Last week was a rough week for Bean. I’m not entirely sure what was going on, but she was awfully needy and she was doing that great toddler thing where nothing would make her happy – not even getting what she wanted (and then didn’t want). There were crying fits, and tantrums, and whining and more crying fits. By Saturday night I’d had enough of it. I tried a new tactic. She was lying on the floor in the middle of a crying fit. I laid down next to her. And asked what was going on. She insisted that she didn’t want to wear a diaper. Ever. Again. (mama smiles on the inside)
Being bedtime, I wasn’t sure if it was a good idea. But then, I have been trying to get her to this point for ages. So I jumped on it. She wore big kid underpants to bed Saturday night. And I put a waterproof pad on her bed. And it stayed dry all night! First thing in the morning she wet it, but that’s okay.
It’s now Monday morning, and she hasn’t worn a diaper or pull-up in about 38 hours. There have been plenty of accidents, but she’s telling us when she needs to go (sometimes), and she’s perfectly happy to try the potty at regular intervals even if she doesn’t feel like she needs to go. And when she has an accident, she isn’t traumatized! And she doesn’t insist on going back to diapers! This is one happy mama.
It’s funny. This is the same way she quit nursing. She’d been rejecting it periodically for a while – her way of struggling with the issue. Then one day every time I tried to latch her on she bit me. Every time. Multiple times. She refused to nurse. For 4 straight days. Then I took the hint. And that was it – she never wanted to nurse again. (sigh.) I have to say, giving up diapers cold turkey was a much happier occasion for me! I just hope Little Man gives up his binky that way! (I’m sure I won’t be that lucky though!)
To celebrate independence from diapers we went out for ice cream yesterday. That was for her. I think I’ll treat myself to a margarita when all this is done!
