Adventures in Bennionland

As (almost) every parent knows potty training is an interesting process. You have to wait until your child displays the *signs* that they are ready to train, you have to decide on a potty training method, and then you have to begin.

With Walker this has been a really trying process for me. Will was a little bit older and a little bit more verbal than Walker so, while it was expensive, it was quicker and easier. Walker is the kind of child who reacts so much to my energy and my moods that if I am the least bit rushed, he’ll slow right on down.

So the last few weeks have been filled with highs and lows. I really thought we got the hang of it last Wednesday when Walker came running down the hall to tell me he needed to go ‘poo-poo’. When we rushed into the bathroom I realized that he had already gone potty in his pants. I had to remind myself that he at least told me and that was a step…but my patience wasn’t all that thrilled.

What I realized the other day made me remember that in the moment of frustration with our kids we often miss the magic. For example, as I sit 15 – 20 minutes in the bathroom waiting for Walker to do his stuff I often read him stories, ask him about his life, and have great conversations! Given his busy nature these moments do not happen a lot in other circumstances.

I took full advantage of this time on Monday. We talked and talked. In fact he did not want to get off of the potty – I think he too realized the importance of the time with just Mom. 1/2 way through the ‘event’ I got the camera. I had been asking him about colors that he likes and it was too priceless.

Yes this is a video of my kid on the potty. Yes he does have a sucker (it was a last ditch attempt to get him to STAY on the potty). Enjoy:

(The event depicted in this blog originally occurred on Friday January 6th, 2008. All people in this blog are real.)

We are so fortunate to have a wonderful dental hygienist in our family! Our GreatAunt Patti made it so easy for the boys to have their teeth cleaned for the first time. She let them explore the office, the tools, and even the electrical equipment. In the end it made everyone more comfortable to have their very 1st dental check-up!

* Will has been sick (again) for the past couple of days. Poor guy. He does love the extra attention though.

* Walker is off the binky! My Dad started in on Friday when he just put him to bed without it – and succeeded! When he asks for it, which is relatively rare, I tell him that his binkies have moved on to a new baby who needs them. That usually works though one time Walker retorted with ‘Mom. I need to lay in my crib. I’m a baby.’ Yeah, he’s smarter than me already.

* According to my iPod** the most frequently played song is (drum roll please): ‘Eric Singing the Lullabies’. It has been played an amazing 5, 895 times. No I’m not grooving to the sounds of Eric singing Once There Was a Snowman – we play it when the boys go to bed sometimes. 5,895 times evidently. The closest ones to that are ‘Grace Kelly’ – Mika (34 plays), ‘Sin Sin Sin’ – Robbie Williams (32 plays), and ‘Credits’ – Dario Marianelli/Pride & prejudice Soundtrack (30 plays).

* We are potty training Walker right now and have managed (cross your fingers) NOT to flush any underbunders down the toilet.

* Two favorite words in our house right now are Will’s ‘eitherwise’ and Walker’s ‘Timpanogos’.

* We decided to hold our annual Chinese New Year party again this year! If you are in the same general area that we are and would like to come – we’d love it. Just let me know. (February 16th @ 5:30pm)

* Will likes to furrow his brow and pretend to be mad. He’s often asking ‘Do you understand what I am saying Mom/Dad?’

* Walker is already a teenager. He blatantly refuses to do things, gives you an evil eye, and is often running into runs and slamming doors. Hum…

Speaking of potty training my sister-in-law Ali sent us this video link. It is hilarious! I’ve also included the second one where they discuss

Japanese Potty Training Video: At Home
(use of a minor swear word in the subtitles – probably not for readers!!)

Japanese Potty Training Video: In Public
(use of ‘s’ swear word in the subtitles – for adult laughter purposes only!! Plus the squatty-potty would only confuse kids.)

**Happy thoughts and well-wishes are needed for my iPod which is a 1st generation that Eric got while working for Apple. It is slowly ending it’s run. I need it last a few more months.**