The Hardest Job Ever and Then I Discovered I'd Had the Easy Button The Whole Time

Following the tradition set by our Bye-Bye, Pacifier adventure, Bye-Bye, Diapers day took place August 3rd. Daisy didn't approach this adventure with quite as much enthusiasm. Maybe, she's beginning to understand that these Bye-Bye adventures mean her loosing something. Hmm...

I had tried to potty train Daisy twice before, but I did so very halfheartedly. The first time she was barely two years old and she just wasn't ready. The second time I tried to take the less messy route. I'd read on some one's blog (wish I could remember where!) to put on real undies with a pull-up over. The child was supposed to be able to feel wet if they had an accident but there wouldn't be a huge mess to clean up. BRILLIANT! Or so I thought. Yeah, Daisy didn't even realize she was wet-sigh.

I tried the pull-up over panties ONE last time as we began our recent potty training attempt earlier this month. Didn't work the first time, not sure why I thought it'd work the second time. Anyway, after two weeks of frustration and wanting to pull my hair out, I finally ditched the pull ups and just left her in panties. Novel idea, I know.

I cleaned up countless puddles and uttered countless prayers for the first few days. And then, Daisy actually made it into the bathroom before having an accident (We have linoleum in our bathroom. Not having to scrub the carpet is a beautiful thing!) Then, the next day, she made it to the potty each and every time. My carpet cleaner sat untouched in the corner (except for when Hubby spilled his coffee in the hallway-ahem).

Daisy hasn't had an accident in over 36 hours. She's been able to stay dry at nap time and while we were playing at the park. She is amazing. I'm the one who feels like a failure.

How difficult I made all this for her. I wanted so badly for this to be easy on me that I made it a nightmare for her. It's only by the grace of God that she's mostly trained at this point. Because if I got what I deserved, I would still be cleaning up puddles.

My sweet Daisy, should you ever read this post, please know how deeply sorry I am for the stress and heartache I caused you. I'm sorry I didn't give you the opportunity to figure the whole thing out right from the beginning. I'm sorry I rolled my eyes as I scrubbed the living room carpet for the sixth time on Wednesday. Please forgive me for not believing in you, and your abilities. I'm thankful that you still seem to love me unconditionally even after all this madness. Or is it because a successful trip to the potty earns you two M&Ms? I love you, my darling, and congratulations on a job well done.