Check another “first” off the list

There are any number of “first” experiences that bring parents together. Whether it’s the first word, first steps, or first time the kid sleeps through the night, we all have our own collection of “first” that we often share. (K-Man’s first word was “Harley,” which sounded more like “Ollie,” but still thrilled me to no end.)

There are also any number of experiences that parents of older kids have, but other parents haven’t “yet” had the pleasure.

Has K-Man climbed out of his crib yet?
Has he started using the potty yet?
Has K-Man been arrested yet?

This weekend, we had the “privilege” of checking a “yet” off the list.

On Sunday, instead of napping, K-Man decided to take off his pajama bottoms and diaper and pee in his crib. Has K-Man taken off his pajamas and peed in his crib? Sadly, yes. We had been warned about this particular action by some good friends who have five-year old twins (far more experienced that G and I). While K-Man has only done this once, our friend’s son was such a prolific stripper that they used duct tape to keep his diaper on.

On Saturday, I found K-Man in his crib with his diaper and pajamas in hand, but he hadn’t peed. I told him that I would prefer he not pee if that was what he had planned. I thought we had an understanding. Apparently, however, as I wasn’t home during Sunday’s nap, he felt that the conversation he and I had didn’t apply to his mom.

Earlier in the day, we were working on the whole potty training thing. K-Man buck naked (as he loves to be) was sitting on his potty in our living room and watching the NCAA Tournament (Memphis vs. Texas). My thought, of course, was more along the lines of “get that kid his sippy cup and he’ll be experiencing absolute bliss – a perfect life moment. He can drink, pee and watch TV all at the same time.” I suppose G and I should have been more aware of the fact that he didn’t “do any business” in the potty. Silly me – I just thought he was upset that Texas lost.

I really hope this isn’t a trend of “troubling” firsts – with climbing out of his crib next! And, more importantly, I really hope he doesn’t decide that he kind of likes peeing in his crib. But, if he does decide to go on his version of a “Toddler Rampage,” we’ll just deal with it just like we do all the challenges that come to parenting.

The list of firsts are all the stuff of grand memories. As parents, we remember all of them – good and bad. In a way, they are all wonderful. (Okay, maybe not ALL wonderful. Hopefully, we’ll avoid stuff like the first arrest. I’m also not that interested in needing to duct tape K-Man’s diapers.) While K-Man peeing in his crib was certainly not a fun experience for G, there will be a time when it becomes one of those stories that start with “Remember when…”

And, of course, now we’re ready for the next time we’re asked, “Has K-Man taken off his diaper and peed in his crib?” Oh yes, he has. Let me tell you about it.

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