A snowy day here in MN, seems like everyone is a bit "under the weather" at our house. Annie is fighting a cold and very stuffy. She has been extremely fussy all day which makes EC very difficult for me. This morning she managed to pee three times, but that's about all she could take before crying and fussing.
Finally, I laid her down for a nap and she slept for FOUR WHOLE HOURS(THANK YOU GOD)! Around 6 I decided she needed to get up so I could sleep tonight. I thought for sure she would have a wet diaper as today was not going very smoothly. To my amazement she was bone dry. A potty trip was needed and she peed and pooped right on cue. A little while later another fuss and she went again, and then a third time. Annie is even opening up to EC with her Daddy tonight, maybe she should nap more often. I guess she was out to prove me wrong today and what kid doesn't want to do that at one point or another in his/her lifetime!
One thing I realized today is pottying Annie is helpful in knowing if she is eating enough. The color of urine can tell so much and actually seeing it un-masked helps me to know if she should be eating more. And yes, today she should be. So that makes another challenge...try to get her to eat some more. Each day brings new awareness to us and new challenges to our home. Eventually we'll be brave and leave her totally diaper free for more than 10 minutes at a time. Perhaps that will be next weeks task... stay tuned.
Today I learned: Toileting Annie has many benefits that are yet to be discovered.
Diapers saved today = 7
Money saved today = $1.40
Money saved to date = $16.20
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Day EIGHT
ONE WEEK DOWN!!!! (51 to go)
To celebrate Annie's one week of EC'ing, we took a trip to the mall to do some Christmas returns. Amazingly she spent most of the time sleeping but woke up in the middle of JCPenny's. I thought she may need to go to the bathroom, so I took her. Yes, her first public bathroom experience barely three months old. Thankfully I had planned ahead and packed her "potty" (with lid) in the stroller. So here I am in the handicap stall (so we can fit both of us and the stroller) saying "pee pee pee pee pee." I can only imagine what the other women in the restroom thought when they heard me: "What is that lady doing? Does she really need to encourage herself to go... I sure hope she's not making her baby go to the bathroom..what is going on?" Well, to make them even more confused I praised Annie once she peed in the potty. Annie is a trooper, most grown ups don't even like to use public facilities...but she went right on cue!
By the way, have you ever looked for underwear for a baby? Well I'm assuming they're pretty hard to come by. I was at Babies R Us today and searched for some baby underwear (for Annie to have in the months to come) but the SMALLEST size was 2T (or 20-28 pounds). Unless she starts lifting some serious weights and eating all of our food each day she won't reach that weight for a while. Now another product to search for online!
The search continues for the perfect infant potty as I find the ultimate best price. Ironically I found one on diapers.com for $10, but it was more to ship the potty than it was for the potty. SO... I'm back to ground zero searching for something that is less than $15 with shipping.
I almost forgot, Annie is making progress in the poop world. She pooped three times in the potty today! AMAZING!!!! Maybe if I add a page to her "Where's the Poop" book with a baby sans diaper and a cool whip container showing the poop she'll really get it!
Today I learned: The diaper industry must make deals with Hanes to only make size 2T and up!
Diapers saved today = 9
Money saved today = $1.80
Money saved to date = $14.80
To celebrate Annie's one week of EC'ing, we took a trip to the mall to do some Christmas returns. Amazingly she spent most of the time sleeping but woke up in the middle of JCPenny's. I thought she may need to go to the bathroom, so I took her. Yes, her first public bathroom experience barely three months old. Thankfully I had planned ahead and packed her "potty" (with lid) in the stroller. So here I am in the handicap stall (so we can fit both of us and the stroller) saying "pee pee pee pee pee." I can only imagine what the other women in the restroom thought when they heard me: "What is that lady doing? Does she really need to encourage herself to go... I sure hope she's not making her baby go to the bathroom..what is going on?" Well, to make them even more confused I praised Annie once she peed in the potty. Annie is a trooper, most grown ups don't even like to use public facilities...but she went right on cue!
