Day 122

As we prepare for the weekend I am determined (yet again) to make the most of the two days we have and try to stay on schedule. Perhaps this will work out this weekend... but then again maybe not. Stay tuned...


Today I learned: With the weekend approaching I need to be prepared to keep a schedule and prepared when the schedule turns out not to be our regular schedule!
Diapers saved today =3
Money saved today = $0.60
Money saved to date = $136.60

Day 121

I often wonder what Annie is thinking throughout the day... does she have thoughts like a grown up or does she think in syllables like goo, ga, ba, ma.. etc? I'm assuming the later but could be completely wrong. Tonight as she was playing I was in awe how she looks at each toy so intently and tries to figure out different thing to do with it. For instance she looks at a toy letter (the mail kind) and turns her wrist to check it out in all directions, then she'll bang it against her toy mail box to see if that makes anything happen. There are times something happens because the mail box falls over and starts to sing, and other times she hits it just right so the mail box stays upright and doesn't make a sound.
After watching this process for a good 5 minutes I couldn't help but wonder if Annie and her mail box are similar to EC and me. There are times when I 'examine' Annie's signals and take her to the bathroom for nothing to happen except her smile and kick her tiny legs. Other times I hear her signal and take her to the bathroom for her to eliminate in all forms. But depending on the day, time and situation I get a different outcome. Somehow I need to figure out how to tell Annie's certain signal to get the outcome of elimination...Stay tuned and wish me luck!



Today I learned: It's fun to try and decode Annie's thoughts!
Diapers saved today =5
Money saved today = $1.00
Money saved to date = $136.00

Day 120

Besides on Sunday, which I'm convinced was a fluke, Annie has yet to poop in her diaper for 6 weeks. Most people wouldn't believe me if they weren't keeping up with my crazy EC tactics... but yes it's amazing! Annie really does not like going in her diaper. She will try and 'hold' it for as long as possible until Joe or I take her to the potty. I'm hoping this isn't just a phase and her being 'poop trained' is the real deal. Wouldn't that be amazing?! To say that our daughter was poop trained by the age of 6 months with accidents few and far between... I could get used to that idea!
Stay tuned..


Today I learned: Even the smelliest things can be of GREAT excitement!
Diapers saved today =3
Money saved today = $0.60
Money saved to date = $135.00

Day 119

The week is off to a great start...Annie continues to signal very well this week. I guess maybe because I'm so determined? Who knows...
Tonight I went out for a few hours with MOMS club. It was so nice to get away and I realized that life continues to go on when I'm gone. Yes, I knew this but you always think that things can't (or more accurately won't) get done when Mom is gone. Well to my great surprise they got done, Annie did great and Joe was the amazing wonder Dad! Although I was only gone a few hours and I'm gone longer than that when I'm at work, it was Daddy's first night time with Annie. She ate, she peed, and they were both wiped out when I got home. I guess this goes to prove... the show does go one when I'm away. They don't need me like I thought they did...but I know they both want me around! :)

Today I learned: Even when I'm away... life goes on.
Diapers saved today =6
Money saved today = $1.20
Money saved to date = $134.40

Day 118

A new week has begun. With new beginnings we have new thoughts as Annie progresses in her EC adventure. Of course I'm on the ever constant 'look out' for the 'perfect' cloth diaper and now that it's getting closer to my 'deadline' I'm wondering if there is such a thing. Do you really think a perfect cloth diaper exists? I mean there are many types of disposables and not one of them seems 'perfect.' After researching cloth diapers I'm finding there are many types of those too... but the question remains: Is there one perfect cloth diaper out there?



Today I learned: Each person's perfect is different... yet still perfect!
Diapers saved today =4
Money saved today = $0.80
Money saved to date = $133.20

Day 117

Well here we are with the weekend almost complete and yet again still trying to cram a couple more days of fun into about 5 hours. Annie was able to spend a lot of time with Grandma and Grandpa this weekend which was really fun! She began holding her own bottle (which amazes me because she only takes a bottle once a week). Oh and she started to go from sitting (alone) to moving to her belly. Very scary considering we have yet to 'baby proof' the house.
As far as EC, today we were in the comfort of our own home so Annie did fairly well. Of course there are moments when I was not listening. She pooped in her diaper which was the first poopy diaper we had to change in 5 weeks or more. So I guess next time I'll try and listen a little better. All in all a great weekend full of fun! Now to start the week off right... we'll see how that goes! Stay tuned..

