Potty training: 101

Avery first used a potty when she was 15 months old. It was a fluke, but she did, nonetheless. We tried again months later and she didn't have much interest. This was all with her pink, princess potty seat that plays music when "deposits" are made into it. A few months before her 2nd birthday, she became very aware of her wet diapers and knew she didn't like it. She would beg to be changed. We got her a Dora seat that sits on a regular toilet and we had a bit of luck. Several weeks ago we picked up some Princess and Dora "big girl underwear" and had even more success. She did have a couple accidents which completely unnerved her. And then she stopped. She wanted nothing to do with any of it. If we asked her what she wanted to wear, she'd say a diaper. "But Avery, what about your Dora underwear?" Her reply, "Later." Ok, so we waited until later.

Last weekend I had to bribe her with a donut just to put them on. But it worked and she's been dry ever since. 7 days and counting! It's like it just clicked for her. We started out by asking her every 20 minutes if she needed to go and she would tell us one way or the other. Now, she just gives us a frustrated "no!" instead, but will actually approach us when she needs to. She's even stayed dry at her sitter's house all week. Diapers are still a must when she's sleeping or if we head out for awhile, but we've made progress! The candy rewards help, too!

Next up- how to leave the house for more than 20 minutes, nighttime, and dealing with public toilets. Ick.

Way to go, Avery!!

(I have a pretty cute picture of Avery on her Dora seat but I won't be posting it because 1.)Avery would be humiliated in 12 years, and 2.)it would feel a bit odd doing so.)