By the way, have you ever looked for underwear for a baby? Well I'm assuming they're pretty hard to come by. I was at Babies R Us today and searched for some baby underwear (for Annie to have in the months to come) but the SMALLEST size was 2T (or 20-28 pounds). Unless she starts lifting some serious weights and eating all of our food each day she won't reach that weight for a while. Now another product to search for online!
The search continues for the perfect infant potty as I find the ultimate best price. Ironically I found one on diapers.com for $10, but it was more to ship the potty than it was for the potty. SO... I'm back to ground zero searching for something that is less than $15 with shipping.
I almost forgot, Annie is making progress in the poop world. She pooped three times in the potty today! AMAZING!!!! Maybe if I add a page to her "Where's the Poop" book with a baby sans diaper and a cool whip container showing the poop she'll really get it!
Today I learned: The diaper industry must make deals with Hanes to only make size 2T and up!
Diapers saved today = 9
Money saved today = $1.80
Money saved to date = $14.80
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Day SEVEN
Do babies really do things deliberately? I would normally answer no to that question, but today I'm am carefully rethinking that response. Each time Annie pees she get closer and closer to her Daddy's razor and brush no matter how far away it is on the counter. And today she had to pee really bad and the cool whip container was upstairs so she peed in his sink! If she does this now, scary to think of her rebelling at age 13!
Annie is doing great with the peeing part of the equation. Even though her 'potty' is more of a make shift cheapo version of a toilet and she is always held in front of a mirror due to the height, comfort and positioning we use, she seems to be grasping the concept quite well. I know, I know, she is only a baby... but she is one smart baby! (She must take after her mother).
Today she peed in her diaper twice and then cried until I changed her (which was only a minute tops). Last time I checked you can barely tell when a diaper is wet from feel (thank you pampers), yet the weight changes a little. She must have a scale in her that signals her vocal cords whenever the weight changes. I'm a little worried what would happen if we decide to go diaper free and then need to have her wear a diaper again. YIKES! But we just can't get this pooping thing down. It's like she wants to go, but then sees herself in the mirror and changes her mind. I guess she has a point, would you like to use the bathroom staring into a mirror?!
I finally had to give her permission to poop her pants today to help her go. She was eating and I felt as if she needed to go, so I decided to let her keep eating and say the cue word. Within seconds she started going, then I took her to the bathroom and she continued in the potty. CRAZY! I don't know what else to do to encourage her to go in the bucket. I tried bribing her but she just smiles at me knowing she'll get what she wants anyway. Then I tried feeding her candy, but I'm just getting cavities...any other ideas?
Before I gave her permission to dirty her diaper I attempted at the potty. She just stared at me the whole time and giggled. As if to say "Mom, this is too funny to do what you want... I'm peeing and that just isn't enough. I'll show you! Buy me a NICE NEW potty, then we'll talk."
With that I'm off to search for the PERFECT infant potty... wish me luck!
Today I learned: Babies know more than they let on!
Diapers saved today = 8
Money saved today = $1.60
Money saved to date = $13.00
Annie is doing great with the peeing part of the equation. Even though her 'potty' is more of a make shift cheapo version of a toilet and she is always held in front of a mirror due to the height, comfort and positioning we use, she seems to be grasping the concept quite well. I know, I know, she is only a baby... but she is one smart baby! (She must take after her mother).
Today she peed in her diaper twice and then cried until I changed her (which was only a minute tops). Last time I checked you can barely tell when a diaper is wet from feel (thank you pampers), yet the weight changes a little. She must have a scale in her that signals her vocal cords whenever the weight changes. I'm a little worried what would happen if we decide to go diaper free and then need to have her wear a diaper again. YIKES! But we just can't get this pooping thing down. It's like she wants to go, but then sees herself in the mirror and changes her mind. I guess she has a point, would you like to use the bathroom staring into a mirror?!
I finally had to give her permission to poop her pants today to help her go. She was eating and I felt as if she needed to go, so I decided to let her keep eating and say the cue word. Within seconds she started going, then I took her to the bathroom and she continued in the potty. CRAZY! I don't know what else to do to encourage her to go in the bucket. I tried bribing her but she just smiles at me knowing she'll get what she wants anyway. Then I tried feeding her candy, but I'm just getting cavities...any other ideas?
