Potty Training in Our Happy House: It's a Stage

I'm so excited to begin a new series here on Happy House of 5.  

I've had a lot of interest in my Potty Training Posts and thought that I would expand the topic by inviting other bloggers to share their tips and experiences.  Today I would like to welcome our first guest blogger, Bonnie from The Koala Bear Writer.  

"Mommy, I went pee and poo in the potty!" Lily's voice is high with excitement as I come around the corner to check on her activity in the bathroom.  In the last couple of days, she's started telling me she can go by herself—and going when she needs to go, instead of just when I tell her to go.  It's a huge, rewarding step in what feels like a long potty training journey.

I have two girls in underwear now (and one more still in diapers!), and while I'm not an expert on potty training, I have noticed a few things that helped both of my girls learn.

1.  They were ready.

Before I started potty training, I scoffed at the idea that children had to be ready to do it.  It was more about the parents, I thought, and when they were ready to work with their children on this.  Sunshine changed my mind on that.  With both of my daughters, I've had potty and underwear ready for them... before they were ready for it.  I made suggestions and encouraged, but didn't have much success.

Then there was one day when each of them woke up and said, "I want to wear underwear" and that was the beginning of their potty training.  After that, they didn't want diapers.  They wanted to be "big girls" and, even though they still had accidents, they generally kept trying to go potty on the toilet and to be motivated themselves to do it.

2.  Don't scold or punish.

Accidents are frustrating.  Very frustrating.  Especially when they happen at the perfect times (like when you are getting ready to go somewhere) or in the perfect places (like on the couch or the bed).  I've gotten really upset at a few accidents and noticed that doesn't help either of them—or me.  Instead, I've learned to take a deep breath and to talk calmly to them about what they could have done instead.  They could have come inside instead of playing outside.  They could have gone potty before getting in the truck.  They could have told Mommy.  And if they told Mommy, we'd be ready to play again already instead of still cleaning up the mess.

Since Lily was also old enough to get dressed herself, I had her change her wet clothes if she had an accident and put the dirty clothes in the laundry.  Sometimes I also got her to mop up the puddle with paper towels.  These natural consequences helped her learn about her mistakes without either of us getting upset.

3.  Let them feel wet.

Sunshine was potty trained around the time that she was two years old (just before Lily was born) and it only took a few months.  She wore cloth diapers and knew when she was wet and asked for a diaper change immediately.  By the time Lily started potty training, our cloth diapers had worn out so she was wearing disposables.  She was much less motivated to start training and is now almost three and finally (I hope!) trained.  I strongly believe that the sensation of being wet helps children learn to go potty.  Whether that means cloth diapers, potty training pants, or simply going cold turkey and putting them in underwear (and putting up with the accidents for a while), let your child experience his bodily signals.  Disposable diapers and pull-ups don't let children feel the wet to the same extent and so they don't learn the signals that precede feeling wet.

Finally, remember that potty training is a stage.  It may seem like it takes a while (and some children may take longer than others, like Lily!) but eventually, they all figure out how to do it... so buy more paper towels and keep smiling.

Bonnie Way is a freelance writer, editor and blogger.  She has three daughters (ages 5, 3, and newborn) who enjoy reading books, building with their blocks, and playing in parks.  When she's not on her computer, Bonnie can be found baking cookies, rock climbing, or trying to take pictures of her girls.  She and her husband have been married for six years and live in Victoria, BC.  Bonnie blogs three times a week about motherhood or what's she reading and also hangs out on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest.

Thanks so much for sharing with us Bonnie!!  I would love to have YOU share your Potty Training story and tips, email me at Lindsey@Happyhouseof5.com today.

You can catch up on the other posts in the series here:

Potty Training in Our Happy House: It's a Stage by The Koala Bear Writer 

Potty Training in Our Happy House: When ready doesn't come by Spectrum of Blessings

Potty Training in Our Happy House: Training by Personality Type from Naps and Roadmaps

Breastfeeding Tips for New Momma's



When I had my first baby thirteen years ago I was very young and didn't really know much about breastfeeding.  I knew that it was the best food for her, so I figured I would give it a try and see how it went.  If only I knew then what I know now!  Being a young single Momma only added to the stress of trying to successfully breastfeed my newborn.  It didn't last but a few weeks actually and I was very disappointed in myself for not lasting longer, but I was doing what I had to do at the time.  The fact that she had those weeks of nursing was beneficial to her regardless of how long it lasted.

