the show Peper Pig the girls are trying to run off to jump in muddy puddles. All not good when you are trying to hold hands of 2 kids, have rain pouring down and have a backback plus a bag for the towels. It was 6 degrees but felt like 3 degrees this morning when we left for the pool. If it were not for kids I would still be in bed, snuggled up with my doona and having a nice rest and much needed sleep. Oh well, we all managed to get inside without much fuss today, which was good. Not like previous weeks.

The girls are doing so well at swimming, no floaties just back boards. They are kicking and now Tanya their instructor is trying to teach them the arm movements for a free style stroke. Julia did more than Lillian but it is a start. Also Julia blows the bubbles and seems to be happier about putting her head in the water.

The girls at their swimming lessons

After the swim the girls and I were in the change room and from last week I noticed that they seem to want to go to the toliet after swimming. So asked if they needed help with the big toliet. Julia wanted to go and wanted some assistance to sit on it but managed to hang on herself. So that was great, was pleased with that. Then she did a wee wee, Yes, more progress. Asked if Lillian wanted to go on the toliet as well and she said, “No, did a wee wee in my nappy”,”O>k,, would you need to do anything else”, I said, “No mummy”answered Lillian. So shower, change of clothes and off to Kid Kingdom with a mate from swimming lessons. The girls looked so tired when we got home.

They had lunch, some milk and now afternoon nap time. Now it is my turn to do some work for at least an hour or so. My last university assignment for the semester. Need to get cracking it is due on the 19th of June, 2011.  Crossing fingers I do well. We will see.

Categories
Potty Training

Getting there

This morning Julia insisted on going to the big big toliet to give it all another go. We sat there for a while and she did a wee wee. I was very impressed and happy. I was not sure how much longer we were going to sit there but it seemed to be a quick event. I owe her stickers for the last 2 times  so will put that on her chart. Wan’t to do it later that night, but want her to see it and get motivated to get more stickers. So have waited.

Categories
Potty Training

I want to do a pooh mummy

I  know too much info about bodily functions but it is exciting that the nappies soon might be a thing of the past.  Julia tonight insisted on going on the big big toliet as she calls it before bed. She was very insistant on doing a pooh. She did a wee wee, but after about 20mins nothing happened.

The only activity that seemed to happen was playing with toliet paper and pretending that she was busy doing things with it. I was just concerned that she did not fall off.  I sat with her for a while and then had to call it quits as Lillian was in bed and so should Julia as well. However the dilema was, maybe she would do the pooh and if I put her into a nappy maybe she would do it there rather than in the toliet.

I took my chances and told her that she can let me know to change the nappy if that happens. Seemed to work out o.k, she went to sleep and have not heard a peep out of her.

Just so pleased that she is doing this on her own. Still hoping that Lillian will follow and I am sure it will happen. I also would like more regualrity of going to the loo. Seems to happen when she wants to, not when she needs to. So early days still, however it is good that she is wanting to do it.

Mum (their Nana) has an Elmo toy that is dressed as a chicken and does the chicken dance. This will get played to them as a good job, well done congrats after they do something on the potty or on the big big toliet. We will see. Hoping that this will work.

I will keep you all up to date on the outcome. I know, maybe you can live without knowing.

Categories
Potty Training

More success – Slow going

Lately the girls have been having a shower with me (mummy), as it gives them a wash and I also get a shower too.  After this has occured and we are on our way to get into dry, fresh clothes Julia has done a wee wee. I explained that she can use the potty that I have all ready to go in the hall way just in case. I know sounds terrbile. But they are clean and as you expect with 2 little people you cannot know when you will need it. Also as I am wanting them to go to the potty and eventually get out of nappies, I want to get them used to doing it then graduate to the toliet.

To my amazement, Julia then took it upon herself to get the potty and do the rest of the wee wee in the potty. She was very pleased with herself and was rewarded with a sticker for her potty chart. She currently now has more stickers than Lillian. Lillian did sit on the potty today and the last couple of days when this happened, but nothing eventuated. I still think that it was a good try and the more it happens, the more likely it is that something will happen.

I was stressed out before and worried that the girls will not be toilet trained by 3 years of age, the reason I want that to be the magic number is the girls can then attend pre-school. Once enrolled in pre-school I have some more time for me, or anything else I may want to do. Even if it is probably cleaning.

I am just very pleased and proud that since I have backed off a bit, she is doing it on her own accord. Will see if it happens more often and if Lillian continues to follow. I can only keep on trying and see what happens.

Categories
2 Years and beyond Potty Training

I wanta go to school mummy

Lillian keeps on telling me that she wants to go to school. For the past month or so, this has been one of her wants. Aside from going to the park.

I tell her and her sister, Julia that if you both want to go to school that you need to be potty trained. This leads to them not listening and me thinking how can I get them potty trained by 3 years of age. The reason that I am wanting them both potty trained by 3 years of age is that they can start pre-school. This would give me some more time to myself to do study, sewing, cleaning or maybe have some unique time to myself.  When Lillian and then Julia comment on wanting to go to school, I say that I want them to go as well.

The hard part now is to work on getting 2 kids potty trained in the lead up to a cold winter. Currently the temperature has dropped and I started the training yet again, I know it was partial training as the afternoon they had nappies on for their nap. However nap is a loose word as no napping took place. It was more like a play time with the door closed, so that mummy could get lunch and be childless for a couple of hours.

I attempted to use the terry towling pants to at least show the child that they are wet and need to go in the potty. This just led to wee’s happening in the living room, plus a poo but it was caught by the terry towling pants. I am aiming to do more on the weekend. I just find it so hard as we go out often and we live a while away from places so we need to travel. To do this we put the girls in nappies, so the training will have to stop.

I am keen to get them out of nappies but it is a lot of work. Monitoring them while they are in their pants not nappies and making them go on their potty.  However I need them trained up or no school….talk about pressure.

The girls I thought were ready from 12mths on, however they are still missing a key ingredient, sitting on the potty for any length of time and telling you when they need to go. Any suggestions on ways to do it? Have been thinking of implementing a chart with stickers and stamps as rewards. Will let you know how the chart and sticker reward system goes.

I know it will happen eventually, but I am keen to have some time for me and I feel it will help my girls to go to pre-school.