Day 61

Surprisingly this weekend turned out to be rather successful with EC. Not much new to report so I'll take a trip down 'memory' lane for those of you who are new followers to this blog.

Joe and I decided to begin EC when Annie was about 11 weeks old. At first we were very overwhelmed but read Diaper Free by Ingrid Bauer and got our start. To start using the cue words of "pee pee" and "poo poo" I kept Annie without a diaper for the first few mornings of practice. After she would eat I would sit with her real close to me and notice when she started to pee or poop. I would notice her squirming or fussing when this happened and got to know her signal. Then, as I started to learn her signal I would hold her over her potty (at that time it was a cool whip container) and say the cue words. Eventually our timing would be right and she would pee or poop while we said the cue words. After many days of this, Annie started to understand what it meant to be held in a certain position (squatting) with simultaneously saying the cue word... she would pee (or poop). This is how we got our start using the cue words and positioning.
After a few weeks of this, Annie seemed to understand how wonderful it was to have a dry diaper and that we were paying attention to her elimination signals (thus the term elimination communication). It didn't take long for her to put it all together and to release her bladder/bowel muscles upon hearing the cue word. Now, there are moments when a potty is not readily available to us and one of us has to say the cue word to 'allow' Annie to use her diaper. She is trying hard to keep herself dry... but at four months she's at our mercy.
Of course we have our days when we're slow or tired and EC doesn't go as planned. Call us crazy, nuts, strange, or just plain out of our minds... but we are enjoying this adventure and hope you will continue to join us on our journey.

Stay tuned!



Today I learned: I need to travel down memory lane more often... especially so everyone knows how we started EC.
Diapers saved today =5
Money saved today = $1.00
Money saved to date = $78.40

Day 60

One hour of diaper FREE time today. Yup.. that's right... Annie went without a diaper during a very important hour today. Plus, I found the perfect substitute for undies... bloomers that would be put on over a diaper and under a summer dress. They work GREAT! I don't know why I didn't think of that earlier!!! YEAH!!

Well, like I was saying... she went diaper free for an hour. During that hour she ate, played, and laid on the floor (apparently we were feeling brave). She stopped twice to use the bathroom while eating, once while playing and again while having floor time. It was great for us to see her signals a little better and use cuing to assist her on the potty. Impressive!!! Annie took a nap following her diaper free hour and woke up with a completely dry diaper, soon to be followed by a pee in the potty. AMAZING!
Can you tell I'm excited?!?!?!!! Stay tuned.... the weekend is off to a great start!

Today I learned: Starting regular diaper free time in baby steps... one hour at a time!
Diapers saved today =8
Money saved today = $1.60
Money saved to date = $77.40

Day 59

Nearly two weeks of using the new Baby Bjorn Potty for infants I have only on improvement that could be made. Well, maybe two. First you have to rinse it out yourself, yes silly I know. BUT when you have it full of waste (to put it nicely) you don't want to dump it and rinse it and dump it again. Although is sure beats changing a poopy diaper! The other improvement would be to have grippers on the bottom. We currently have Annie's potty on the counter of the bathroom to save our backs and legs while assisting her to sit on the potty and it slips all over. If Annie moves in the slightest it moves right along with her. Once she's old enough to sit herself we'll move it to the floor for safety reasons. I think on our flooring we'll have the same issue. Perhaps that's a project to work on in the months to come (the potty... not the flooring). Many times today while I thought she was signaling to use the bathroom Annie was just tired and sat on the potty trying to make it move. Thank God for humor on tired Fridays... it made me smile and laugh out loud at how much of a stinker she can be.
This weekend is bound to get better... diaper free time with Daddy home!!! STAY TUNED... I'm planning on posting pictures of our old potty and our new one this weekend!


