Potty Training

August 12, 2011

I decided it was about time to introduce Aiden to the potty chair. 

The plan was all laid out.  I chose a day where we had nothing to do, so we could focus on pee.  Both children were going to be naked most of the day...potty chairs ready!  The rug was pulled off the floor, the potty chairs were side by side, and "Elmo's Potty Time" was ready to play.  The boys were stripped of their clothes and read the book "The Potty Train".  Aiden decided he would hold himself because he had to go, and it was coming out.  He would tinkle, hold it, tinkle, hold it...meanwhile I'm trying to pick him up and put him on the potty seat, and Austin says, "oh, oh he peed".  It was really quite funny.  Pee all over the couch and on the floor, and I'm trying to get my 3 and 1/2 year old to sit on the potty while my 20 month old gives me the play-by-play!  Needless to say, I was done with that after 20 minutes!  How do you potty train a child that doesn't communicate, and may not even feel when he has to go?

Plan B...    

I'm getting a seat that will fit in the toilet so Aiden can use that when he is ready.  He is way too big for the potty chair anyway.  I will encourage him to sit on it at certain times of the day--when he wakes up, before rest time, and before bath time.  It doesn't matter if he does anything.  It is the idea of getting him used to the potty.  Even though my 20 month old is ready, I think I'll wait awhile.  Aiden is going to take all of me right now.  I can tell this is going to take a lot of patience and hard work!  Bring it on!

Letter

August 6th, 2011

My dear Aiden,

You are now 3-1/2 years old.  I can't believe how quickly time passes us by.  The more I come to realize this fact, the more I let go of the things that aren't important, and cherish the things that are.  One of my favorite scriptures these days is, "seek ye first the kindom of God, and all else will be added unto you".  I know this is true Aiden; I've seen it in my life time and time again.  Miracles continue to happen.  We always have what we need despite our struggles.  You and Austin are my pride and joy.  I can't tell you in words what being your mother means to me.  Motherhood saved me from a deep depression.  I have purpose now.  I know you need a lot from me, especially now when your opportunities to learn are at their greatest.  I hope I'm giving you what you need.  God must have a lot of faith in me, because this is hard.  There are times of great sadness, and times of great joy.  I cling to every new word you say...every random sentence, and I pray that I can talk to you soon.  There are times I don't understand, but I'm trying.  It is hard to be empathetic when I've never had your challenges.  I'm learning empathy from you.  You are a very sweet and loving boy.  You comfort your brother when he is upset.  I love that about you.  The other day you ran 1/2 a mile non-stop, and I was so proud of you!  You have many gifts and talents Aiden, and I'm excited to see how they blossom and grow over the years.  I love you just the way you are--sweet, handsome, and energetic!  I'm grateful to be such a big part of your journey.  

All my love,

Mommy

Autismom--Thank you so much for taking the time to read this blog, and to give me feedback!  For some reason the blog will not let me respond to your messages!  I read every one of them, and I appreciate your experienced insight!  My email address is mccormickmarian@yahoo.com.  I would love to be able to reply to you!