Adventures In Potty Training

Today is the day. I think I can safely say my daughter is potty trained. Of course accidents will happen, and not every day will be perfect. But today I think everything clicked. 

It hasn't been easy. Potty training is hard to do at all, let alone as a single mom with your child all over the place. I'm never sure if the person watching her is helping her use the toilet or not. So as frustrating as it has been for me, I can only imagine what it's been like for her when mommy wants her to use the toilet and somebody else doesn't even bother with it and would rather change her diapers, and somebody else tries sometimes but not always... It's been a mess. BUT. Finally we are here at this proud moment where I'm hoping I can say diapers are done with. 

There's been a few forehead smacking moments along the way for me... (My forehead, of course. Not hers. Haha.)

Like last week. 

I've been basically immobile during the last week and a half due to a torn meniscus and a back injury. I got most of the weekend off work and Averie spent a few days with her dad, but otherwise I have still been taking care of her. Friday (right after I hurt my back) was the worst. 

Averie was at school from 9-3 so I had most of the day to sleep. I sent her to school that morning with a note telling her teachers that she's potty training, and I asked for them to encourage her to use the toilet. When she came home, I could tell they had been! 

She was playing in the living room while I stayed stuck in bed, and suddenly told me she needed to go potty. Oh, the excitement! I helped her take off her leggings and told her to go to the bathroom. She came running back saying she needed the light on, and I told her that mommy has an owie and she could do it by herself. So she ran back. I hear her pushing a chair along the bathroom floor, the click of the lightswitch... and tinkling into the potty! I was so relieved. I have been waiting for this moment for so long. 

So she comes back to my room and tells me she went potty and she needs a new diaper. Generally after she goes potty I let her wear panties instead, but she kept saying she wanted a diaper. I was a little disappointed because diapers are hard to put on when I can't bend my back, but I told her to lay down on my bed while I tried to sit up. 

Then. I see it. Poop. Everywhere. All over her butt and legs. And now smeared across my clean white sheets. 

I'm still surprised at the patience I had as I got up to put her in the bath, called her dad to ask for his help, got her dressed and ready to leave, and then managed to change the sheets. 

Potty training tests patience, for sure. But in a way I think me staying calm that day instilled the confidence in her to continue going by herself, even though she made a mess. Because today, that's what she did. 

I was resting on the couch as she watched Finding Nemo. I've seen it at least 200 times by now, so I fell asleep. I wake up after a few minutes, and I hear her ruffling around in the bathroom. I'm starting to get up to see what she's doing, when I hear her use the toilet. She didn't even come get me for help this time. At all. She pulled up her chair, turned on the light and went potty all by herself. Then she comes in and says "I went pee, give me bones!" So she got a million high fives and fist bumps and then put on a cute pair of panties. 

I am so relieved. Seriously. Not only because changing diapers sucks while my back and knee are messed up, but because it's so much easier to have her using the toilet like a big kid. And diapers stink. And they cost a lot. And I'm beyond done with them. This is the best milestone yet. I'm so proud of my little girl and so happy that she's growing and progressing more each day. She's the sweetest, smartest, cutest little thing. I'm always proud to be her mommy, but today is one of the proudest days yet. 

A little rant.

You know, nothing gives me more motivation than those people who think I'm just a typical teen mom who got pregnant in high school, broke up with the baby daddy, blah blah blah. The only words I have for those people are, "Watch me."

I may not have gone a single day in college. Yes, I'm a single mother. Yes, I work at Jamba Juice and make barely over minimum wage. I may still live at home. I may not own my own car. But watch me. 

In a few months, I'll be the GM of my current store or the brand new store set to open up this year. I'll be making salary, and about the same amount of money as my mother, who has a college degree and has worked for her company for more than ten years. I've worked hard to build good credit, which means I'll qualify for a car and an apartment. And who will be laughing then?

I may not have a typical family. I may not be able to give my daughter everything she wants. But I give her everything she needs, and the best of it. She is in a top rated preschool, for which I pay for entirely. I don't rely on anyone else for money or things I need to take care of her. I support my daughter and myself to the best of my ability, and work hard every single day to make sure I can keep improving our quality of living. Not only do I work hard, but I spend time with my daughter. I sing to her. I read to her. We go to the park. I teach her about good manners. She eats well, most of her meals being organic. I teach her the best things I know to teach her. And I love her. Unconditionally. 

So to anyone who has ever thought I'm that typical deadbeat teen parent, WATCH ME. 

My future husband...

I'll know I've found him when I find a man who makes it fun to do the dishes.