Today I learned: Even the 'perfect' potty could use some improvements!
Diapers saved today =5
Money saved today = $1.00
Money saved to date = $75.80

Day 58

"Just another day in paradise. My mom and dad have been trying so hard to help me learn how to use the potty. Yes, I say learn because she's not training me... I'm learning a life skill (or so I hear). Well, my mom and dad have tried so hard that some days I like to rebel. Like today. I didn't signal loud when I had to poop. It's been a few days since my mommy has changed a poopy diaper so I thought I'd give her some practice. She didn't like this, but she can't get mad at me for missing my 'signal.' AHH the joys of being four months old! LOVING IT!!!
Then when I was playing on the floor I signaled in a happy way... just to confuse her. My mommy says she's on the look out for the perfect cloth diaper so I can be more comfortable. The diapers they've had on me lately feel like sandpaper. That's part of the reason I don't signal very loudly these days! If I pee in these icky diapers then she'll have to go through them faster. Maybe then, she'll get on it and get me a comfy cloth diaper. But we all know how finding a potty went... it may be a LONG time before I get my comfy diaper.
Oh... I almost forgot to tell you. I'm still impressing my mom and dad by going in my NEW potty! I love the blue color... it really makes my eyes POP! And sitting there is so fun when I get to find my feet and grab at them. Sometimes I kick and kick just to see them in the mirror... pretty cool if you ask me! Well, life continues on the usual route...playing, peeing, pooping and trying to learn this task that seems so easy for adults. It's fun to watch my mom and dad learn along with me! AMAZING what I can teach them at four months... hopefully soon they'll get my lesson and buy me some comfy diapers. Thanks so much for keeping up with me on this journey.... and as always... stay tuned."

Today I learned: Stiff diapers can make wearing no fun and hinder EC.
Diapers saved today =3
Money saved today = $0.60
Money saved to date = $74.80

Day 57

A picture is worth a thousand words is a statement we've all heard from time to time. Today I realized that a look is worth a million words.
I was feeding Annie this morning before work and she would abruptly stop eating. She did this several times and each time I tried to coax her to eat more. Finally after burping her (which was successful) and offering her more food... I took her to the bathroom. She sat right on the "big" toilet (we weren't at home to use her little one) and peed. After a minute, and some cuing, she pooped. I was amazed. She didn't 'signal' to me to use the bathroom, but she sure gave me a look I'll never forget.
On second thought... maybe a look is worth 20 cents in a saved diaper and the work of changing a poopy one and to some... that may be the same as a million words! :)

Today I learned: A look is worth a million words or 20 cents in a saved diaper!
Diapers saved today =3
Money saved today = $0.60
Money saved to date = $74.20

Day 56

When I first started EC with Annie I read that babies were able to release their bladder and bowel muscles on cue, but didn't quite have the muscles needed to "hold it." The honest truth... I didn't believe it was true until I started regular practice of EC. Of course we all think our children are smart and 'the best' and that holds true for Annie. I really thought she was a genius and ahead of the game with being able to pee/poop in a potty. In many ways you could say she is ahead of the game, but this makes me wonder what babies are capable of. If you took a baby that does not practice EC and held him over a potty would he/she be able to release the muscles necessary to pee? I'm assuming, like with most things, practice makes perfect and with enough practice a baby who uses diapers regularly would be able to eliminate in a potty. I guess that's a study I'll have to do one day.
My next question: when do babies become capable of holding it? Picture a little toddler holding it and crossing her legs to not pee her pants... now picture this in infant form. Perhaps that's why babies are not able hold it yet... that would look too ridiculous! As for using their muscles to release elimination... do babies lose this ability and regain it again when it's time to potty train? Or is this ability always present, but as adults we need to recognize it? Something to think about...


