Matthew

Matthew's latest accomplishment is that he has learned to use the toilet independently. We started on Monday with little success, and even yesterday, I was a bit confused by some of his actions. But today everything seemed to come together. He knew when he had to go and he went on his own, calling for help or a story (the standard reward for success) afterwards. All day! He stayed dry through his nap.

He is still wearing a diaper to bed because after two dry nights, he asked to go without last night. We thought we'd let him try, but he woke up wet and cold this morning at 5:30 or so. Back into a diaper tonight. We'll give this a little more time. If he keeps waking up dry most mornings, I may let him try again to wear underwear at night after a week or two.

Once again, the strategy of waiting until the child is ready has led to a child who completes toilet learning in a week or less. Woo hoo!

Now, let's just hope that June 4th (or whenever the baby is born) doesn't bring a relapse. Hopefully, since it is still two months away, using the toilet will be an old skill to him by then and it won't occur to him not to use it correctly.

In other news, he has begun to sing the Regina Coeli with us at mealtimes. We usually pray the Angelus before lunch and dinner (approximately noon and 6 p.m.), but have been singing the Regina Coeli for the Easter season. Matthew now chimes right in and also joins us for Grace Before Meals, even folding his hands. This is major for a child who until two weeks ago insisted upon his right to eat during prayer no matter what Mommy did to encourage him to fold his hands and at least listen to our meal prayers.