Fast forward five years, I was older and happily married now and gave birth to another beautiful baby girl.  I remember sitting in her nursery days after we came home for the hospital.  I was rocking her while breastfeeding her and just sat there and cried.  I was regretting how different my first born's coming home and few weeks of nursing had gone.  I sat there wishing things had been different for her and I.  This time things were going to be different I promised myself!  During my second pregnancy I did a lot of research, I read many books on Breastfeeding, attended classes at the hospital and started attending meetings at La Leche League. 

Having a support group of other nursing Mommas, books and the internet was such an important thing to how I was able to be more successful this time around.  My husbands Aunt was a Nurse at the hospital and offered to come see my while we were at the hospital those couple of days.  She showed me different positions to nurse and made sure she had a good latch.  Everything was going really well until she had her first check up at the Pediatricians office.  She had jaundice and the Doctor wanted me to stop nursing!  He wanted me to give her bottles of formula for at least a week and then get her levels checked again.  My Momma heart was so determined to be successful this time and giving her a bottle was something I was totally against because I was scared she would have nipple confusion.  Long story short, my husband attempted to give her a couple of bottles while I sat in the other room crying because I was heart broken.  I couldn't handle it though and decided to follow my gut instinct and nurse her more frequently in addition to getting her in the sun as much as I could while we lived in cold New York during those winter months.  Her check up showed that she was doing better, it took some time but her jaundice went away just fine without giving up hope on our breastfeeding dreams.

Looking back I wish I had done more research on the Pediatricians in the area and found one that was more up-to-date and supportive of breastfeeding.  Baby girl number two and I nursed happily for eight months, even though my goal was to make it to one year.  Around eight months is when she started to bite me and we went out of town for my Grandfather's funeral.  The stress of the trip and her biting me is what lead to our end.  I had never heard of a "Nursing Strike" before otherwise I may have tried a little harder to continue with nursing. 

Another five years, yes I like our five year spread, and we had baby girl number three.  Backed with more experience and knowledge this time, I was praying that nursing would go smoother this time.  Luckily it did and we doubled our nursing time, we lasted sixteen months!  It was very bittersweet when she had weaned herself slowly, but my heart knew it was time. 

Here are a some of my favorite tips for the New Breastfeeding Momma:

My number one recommendation for the new nursing Momma is to go buy yourself some Lansinoh cream to help with the sore nipples.  Don't let anyone lie to you and tell you it's not going to hurt at first.  They will be sore and possibly crack for awhile, this cream is AMAZING and worth every penny!  You can also hand express some breast milk onto your sore, cracked nipples and allow the milk to use their super healing power.

Buy some good quality nursing bras.  I could not wear any bra with an under wire in it.  The pressing of the wire under my arms gave me plugged ducts and turned into Mastitis.  You'll also need Breast Pads, I preferred washable pads instead of the disposable ones. 



If your dealing with moderate to severe engorgement in the beginning, wash some cabbage leaves and place them in the fridge.  You can place them as compresses between nursings for up to twenty minutes but no more than three times a day as it could possibly decrease your supply.  When my milk first came in and I was really engorged with milk, I would stand in the warm shower for a few minutes and massage to get the milk flowing and then nurse my baby.  Cool compacts and/or the cabbage leaves can help after your nursing session. 

 

I also found these Nuk Warm or Cool Relief Pads helpful

Nursing in public is a personal choice.  There are many stylish nursing covers these days for the modest Momma.  It was very uncomfortable for me at first but with experience it became more comfortable and part of our every day.

 

I found it helpful to own a Boppy Pillow to help hold up the baby while nursing.  I have a bad back so any help I could get I took.  I also used pillows to further prop my baby. 

 I hope my story and tips are helpful to you!  Knowledge is power so do your research and get involved with the Breastfeeding Community in your area. 