Today I learned: Annie has more control over elimination than I ever imagined was possible.
Diapers saved today =6
Money saved today = $1.20
Money saved to date = $73.60

Day 55

I heard somewhere that it takes 6 weeks for daily practice of a new task to become habit. Did the person who came up with this theory ever test it on an infant? My guess would be no. After nearly 8 weeks of EC (boy it seems like a lot longer) it hasn't quite yet become habit for Annie. I'm hoping after 12 weeks we'll be closer to making this a habit, but I guess we'll see in four weeks. It amazes me how much EC has become part of my daily routine, however Annie has not yet realized how to make us understand her signal each time she needs to void. I suppose it's much like training a toddler who doesn't always get to the bathroom right away but I hope I'll never have to find out if it's like that. :)
Yes, this EC stuff it difficult and time consuming and we are hoping it becomes a habit really quickly... but it is also rewarding! After nearly 8 weeks of EC Annie has become a happier baby and hates a wet/dirty diaper. The only time she'll sit in a wet or dirty diaper is when she's asleep at night... she just doesn't want to wake up to go. Do you blame her? All other times she wakes up or cries until we change her or take her to her potty. So, I guess in part she has made EC a habit... now she just needs to make using her potty a habit. Stay tuned... the search for cloth diapers begins!


Today I learned: Maybe it takes longer than 6 weeks to form a habit.
Diapers saved today =4
Money saved today = $0.80
Money saved to date = $72.40

Day 54

Lately we've had to overcome a MAJOR obstacle in the world of EC. Annie seems to have a hard time pooping on her potty. She has to go but can't manage to get the job done unless she's eating. You could say you could put her on the potty while she's eating, but that would be gross. SO instead we opt for her diaper and use of cue words to encourage her to go while eating. Today she had a breakthrough!!! She signaled and was able to use her potty!!!! AMAZING!!!
Yes, these are the things we get excited about on a Sunday afternoon!!! More excitement is sure to come with this new week... stay tuned!


Today I learned: Pooping in the potty is SO exciting for Annie...plus less mess.
Diapers saved today =5
Money saved today = $1.00
Money saved to date = $71.60

Day 53

Transitions, have you ever thought about all the transitions in your life? I was thinking today along these lines and thought off all the transitions children (specifically Annie) will make in her first year of life.
First, there is the transition from living inside a warm cozy nest of your mother to the real, cold bright world. Then of course comes the transition of eating milk, breast or formula, following with transition to an occasional bottle for Annie. Next is the transition of wearing clothing and being wrapped in blankets. Annie didn't like this transition because she wanted her arms free, no swaddling for her. Following the stay in the hospital Annie had to transition to the outside weather, the car, and then her new home. She slept in her bassinet at first, then on Joe or I, tried out her bouncy and swing for sleep and now we are attempting her crib. (Wish us luck) Of course there is the transition eventually from liquids to solids, or cereal. From cereal to vegetables, vegetables to fruit, fruit to finger food, and finger food to table grown up food. Clothes are another transition...especially in size and style. As a newborn Annie mainly wore sleep sacks, then sleepers, then comfy fleece, now she wears jeans on occasion. I almost forgot... TOYS. Annie transitioned from loving to play with her hands to using her hands to pick up her favorite rattle, then ball, now doll. And the infamous sleep transition...when she was first born she slept all the time when she wasn't eating. Now she likes to stay awake and only nap once or twice during the day. Let's not forget the position transition, needing to have support at all times under her head to being able to hold up her own head, roll over, sit up on her own, eventually crawl and ultimately walk.
Last, but certainly not least is the transition from diapers to toilet/underwear. Most families don't begin this transition until into age 2 or even later. As a family that practices EC this transition also occurs in the first year of life. Annie has learned what her potty is for, uses it when given the opportunity, and enjoys being diaper free.
With all these transitions it amazes me that Annie is not confused! Or if she is she hides it well... how do babies know what's next? Is Annie really that trusting of us to count on us to introduce the right transitions to her? I hope she continues to trust us as we transition her through all the milestones in life. What will be next... stay tuned!