Today I learned: Sundays are fun days!!!! YEAH!!!
Diapers saved today =5
Money saved today = $1.00
Money saved to date = $132.40

Day 116

Once again we struggle with the weekend schedule. Or should I say lack of schedule. I don't know about you, but for us it's very difficult to keep a schedule on Saturdays and Sundays. VERY DIFFICULT! Everything is different on the weekend. Dad's home, Mom works, meals are sporadic, we have lots of visitors... etc. Plus all the usual things that would normally take 3 weeks to complete we all try to shove into 2 days because after all... it's the weekend.
We try to get on schedule tomorrow... wish us luck!


Today I learned: It's hard to keep a schedule... even when you stay home!
Diapers saved today =3
Money saved today = $0.60
Money saved to date = $131.40

Day 115

Four things babies want: eliminate, eat, play, sleep....I think that about covers it. Annie seems to want these things in a certain order or at a certain time of day. It amazes me that she knows what she wants and then whines/fusses her way to getting it. I guess the even more amazing part is that I can tell which fuss/cry is for what item. I can tell when she'll nurse and when she'll eat solid foods, or even what toy she is frustrated with and which she wants to play with next. I guess that's why parents are so important... we need to figure things out for our babies.
This morning Annie had a slow start to the day with EC, but once she was reminded of how great EC was and how awesome having a dry diaper is... it was smooth sailing! YEAH! A little fuss to let me know she had to go and that was all it took. So now when she cries I can tell... actually her signal is no longer a cry until it's too late. She signals in a 'mmmmmama' type tone and then cries if she already has dirtied her diaper. Amazing how these little people communicate. If only we all communicated that well and never assumed others knew what we wanted. Now wouldn't life be easier?!


Today I learned: Decoding cries may be easier than I once thought...although it takes a LOT of concentration!
Diapers saved today =4
Money saved today = $0.80
Money saved to date = $130.80

Day 114

We have finally left a real Annie potty at Nana and Grandpa's house for her to use while I'm away working. The cool whip container is no longer making the cut so we decided to leave one of our potty chairs for Annie to use. One day of Annie trying it and she seems to be more apt to go. Although I don't know that for a fact because she didn't actually eliminate on the potty at her Grandparent's house. So...I don't know what to think. There could be many reasons why she doesn't practice EC as 'religiously' when she's with other people. One main reason could be that I'm not there, another could be that she usually doesn't have her potty with her, and even another reason could amount to the simple fact that she is no longer in the comfort of her own home to go to the bathroom. We're trying to break her of all of these habits so she can feel comfortable using the bathroom elsewhere but I'm not so sure this will be an easy task. Perhaps with cloth diapers we will have more success. Stay tuned...

Today I learned: Perhaps Annie needs the comfort of home to accomplish EC.
Diapers saved today =3
Money saved today = $0.60
Money saved to date = $130.00

Day 113

I am officially narrowing down cloth diaper choices. Of course the endless debate could go on and on... and in my case it very well may go on for a while yet. There is a deadline for me though, I promised Annie she would have proof of a cloth diaper order by May 31st. Yes, that's a little over a month away and I need to have a decision made. I am leaning closer and closer to a choice each day and with any luck I will have my decision made before the 31st. If only there was one type to choose from, then my job would be easier! Stay tuned...


Today I learned: There are too many choices in life... why can't we have one choice and make things simple?
Diapers saved today =2
Money saved today = $0.40
Money saved to date = $129.40

Day 112

When you think you've experienced all the firsts possible for one month... think again. Annie's first trip to Wayzata today to see her Daddy's office and have lunch! Boy was she excited!! All during lunch she sat on her Daddy's lap and smiled. Why is it she never does this for me? Seriously she is always so squirmy but she wanted her Daddy to know how much she misses him during the day. SO... he got the best of Annie today! YEAH!!! It was amazing to see her happy and holding on to his shirt as if to say 'please hold me tight and hug me... I miss you.' It was a great afternoon.
Annie is continuing to go strong with her EC habits... especially today. I'll take it! Stay tuned for more fun...