Before I gave her permission to dirty her diaper I attempted at the potty. She just stared at me the whole time and giggled. As if to say "Mom, this is too funny to do what you want... I'm peeing and that just isn't enough. I'll show you! Buy me a NICE NEW potty, then we'll talk."
With that I'm off to search for the PERFECT infant potty... wish me luck!
Today I learned: Babies know more than they let on!
Diapers saved today = 8
Money saved today = $1.60
Money saved to date = $13.00
Monday, January 4, 2010
Day SIX
I'd like to see another "Look Who's Talking" movie made, but this time with infants whom are practicing elimination communication.
I can only imagine Annie's part: "My mom decided to try this new thing where she says a certain word and I pee or poop in this bucket, or at least that's the idea. Mom says it's going to work and Dad agrees, but I have total control. The first day or two I played along because it was funny, then I decided to rebel a little to make them second guess this EC thing and now I'm just going along with it because frankly I hate these heavy diapers!
Their so called 'potty' is a Cool Whip container and this grosses me out, but what can I do about it? Hoping they get a real potty soon...aren't I worth it? My Auntie says I'll never look at Cool Whip the same way, I totally agree. I'm not even three months old and they're already ruining the good food for me, next thing you know they'll have me pee or poop in an ice cream bucket! ick!
The funny part is I fuss a little and they run to get me on the pot. While they're walking, I continue to fuss and they try and undress me to use the bathroom. This is quite the challenge and makes me chuckle every time. Then my mom or dad puts me in the squat position and cues me to pee/poop. I have to peeing thing down, but pooping in front of someone... c'mon give the girl some privacy! Sometimes I make it harder for Dad, just to see what he says. He's a good sport about it and feels bad for me. Then I get more hugs and kisses... I have him just where I want him! :)
Oh and talk about the procrastination tactic for bedtime, now I can fuss one way and eat, fuss another and get taken to the bathroom, and even fuss another way and get rocked some more. IT's GREAT! Every kid should try this!!!
Mom and Dad think they are crazy for doing this sometimes, and I have to agree (but don't tell them that). Yet after a couple days I actually am glad that they tried this, if it saves me from wearing wet or dirty diapers for hours at a time I'll play along for now. Hopefully someday soon I'll be able to poop (and pee) in private in the real potty they'll (hopefully) buy for me! Until then, one day at a time is all I can give them...I'm sure I'll have more funny stories for you though. Keep reading!"
Today I learned: Even infants have thoughts... now if only we knew what they were!
Diapers saved today = 7
Money saved today = $1.40
Money saved to date = $11.40
I can only imagine Annie's part: "My mom decided to try this new thing where she says a certain word and I pee or poop in this bucket, or at least that's the idea. Mom says it's going to work and Dad agrees, but I have total control. The first day or two I played along because it was funny, then I decided to rebel a little to make them second guess this EC thing and now I'm just going along with it because frankly I hate these heavy diapers!
Their so called 'potty' is a Cool Whip container and this grosses me out, but what can I do about it? Hoping they get a real potty soon...aren't I worth it? My Auntie says I'll never look at Cool Whip the same way, I totally agree. I'm not even three months old and they're already ruining the good food for me, next thing you know they'll have me pee or poop in an ice cream bucket! ick!
The funny part is I fuss a little and they run to get me on the pot. While they're walking, I continue to fuss and they try and undress me to use the bathroom. This is quite the challenge and makes me chuckle every time. Then my mom or dad puts me in the squat position and cues me to pee/poop. I have to peeing thing down, but pooping in front of someone... c'mon give the girl some privacy! Sometimes I make it harder for Dad, just to see what he says. He's a good sport about it and feels bad for me. Then I get more hugs and kisses... I have him just where I want him! :)
Oh and talk about the procrastination tactic for bedtime, now I can fuss one way and eat, fuss another and get taken to the bathroom, and even fuss another way and get rocked some more. IT's GREAT! Every kid should try this!!!
