Potty Training For The Win!

We did it!!!

I don't want to get too cocky, or I have a feeling this thing I going to turn around and bite me in the butt, but I really think we have gotten over the worst of it.  I think it is safe to say, that for the most part, 

Clark is POTTY TRAINED!!!

We had a few really bad days.  We had to completely take him off of his video games, which he was really sad about.  And for awhile there I was so ready to give up and try again next year, I just didn't think he was getting it.  Then one day it clicked, and he went, all by himself actually.  In fact most of the time he would rather go alone, without telling me.  I think he hated me nagging him all the time, and it was embarrassing for him.  We have been accident free for 5 days now!!!  

He acts like such a big boy now.  Every time I see him go to the bathroom I get so proud of him.  I don't even have to fake the excitement and joy that I show during the "Hooray You Went Potty Dance" that we do every time he is done. 

 We still keep him in pull-ups at night, only because me (and a couple of my brothers or sisters) were long time bed wetters, and I am 7 months pregnant, I don't want to climb to the top bunk and change the sheets everyday.  If he can wake up dry for a few weeks in a row, then I will stop putting him in pull-ups, but for now it works.  

And I couldn't be happier.

Here Clark is doing one of his new Star Wars puzzles. 

He would get a prize every time he went pooh in the potty.  That was the biggest hurdle for us.  He was really afraid and nervous to go.  Most of the literature I read, to prepared myself for training him, said not to bribe him with toys or treats to make him go.  I could give him a prize after, but I wasn't to say "If you go, you get this...".  Well, let me tell you.  That is what actually worked.  He wanted his army guys and Star Wars puzzle really really bad, so he finally went pooh (NOT in his underwear).  Shame, disappointment and bribery... that is what finally worked for us.  I tried days and days of positive reinforcement (and trying not to get upset when he peed on the floor for the 30th time), he had nothing to work for if I was already happy. 

Regardless of the how or why, we did it.  And I am so very proud of my big boy!