Today I learned: Annie is up for anything... even signaling to use the potty!
Diapers saved today =6
Money saved today = $1.20
Money saved to date = $129.00

Day 111

Wow... just typing day 111 this evening really make me realize that we've been at this a LONG time. I don't know why it seems like 111 is so much longer than 100. But I guess that's the mood I'm in. Perhaps I was thinking about it all being the same number and that there are three spaces for numbers these days. WOW... HAPPY MONDAY! The excitement of my life has me pondering numbers and spaces. You'll be happy to know thanks to Fisher Price (TM) I've now mastered my 1,2,3s and ABCs yup... I can sing along with all Annie's toys. Even when they aren't on I catch myself humming "1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10... count along while you take pics then let's count again." How exciting to know that I can learn new things staying at home!!!
I am also learning that the search for cloth diapers is way more daunting then ever imagined!

Today I learned: I am learning new things everyday... like how Annie's brain loves to figure all her toys out!
Diapers saved today =3
Money saved today = $0.60
Money saved to date = $127.80

Day 110

Sundays always seem to be full of fun! Out in the yard today getting a head start on our spring pruning. Annie even helped! Even though it was a "day of rest" we were hard at work trying to get ahead. Annie was hard at work trying to signal to us that she needed to go potty. It worked at times but after all it was the weekend. So... we try again tomorrow.



Today I learned: Even on Days of Rest we try to get ready to enjoy the next season... or get ahead on EC.
Diapers saved today =4
Money saved today = $0.80
Money saved to date = $127.20

Day 108 and Day 109

Day 109
What a Poopy Saturday...literally. The weather was BEAUTIFUL and Annie finally was able to go to the bathroom. It's almost like she wait until she can't possibly hold it anymore. Sometimes it makes me wonder if she's afraid to go in her diaper. I guess after a month of no poops in her diaper she may have forgotten that she can go in her diaper if absolutely necessary. Who knows... I guess that's my hope that Annie is so accustomed to using her cute potty that she doesn't want to mess up her pants. I suppose time will tell.
6 month Well visit today showed she is growing great and nothing to worry about. Annie still is taking after her Grandpa and Uncle by ranking 92% in head circumference, as far as height she's catching up at 60% and she's leaning out a bit at 40% in weight. It's amazing what a couple months can do for her! Annie did great with her shots... didn't cry for the first two but the third one she struggled for about 3 minutes. AMAZING that she forgets it all. I wish I could forget the nurse poking my little peanut and that horrible face that screamed out "help me mommy." AWFUL! I know it's for a great reason, but too bad they couldn't be painless.
Anyway... still in research of the perfect cloth diaper. I've gotten a few e-mails from people who use them and they've given me tips. Hoping by end of May Annie has the softness of cloth on her bum.... stay tuned!



Today I learned: Even the littlest of children can get afraid of pooping in an unknown territory!
Diapers saved today =7
Money saved today = $1.40
Money saved to date = $126.40







Day 108
Finally feeling a little better today. Annie woke up and was able to use her potty right away. A GREAT start to a not so great week. So after a little while she ate breakfast and these days she is LOVING her solid food. She tries to put the spoon in her mouth before there is anything on it. Quite entertaining around here at meal time. Lately I've been making what I think to be WAY too much food for her at all her meal... but to my surprise she gobbles it up without a second thought. Then, she wants more... I guess she's just like her parents... loves to eat! Throughout the day she did pretty well with everything. Hasn't pooped in three days...but we have a well visit in the morning so I'm not too worried. She'll probably have a blow out at the doctors... that would make life even more entertaining!

