Thursday, September 5, 2013

McCarthy Potty Training



The summer has flown by and I’ve realized I’ve written very few blog entries. Our days have been busy ~ with work and play and puddle jumping and ice cream eating ~ and I know that the daily routine that we are all victim to grabbed hold of me this summer. Alas, the inspiration for adventure writing has been waning.

But then one day everything changed. Riley went pee-pee in her big-girl potty.
The first time she attempted this new feat, she took out the pot that you go potty in, sat on the seat, and peed on the floor. Although it wasn’t the victory we were hoping for, it was a big step in the right direction and we praised her for her efforts. Yay Riley!

Two days later, Riley announced that she had to go potty, and so I rushed her to her special throne, pulled down her pants and diaper and… whaalaa! Pee-pee in the potty! Perhaps it was too much for her ‘cause we haven’t had another potty victory since, but she continues to announce her pee-pee intentions and even mimics her daddy when she sees him outside in the bushes. Yes, she mimics him.

Now, potty training in the woods provides a special treat for parents. Without the cumbersome rules that society places on people – you know, like “use a toilet to do your business” – us folks in McCarthy get to worry about our youngsters falling into outhouses and pooping in the middle of town in broad daylight. Oh the joys! For example, the other day while in the store, Riley announced that she needed to go potty. Knowing she was equipped with a diaper, and I had my hands full, I didn’t take advantage of this potty-training moment like I should have. Besides, where would she pee? In the bushes?
So I continued grabbing more items and happened to look down at my daughter, who apparently was ready to do business in the store. With her pants around her ankles, she attempted to “walk” around the store while announcing she had to go potty. Alrighty then.
Thank you, Auntie Julie, for documenting this moment! 

After quickly pulling up her pants and paying for my items, we started our walk home. Riley, however, was intent on going potty and began a tearful breakdown in the middle of town. Knowing that “potty” had either A) already happened or B) was just a cool new term to throw around, I found some low shrubbery and said “Ok, let’s do this! Humor me!” Diaper off and pants down to her ankles, Riley laughed and ran away when, to my horror, I realized that she did in fact go potty already. And you know what kind of potty I mean. So… middle of town… broad daylight… half naked child running around with, ehh, dirtiness abounding. Priceless.

Just another day in McCarthy!  




Life is too short to not blow (and eat) bubbles 
Plane ride with mama! 


Giving knuckles to beloved Uncle Colin 





Front yard dance party