Today I learned: Babies go through many transitions, most of them in the first year.
Diapers saved today =7
Money saved today = $1.40
Money saved to date = $70.60

Day 52

Have you ever wondered how babies can get what they want? I sat in wonder throughout the day thinking how clever Annie is in getting her way. Of course she's spoiled, that goes without saying. She's too cute (and young) not to be spoiled...for now. Surprisingly that's not how she gets everything her way. When she's tired she cries to eat before falling asleep. Hungry... whines until she eats. Full.. squirms and cries until her diaper is taken off and she is taken to her potty. Yes, I realize she is only 4 months old and running our life... but isn't that what children are supposed to do every now and then? We make sure her basic needs are met, which they are, and then we do everything in our power to make sure she doesn't fuss.
Annie is on top of the world most days and the happiest of babies! She truly enjoys getting her way (what person wouldn't) and loves every second we adjust to help her stop fussing. It is unbelievable how they learn at such a young age how to get their needs met and ensure they are kept happy. Especially when it comes to EC... Annie makes sure she is kept clean, dry, and as a result...HAPPY!



Today I learned: It's amazing how young Annie has learned what it takes to make her happy and how to get there!
Diapers saved today =6
Money saved today = $1.20
Money saved to date = $69.20

Day 51

Have you ever used a Koala changer? YUCK! The thought of hundreds of babies laying on there to get their pants changed screams germ party! Today while doing some walking at the mall, I was very thankful that Annie uses the potty. At least then she can be held over it without touching anything...the hover technique as we like to call it. It's great! Those changers are nice, but if you don't have sanitizer the thought of putting your baby where other babies are laid with who knows what in their shorts would make me think twice. That's my thought for the day. Thank God for EC!

Today I learned: EC can be beneficial in avoiding germ infested changing stations
Diapers saved today =4
Money saved today = $0.80
Money saved to date = $68.00

Day 50

FIFTY DAYS! WOW! I still can't believe we are doing this and actually being successful at it! Annie is in the swing of things, yet still has her moments at night when she does not signal to go to the bathroom. I guess that's just as well because I like to sleep... selfish I know.
Today I had the revelation that I may switch to cloth diapers this spring. I think it would benefit her more and save us more money. It's pointless for us to buy all these disposable diapers and then perhaps not even use them. Although we aren't quite to that point yet, we will get there soon. My guess is another 50 days and we'll be at the point where she only needs one or two diapers and those will be only at night. My thought with the cloth diapers came as an alternative to tiny underwear. They're much softer than some disposables that feel like sand paper, they would absorb a leak if that were to happen, and we can reuse them for Annie's brothers and sisters. ANYWAY... I found this great cloth diaper brand called g-diapers. I'd love feedback on cloth diapers if any of you have used them. The great part is that we wouldn't need to get the diaper service because most of the time she would use her potty to pee/poop. Well, that's my thought for fifty days of EC! Keep cheering for Annie on this crazy journey...stay tuned!

Today I learned: Never say Never...cloth diapers may be in our future!
Diapers saved today =6
Money saved today = $1.20
Money saved to date = $67.20

Day 49

"Well I finally have a NEW potty. No more cool whip container toilet for me! YEAH!!! I was so excited when the big box came in the mail. I knew it would be something good and these days the good things are for me. So, when my mom pulled out these two blue contraptions I couldn't help but wonder what they were. She explained to me that they were my new toilets. One for upstairs and one for downstairs. Being that I'm 4 months old I just sat there and smiled. It was amazing to me that she actually had them in our house! I had to make sure I wasn't dreaming (which I do a lot of) and cry a little to wake myself up... my mom's been talking about getting me a new potty for weeks now. FINALLY!!!
Let me tell you about these new 'toilets.' They are little (perfect size for us babies under one year), blue in color and even have a shield in the front. I guess I don't need that part but my mom says when I have a little brother someday he'll need it. The potty is perfect for me and I love using it! I feel like I can now be a little more independent because my parents don't have to hold me over a pot to pee. I can sit there and they just make sure I don't fall off! FUN! Today I even woke up from both my naps DRY! Pretty amazing if you ask me. Well, my mom says I should get to bed soon... so I'll try to write again next week. My mom had me diaper free for a little while today, but I didn't like it because it was too cold! I need underwear... but I'm too little. Will someone please tell my mom this should be her next mission? Thanks! Off to bed... stay tuned to my adventure. Before you know it I'll be fully learned in the world of potty!"