Today I learned: Fridays are great days to start anew!
Diapers saved today =5
Money saved today = $1.00
Money saved to date = $125.00

Day 107

Recovering from illness... hoping I didn't share with the rest of the family. Time will tell. Slowly getting my energy back and by tomorrow I should be focused on EC again! Stay tuned...


Today I learned: It's amazing what a little sunshine can do to your mood!
Diapers saved today =2
Money saved today = $0.40
Money saved to date = $124.00

Day 106

"Mommy's sick today... I spent the day with Nana and Grandpa. It was tons of fun! At least Mommy was able to get some rest...for a while! I sure hope I stay healthy... I hear the weather is supposed to be amazing this weekend. Wouldn't want to miss out on the fun! Stay tuned..."


Today I learned: Hard to stay on track when your main helper is sick!
Diapers saved today =2
Money saved today = $0.40
Money saved to date = $123.60

Day 105

Still trying to get into a rhythm. It's tough after a weekend of FUN and not the typical days. I can't imagine how it will be when Annie's older. I guess then she'll have to sit on a big potty and wear underwear so our potty schedule/routine won't be thrown off. I'm still researching cloth diapers... SO much to know. If you have any tips feel free to help me out! Stay tuned... this week will be filled with catch up and trying to get back to EC!

Today I learned: Still trying to get back in the groove of things...it's tough!
Diapers saved today =3
Money saved today = $0.60
Money saved to date = $123.20

Day 104

The TOP 20 reasons we LOVE EC are....

81. Have you ever seen a tiny person sit on a potty...
82. It is SO cute!
83. Can we say pictures for her senior poster?!
84. Annie gets to explore parts of the house that she normally wouldn't be able to
85. It's fun to see Mom in the mirror
86. People still can't believe it's true
87. Even if this doesn't work we have a REALLY good story to share someday
88. The search for the perfect potty was fun!
89. Search for cloth diapers continues
90. Meeting new people who love our blog!
91. Finding out new tricks with EC from the Internet
92. Seeing Annie's excitement when she pees on the potty
93. Annie's HUGE grin after she poops on the potty... she doesn't smile if she goes in her diaper
94. Hearing her signal...
95. Figuring out what her signal is
96. Spending more 'together' holding time
97. Seeing Mommy and Daddy so proud at every attempt
98. and success!
99. Flushing it right down the toilet... bye bye mess! No icky clean up!
100. WE ARE PROUD TO SAY WE ARE AN EC-ing FAMILY!


Today I learned: Trying hard... after a long weekend we're ready for the calmness of the week!
Diapers saved today =3
Money saved today = $0.60
Money saved to date = $122.60

Day 102 & Day 103

"I was Celebrating Nana's birthday yesterday until wee hours in the morning... so my mom has to combine two posts because there was just too much partying going on to blog! So here are the next 40 reasons we love EC"
Day 102:
41. Life is more exciting with an ECer in the house
42. What would I talk about on my blog if not for EC
43. Cue words are the BEST
44. Made up songs using the cue words are even BETTER
45. Each day is a new beginning with EC
46. It's funny to me how much Annie understands
47. what fun would it be to be like every other baby?
48. We don't have to decide who has to change the next diaper

49. We get to decide who gets to take Annie to the potty next
50. Anyone can do EC... with a little practice
51. Practice makes perfect...
52. ... or helps us understand why we aren't made to be perfect
53. It's fun to know that people actually follow my blog
54. I'm learning all these new things on the Internet...
55. Such as blogging
56. My eyes have opened up to the world of 'green'
57. Going green without even trying!
58. Can anyone say BONDING TIME?!
59. Annie gets to see herself in the mirror MANY times throughout the day
60. Disposable diapers are expensive and we use LESS!


