The Toddler Diaries 'Early warning system'

Breastfeeding and potty training don’t really go well together. It’s very difficult to leap up in time when Bethany informs me she’s doing a poo. A slightly earlier warning system needs to be implemented for everything to work smoothly. As this is not in place she produced another lovely brown parcel for me in the hall – mum any chance of borrowing that steam cleaner again?

It seemed to take an inordinate amount of time to get ready to go out this morning. 6 pieces of toast and two accidents later we were finally ready at 10:30am. With Bethany resplendent in purple dress, colourful tights, pink wellies, a pink necklace, her shades and a handbag containing her mobile phone; and Joshua in his Mr Incredible outfit (of course) we went to Carpenders Park toddler group. I think we made quite an entrance. Fortunately I’ve got used to all the funny looks we get from passers by and Joshua’s indignation when people think he’s Batman or Superman – get with it people! This afternoon I had to wrestle with Mr Incredible to remove his suit - it’s got to be washed sometime!! I suggested he spent the afternoon dressed as something else, or even - shock horror - himself!

After Bethany produced another poo, this time in the garden, I decided enough is enough: she will be potty trained. I’ve decided to bribe her - nothing like the thought of chocolate to focus the mind. I’m sure this isn’t the recommended technique but it worked well with Joshua. She consequently spent most of the afternoon either sitting on the potty or trying to think up alternative ways to get chocolate out of me.

Alas still no wees on the potty, but we had a fun afternoon and early evening going slightly crazy with T-shirt transfers. Apart from me everyone in the family now has an item of clothing emblazoned with a character from the Incredibles: yes, even Caleb!! Bethany completed the day by doing yet another poo, this time in her nappy, but as she whipped it off at lightening speed the contents went flying across the room and landed at my feet!! All I can say is hurry up with that steam cleaner mum!!

Sorry about all the references to poos, but I can only work with what I've got - Ben's got Tuscany I've got Bethany!