Today I learned: There should be a market for underwear under size 2T
Diapers saved today =5
Money saved today = $1.00
Money saved to date = $66.00

Day 48

Usually after a nice weekend of relaxing, we all get a 'case of the Mondays.' Today Annie proved that Mondays can be very productive!!! She was truly on top of her game... Although she was hurting a little today (she got shots this morning), Annie continued to signal and follow right on cue. One time I didn't make it in time and she ended up peeing in her diaper, but to my surprise she waiting until she was brought to her potty to poop. Cool huh? I thought it was pretty cool being that I didn't have to change a poopy diaper! YEAH!
Diaper free time WILL happen tomorrow!!!! Stay tuned.. it's sure to be interesting!


Today I learned: Mondays can be productive!
Diapers saved today =6
Money saved today = $1.20
Money saved to date = $65.00

Day 47

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!! Today marks a few great occasions: our FIRST Valentine's day with Annie, Annie turns four months old, and Annie is loving the fact she doesn't have to pee in a cool whip container anymore!
With the weekend winding down we are relaxing and getting in some fun family time while we can. Annie is all smiles when she is using her new potty, and I'm assuming she is getting excited that someday in the future she will be able to enjoy cool whip without thinking about peeing or pooping. It may take some time (and counseling), but she'll get there... eventually!
Annie continues to give us great signals and when we listen we can truly communicate wonderfully. It's amazing how much she has caught on and how much we are learning to listen to her signals.
Being that I love to save things for scrap booking, I was trying to think of the best way to commemorate the first 45 days of EC. I'm thinking something with Cool whip... perhaps I could make a cake and frost with cool whip? OR maybe even plant something in her old 'potty.' Do you think it would grow better with all that previous fertilizer in it? hmmm... now that's a thought! Let me know if you have any other ideas.... stay tuned!



Today I learned: Four months flies by!
Diapers saved today =7
Money saved today = $1.40
Money saved to date = $63.80

Day 46

Annie is getting used to her new potty. It's quite the adjustment but she's learning quickly. Like I said yesterday, repetition is key! Feeling like a BIG girl is great! Annie is all smiles when we put her on her new potty to pee. She is on top of the world. Now if only she could figure out that she needs to pee on top of this 'world.' Then we'd be in business. Time is on our side... stay tuned.


Today I learned: Doing things the 'grown-up' way can be fun!
Diapers saved today =6
Money saved today = $1.20
Money saved to date = $62.40

Day 45

Annie got an early Valentine's Day gift today...her blue infant potty. Actually she got two of them...one for upstairs and one for downstairs. At first she didn't know what to make of her new gift. She did not want to use it for its intended purpose, rather wanted to see if she could kick to make it move. Annie quickly learned that eventually I would convince her to use the potty even if that meant tricking her the first few times.
So, I held her over the potty a few times and had her go without sitting on it. Success! Then I figured out to get her to pee while sitting on the potty I needed to do the ultimate fake out. Once Annie was in the middle of doing her business I sat her on the potty while she continued to pee. Being the happy girl she is, she giggled and tried to play. Soon she realized it wasn't horrible and perhaps she could get used to it. Annie got acquainted real quick! She has success peeing and even pooping in her new potty. YEAH!!!
Now we need to get her fully accustomed to this new 'toy' she has...repetition is key... stay tuned.


Today I learned: It takes a while to get used to new things in our lives...
Diapers saved today =5
Money saved today = $1.00
Money saved to date = $61.20

Day 44

Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls... let it be known that I have officially purchased the PERFECT infant potty for Annie! After searching high and low for the right potty I have found it. Baby Bjorn Infant potty...and the reviews look GREAT! Some reviews say this potty is too small to train a toddler, these people have complained that this potty is "made for a doll." That's when I knew it will be PERFECT for my little Annie!! She's about doll size, well maybe a BIG doll. In all fairness I think she's the perfect size to try out this potty.
Online shopping is great, but can be very overwhelming. So after hours of searching for the BEST price I finally found a great deal. The only downfall...it only came in blue or white. Considering days when I look at our white toilets and wish they would be another color to better hide the ring they get... you know what I'm talking about... I thought it'd be best to go with the blue potty. Less noticeable stains=less stress for mommy!
Girls can like blue. With her reddish hair, Annie will look great on the blue potty! We can't wait to try it out! It should arrive just in time for Valentine's day!
Now the fun begins... potty training on an actual potty.... stay tuned!