Catch the Moment: April

A couple of years back I got a really nice camera, my first DSLR.  Taking classes on how to actually use it off of the auto mode is on my list, but with that said it takes great pictures even on auto so I don't feel so bad.  When I first got my camera I took a lot of pictures of my family.  As time has gone by I've found that I'm not using it as much now with the convenient camera on my iPhone. (You can follow me on Instagram for more day to day pics)  When Nurse loves Farmer shared her Catch The Moment series, encouraging us to pick up our cameras to catch the little moments in our daily lives that was the exact inspiration I needed!

 This past week we had the chance to visit our Grandparents who have a motor home.  They're snow birds back and forth from New York to Florida every year.  The weather was perfect, we enjoyed spending some time outside riding scooters and going for walks around the camp ground.  

 This Radio Flyer scooter is just her size and it doesn't go too fast for her.  She is getting better on it everyday!  She likes to try to keep up with her sisters and our neighbors.  

 Love taking pictures outdoors in the natural sunlight!

My girl was having fun jumping up and down, great way to burn up some of that energy.  

What's your child's favorite outdoor activity?

Linking up here

Easter 2013

Well the past two weeks have been a blur to me.  First we had family visiting for a week and then Spring Break last week.  Big Sis took her first solo airplane ride to stay with family for her break.  That left Middle, Little Sis and I to play last week.  I feel like I didn't blog very much, but with good reason. I enjoyed my week with the girls.  

We had a very Blessed Easter weekend as well.  We went to an egg hunt at our church on Saturday followed by a fun neighborhood egg hunt, needless to say we were egged out before Sunday!  We woke up Sunday to find the Easter Bunny had left the girls baskets full of goodies.  Church was AMAZING, like usual.  We had a small brunch afterwards with another family from church.  We are so blessed with the friends God has brought us.  

 Little Sis at our neighborhood Egg Hunt

 She loved racing to find the eggs, she wanted to stop and open most of them before going for the next one.  

 Easter morning before church I was able to take a couple of precious pictures of my girls!

 Our three beauties

 The Easter Bunny hides the girls baskets each year.  He left chocolate crosses, peanut butter mini eggs, mini cadburry eggs, hair bands, pens, chalk, movies, flip flops, body wash, tooth flossers and The Jesus Calling Storybook Bible Book.  {He tries to leave practical goodies instead of toys and tons of candy}

 We enjoyed a simple brunch with friends.  We had ham sandwiches, pasta salad, deviled eggs, fruit salad and made yummy brownie sundae's.  Aren't these Easter Bunny chair covers from The Dollar Store adorable?!

This was the decoration I made for the Easter table.  I bought the vase, flowers and burlap strip at Walmart.  The eggs were found at Home Goods.  We also used My Computer is my Canvas's printable Egg Baskets as name tags with Easter candy inside.  

My husband says that the Easter Bunny never hid baskets at his house, so tell me did he hide yours or were they out in plain sight??  I would love to hear!

Nominated for a Liebster Award

Last week Cindy at Little Miss Celebration nominated me with the Liebster Award!  How sweet of you to think of me Cindy, you made my day! 

 I had been blogging privately for a couple of years but felt it was time to go public with a blog about our life, the fun stuff we enjoy and our faith.  I'm having so much fun blogging, making new Blogger friends and stepping out in faith when I share our life with others online.  It's exciting to get an award but most importantly I'm thanking God for the continued growth and opportunities that he is bringing me through this blog.

  "So, neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who makes things grow."  1 Corinthians 3:7

What is the Liebster Award, you may be asking...it is an award given to up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers and have been in existence for less than 6 months.  It's a fun way to get to know new bloggers and show them some love.  

Here are the rules:

• Share 11 random facts about yourself.
• Answer 11 questions the nominator has asked you.
• Choose 11 new bloggers to pass the award to and link them in your post.
• Create 11 new questions for the bloggers you pass the award to.
• Go back to their page and tell them about the award.

11 Random Facts about me

{I had recently asked you to send me some questions to get to know me better so I thought this would be the perfect time to answer those for you}

1.  "When do you do your blogging and projects?" 
I try my best to save blogging for when Little Sis is asleep for her nap or after the girls bedtimes.  Evenings are also when I have alone time with my husband so I try to limit my time on the computer then too.  Luckily we both have hobbies we enjoy and try to give each other time to do so when possible.  I've been trying to have 2-3 blog posts a week, I would love to do more but my family is my number one priority.  