Mom and Dad think they are crazy for doing this sometimes, and I have to agree (but don't tell them that). Yet after a couple days I actually am glad that they tried this, if it saves me from wearing wet or dirty diapers for hours at a time I'll play along for now. Hopefully someday soon I'll be able to poop (and pee) in private in the real potty they'll (hopefully) buy for me! Until then, one day at a time is all I can give them...I'm sure I'll have more funny stories for you though. Keep reading!"
Today I learned: Even infants have thoughts... now if only we knew what they were!
Diapers saved today = 7
Money saved today = $1.40
Money saved to date = $11.40
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Day FIVE
Only day five and Annie has made definite progress. She appears to be understanding the cue word for pee and going nearly every time the opportunity is given. Each day she understands poop better and is beginning to use the potty regularly to do this. I have only changed one poopy diaper in the last 4 days!!!
Annie is feeling better today, at least no fever. She is smiling more and playing during her awake time today, perhaps that's why today is more successful than yesterday.
Of course, the question still sits in my mind whether or not this will truly work. Both of us believe it will, yet the results aren't instantaneous which can be difficult. I guess this shows how much I am a part of the NOW generation! Like anything, it will become easier once it becomes part of our routine. Thankfully I am staying home the majority of the time and can fully engage in this potty 'training' experience with her. I have been reading Diaper Free by Ingrid Bauer and am encouraged daily in this adventure. The encouragement comes at a much needed time while we are practicing something that is counter cultural. Some days I have my moments when I want to quit because this is a lot of work, then again isn't this what we signed up for when we decided to expand our family?
You might be saying to yourself, "it's only day 5 and you're talking like this already." You're right, but people do this with toddlers who are able to talk back, cry when they don't get their way, and poop their diapers just out of spite. So, a little time now may save us big time in 2 years. Like I always say: time will tell so stay tuned...
Today I learned: Trying something new is not always easy but the reward is worth the effort!
Diapers saved today = 13*
Money saved today = $2.60
Money saved to date = $10.00
*After writing early last night, she peed a couple more times in the potty which is added to today's total for diapers saved/money saved.
Annie is feeling better today, at least no fever. She is smiling more and playing during her awake time today, perhaps that's why today is more successful than yesterday.
Of course, the question still sits in my mind whether or not this will truly work. Both of us believe it will, yet the results aren't instantaneous which can be difficult. I guess this shows how much I am a part of the NOW generation! Like anything, it will become easier once it becomes part of our routine. Thankfully I am staying home the majority of the time and can fully engage in this potty 'training' experience with her. I have been reading Diaper Free by Ingrid Bauer and am encouraged daily in this adventure. The encouragement comes at a much needed time while we are practicing something that is counter cultural. Some days I have my moments when I want to quit because this is a lot of work, then again isn't this what we signed up for when we decided to expand our family?
You might be saying to yourself, "it's only day 5 and you're talking like this already." You're right, but people do this with toddlers who are able to talk back, cry when they don't get their way, and poop their diapers just out of spite. So, a little time now may save us big time in 2 years. Like I always say: time will tell so stay tuned...
Today I learned: Trying something new is not always easy but the reward is worth the effort!
Diapers saved today = 13*
Money saved today = $2.60
Money saved to date = $10.00
*After writing early last night, she peed a couple more times in the potty which is added to today's total for diapers saved/money saved.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Day FOUR
Another day another challenge.
Annie is sick today, running a low grade fever and very fussy. It's hard to determine 'I don't feel good' fusses from the 'I have to go to the bathroom' fusses. Needless to say, we had a lot of misses today and did not credit Annie enough for her bathroom fusses.
With all that said, we still were impressed when Annie woke up from both her long naps DRY. Yes, I said DRY. Not a drop in her diaper and we have those diapers that change colors even when there is the tiniest bit of moisture on them. Upon seeing that she was completely dry, we took her to the potty and used the cue word. She peed a lot! It was as if she was holding it, which every medical professional will tell us is impossible (I'll dive into those logistics another day). BUT we believe she is truly understanding this potty learning process.
It's now 7pm and she has peed in the bucket 7 times. I guess that's pretty good for a little girl who is fighting a bug.
Off to play while the Tylenol is working... maybe we'll get some more potty time in.
Stay tuned...
Today I learned: Each time Annie fusses there is a reason: if only we could decode that reason!
