Nature's Calling

A few weeks ago I went on a business trip to San Francisco and in three days a new habit had formed with my son. In less than 72 hours, under the sole care of my husband, my son went from using the bathroom like a normal human being to using the great outdoors as his new toilet. I know it is very convenient to have a penis, especially, when it comes to "peeing emergencies" but really did we have to teach our son this habit?
Benjamin and I had just come into the house from playing outside in the backyard. We were just about to have a snack when he said, "Mommy I have to go potty." With that comment, he bolted out the backdoor. I ran and followed to find him in the middle of yard pants down urinating on our lawn. After he was finished, I went to find his father and ask him about this "new habit." Wally laughed it off with a "boys will be boys" attitude. I just shook my head and asked if there might be any other habits I should be made aware of that Ben learned/picked up while I was away. He couldn't think of any at the moment. I don't plan on going away anytime soon.

Potty Talk

I am tired of potty training and even more tired of Benjamin getting all the kudos. Here is my most recent post on NJ Moms Blog for your viewing pleasure:
http://www.newjerseymomsblog.com/2009/07/why-is-it-that-children-get-all-the-praise-when-potty-training.html

More Tails From The Toilet

If you have come in contact with me in the last few weeks, you have probably heard this story but I love it so much I need to preserve it:
Benjamin has been having a problem controlling his aim while peeing (nothing new in the boy category or the male category for that matter). So to help address this problem, I have been encouraging him to "point your penis down." This has seemed to help keep the urine in the bowl rather than all over my floor.
The other day he came over to me and said, "can I teach Shorty (his stuffed monkey-get your minds out of the gutter) how to go to the bathroom?" I said, "sure!" Next thing you know Ben is propping Shorty on the toddler potty. As Shorty is sitting there Benjamin gives him this instruction, "now Shorty point your penis down." Just for the record, Shorty didn't make any mess. Good training Ben!
Later that same day, Ben bursts in while I am going to the potty (I have no more privacy in my life). He decides he too wants to join me. While he sits on his throne, he asks me, "Mommy is your penis pointed down?" I then need to explain to a 2 year old (I thought this conversation would take a few more years like 20) that "mommies" don't have penises. In quick response to this revelation, Benjamin asks, "but you do have shorts and shoes like me." Yes, yes, I do.