First Outing Alone Post PT'ing

A few days ago I decided to try taking the kids out for the first time by myself since we started potty training them. I needed just a few things at the grocery store so I thought this would be a good place to start. We had breakfast and got dressed and ready for the day and headed out. Everybody had used the potty and drank little liquids. I wasn't too worried about it because they have done well on our two previous outings with Craig.

We get to the store and I found a fairly close parking spot to park in. Since we started potty training, we have started parking further out so that when we want to let the kids try to potty in their potty chairs in the car, we will be more secluded and have more privacy. Well, it is different when it is just me and I have the three of them to get in the store by myself and don't want to put them in a stroller or have them walk freely in a busy parking lot. So, I did what I normally do, drive through the parking lot looking for a cart that will accommodate me. I saw one right next to the open parking spot that was pretty close to the store. Pulled in, grabbed my cart, (without having to leave my kids in the car while I go get a cart), loaded the kids in the cart and in the store we went. Normally we have them try to potty before we go in the store and when we come back to the car but I took a chance since it was just me and I was parked so close where everybody could see.

I started my shopping and was off to a good start and within about 10 minutes I heard Whitney saying over and over "I pobby, I pobby". I ignored her because they often don't really have to potty. Then the chaos started... Whitney started taking off her shoes. I told her not to but she did anyway. I didn't bother to put them back on her because of time constraints. I of course didn't catch her doing it until they were already both off - I was a little busy and distracted. :) A little bit later I noticed Whitney threw her shoe out on the ground. I put it back in and then noticed the other shoe was missing. So off I went to retrace my steps and try to find the shoe. I didn't find the shoe so when I got home the other shoe went in the trash. Anyway, a little bit later, the girls started fighting in the car part of the cart. Whitney bit Hannah so I removed her (as I always do when someone starts biting or causing trouble), put her up in the cart seat with Tyler, by me and finished my shopping.

I did put the kids in a pull up for the grocery store outing because I was really nervous about what all messes I would have on my hands if anybody had an accident. And the logistics of how I would get all that cleaned up in a public place with just me, scared me a little bit. So, we finished shopping, I went thru self checkout which I don't mind doing for a few things but I had a few more things than I like, to be doing self checkout with three 2 year old potty training toddlers in tow. I figured better to do self checkout than stand in a long line.

Out we went after all that was done and noticed an empty parking spot next to where my car was parked. I thought "good, I can put my cart here for a few minutes and let the kids potty in the passenger side floor board". Of course I wanted the other two beside me (where I can see them and not at the back of the car) while I assist one kid so they don't fall out of the car. I get Hannah on and off the potty with no success and into the car seat. Here comes Whitney to the potty. While she is pottying, a hurried woman rushes me with her car because she wants the parking spot next to me. So I move Tyler (who is still in the cart) to the back of my car, Hannah is in the car, Whitney is in the passenger side floor board sitting on a potty chair and a basket of groceries still in the basket. I close my doors to allow her to park. God forbid she wait or park elsewhere. So, I let her park and go on with getting Whitney off the potty and in the car seat with no success. Then it is Tyler's turn, on and off the potty with no success and in the car seat. I put all the groceries in the car and leave and head home. I wish people would be more patient, kind and considerate of others. And this woman was a mom too - I watched her get her child out of the car. Anyway, when I got home, I was very proud of all the kids for staying dry that entire time. They did great. I however, was exhausted. Had to get the kids and groceries unloaded and put away and it was time for lunch and naps.

Until next time...

PS - I haven't gotten the nerve to try public restrooms yet because I don't have a travel potty seat yet, to put on the toilets and I don't know if my kids would sit on it without one for fear of falling in. Also, I am not sure how I will keep the other two off the dirty floor etc. while tending to the other one.