Today I learned: Even with all the commotion Annie still tries so hard to use her potty
Diapers saved today =5
Money saved today = $1.00
Money saved to date = $121.20

Day 103:

61. I love that it's OKAY to write about my child's elimination habits
62. Ever wondered if you could get your kiddo to poop on the potty...
63. YOU CAN!
64. It's fun to see people's jaws drop as we tell them that we are potty training our 6 month old
65. Our 6 month old can use the potty...that's more than some people can say for their 2 year old
66. Annie will forever be leery about cool whip ;)
67. Ahh the stories I can tell to her boyfriends... when she's 30!
68. A new adventure DAILY
69. Even when we have a tough EC day... there's tomorrow
70. Trying to find underwear below size 2T is a scavenger hunt!
71. Finding a diaper that you can take on/off many times and have it still hold was interesting
72. We are trying something that NO one we know has done...WOW
73. Interesting to really look at it from an outside perspective
74. I never will look at Annie again and say "I think she's pooping"
75. I get to take her to the toilet RIGHT away whenever she is about to go to the bathroom!
76. EC NEVER gets boring!
77. Did I mention it's easier to wipe a bottom than change a diaper?
78. Less mess!
79. New things daily!
80. I now know how to tell if a diaper is wet by weight alone!

Today I learned: After a LATE night... Annie still tries her best to signal. That's progress!
Diapers saved today =4
Money saved today = $0.80
Money saved to date = $122.00

Day 101

Reasons 21-40 why we love EC
21. It has opened up so many avenues to explore
22. We are doing things we never thought possible
23. Annie loves to show off
24. We love showing off Annie's talents
25. It's fun to see where this journey will take us
26. I have to do math each day to figure out how much money we saved
27. Frugality at it's finest!
28. Did I mention I haven't changed a poopy diaper in 3 weeks?!
29. We are able to see how quickly Annie catches on to new things
30. I get 10 minutes of quite time just to blog EVERY night
31. I am learning all about the wonderful types of potty chairs that are out there
32. I'm beginning to do more research on cloth diapers... we'll see where that one takes me
33. Our friends now have a REAL reason to think we are crazy!
34. Anyone can EC and I'll recommend it to EVERYONE
35. The whole concept makes me giggle
36. very little diaper rash
37. Anywhere I can go to the bathroom so can Annie
38. I don't have to worry about packing as many diapers as 102 days ago
39.We may be 2 years ahead of all Annie's little friends
40. Ever done the potty dance... now that's FUN!


Today I learned: Annie still is loving EC... although each day has it's moments!
Diapers saved today =3
Money saved today = $0.60
Money saved to date = $120.20

Day 100

100 days of EC!!! WOW.... to celebrate I have compiled a list of 100 reasons we love Elimination Communication which I will post over the next five days. Let's face it... no one has time to read 100 reasons at one sitting!

1. I get to write a blog daily
2. You all get to read my lovely ramblings daily
3. EC is a great story for friends to laugh at
4. Even if it doesn't work at least Annie will have an awesome story to tell
5. We are learning how to be more in tuned to her every need
6. Annie stays dry longer
7. Less Diapers
8. Less Wipes
9. More money in our pockets!
10. Seeing your baby sit on a tiny potty is just so darn cute
11. Learning new lingo
12. Introducing our friends to new ideas
13. Learning new things each day
14. Who knew there were thousands of websites on potty training? Now we know!
15. Joe is able to bond with Annie
16. We love to save the earth! ;)
17. Very few poopy diapers to change
18. Coming up with cue words was a blast (kinda like coming up with great baby names)
19. Laughing at the strange looks we get from strangers
20. It's so fun to laugh at the thought we are potty training our baby!

Stay tuned for the reasons 21-40...



Today I learned: So many great reasons to LOVE EC!!!
Diapers saved today =5
Money saved today = $1.00
Money saved to date = $119.60

Day 99

Kids will be kids even at nearly six months old. Annie has learned that the bathroom has new 'toys' and when she uses her potty she attempts to play with all of these wonderful 'toys.' It's so entertaining for her to see her try and play with the soap dispenser, mirror and even Daddy's razor. She love sitting on her 'throne' and smiling while trying to bang on the sides to make noise. Yup... that's our daughter. Always looking for some cheap entertainment. As long as she still sits on the potty... I have no problem with a little exploration.

