Potty Update

Thank goodness for "Potty Time" and our babysitter. Combining sign language with a sitter that I consider to be a "Baby Whisperer," Lydia continues to make gains with Potty Training. She is in Underpants full-time during the day and a pull-up at night time for accidents. She has been waking up dry the past couple days. I am hoping to make it over the hurdle to full-time potty trained. Just with any other 'initiative" with Lydia, books have been essential for teaching her the appropriate behavior. Reading books and potty training has really helped. However, just like every other 'initiative' Lydia also performs in her own time and in her own way. Thus, when Lydia was ready, she was ready, and not a second before that. She is out a potty routine that keeps her dry during the day if we initiate strategic potty breaks and encourage her. She no longer requires a 'reward' for pottying. Gummy bears were like gold in our house before that happened.

In addition to the potty routine, Lydia is diligent about washing her hands before and after dinner and potty time. She is also growing more independent with brushing her teeth and other self-care tasks. If you are around during morning time, you would often hear, "MYSELF!" She wants to do EVERYTHING herself. We are patient with her and are really trying to raise a toddler with strong self-worth and independence. We praise her process and persistence for tasks! It would be nice to sometimes be able to dress her quickly and without resistance, but I also see her growing and maturing in her self-care skills.