No More Nappies?

Tinkerbell, Cinderella and Belle, sparkles, rhinestones and stripes - so many choices, what is a girl to do?  Four and a half years later I'm getting a little tired of plain old white.  I mean really who doesn't want to mix it up every now and again?  Yes, every once and a while we'll get some with Pooh Bear on the butt, but I'm ready for something new, something stylish and cute. 

We're talking diapers here. 

Yes, the pull-ups have a few pictures on them, and also a few purple stars that are supposed to fade when they are wet (although Chelsea's never disappear, even when she's soaked through her clothes!)  I've decided that diapers just aren't that cute on a walking, talking, sassy four year old.  I suppose I could try the new sleek denim diapers.  I wonder if they make them in a big big girl size, like big girl size 6 - kids over 40 pounds ... doubt it.

I will admit it, I'm ordinarily a 'they'll do it when they're ready' kind of girl, but lately gosh darnit, I'm ready!  Doesn't that count for something? 

And I know all the facts. 

Children with Down syndrome have low muscle tone (really?!) ... guess what you need control of before you can use the potty ... yep, your muscles. 

Children also have to be able to understand how to make themselves go, how to empty the blubber (that's bladder in Logan talk). 

And of course my all time favorite, they have to feel uncomfortable when they go in their pants (ya think?)  Guess who could care less? 

Really, I shouldn't complain.  She's actually done very well two of the last three days.  I suspect it's just a tease though, I've been all psyched about buying big girl underwear before.  Last time it was short lived and by day three Chelsea proved that she was nowhere near ready to be let loose into the real world without a pink pull-up riding up her little cheeks. 

But once again these past few days really have me pumped up and ready to ditch the die-die's.   I've even been caught meandering around the underwear aisle of Walmart, day-dreaming about buying new undies for my big girl.  Two days ago she woke up wet, then stayed dry all day until after her nap.  Of course by that evening she was sick and tired of the potty and flat out refused to sit. 

Wednesday wasn't a great day either, but today has more than made up for it.  She did well during the day, but I was particularly pleased when we had a very successful evening out on the town! 

At Red Robin tonight, we made two trips to the ladies room before our food even arrived, and she told me both times that she needed to go.  I usually call her bluff if she asks to go in public more than once, but as soon as she started snacking on fries she jumped up in the booth and I instantly knew the problem.  She gave me those great big "surprise" eyes and with little modesty shouted, "oop!"  Sure enough, she 'ooped' for me!  She pottied again at Walmart and upon returning home tonight - all the while the pull-up remained dry!

I actually bought her some Minnie Mouse undies for Easter when she was two.  They're quite snug on her lil' bootie now, and they're still brand new.  That was way back when.  When I thought maybe, just maybe, my child with Down syndrome would be the one.  You know, the one that did everything right alongside her typical peers.  The one that would be completely potty trained by three.    Looking back I realize why I have so much gray hair.  I may sound like I'm bestowing a great amount of unnecessary drama upon myself and my child, but I'm really not.  I've gotten over the stress of diaper changing in the backseat during a snow storm, at the disgusting grocery store restroom, or in her stroller on a 100 degree summer afternoon. 

I just want to buy cute big girl underwear for my little diva.  Seriously, low-rise hipsters in lime green and pink for a four year old?  I can't wait!  Good-bye Huggies, hello Fruit of the Loom!!!

Clean Cup Please

Last week after days and days of super stinky potty diapers, I took Chelsea to the dr. where they taped a plastic bag to her girl area. I know, sounds horrifying, but when you're not potty trained, that's the only way to get a potty test done. The funny thing is I'm pretty sure I could have that kid potty trained in two days if only I had a dozen of those crazy bags.

We left the doctors office, I put her in the car with the bag in place under her diaper and we went to run an errand, or two. It had been about thirty minutes and she started wiggling, and then whining. There was a sense of urgency.

"Did you potty in the bag?"
"Des."
"You did?! Alright, momma take it off as soon as we get home."

Still not content, she whined and squirmed all the way home (another 8 minutes or so). You're wondering why the time is important aren't you? WELL ...

the little stinker hadn't peed in the bag. She was HOLDING it!!! Can you believe it? Do you know what that means? She's been playing us all!!! In my book that means she knows when she's about to pee, and has the ability to hold it in until we get home!!!

Once we got home of course I was surpised at the empty bag, but I put 2 and 2 together pretty quickly. I asked her if I set her on the toilet if she would pee in the bag for mommy, and she obliged.

Uncomfortable and a little ticked at her mother, she produced just enough for the sample I needed. Once the bag came off, she climbed back and finished emptying her bladder. But the best part of the story is yet to come.

Logan had an appointment that day, so we picked him up and of course he asked me what was in the plastic bag in the front seat.

"Well, it's a cup that sissy had to go potty in."
"Ewww, I'm NEVER drinking out of that cup! Okay mom? Never give me that cup!"
"Okay Logan."

The kid didn't even ask why the heck his sister was peeing in a cup - he was just freaking out about the prospect of having to drink out of it later. That's my Logan!

Oh, in case you were wondering, no she doesn't have an infection. Just stinky pee.

It's Time!

She doesn't want any clothes on, she takes them off, she hates wearing clothes. That's including a diaper. You would think she's wanting to potty train right, ready to just take the plunge and do it! Not so much. But I'm pretty sure her bear is ready. And her baby. And her Teddy. And all of her stuffed animals. Everyone but her. Come on Chelsea, join in the fun .... PLEASE!!!



Of course Chelsea sits close for moral support. Mommy does the same thing when she sits on the big potty and is trying to poop. She's always trying to jump of the toilet, so I hug her to hold her on. She's such a copy cat!