Today I learned: Annie is beginning to show her personality... and I'm LOVING it!
Diapers saved today =4
Money saved today = $0.80
Money saved to date = $118.60

Day 98

Annie continues to signal very clearly and when we don't listen to her she continues to signal louder until she gives up or we realize what is going on. It's about 40/60 on those odds. Sometimes we are busy and I can't keep up with it all. But then again I know that's not a good excuse. SO as always... better luck tomorrow!


Today I learned: I need to be less distracted and more in tune to Annie's signals.
Diapers saved today =5
Money saved today = $1.00
Money saved to date = $117.80

Day 97

After two days of no poop I was expecting a blow out. Thankfully Annie loves her potty too much to dirty a diaper on such a big mess. YIPPEE... YEAH FOR EC! Needless to say, no blow out and a happy baby. WE all know that Happy Baby = Happy Mommy!
Keeping Annie on a 'schedule' is very difficult for us. She eats on demand which I love, yet then her eating/sleeping/peeing/pooping schedule is NEVER the same. So today after two days of no BM I realized that I can't be waiting for a schedule to magically appear. Nope... I decided that we have a great schedule. We listen to Annie's needs and follow as necessary! Sounds like a great plan to me! What could be better than listening to your child and answering her every call for you....I would say nothing is better than that!


Today I learned: Sometimes it is best to throw the schedule out the window and follow your intuition!
Diapers saved today =4
Money saved today = $0.80
Money saved to date = $116.80

Day 96

Happy Easter to you all! Our house was hopping with excitement this afternoon as we celebrated the day with family. Amazing how Annie still signals so well with so many people oohing and ahhing over her. Maybe that's why she uses her voice to signal! AHA... to show off. Well, at least it's still working! Stay tuned...


Today I learned: Even with a house full of people, Annie still signals pretty well!
Diapers saved today =5
Money saved today = $1.00
Money saved to date = $116.00

Day 95

"My mom worked today and boy did I have a great day with Daddy. Yup... we played all day long and then when it was time to do something else we played some more. WONDERFUL! I love days like this. It's a great change of pace to have Daddy home all day instead of Mommy. The best part was that he read my signals just like Mommy. Actually maybe a little better than she does (don't tell her though). I was extra happy and really good for Daddy which made him want to have Father-Daughter time more often. I hear it's the best to go out on 'dates' and have special time just with Daddy... and now I fully 100% agree.
As for the EC, it is going great! My mom keeps talking about these cloth diapers but I have a feeling it's going to be another potty deal. Maybe in two months she'll finally break down and buy some. We'll see I guess.
Tomorrow is Easter, my first Easter out of my Mommy's belly. I'm excited to see what the Easter bunny brings for me... maybe he'll listen and bring some new cloth diapers. I mean I can't have candy so that's the next best thing right?! I'll keep you posted. As for now I'll try and signal so Mom and Dad can have a relaxing Easter without a lot of diapers to change!"

Happy Easter Everyone!

Today I learned: Daddy time is the BEST!
Diapers saved today =7
Money saved today = $1.40
Money saved to date = $115.00

Day 94

Easter is right around the corner and today we are counting our many blessings. I can't help but still be so thankful that Anne is using her potty to poop... and pee for that matter. Today she only missed once and that was during her nap time. I truly believe that cloth diapers are in our future. Especially if she continues to only pee in her diaper... how easy will that be?! WONDERFUL! Then we'll really be saving a TON of money. I'm still looking for a great brand. If you know of any please comment on this blog and let me know. I would love the help when searching out some for Annie as she moves up in the next size of diapers. Stay tuned...


Today I learned: Annie can finish out the work week on a GREAT note!
Diapers saved today =6
Money saved today = $1.20
Money saved to date = $113.60

Day 93

Today I am more grateful than ever that Annie is using EC. She started on rice cereal about a month ago now and her system has changed. To be more specific she is having bigger poops and they are smelly. (too much information I know) BUT the great news is that she hates to use her diaper to poop... so therefore she uses her potty and it's less clean up for me! YEAH! Amazing how the little things get so exciting! Stay tuned...

Today I learned: Life is great with an EC-ing baby!
Diapers saved today =5
Money saved today = $1.00
Money saved to date = $112.40