Today I learned: Sometimes waiting to make a purchase turns out for the best!
Diapers saved today =5
Money saved today = $1.00
Money saved to date = $60.20

Day 43

Do girls every stop talking?! Ever since Annie has found her voice she is babbling non-stop. It is so fun to never hear a moment of silence in our house. Today, with all her babbling it was very difficult to determine her cues. Of course I bragged SO much about her yesterday, today was a struggle. I know when there are hard days it's my fault for not listening. When I'm listening all day long it's hard to pick up on a cue for a pee or a poop. Better luck tomorrow is the motto I'm living by.
Today I did see progress with Annie when she is at Nana and Grandpa's. She cries when she is laid down to get her diaper changed, Grandpa thinks it might be because she wants to pee in the potty instead of get her pants changed. We'll see next time... Maybe Annie is learning more than I thought!


Today I learned: Annie controls the situation... even if she doesn't get her way!
Diapers saved today =2
Money saved today = $.40
Money saved to date = $59.20

Day 42

Most successful day of EC yet!!! Annie is truly understanding how AMAZING a dry diaper feels. Today she used her signals more than any other day since we started this process. Annie is beginning to use more of a grunting noise rather than fussing when she needs to use the bathroom. There are times when I take her to the toilet and she doesn't go... I always encourage her and tell her good try. Within a few minutes she grunts or 'yells' again and she goes when I take her. The way Annie communicates is incredible. She is learning how to get my attention in the right way. Does she still cry? OF COURSE she's only a baby... but she is learning when the time is right to cry to use the bathroom and when to coo, yell or grunt to use the bathroom.

As she tries out the different methods of communication I wonder if she senses the mood and changes her signals accordingly. For example, if we are playing having tummy time and she needs to pee or poop she coos or grunts enough so I know she needs a potty break. OR if she has just woken up from a nap she whines a little for me to take her. Then, there are the times when she is tired, hungry, upset, and needs to eliminate and she cries with her big pouty bottom lip. Those times Annie cries right up until she pees... then she is happy. I guess that brings up the question: Do we learn from a very young age how to change our communication signals based on the mood of the situation?
Stay tuned... diaper free hours are yet to come this week.


Today I learned: Annie changes her signal for elimination based on the mood of the situation
Diapers saved today =12
Money saved today = $2.40
Money saved to date = $58.80

Day 41

Embarking on the EC adventure was not easy but with each passing day it gets easier and easier. At first there were moments that I regretted starting EC and in turn regretted starting this blog with a 'promise' to continue EC for one WHOLE YEAR!!! As the days have come and gone I have learned a lot about myself and my darling Annie. Of course there are the teal posts following each blog of what I've learned for the day, but I could write a book full of all the other things not posted that I'm learning.
Don't we all have those things in life that we think are going to be extremely difficult but then becomes second nature. We learn throughout the process so much about ourselves and our family.
Maybe having a child is the start of those things. People all asked us if we were ready to have a baby... how can you ever be ready? So we'd answer that we'd "wing it." There are so many decisions that we make daily for this little person and right away you think you will run her life, quickly to realize she will take over yours! Yes, Annie has taken over our lives and we have learned how to be parents. Some days are easier than others but at the end of the day she still smiles when she looks at us... I would take that as a sign of approval. Is being a mom difficult? YES, it's the hardest job I'll ever LOVE and I truly enjoy every minute of trying to figure it out. Do I think it's extremely difficult... it has it's moments, but most of the time I feel like it's second nature to feed Annie, change her (or now practice EC), play with her, and get her to sleep (which is usually the hardest).
Same with EC, practicing it for 40 days, we have become accustomed to taking her to the bathroom and offering a pee or poop. At first I felt extremely weird about the whole situation... who takes their BABY to pee in the toilet? Now, I wonder why I get strange looks from people when I say 'she just has to go to the bathroom.' Then it hits me... this isn't normal, but for us we wouldn't have it any other way.


