Potty Training the Twins

Ann,

I feel inclined to give a report of our potty training roller coaster.

We began training mid-June, 2 weeks before we were scheduled to leave for our Michigan vacation.

DAY 1: I was horrified. I had a plan but I also knew I had no clue what it actually meant. I was super nervous and couldn't even sleep the night before. I kept thinking if I did it wrong today--if I didn't properly explain how the doll pees in the potty--then I'd end up with tweens wearing diapers.

By end of day the kids really got it and I could tell were trying, but I was on edge the ENTIRE day, chasing stray poop and sponging up pee. (Did I mention we did naked training?) Oh, and teaching Hayden not to play in the potties.

DAY 3: Twin B was basically trained by this day, stopping to play so he could poop or pee in his potty. This went on for the next week and a half. He's a freak of nature.

DAY 4: Twin A was doing fine with random accidents, sometimes uninterested in going. Fine.

WEEK 2: Twin A is bored with process. Start bribing with chocolate chips. Works for a few hours and then he just stares at me blankly when I suggest we "Use! The! Potty! Because isn't it FUN?!"

BEGINNING of VACATION: Took off on our drive, 2 froggy potties perched in the trunk. Trained twin asked us to stop every 2 hours to pee, which he produced satisfactorily, turning the 6 1/2 hour trip into almost 9.

END of VACATION: Despite occupying an entire corner of my in-laws' living room with two potties (which were used regularly), somehow by the end of vacation neither boy was trained. We were secretly happy for less hassle and a quick trip home.

FIRST DAY BACK FROM VACATION: I tell the boys we are going back to using the potties tomorrow, okay?

SECOND, THIRD, FOURTH DAY BACK FROM VACATION: I tell the boys we are going back to using the potties tomorrow, okay?

FIFTH DAY BACK FROM VACATION: Boys take it upon themselves and start helping themselves to the bathroom and using the potties.

THREE WEEKS HOME FROM VACATION: As long as boys are completely naked they are trained. They stop what they're doing to do their business, but if they're wearing a pull-up, diaper or undies, they consider that a suitable receptacle.

So, we're pretty much exibitionists around here.

Jen

-------------------

Jen,

I have no words of wisdom about potty training. It's this terrible awful dread I have ever since Catina was born. Catina wasn't fully trained until she was 3 1/2. I will always remember the horrific moment on vacation with my family in New Hampshire when Catina pooped in the hotel kiddie pool. The pool had to be vacated and couldn't be used until the following day!

Potty training is a funny thing. June was asking to go potty around Easter and I was so excited because I thought maybe this time it'd be easier. I decided to dedicate a week to staying home and gave up after the first day. To this day if I mention going on the potty she screams "No chocolate!" like it's a horrible piece of poo being forced upon her to eat. Seriously?!

I like to go with the annoying saying "They won't go to kindergarten in diapers."

Ann

Encouraging Words

My friend Lyndsay gave this to me for my birthday. I put it in the corner by the kitchen sink. Its a picture frame and someone can write on it with a Sharpie. At first I thought it would feel awkward to have people write on it but then I realized I could write Greg, my husband, back. It has been fun and always a nice surprise when I new message appears. - Ann

Our Story: The Elementary and Junior High Years

Jen,

When we first started this blog last fall I remember us mentioning that we wanted to tell our past story at some point. I'm realizing what a difficult task that is but I do believe it's important to share. Our story shows struggle and reconciliation and without it we wouldn't have the friendship we have now. There is no way to get into all the details but here is a beginning of the summary:

The summer before first grade my Mom sent me to a few Vacation Bible Schools.They were these week-long, half-day camp things that were free. I know I went to at least two of them and ironically every church seemed to have the same theme. We sang the same songs and I still remember the words to "Jesus Leads the Way." My parents were not attending a church at the time and although they believed in a higher power they didn't seem interested in getting to know Him.

