Gurlll..your face may look like Daddy's but your butt is all Mommy.

I went into the weekend like a soldier with a task that would get done.  I felt the time was right.  At 2 years and 8 months, I thought it was time to get Rachel out of diapers.  I was going to get my Rachel Ru on the potty this weekend and she was going to use it with success.

As I explained this process to a childless co-worker (who is practically a child himself), this happens in two steps.  Peeing first, and then pooping.  This never happens at the same time.  Right now pooping is a pipe dream.  I believe that while I can get Rachel to pee in the potty now, I truly understand that I have several more weeks of Rachel hiding behind the ottoman and loading up her pants.  Small steps...

Prior to this weekend, Rachel had not exactly used the royal throne.  She sat on it willingly and wanted to wear big girl undies over her diapers.  She had friends that were out of diapers and I was hoping for a little peer pressure.  With this, I bought a reward (Dum-Dum Lollipops) and moved the little plastic potty to the living room.  I wanted to make sure that it was in the central room so when it was time, it was easy to get to and on.

On Saturday around 7:00 am, I put Rachel in just in her undies...no diaper.  I showed her where the potty was and explained when she has to go, this is where it's done.  Also, I made her sit on the potty every 20 minutes.  And just to be on the safe side, I put "pee pads" all over the first floor--area rugs, furniture, etc.  These pads were given to Rachel by my mom's old dog, Oliver.  Avoiding accidents are not his strong suit and, honestly, I was now treating Rachel like an old leaky dog.

I did get a little nervous when she wouldn't sit down (on the potty) for very long.  I got the impression that she thought that this was the way (going to the bathroom) was done...all she needed was just a couple of seconds.  That is optimistic Rachel.  If that was the case, there would never be a line to the ladies room.  I did try to help her and she claimed that she could do it herself.  I did have to chuckle when she had a hard time getting her big girl undies over her big ol' butt.  Gurlll..your face may look like Daddy's but your butt is all Mommy.

After the seventh seating of the potty, nothing has happened.  Ten minutes later, from the family room, I heard a wail.  Rachel comes out to meet me and she is very, very wet and very, very upset.  Mentally, I am rubbing my hands together with glee. Shame, she feels shame.  Well, I hope she feels shame.  With her crying, I am not sure if it's shame or that I, her minion, isn't moving fast enough to get her into dry pants.  

And then there was a second accident.  Ching tried to explain to Rachel, what she needed to say when she has to pee.  Hoping to hear "potty", we don't.  She says, "thank you."  This is probably the only time when hearing her say "thank you" panicked us a bit.

After the third accident without any mention that she has to pee, we decided to shelve the attempt of trying to get Rachel out of diapers.  It was about noon.  This Saturday wasn't her time.  We'll try again in about a month or two.  I put the lollipops away and treated myself to a trip to Costco and bought another $50 of diapers and wipes.

To Be Continued...