Today I learned: Normal is all in the eye of the beholder.
Diapers saved today =6
Money saved today = $1.20
Money saved to date = $56.40

Day 40

A day full of fun! Isn't that what Sundays are good for? Annie experienced new places today along with new toilets! SOOO exciting when you're three months old! Unfortunately we were unable to catch a lot of her pees and poops today due to the places we visited. It's hard to 'quick' take her to the bathroom when you're at a restaurant and you have to bring the diaper bag with 'just in case.' But, we made it a few times. Annie signaled a few times today and I was unable to do anything about except to tell her it was okay to go in her diaper.
It blows my mind that I have to give my infant daughter permission to pee or poop in her diaper when she signals. I guess that's a good thing, it means this EC is more effective than not. This week I am trying my best to have a few goals:
1. Stay diaper free for 2 hours a day for three days
2. Bring Annie to the potty immediately when she signals instead of waiting it out to 'see if it could be something else'
3. Order that infant potty I've been talking about for the past 40 days!

Stay tuned to see my progress with it all.... it should be enjoyable!


Today I learned: Sometimes you have to give your child permission to break the 'rules'
Diapers saved today =3
Money saved today = $.60
Money saved to date = $55.20

Day 39

Are we all just a tad slower on the weekends? Again we ask this question as Annie and I struggle to communicate with each other on this great Saturday. Better luck tomorrow! Stay tuned...


Today I learned: Having a 'lazy' Saturday starts when you're three months old!
Diapers saved today =4
Money saved today = $.80
Money saved to date = $54.60

DAy 38

"What an eventful day! My mom brought me to the Mall of America... and boy what a place. LIGHTS EVERYWHERE... I was in heaven! Lots and lots of shops to look in too, what a crazy place! Nana came with to keep my mom company but I did a pretty good job keeping up with the conversation. Oh and the attention I got from all those strangers... apparently I'm pretty cute. Of course I smiled to appease them and I even giggled at some of the funny things I saw.
The best part was... a NEW toilet to try out! We were in Bloomingdale's and I had to pee so I started to whine and squirm a little in the stroller. Mom thought my pants needed changing and they had this nifty little baby changing area with a sink. Yup... I got my very own sink and needless to say I christened it! It was awesome! Nana was SO impressed and mommy was super proud. It was good to be me, but then again isn't it always good to be me?!
Let me tell you the MOA (as we like to nickname it) was quite the experience. I rode along, slept, and learned how to shop with the best of em. I'm sure I'll have more time and MANY more days to become a savvy shopper. At least I'm getting a feel for how the mall works and how to best navigate such a big place. I'm sure glad I can't walk yet cuz boy would that be tiring. I'm spoiled and was able to ride around like the princess I am just to look at the cute things.
Did you know they even have restaurants in the mall? You would never have to leave if you didn't want to... you could eat all the yummy food, sleep on those benches I saw everywhere, and buy enough clothes to last you through all stages in life. The only thing I didn't see was diapers... lucky for me I don't need many of those... so I could live there no problem. My mommy says to give it about 13 years and I'll really never want to leave... hmmm... I wonder what she means? Well, I best get my rest... who knows what tomorrow will bring. You better stay tuned to find out!"



