Today my heart filled with pride and joy as my son, the difficult potty-trainee, not only stayed dry while we were out today, but told me that he had to go potty without being prompted! (FYI I went to the Outlet Mall, into Osh Kosh, Carter's, Old Navy and Gap and did not buy one single thing.) On top of that, he then stayed dry for his nap time. I know, I know...if I weren't a mother and going through it myself, I would think this is a ridiculous thing for someone to write about, let alone feel such pride. However, this is a skill that we have been working at for a very long time. Much longer than I care to recount. I had a plan for Cameron. I would not spend 6 months to a year potty training him, I would wait until I was "sure" he was ready and stay home for 2 weeks and get it done. Um, well, not even close. I wasn't ever sure if he was ready. He showed some signs, and showed some interest, but then he suddenly totally regressed. He wanted nothing to do with the potty and not because he couldn't, but because he didn't want to. I'll spare you the rivoting details, but it's been a long road. Now he has a definite routine with the potty, starting with the phrase, "Mom, I want to stand." As if I would protest. Go for it, kid! Just hit your mark, make the bubbles and we are all good. I don't know why he says it every time, but he does. We discovered yesterday that he LOVES marshmellows. We were using M&M's like everyone else as a reward, but I ran out. The only thing I could offer was a marshmallow...and a loyal, enthusiastic pee-er and pooper was born. He'll do anything for that darn marshmellow--even eat his dinner. I am going to bow down to the marshmallow god and celebrate with a couple of s'mores. (benefit of having a wood burning stove!) Tomorrow is his first day at his "new school" so we'll see how it goes. Keep your fingers crossed and pop a 'mallow!