No longer a decoration

Months ago, around Elliana's 18 month birthday, we bought a potty chair. Our pediatriacian had recommended purchasing one to just keep around the house for Elliana to get used to. On occassion, she would point to it and say "Elli's potty," but for the most part it was just part of our decor.

Elliana is now 22 months old and the potty chair has remained part of our decorations. A lonely little plastic chair adorning our guest bathroom positioned next to the toilet. That is, until two days ago. Elliana was getting ready for her bath and pointed to the potty chair. "Elli's potty!" she proclaimed with excitement. Given she was already naked and in bath mode, I asked if she needed to go potty. She lifted the pottty chair, pulled it into the middle of the bathroom and said "YES!" and sat her little tooshie on the seat. "Door close" she said as she jumped up and ran to close the door and then marched back to her seat. "Elli potty" she said and I said something like, "yes, this is where you go potty." Elliana looked at me and said "Elli potty!" You can imagine my surprise when I checked and sure enough she had gone pee-pee. She instinctually grabbed toilet paper, wiped and threw it in her chair. Her little eyes looked up at me and beamed with pride.

Thankfully, Daddy was home and was a part of this momentous event. We did a little dance. We showed our excitement and praised her good efforts. Our daughter continued to beam from ear to ear. During her bath that followed, Elliana looked at me and said "Elli happy." I explained that Mommy and Daddy were happy too and that we were very proud of her.

Today is Thursday and I admit, I have not even tried to ask Elliana if she had to use the potty again. We have been running around from sun up to sun down and it simply hasn't crossed my mind. This morning, we were preparing for another bath. And...much to my surprise, Elliana made an encore performance. "Elli potty?" my daughter asked as if seeking my permission. "Yes, honey. Do you have to go potty?" I asked. Elliana began sitting down on the potty fully clothed and I quickly stood her up and began undressing her zip up footed pajamas. As soon as she was undressed, onto the potty chair she sat. And, proudly announced her accomplishment again.

As a mother, I am continually impressed by my daughter's accomplishments. But, I really think that this potty business is just knocking my socks off. I think I am going to continue to allow Elliana to lead the potty training process as she seems to be doing just great on her own pace. And, I will continue to marvel at her accomplishments and be a happy Mommy.