Faucets of Freedom
Potty training is such a monumental task, and it is so great when your kids get to the point where you can just send them to the bathroom without accompanying them. Aidan and Alanna have been trained for about a year now. Unfortunately, they haven't been able to turn the water on without help in our bathrooms, so we are always running to the bathroom to turn on the water. Last week, we all went to Lowe's to pick out faucets; the kids tested them out and helped me choose which ones to bring home. They were so excited; however, they thought the faucets would magically replace themselves and be available for immediate use. Finally, we had someone come to replace the faucets two days ago. They were THRILLED!!! I was pretty anxious myself; the prospect of them being able to turn the water on and off themselves was very appealing to me, too!
Since Alanna has been getting up shortly after bedtime to go to the bathroom, I was particularly anxious to not have to play a role in all of this. This meant that we'd be removing the child-proof doorknob cover from the inside of their bedroom door...which allows so much more freedom. They are discovering and pushing the limits of that freedom more with each passing night.
The first night, both Aidan and Alanna had to "go" within about 30 minutes after I put them to bed. I knew the novelty was exciting, and I was happy to be sitting comfortably in my recliner not helping them... at all. The next night, I had Jason put a little Killer Whale doo-hickey on the faucet that can turn it into a water fountain...so no more need for cups! Score another one for allowing me to be lazy! Talk about excitement! They love it! Last night, I heard Alanna head to the bathroom while I was on the phone with my sister. After I hung up, I peeked in on her, and she was just scrubbing away, proud as punch to be doing this all on her own...she had a huge grin on her face.
This morning they realized they could also use their new-found freedom to go to the bathroom when they woke up...since I'm not a morning person, I don't get out of bed quickly enough, and they end up using their Pull-Ups. They were so cute trying to be so quiet. Alanna instructed Aidan in a loud whisper..."Tip-Toe!" when he came into my room to throw away his Pull-Up, which ended in a crash when the lid to the diaper pail slammed down. This wasn't something I'd anticipated...just didn't think that far into it. He kept peeking at me, hoping I might be awake, as I continued to pretend to be asleep. It was so hard not to giggle!
Tonight, the novelty isn't wearing off. They both had to "go" within 20-30 minutes of my turning out the lights. They were in their bedroom giggling and talking, which I tried to ignore. I had told them I wanted it quiet tonight, and if I had to come in there would be a consequence. So, after a while I walked with heavy feet to their door to give them a heads up I was on my way. I stopped just outside and heard them scrambling onto their beds and whispering to each other that I was coming and to be quiet. I returned to my work without going on...but with a smile on my face. They crack me up. It was a little after eight when I heard the door open. I waited a minute to see if they'd come down the hall to the office where I was working, but no one came. So I walked to their room, and the door was ajar. I opened the door, and I couldn't see figures lurking anywhere. I flipped on the light, and they were both curled up on their beds in a heap, trying their best to look like they were sleeping. Stinkers....