Today I learned: Even a savvy shopper has to take time out to pee!
Diapers saved today =5
Money saved today = $1.00
Money saved to date = $53.80

Day 37

Another successful day of EC! Annie is using her 'words' more and crying less. I am having so much fun listening to her and communicating with her that each day amazes me. She is continuing to use her cooing words to tell me she needs to use the bathroom. Once in a while (when I don't listen) Annie begins to cry to let me know she needs me to do something for her. This usually happens when I'm busy trying to get something done. BUT she still gets the point across.
Today as I was listening to her new 'words' I couldn't help but wonder if we all change our communication habits daily. Do we phrase things differently to get what we want? Or do we approach situations differently depending on who we are speaking to? As I look back, I think we all do this to some extent. We change our daily communication techniques to best suit the need we have for the moment. Annie learned this early in life, at three months old, she continues to adjust her communication techniques depending if mom is home or if she's trying to win over dad.
It'll be interesting to see what the next 20 years bring and how she changes her communication with all of us....for now we'll concentrate on the next 8 months and how she will communicate her elimination needs to us.
Stay tuned...


Today I learned: We learn at a VERY young age how to get what we need or want!
Diapers saved today =6
Money saved today = $1.20
Money saved to date = $52.80

Day 36

New day calls for new signals. Yes, Annie has officially used her new signals for two days in a row! At first I thought it was a fluke and she didn't really know what she was doing, but now I'm sure. Ever since yesterday she has started to pout (you know, use the big bottom lip technique) when she needs to use the bathroom. Once at the potty she usually goes right away. SO today when I took her and she didn't go right away I said "good try Annie" and took her away from the potty. To my amazement Annie started to cry as if to say "I'm not done mom." I tried holding her over the potty again and she would go right away. She's done this a few times and it's amazing how she is learning new ways to communicate her needs. The more I listen to her the more she communicates with me. I am loving this new way of communicating with Annie, it never gets boring that's for sure. Oh.. and if Ikea doesn't have the PERFECT baby potty I found the one I want at Walmart. It's a frog and small enough for her little bottom... the search continues! Stay tuned...

Today I learned: Communicating with Annie is ever changing... can't wait to see how she'll communicate tomorrow!
Diapers saved today = 5
Money saved today = $1.00
Money saved to date = $51.60

Day 35

Have you ever changed your child's diaper in public? If the answer is 'yes' then you've probably babbled to her while cleaning her up. You know "a-goo" or "bababab" or even "ahg." We've all done it, baby talk in public. Now the question becomes has an innocent bystander walked in to the public bathroom to hear you babbling away only to see your face turn all shades of red? Now imagine that same innocent bystander walk into the public restroom not to hear baby talk, but to hear you say "pee pee" or "go poo poo" to your little baby. Thank God it's behind closed doors! I still wonder what those people think of Joe or I when we take Annie to the bathroom.. and then praise her for her success. I'm sure they all run home to tell their families about the 'crazy' person they encountered in the bathroom at church or at the mall. Yup.. I can hear it now: you'll never guess what happened when I walked into the bathroom at church this morning. That statement is EXTREMELY true, the receiver of that comment more than likely will NEVER guess what happened. So for all of you out there that may walk into a public facility only to hear "go pee pee" you're probably safe to say hi to Annie's mom or dad.



Today I learned: How crazy I sound when I'm practicing EC in a public restroom!
Diapers saved today = 7
Money saved today = $1.40
Money saved to date = $50.60

Day 34

We've all heard the phrase... gas induced smile. Or we've been asked "Is your baby smiling or does she just have gas?" In most instances I'm a firm believer that Annie smiles because she smiles, not because she has gas. That would be a lot of gas for one tiny little girl. Now try taking her to the bathroom by practicing EC and figuring out her smiles.... Does she really just have gas? Or is she smiling because she thinks it's fun? Hmmmm that will make you ponder for a while.

Although gas induced smiles are every bit as cute as real ones, I can't help but laugh when I take Annie to pee or poop. Does she really think this whole thing is funny enough to smile and even giggle at me? Or does she feel SO much better after relieving herself that she smiles?

Time will tell as she gets older, will she continue to smile while using the bathroom... stay tuned!



Today I learned: Hard to determine gas induced smiles vs. real smiles while practicing EC.
Diapers saved today = 3
Money saved today = $0.60
Money saved to date = $49.20