L-M-N-O-Pee...

So, I have mentioned how Carlos is taking over Dom's place as my inspiration for this blog. He has really grown in his development in communication, so I have this little guy running around all day repeating everyone, asking questions, or just talking to himself. However, he does think sometimes it takes a little action to get his point across.
I need to start off by letting you know, that he is a very strong minded individual. Once he makes up his mind about something, that is pretty much it. I try to nurture this about him and let him make age appropriate decisions about himself (within reason). Just two months shy of turning two, he decided that he no longer wanted to wear clothes when he was at home. Since it was July and our house would heat up into the low 90's, I didn't blame him! I allowed this, unless there was guests over. I told him if he wanted to be a jay-bird, he needed to learn to use a toilet. In less than three weeks, he was completely potty trained. I mean, no diaper or pull up of any sort and no accidents (Sorry, but in my opinion, if your child is not exclusively using the toilet to take care of business, he/she is not potty trained).
So, a year goes by, and I think this kid had ONE accident, and it was only bc he waited too long to get to the bathroom and started before he had his underwear completely off. Then one day, Dominic comes running up to me saying Carlos peed on him! My first though was, what? This kid doesn't have accidents! Upon further probing, I come to find that Dominic wasn't sharing a toy Carlos wanted. Instead of coming to an adult about it, he decided to take matters into his own hands. He climbed up to the top bunk and proceeded to tinkle on his older brother!! I honestly didn't know whether I should laugh or be angry. I kind of did both. It's really hard to discipline your child when you are trying to conceal laughter, I'll tell you what. Since it was a first offense, I explained to Carlos that it wasn't a nice thing to do and tried to reinforce that pee belonged in the toilet. Just a few days later, he did the same thing while his cousin was over, except, it was on a toy he wanted. What was this kid doing? Marking his territory?! I then had him clean up the mess then take a time out. This behavior lasted a few weeks...
To this day, I can't tell you exactly why he did it. He knew exactly what he was doing, I just can't wrap my head around getting so frustrated with someone you would pee on them or their things. Luckily, like all other phases kids go through, it passed. My only advice to someone else in a similar situation is to be consistent, make sure your child knows they did something wrong, the punishment fits the crime, and to have patience. It will go away someday. I promise.

Oh and for those of you wondering, I did eventually get him to wear clothes! Granted, it is a shirt and underwear, but it's a start! Kid doesn't even like to sleep with a blanket, so I think he just gets hot easily :-P

It's been awhile!

I've been so busy working, and dealing with the holidays and other headaches, I haven't had much time to write about the crazy things my kids have put me through, at the moment nothing comes to mind, but I'm sure I'll think of something soon! For now, enjoy this photo series I have been wanting to start on Carlos