Potty Training

Use your imagination for this visual because I can't show you the picture. A tiny little girl's body is running around the house wearing nothing but a big pink bow. Why? Because that's the way I usually potty train. I let her run as naked as she will in one area of the house, give her lots to drink and keep putting her on the potty. When she is successful, there is lots of cheering. When she isn't, I change my clothes, mop up the floor and try again.

Abigail has been showing signs of being ready for months and I keep putting it off. Now seems to be the time to do the dirty deed. I just don't want to, but it must be done. I'm tired, distracted and would rather be doing anything else. All of the other girls were fairly easy to potty train, some more than others, but I'm sure I don't really remember the exact details. I do remember that I have been successful in as short as a few hours, but that takes a lot of attention. With Abigail, I'm trying to do school, keep up housework and all the other stuff that I do, and forget that I'm much older than I was the last time I did this. (I seem to be blaming my age on a lot of things these days.)

I haven't ever used a lot of prizes or treats, but this afternoon I gave in and tried bribing with M&Ms. Instead of success, Lydia ended the day with a lap full of liquid. She wasn't thrilled, but she was very calm and sweet about it. Tonight, I'm trying to think through what I'm doing wrong. Maybe I'm trying too soon or I'm not paying enough attention. Abigail's a smart little one so maybe she's playing me because it's easier for her to not learn to use the potty. Either way, I'm tired and don't plan to try at all tomorrow. Does anyone want to borrow a little girl and potty train her for me?