No, I am not potty training a one year old but I do think I'm over my head. It's been a crazy couple of weeks. We have been busy working like crazy on the new boutique website and finalizing things for the printing of the book line. Then there has been teething for both girls and bad colds for both girls. But bigger than anything, my baby C officially turned ONE and we also decided to officially start potty training A. What a couple of weeks it's been!

I can hardly believe my little baby is no longer a baby. A year has flown by faster than I ever thought possible. She is now cruising and gabbing and somehow I can't believe she is no longer swaddled in my arms. Senor and I are thrilled that we have two princesses that are so close in age and hopefully will be the best of friends. But having them so close in age has been tough. They are 18 months apart and I have been lucky enough to be able to stay home since they were born and care for them. When A was born, I went to music classes with her, baby yoga, baby gym, mommy and me, etc, etc. and not to mention walks in the park, days at the beach and much more. C's life has been drastically different. Not only is she shuttled in a car a lot more, driving A to school and back, but she also is dealing with the fact that I am now working from home. I sometimes worry that this is why she's not walking yet or talking more but apparently this is just typical mom guilt. Ah, the thing none of us moms can get away from. I hope I can focus more on the fact that she sleeps like an angel, loves people and is a happy, giggling baby who is independent and social. She will eventually learn more words and go out on her own. I'll keep you posted on that. 

And to help my mom guilt subside a bit, it looks like she's finally starting to drop her morning nap which will mean we can do more one-on-one activities. Our first mommy and me class is this Friday and I can hardly wait to sing silly songs and see her finger painting and stacking blocks with other tots. 

So, as for potty training. YIKES! I guess I knew it was going to be tough but a part of me also was hoping that A would surprise me, as she did with so many other transitions (dropping bottles, changing to sippy cups, sleeping in a big girl bed, etc) but this has been HARD. A, as many of you have read, is independent, strong-willed and STUBBORN. I'm going to have to read many books on reverse psychology because she already is rebelling. The reason we even tried was because her teachers thought she was ready, as did we. She was interested in the potty and would go and sit and talk about it. Her friends are potty trained so it seemed like a possibility. Well, it hasn't been a complete disaster or it would have only lasted a day, instead it's been this long drawn out mess. I would say she has about 50-70% accuracy. The toughest part though is she has not once told us she has to go, we have to take her at timed intervals to avoid accidents. This is an exhausting process and we are all emotionally and physically tired of cleaning up and doing loads and loads of laundry. it's been almost 2 weeks now. A now says she doesn't want to wear diapers. Double yikes. So, I am giving it through the weekend. After talking to the pediatrician today (he says going back to diapers will not emotionally harm her), I am ready to given in for bit and try again later. So we'll see. I'm convinced she understood my conversation with her doc and since then has not had any accidents and even went in two different public bathrooms. I am hoping for the best either way and really just want it to be over soon.

For those that have easy transitions, congrats! But for those struggling, it is also VERY normal. Try to be patient and if you are going insane (as I have been), it's time to reevaluate. I believe potty training should not create a war in your home. As soon as I gave myself the option of going back to diapers (or pull ups), I have been able to breathe again and take it day by day. 

Tomorrow is a new day. Good night for now.