Take a deep breath and go!

It's time, I think, to potty train Claire. She takes off her diaper by herself when she wants a fresh one. She tells us when she's pooping - just in case we missed the obvious red faced grunts and the squat. She completely strips and announces, "I go potty TOO!" anytime that anyone of us makes a toilet related comment. The only thing that's stopping me is that she's never actually gotten any urine in the pot, accidentally or otherwise. I freely confess that I loathe potty training. In many ways, diapers are easier. There are no cheers, no m&ms, no long minutes of sitting in the bathroom chatting happily while nothing happens. Diapers are quick, easy, and not too messy. Going on the potty is excruciatingly slow and very, very messy. Who wants to clean a plastic chamber pot umpteen times per day? Especially with an independent toddler who screams "MY DO IT MYSELF!" at every opportunity? Playing tug of war with a pot full of crap is not my idea of a fun time. And then there is the reading about the potty. "Joshua sat and sat and sat and sat and sat.." Mommy yawned and yawned and yawned and yawned. And then Mommy realized that reading a hand-me-down potty book written for boys is probably not the best choice for girls who have different parts. It's enough that I'm having to deal with constant potty talk. I don't need for Claire to be pawing herself looking for non-existent bits and pieces. Still, I think the time is right. Claire's interested. Nick and Jake will be out of town this weekend. The opportunity could not be more clear! I will buy the right book, some thick cotton panties, and a pound of m&ms. Well, maybe two pounds of m&ms. What else am I going to do while sitting in the bathroom all weekend?