Diapers saved today = 7
Money saved today = $1.40
Money saved to date = $7.40
Annie is sick today, running a low grade fever and very fussy. It's hard to determine 'I don't feel good' fusses from the 'I have to go to the bathroom' fusses. Needless to say, we had a lot of misses today and did not credit Annie enough for her bathroom fusses.
With all that said, we still were impressed when Annie woke up from both her long naps DRY. Yes, I said DRY. Not a drop in her diaper and we have those diapers that change colors even when there is the tiniest bit of moisture on them. Upon seeing that she was completely dry, we took her to the potty and used the cue word. She peed a lot! It was as if she was holding it, which every medical professional will tell us is impossible (I'll dive into those logistics another day). BUT we believe she is truly understanding this potty learning process.
It's now 7pm and she has peed in the bucket 7 times. I guess that's pretty good for a little girl who is fighting a bug.
Off to play while the Tylenol is working... maybe we'll get some more potty time in.
Stay tuned...
Today I learned: Each time Annie fusses there is a reason: if only we could decode that reason!
Diapers saved today = 7
Money saved today = $1.40
Money saved to date = $7.40
Friday, January 1, 2010
Day THREE
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!! We rang in the new decade with Annie in arms and family around us. What a great way to celebrate the milestones to come in this new year.
As for today... what a poopy day (quite literally)!
We woke up and the day was started with a BANG! Daddy took Annie to the potty and she pooped and peed upon cuing. Next up, BREAKFAST and she ate like a champ... but like most children she procrastinated cleaning up with the 'ol "I have to go to the bathroom" trick. Lucky for her she managed to pee and poop again! Two in less than an hour... today was bound to be a great day! Many successes today and a few misses. It's bound to happen and we won't have dry diapers consistently until after a few months of practicing EC (according to the 'experts'). After a month, we'll need to invest in a baby potty that's more comfortable for her (boy I never thought those words would come out of my mouth). By then I'm thinking we'll have saved enough to splurge the $12.95 (hopefully)!
Today I feel as if I am learning her signals better. It seems like she fusses a bit and then fusses more when I don't take her to use the potty right away. AMAZING!
I have to say: this whole Elimination Communication is tons of work... we're taking her about every 20-30 minutes. (and she pees or poops that often) I suppose if we want her to learn not to sit in a wet diaper we need to listen to her signals. Sometimes I feel awkward because we take our infant to use the potty and "normal" people change diapers. Then I ask myself: When did our society become so backwards that it is normal to change diapers than to have infants pee/poop in a potty?
Today I learned: I'm writing daily about my daughter's pee and poop habits... too funny!
Diapers saved today = 13
Money saved today = $2.60
Money saved to date = $6.00
As for today... what a poopy day (quite literally)!
We woke up and the day was started with a BANG! Daddy took Annie to the potty and she pooped and peed upon cuing. Next up, BREAKFAST and she ate like a champ... but like most children she procrastinated cleaning up with the 'ol "I have to go to the bathroom" trick. Lucky for her she managed to pee and poop again! Two in less than an hour... today was bound to be a great day! Many successes today and a few misses. It's bound to happen and we won't have dry diapers consistently until after a few months of practicing EC (according to the 'experts'). After a month, we'll need to invest in a baby potty that's more comfortable for her (boy I never thought those words would come out of my mouth). By then I'm thinking we'll have saved enough to splurge the $12.95 (hopefully)!
Today I feel as if I am learning her signals better. It seems like she fusses a bit and then fusses more when I don't take her to use the potty right away. AMAZING!
I have to say: this whole Elimination Communication is tons of work... we're taking her about every 20-30 minutes. (and she pees or poops that often) I suppose if we want her to learn not to sit in a wet diaper we need to listen to her signals. Sometimes I feel awkward because we take our infant to use the potty and "normal" people change diapers. Then I ask myself: When did our society become so backwards that it is normal to change diapers than to have infants pee/poop in a potty?
Today I learned: I'm writing daily about my daughter's pee and poop habits... too funny!
Diapers saved today = 13
Money saved today = $2.60
Money saved to date = $6.00
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