Operation: Potty Train - Day Three

Day three consisted of zero, I repeat ZERO accidents. He let me know when he had to "poo-poo" in the potty (he calls both pee-pee and poo-poo the same thing--something we're working on). I did still ask every hour or so just to be sure, but for the most part, I would say he progressed tremendously! We didn't get to play outside with it being so wet and cold, but we did lots more celebrating with Bogey and snacking.

When Jamie got home, we left to make our amazing Kroger run. The rules said that we could leave the house, but he had to wear just loose pants (no underwear, no pull-ups). So we did it. And he did it! I was so proud. I did have a moment of doubt, though...let's just say there was gas involved. But all was well. Now, that would have been a nightmare. So, overall day three was 100% success!

Now, it's Monday (three days later). He will tell us he needs to potty and just has accidents while sleeping. We bought some underwear for the weekends and pull-ups for sleeping (which he LOVES!) He gets upset when I take the pull-ups off and throw them away--good sign. He went to Gi-Gi and Ga-Ga's house today, so some progress was lost, but I feel good about the foundation we've established: he knows to tell us, he knows not to do it if he is bare bottomed, he is eager to potty and receive praise. All in all, those are above and beyond where I wanted him to be. If I were at home to continue reinforcing, I am positive he would be potty trained within a week. I would say that three days really does teach them what to do and helps them understand; however, inconsistency can throw a kink in things. I will continue the bare bottom technique while we are home on weekends, and hit it hard in the summer if needed! The naked technique definitely works! Good job, Aiden!

Adventures in Couponing

Recently, I decided to start couponing. I know now that you can't buy stuff just because you have a coupon. The key is waiting until the item is at a rock bottom price. I found two great website that help me find the best prices, and they even tell me what coupons I need. I posted the links at the bottom of this post in case anyone is interested. My first try was somewhat successful, but nothing to get too ecstatic about. I spent $64 at Kroger on $111 worth of stuff. I know now that I should have thought more about the sets of ten items. Also, I did not have that many coupons at this point, so I didn't have one for every item. But saving $47 was a lot better than I had done in the past.

My next attempt was smaller--CVS. This time, I only purchased items that I had a coupon for and that gave me extra bucks back. I even numbered my transactions (five total). The clerk was so patient and very helpful. It was a very stress free and exciting experience! I got $73 worth of items for $39 plus $2 extra bucks for my next trip. Below is a pic--I was very excited about the Clorox wipes!

I still wasn't saving the thrilling amounts I was aspiring to...you know, like those people on TLC. So I got a little discouraged. I decided I was going to continue to collect more coupons and try when I completely understood the process. That is until I sent Jamie on a Walgreens run for printer ink (kinda used it up printing coupons) when he called to tell me it would be a while. So I searched for some deals that didn't require a coupon. This is what he got: Almay Eyeliner and some plackers ($11) we got $.66 back. Our first MONEYMAKER!!! 

I had told my brother's girlfriend, Kara, who is unbelievably awesome about my new hobby, and she let her unbelievable awesome mom know. Her mom is what I would call a professional couponer. Through emails, she has taught me a lot. I know a better way of thinking about the coupon now. I understood it before, but now it's not as vague. She also hooked me up with a shopping trip's worth of coupons. They all applied to the Kroger mega sale that I mega failed at earlier in the week. Anyway, I took her advice and got a LOAD of Powerade, Vitamin Water, pasta, dip, and cooking creme! It was an unusual shopping trip, buying a few items, but counting by 20s and 30s. Supposedly this is something we'll do every six weeks or so--stock up on super low priced items that you or someone you know will actually use. That's what we did, and it was awesome. Even little man tagged along (diaperless bottom and all!) and didn't whine one bit. It was a double success!

Before coupons/Kroger discounts: $179

Total due: $17
Total Savings: $153!!!
*We had to go back to fix a mistake. Got $10*

And, yes, people stood around to watch the total decrease. And, yes, my husband took pictures. It was our first time, and it was awesome. I can't wait until the next adventure! 

Here's our growing stockpile. Not bad for the first week. Does it make you wanna buy a binder?

