We sat them down on their potties (they know the words, and can sign the word potty) every time Eddie or I went, and pretty soon, they were excited about them. So we tried the next step. Naked bums on the potty. Just like EVERY SINGLE OTHER MAMA out there who has done potty training, I wanted to give up. At first, I figured Abigail wasn't going to participate. She simply peed all over the floor, and didn't even cry about it! But, about a week into it, roles reversed, and Abigail was doing excellent, while Jacquelyn peed all over. We tried stickers as rewards, but the girls are scared of them, so I baked tiny cookies they could have when they went. This has served a dual-purpose, since the girls are still so small, the cookies are giving them good fats and calories. I've been using whole-wheat flour, and so far, even the sugar cookies have turned out just fine! It's been SUCH a big help in training them! Sometimes they don't get one if we or they forget, but they don't seem to mind, and usually if they're successful, a cookie is waiting for them. One thing to note, for Mamas of twins: this is heartbreaking when one baby pees and the other does not. But, I truly think that's what helped get BOTH girls on board. Who wants to watch Sissy eat a cookie, when all they'd have to do is pee to get one too? We've had a couple meltdowns because baby A or baby B didn't get to have one, but I'd say it's pretty even, and very rare they don't both get one now.
After the first week I reevaluated, and decided Jacquelyn wasn't going to get it; and afterall, they're not even two yet, so we just took it a bit slower. Approaching week 2, both babies were reliably going to the bathroom on their own! Dry diapers on outings, and very little after naps. Don't get me wrong-there are accidents. Yesterday, Jacquelyn refused to pee for over 15 minutes of "tries", then when I'd given up, she finally peed. ALL over the pillow and floor. That did not make for a happy Mama, or baby, since she got scolded about how "peepee goes in the potty, not on the floor." But, ultimately, today was better, and overall they really are being very successful little potty-goers.
This is not a fix-it for every situation. Though they're dry for the most part, Jacquelyn does not like being held up on an adult sized toilet, so we still don't go anywhere without diapers on. But when they're dry when we get home, it gives me great hope we're on the way to being a no-diaper household. We're down to 4 diapers a day (2 for each baby), one when they go down at nap, and one when they go down for the night. Considering some children aren't ready to go diaperless while sleeping until they're 3, 4, or even later, I consider this a GIGANTIC win for the Smiddy household! The girls think it's fun and exciting, and enjoy the clapping and praise (and cookie) when they're successful. We enjoy the independence they have, and that they're learning so quickly.
SO: Congratulations, Smiddy girls: Abigail, and Jacquelyn. You are amazing babies, and we couldn't have such fun without you!