I was super attracted to the love I felt at those camps and one day one of my teachers asked if I wanted to ask Jesus to be my friend forever. Now, oddly enough I was looking for a best friend. I think I was one of those kids who was always looking for their lobster. That's probably why I believe in soul mates. When I told the lady I wanted Him to be my friend forever she asked me "Are you sure?" I remember this because I thought she was crazy. I told her I wanted to, so why was she questioning me? I'm still like that to this day. Blunt. Only then it stayed in my head more rather than spilling out of my mouth!

That next year I started first grade and I met you and I have loved you since. This is not to say we didn't have our rough patches because after third grade we began to fight a lot and I didn't always like how you treated me. I also know I didn't always follow Jesus and could be annoying with my expressions about Him. I thought I knew Him like no one else and even though I think my heart was innocent, I also know there was a cockiness that had to be unattractive.

Our school went through sixth grade and so the year before we entered seventh grade I began to pray for a new best friend. I decided to stop calling you because I didn't think our relationship was healthy. This all sounds weird coming from a sixth grader,  but those were my exact thoughts. Junior high was rough, but the Lord did give me some good friends like our friend Jen B., and she is still someone I can always turn to. It's weird because it's not like when we saw each other at school we ignored each other, but we didn't hang out together anymore. We had a lot of the same classes because we happened to be the smarties. (Um, when did that part go away? Seriously, honors classes?)

Soon I'll share about our High School and College Years and I welcome any additional thoughts you may have!

Ann

______
Ann,

As you know, I have a HORRIFIC memory. I remember little about my childhood or our friendship, but I do have a recollection of being a bit of a snot in my younger years. God bless all those friends I did have!

Looking forward to sharing more of our story.

Jen

Four, Three and Under

Jen: Hey, it's me. I'm supposed to be working so I can't talk long but I wanted to say hi.

Ann: Oh, hi. How are you?

Jen: Oh, fine. How are you? (Why did I ask? I mean, I do want to know, but I really should get to the point.)

Ann: Fine. We have a playdate this morning so we're just trying to get ready. What are you guys up to?

Jen: Not much. (pause) So...I'm pregnant.

Ann: (pause) What?! Really?

Jen: Yes.

Ann: Wow! Are you happy? I mean, I'm so excited for you, but how do you feel?

Jen: A little crazy for doing it when the kids are so young, but we figured it was now or never. We never imagined we'd even be able to have this many kids so it's crazy to even grasp, but we are happy.

Can't wait to meet you, Baby Matteson. Lord willing, see you in January.

June Teaching Ada

We're Back!

Jen,

It was so good to see you and your family last week. I love being in the U.P.! It's so relaxing and the scenery is beautiful. I wish we could've hung out more but it was also nice to have some down time with our immediate families. Lots of reflection going on for me that I hope to share soon.

Candy Parade! Good for us the younger ones had no idea
what the candy was and why they were grabbing for it.

Fourth of July on the beach. (Catina and June.)

Levi and Everett jumping!

What? (Levi)

My favorite picture! (Greg, Ada, Catina, June)

Someone's pooped! (June, Catina)

Ice cream! (June, Catina, Greg)

Fishing! (Catina, June)

Waterfall (Greg, June, Catina)

June wearing Greg's hat!

Storm is coming!

Sisters!

 

Pretty

Ann

__________

Ann,

It was great to see you and Greg and the girls in the UP.

We visit Levi's hometown every year over the Fourth of July. It's almost like a reunion. We have many family get-togethers and spend as much time as we can with people Levi grew up with, many of whom are now friends to both of us. But what a blessing that you guys sometimes make the trip and we get the chance to connect!

When Levi and I got engaged over Thanksgiving in 1997, we took a drive up to Copper Harbor and visited Fort Wilkins. We walked around the grounds in the snow and even took photos on the picturesque old wagon. Who would have imagined these cutie pies sitting in the same exact spot almost 15 years later?

Levi, Hayden and Everett

So thankful for many great memories in the UP!

Jen

Gone Fishin'