Announcement! And some thoughts.

I have tried really hard not to be that mom on Facebook. I post about Amelia most of the time, but I think I've done a pretty good job leaving out some of the details that others may just not want to know. Not all my friends are parents, and who wants to read about poop over breakfast, anyway? 

But, I am one proud and excited mommy tonight, and I have to share somewhere. Thank goodness I have a blog! 

Ladies and gentlemen,

I declare Amelia

POTTY TRAINED!

We've had several days now with no accidents! She has even tackled her... fear?... embarassment?...plain old obstinance?... regarding the dreaded "number two". Finally, no more hiding behind the curtains!

Moms, there are many issues that cause debate among us. Some bring the claws out more than others. But potty training? Is at a whole other level. Not a lot of outward debate... more like quiet smugness. I don't know how many times I let sly sugar-coated comments (bragging) discourage me. As parents, we're expected to be proud of our kids. Finally realizing your kid is potty trained? That's a big one. But what we all need to keep in mind: every single child is different. Your methods may have performed magic on your 19-month old, but that doesn't mean they will work for your nephew. Or for your neighbor's kid. Or for the strong-willed child halfway to her fourth birthday. 

Potty training can be frustrating, and it can take a long time. Moms, try not to fall into that trap of comparing your child to others. Try not to get discouraged when you're cleaning up the sixth accident in seven hours (yes, easier said than done). Listen to the hordes of unsolicited advice you will get, but do what works for you and toss out the rest. 

And if you get tired of feeling left behind? Then come up with some sassy responses to the braggarts out there. Watch sassy mom's face as you tell her you have a clinical obsession with diapers and can't bear to see them go. Or that the latest research shows the brilliant children aren't trained until a much older age.

You kid will figure it out, so why not laugh a little bit?