2.  "What is your most and least used Pinterest board?  
My board with the most pins is "Sewing Projects" but I feel that I use my "Recipes" board a little bit more.  The least used board is "Master Bedroom Ideas", and I have to laugh about this because I feel our bedroom is the one room in the house that I pay the least amount of attention to.  I spend so much time keeping the rest of the house clean and tidy that when it comes to our bedroom, I tend to be lazier and messier because no one really goes in there besides the Hubby and I.  It definitely needs some TLC and crafting attention!

3.  "What is the best thing you have read?" 
 OK, I have to be honest...I am not a big reader.  I do love to read craft, recipe and DIY blogs but occasionally pick up a book.  One of my favorite authors though has been Nickolas Sparks, I love that I know most of the places in North Caroling where his stories take place.  This past summer I read "Discerning the voice of God", by Priscilla Shirer with my church and it was such an amazing book.  I learned so much and God definitely spoke to me through this study, very powerful!

4.  "What is your favorite food?"  
My favorite food type is Italian but my absolute LOVE is C.H.O.C.O.L.A.T.E.  I like to have a little bit each and every day.  It's rare that I don't have some sort of chocolate in the house for my daily craving, which tends to be everyday after lunch.

5.  I love to sing.  
I was always in chorus and drama while in middle and high school.  I also sang in the church choir during high school.  I would love to sing with our Church's Praise Band but the time commitment and my husbands work schedule don't make that possible right now.  Maybe someday :)

6.  I'm pretty crafty with a lot of things but decorating cakes is not my calling.  
I tried to make one of those barbie doll cakes for Middle Sis one year and it was so pitiful looking.  I had to thew at least half of it away to make it look somewhat decent.  Luckily she was young and loved it anyways!

7.  I have lived in NY, PA, NC, FL, and TX. 
 I've moved so many different times I've lost count.   This was our fourth military move with the Coast Guard in the past four years!  We spent 9 months in Beaumont (TX), 15 months in Milton (FL), 8 months in Corpus Christi (TX) and have been living here in South Florida for just over a year now.  This has been my favorite military move so far.  I love the area we live in, love our neighbors and our Church family.  It is going to be very hard to leave all of the wonderful friends God has brought into our lives.  

8.  I've had so many different types of jobs. 
 I've worked in a Real Estate office, several different Doctors offices, Bank Tellers and Account Reps, Preschool Teacher, Daycare Owner but feel that my true calling from God is to be a stay at home Mom to our three girls.  It is the most challenging and rewarding job out there!  

9.  I try to wake up at 5:30am on weekdays for my quiet time. 
I set my alarm to get up before my daughters and husband get up so that I can enjoy my cup of tea and do my Bible Study Fellowship homework in the mornings.  It really helps me set my heart right before starting my day.  Saturday is my only day to sleep so I don't do my study that morning and Sunday I wake up and get showered and ready for church before the girls wake up.  I really enjoy my sleep though so I typically don't stay up past 10pm.  
10. "What kind of crafting do you like best (paper, sewing, cooking) and why?"  
Hmm, this is a toughie.  I do cook most of our meals and enjoy finding new recipes that our family likes, for some reason my favorite kind of recipes are desserts lol!  When I do find the time to sew or embroider I always find it to be like therapy.  I often think, I need to make time to do this more often.  So I guess sewing and embroidery are my favorite followed by cooking then paper crafting.  
11.  I'm a jeans, t-shirt and flip flops kind of girl.  
Don't get me wrong though, I do enjoy getting dressed up every once in awhile.  Since we live in South Florida and it's pretty hot here I've found that I would rather wear a sundress over shorts and a t-shirt. 

