It happens to the best of them…Maria has had a potty training relapse.  Months ago she was eagerly peeing in the toilet or in her little pink frog potty chair, dumping the contents into the toilet…taking control of her body and her bodily functions.  But somehow…the thrill is gone.  Perhaps she traded in her interest for alphabet recognition…fair trade.  I resurrected a potty sticker chart, and I’m less than amused to report that my 4 1/2 year old Tony received 3 address label stickers that day.  I showed Maria her ‘big girl underwear’.  She insisted on putting all 3 pairs on at once and peed in them about 30 minutes later.  The boys are tired of seeing her naked.  Nudity used to help, but ended with me cleaning up after her like the puppy we’ll never have.   Maybe I should try M & Ms….I could use the chocolate. My boys had to be 3 years old.  I know I can ride this out.   It’s not like I don’t have the literature…or haven’t had to cover the topic repeatedly in classes or trainings, my head gets it.  But, my emotions cannot ride this wild horse called ‘Rebellion’….they have been bucked off and tossed aside like the damp princess pull-up I almost just stepped on.  Alas, This too shall pass…  One day somebody else will tell her it’s ‘not cool’ to wear diapers….and she’ll listen.  I declare she will be the last living creature I shall potty train***

***My theoretical diaper clad future grandchildren are always the exception.  A time where my time, energy, and patience are magically supercharged.