Denial

About two weeks ago when I picked Liam up from school, one of his teachers pulled me aside for…a talk. “ Oh no,” I thought.  What had my child done to warrant me being called into the figurative principal’s office.  As it turns out it was nothing.  His teachers believe that Liam is ready to start potty training.  Her comment left me a little dumbstruck.  I mean, Liam didn’t crawl until 10 months old, walk until 14 months old, etc.  I had come to the conclusion that he was going to be a late bloomer in this area as well.  So it floored me that they were ready to potty train him.   And even more shocked at their motives.  They wanted to train him…because he is “ready.”  Only one other child in the class is potty training so it is not about peer pressure.  But I guess that he has been showing all the signs. 

So over that weekend I went and bought him many pairs of big boy underwear, an attachable training seat, reward stickers and a small package of Pull-Ups. I packed 6 extra pairs of complete clothes for school and sent an extra pair of shoes.  The other thing is that his school doesn’t believe in transitioning from diapers to Pull-Ups.  They are used just for nap time.  They even sent his diapers home with me!  I have been having heart palpitations over this whole thing (perhaps they are in my head).  I thought there was no way that Liam was ready.  I mean, I am not even ready.  I thought I would have time to read books and articles, ask other moms for their advice, write a mini-thesis on what my plan of attack was going to be.  And I had hoped that he would be trained before Fonzerella came, but I had no idea it would be this soon. 

Still, I thought, they don’t know my baby like I do.  This won’t take.  On day one of PT at school: one accident.  Day two was a little shakier.  Day 3: No accidents, just slightly missing the toilet which required a change in clothes.  Day 4: Poop accident (I guess pooping is a whole other battle).  So maybe my baby is more ready than I gave him credit for.  It is bittersweet to see him growing into such a little man.  But the thought of one less diaper to change is definitely welcome news!