Cindy's Questions for Me
1.  If you could be someone else for one day, who would it be and why?
So this may sound a little cheesy but Martha Stewart.  She is a super crafter, chef and seamstress!  I would love to have some of her knowledge.  Really though,  I'm very blessed and wouldn't want to be anyone else other than myself.   2.  Who is your favorite musical artist or group?
I listen to Christian and Country music.  Some of my favorites are Karrie Jobe and Carrie Underwood
3.  If you could be on a reality show, which one would you want to be on?
Since I love to sing, I would choose American Idol. 
4.  What's been your biggest cooking disaster?
I attempted to make one of The Pioneer Woman's chocolate cakes.  She said on her show that you didn't have to use the mixer to stir the cake, so I used a wooden spoon like she did and it DID NOT turn out, it was all lumpy and nasty.  I can laugh at it now but I was not happy at the time.  
5.  I would love to learn how to________?
Use my DSLR camera without using auto, someday hopefully I'll have time to take some classes.
6.  What movie has made you laugh the most?
After thinking about this one I realized I don't watch very many movies.  We rarely go to the movie theater or rent movies.  The first movie that popped into my mind was "The Proposal" with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds.  I always watch it when the reruns are on TV and it still makes me laugh out loud.  
7.  What's your biggest pet peeve?
People without good manners.  For some reason personal space and manners are very lacking these days.  The world would be so much nicer if we were all kinder.
8.  If you could pick another first name for yourself, what would it be?
I was almost named Jamie, but my Mom took my Aunt's baby girl name that she had picked out and my Aunt used my Moms baby name of Jamie.  
9.  What country would you most like to visit that you haven't?
I would love to visit Italy for all the yummy food.
10.  Other than Christmas, what is your favorite holiday?
I'd say it is a tie between Thanksgiving and Easter.  Both are very near and dear to my heart.  We have so much to be thankful for.  I love to be surrounded by family, friends and yummy foods during both of these holidays.  We should always be counting our blessings and everyday should be like Easter because Jesus is risen and lives forever in heaven and someday we can too!!
11.  What is your very favorite dessert?
I thought of two for you, chocolate cake with chocolate icing and I've always loved twist flavored soft serve ice cream with loads of rainbow sprinkles on a cake cone...yes I'm still a little girl at heart :)

Here is the fun part...I get to pick out 11 blogs that I want to give the Liebster too.  
Kelly @ Supper with Southern Living
Ashley @ This Southern Girls Heart 
Gianina @ Naps and Roadmaps
Merrie Beth @ The Wise Woman Builds
Vickie @ Ponder 365
April @ House by Hoff
Heather @ The Unsophisticated Kitchen 
Moni @ Zu Haus at Home
Christy @ Confessions of a Serial DIYer
Carissa @ Carissa Miss
Debbie @ One Little Project

Congratulations Ladies, here are your 11 questions to answer.  I hope you have as much fun as I did.
1.  If you had to eat the same menu everyday of your life, what would you choose for breakfast, lunch and dinner?
2.  If you could choose anywhere to live, where would it be?
3.  What's your favorite vacation spot?
4.  Best Pinterest Idea you've found so far?
5.  Favorite Place to shop?
6.  How did you meet your husband?
7.  Favorite TV show?
8.  What's your favorite hobby?
9.  Favorite dessert recipe?
10.  I wish I knew how to______?
11.  In five years I hope to be _____?

Share your Potty Training Story

I have been so amazed to see the response that my Potty Training in our Happy House post has received.  It's my number one viewed post thanks to Pinterest.   I've been getting lots of comments, emails and Facebook messages regarding Potty Training.  I've had friends use the 3 day method I blogged about and had wonderful responses with their children too. 

I do realize that the 3 day method is not a one size fits all for training.  I would love to help other readers who are having a struggle or questions about potty training, that's where you come in.  I am looking for other Bloggers who would be interested in being featured here on Happy House of 5, by sharing your Potty Training story, experiences and recommendations.  It can be similar to my 3 day training, completely different techniques, how you decided your child wasn't ready yet, boys vs. girls, training multiplies, I'm sure your story could help encourage another reader if you shared it!  If you are interested please email me at Lindsey@Happyhouseof5.com

GIVEAWAY:Haute Tots Children's Boutique WINNER

Good Thursday Morning!  Sorry I've been MIA a little this week.  My husband and I went to Disney for a little anniversary getaway(pics on Instagram and on Facebook so if you aren't connected with me that way be sure to!) and we have family visiting from out of town for the week.  I'm busy enjoying their company and getting things done for Easter this week.  I'll be back in full swing next week.  

We do have one important thing to take care of though, it's time to announce the winner of the 

Haute Tots Children's Boutique GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

CONGRATULATIONS JOELLE!!!  Please contact me at Lindsey(at)Happyhouseof5(dot)com within 24 hours to claim your prize.