the underwear chronicles

Nolan's been a stubborn boy when it comes to wearing underwear. He takes them right off and even if you put pants on over them, he will get naked. So again, we have resorted to bribery which I imagine he has been waiting for. With the right incentive he will do most anything. It started with a walk to the Canfora Bakery a few blocks away. I told him that if he would walk there wearing his undies he could pick out a treat. It took a minute for him to think of the possibilities, but then he smiled and stepped right into his underwear and pants and was off. He picked out a cookie with sprinkles the first time, and then the next a cake doughnut with chocolate frosting and sprinkles. He's also managed to go on our runs in the jogger with underwear and he gets to pick out something at the grocery store. There at least a few M&Ms satisfy him.

Usually outside of our home Nolan completely refuses and freezes up his body like a board when you try to get him to use the bathroom. He and I went for a Friday night adventure together, in his underwear, and I assumed that he would realize he had no choice and use a "foreign" potty. Instead he refused to use multiple potties for almost four hours. We got home and his underwear and pants were still dry. After that, we have figured that there is no point in putting diapers on him anymore. We initially took all his refusing bathroom visits to be an impediment to potty training, but maybe he just doesn't need to go. This weekend was a great time to put it to the test. So with spare pants and underwear in tow, we set out at 10 AM yesterday morning on the bike to the farmer's market. Then we were off to lunch and a friend's yard sale. At lunch he actually used a "foreign" potty with some misgivings, but success none the less. Then we went to a music festival in our local park. With his whole day being dry, oddly enough he had an accident in our own back yard. I think he knew he was in a safe zone. Today was just as busy and adventurous and there were no accidents. Fantastic.