:)

www.southernsavers.com

www.couponmom.com

www.faithfulprovisions.com

www.savingwithamy.com

Operation: Potty Train - Day Two

We started the morning like yesterday, celebrated being a BIG BOY and not having to wear a diaper, successfully used the potty before and after breakfast, then periodically throughout the morning. BUT THEN, Ga-Ga came over for a visit. I do believe this threw a kink in things. Not only did it get him out of our established routine, but Ga-Ga gave him no-telling-how-many bite size candy bars. Not good. So let's just say "it" didn't hit the FAN, but it hit the floor. Three times within ten minutes. After Ga-Ga left, of course. Poor little guy. He told me, "belly hurt". So I bit my tongue when I wanted to yell, "NOOO!" Luckily, I'm used to cleaning up after Bogey which didn't freak me out too much, but still not the most pleasant experience. 

The rest of the day (from 11:00 on) went great! No accidents, numerous hits, and lots of celebration and snack rewards (NOT candy). This was something I didn't do as well yesterday. After the "incident", I became discouraged and hit the message boards. The only thing I feel that I did wrong was not going over the top with celebrating hits. I did this all day today! I even let him overhear me bragging to Bogey, "Bogey, guess what Aiden did?! He pee-peed in the potty like a big boy!" This worked like a charm! After that, everytime he used the potty, he'd scream, "BOOOOOOGEY!" That plus the snack rewards kept him coming back for more. He only told me he had to go once, though. This is my fault because I kept telling him to go (I was a little paranoid).

We finally got to go outside and play. He loved it, even though it was significantly colder. He loved having pants on without the diaper like a big boy. I wish it would get warmer for playtime tomorrow, but I'm sure he will enjoy it no matter what. I'd love to make a trip to Kroger to try the Mega Sale again. Not sure if I'm that brave...

I feel excited for tomorrow. I'm going to continue celebrating, snacks, and bragging to Bogey. We won't have any chocolate binges. And I will let go of my control and allow him to tell me he has to potty. We'll see how that goes.

Operation: Potty Train - Day One

Well, the little man is in bed, and Jamie and I are watching a movie. Today was a lot more successful than I had anticipated. He used the potty first thing when he woke up and we celebrated the fact that he didn't have to wear a diaper today. BIG BOY! He acted a little excited, but he didn't act too differently. He ran around playing like his usual self. 

Between 8 and 10 this morning, he had two and a half accidents. The first was precious (or at least the look on his face was, not so much the mess). He was sitting on the ottoman and just looked up at me with the most confused little expression. We went to the potty and he helped me clean it up. The next accident, he stopped and told me and we got to the potty in time. That was impressive. The third happened out of my sight. Surprisingly, he yelled to let me know that it happened and pointed. So honest!

He slept a good two hours and didn't even wet his diaper at all (he can wear a diaper at bedtime and naps). He told me he had to go a couple of times and did. Those were worth all of the clean-ups! He even went no.2 (yep, I went there) in the potty, and never during an accident...AWESOME!

He did have one more accident this evening, but again, there were more "hits" than there were "misses". Overall, I feel so proud and excited for tomorrow. I am especially excited about going outside! I've noticed a little bit of cabin fever this afternoon. I will keep posting progress over the next couple of days. Hopefully, we'll be successful!

I guess I'll throw in a bonus movie review since it's finishing up as I type:

The Tourist - It's okay...a little predictable. NOT action packed like what I expected, but better than TV.

Operation: Potty Train

I have been hearing and reading about this method that teaches your toddler to use the potty within three days! It sounds like one of those too-good-to-be true offers you hear on an infomercial; however, after talking with friends, researching the good 'ole internet, and reading forum after forum, I think it just might work. After thinking and talking about it for a couple of months, I am ready to take the leap. I decided Spring Break would be the best time to do it since, of course, I will be home. 

So here is how it is supposed to go down...

Day one: Let him go naked from the waist down. Watch him closely all day, do not leave the house. When he starts to show signs of having to potty, take him straight there. Give praise for every "hit" and even a salty snack (this makes them more thirsty) which brings me to the last detail--give him lots of diluted juice. During naps, he can wear a diaper. Oh, and let's not forget to keep cleaning supplies within quick reach. Also, let him clean up the mess with you. 

More notes: Don't scold, but remind him to pee-pee/poo-poo in the potty. Tell him, "It's time to go potty!" instead of asking if he has to go--answers will usually be NO. Praise, praise, praise!

Day two: Do the same thing as day one, but take him outside for one hour. BUT he has to use the potty first. This lets him associate going out with pottying--so he'll do it before you leave the house in the future.

Day three: Same as day two, but go out for one hour in the morning and one hour in the afternoon.

I begin this today. I will post the recap after bedtime tonight...

BUM BUM BUUUUMMMMMM!