The last couple of weeks with our new resident Pee Master have been marvelous. And Laurel recently surprised us by making a couple of unexpected solid deliveries into the toilet.

It’s only a couple of data points, but we’re wondering whether our “play it cool” approach is contributing to the ease of this new development. Despite Laurel’s clear preference to use a diaper for pooping, we decided to simply continue to offer a choice of diaper or potty when she needs to poop, assuming she’d come around at some point (plus, it’s all about having choice with her). This process has worked really well; it seems to provide some practice thinking about bodily control, and has helped avoid soiled underpants, potty regression, and constipation (from not wanting to let go in the potty).
We’ve also extended the play it cool approach to the recent instances where Laurel unexpectedly started pushing after a pee. While quietly elated at the prospect of retiring our Diaper Champ, I just continued to read books with her so she would stay relaxed and keep trying. When she finished, I said “Good for you!” (our typical potty verbiage) and she was excited to check out her work and then say goodbye to it. I was too.