Being married to Mr Surfer means that there’s an instant understanding of what each of our strengths are and how they are aligned to our individual roles in twinlet wrangling.
He’s good at calming them at night. I can deal with the early morning wake-up screams, uh, I mean calls. He’s the even keel that can strap them into their car seats despite the yelling and kicking. I was the one who taught them how to say “Thank you…”
It’s high five’s all around for huge team work effort.
However, coming up is yet our biggest challenge: the monumental task of toilet-training the twinlets. Since the boys turned 2 in January, we have been delaying the whole process. It’s taken us this long to manage double nappy changes. I don’t deny that the transition of scattered poo and hit-miss pee is imminent. I just don’t want to deal with it right now.
The other day, though, I RSVP’ed to a “How to Toilet Train Multiples” information night at the local community centre. When the evening came, Mr Surfer actually volunteered to go in my place.
“Have the night off. Stay home and relax while the boys are asleep…”
And off he innocently trundled to make the 7:30 meet up.
In the meantime, I ran a bath, turned off the lights, lit a candle and soaked my weary body in bubbles.
By 7:47pm, I was fully relaxed. I was just about to look forward to a night of being solo, when my phone beeped with a text message from Mr Surfer…
In response, I sent him this photo…
An hour later he sent this massive brain dump…
Obviously he was paying full attention and taking lots of notes (He’s can be a little geeky like that…)
But another hour rolled by and there was no news. I started to think that he was passing on the information as an ulterior motive.
By the time it reached 10:30, I was adamant that all that talking about teaching your toddler to aim correctly in the toilet (something men are still trying to master) and late night poo-splosions were too much for him. I started to place bets that he had actually done a runner.
Interestingly enough, I wasn’t so much worried that he had possibly left me. I was terrified over the fact that he was doing it while the boys weren’t toilet-trained yet.
Yeah, I know…how DARE he ???!!!
His last words to me can’t be, “Undies under the pull-ups…”
Luckily, before the crazy woman random thoughts became uncontrollable, guess who walked through the door, albeit looking frazzled and a little doe-y eyed with information overload.
Are we any closer to dealing with the massive task at hand?
With all the invaluable tips and know-how’s that he’s now equipped with, Mr Surfer thinks the twinlets are ready. Sounds good to me.
Maybe I should just leave him to it and run away to a far distant tropical island. What do you say ?
Linking up with Jess at Diary of a SAHM for IBOT.
And linking this baby up to Dr Bron’s Pick a Post…
kirri says
I say….that most if us could do with a hubby like your Mr Surfer!! A man that goes to listen attentively to poo talk AND takes notes via iPhone….swoon!! As for the realities of potty training twin lets….I can attest it’s a fun roller coaster ride. Buckle up baby!
kirri recently posted..Celebrate your Successes
mamagrace71 says
Yes, I must say, was very impressed with the 3 consecutive text messages 🙂 Buckling up, baby. Buckling up real good 🙂
MsMandie says
Run! Run far, far away while you can…!
MsMandie recently posted..Let’s Get Physical (Reluctantly)
mamagrace71 says
Haha! Can I run and hide over at yours ? 😉
carmen says
Actually the men are great at this part of the parenting journey! Other than our little miss ( who miraculously became fully continent overnight upon her 2nd birthday), their father has been the driving force to undies and aiming. Perhaps he was over the nappy washing way before me…but either way, it’s all good.
Good luck for this part of the journey! I look forward to your glowing updates! 😉
carmen recently posted..15 more statements I never thought I’d utter to my boys…
mamagrace71 says
Well, that is positive to hear, Carmen ! Glad to hear that dads can have the upper hand on all of this.
Totally amazed by your little Miss! Where do I get me one of those ? 🙂
Ai Sakura says
Ahem if that far distant tropical island refers to Singapore why yes, please come over!! 🙂
He really typed some great tips in those messages. Saves me some time in reading toilet-training books hahahaha
Ai Sakura recently posted..Happy Birthday to….. Me!!!!
mamagrace71 says
To the land of food porn ??!!! Hells, YEAH!!!
Jen says
Get that app that shows you where the nearest public toilet is, and make friends with the people at the front desk of Woolworths so they’ll mind your half-full trolley while you dash out… 2-3 times per grocery shop (and that’s for one kid, so you’ll probably go back and forth 5-6 times!) Aaah nostalgia… once they’re 10 years old you’ll laugh about it!
mamagrace71 says
I actually had a big giggle at the reply you wrote to my status update – “Ever heard of a 20 year old that hasn’t been toilet trained ???” Bahahaha! Come to think of it…no. Could my twins be the first ?? 🙂
No, it’s all good. Will be sure to get that public toilet app…
Rachel from Redcliffe Style says
How good is your husband! I love that he is so involved. I am a bit of a hippy mum when it comes to toilet training. When they are ready, it’ll be easy. Rachel x
Rachel from Redcliffe Style recently posted..It’s a hard job, but someone has to do it
mamagrace71 says
I think there’s something to be said about being the hippy mum. I’m sure it’ll all be fine. There are going to be some hilarious stories from this. I can feel it in my bones 🙂
Ash K says
Best advice I can give you – get your boys to wee sitting down – makes teaching them to sit and do a poo a whole lot easier (especially cos boys are always in a hurry!).
Love the note taking!
mamagrace71 says
Interesting tip, Ash! Will keep that one in mind. Thanks ! 🙂
Daisy says
Run. Run as far as you can. Especially if a distant tropical island is actually an option.
I started our twins earlier this year.
Fraser was going really well and Oscar was trying to.
But in the end I really just wasn’t ready and I know from Roo that more often than not, kids will learn quickly. IF the parents are committed and ready.
Toilet training is 99% consistency on your part, in my humble opinion. If you don’t think you are ready, then its better to wait until you are so that you can be committed and consistent. And persistent.
Oh, and it’s not too scary. There’s just lots of mopping.
Daisy recently posted..On sausage pasta bake being my specialty…
mamagrace71 says
Yeah, I remember you telling me that you had started on training Fraser and Oscar. And very good point about the parents being committed.
Still wish I could runaway to that island, though 🙂
ava says
Mr. Surfer and I have the same approach to note taking! 🙂 Ayana Rhys aka the part-time cat, on her 2nd birthday transitioned really well but Mikaela, the leggings-obsessed, she still have hit and miss during nightimes with pee. Just glad to be taking diaper off the grocery list now.
Good luck on this journey Grace-ie! 🙂 You’ll ace this in no time!
ava recently posted..My Little Cat
mamagrace71 says
Thanks, Ava! I will definitely be doing a happy dance when we won’t be needing to buy nappies anymore 🙂
Catherine Rodie Blagg @CoTaaB says
Sounds like Mr Surfer is fully equipped to deal with the potty training. I’d leave them to it if I were you.. 🙂
Catherine Rodie Blagg @CoTaaB recently posted..Morning
mamagrace71 says
Right? I think I’ll take your word on that 😉
Lyndal says
oh my word love, this absolutely made my day! my ab muscles thank you for their workout… esp about his last words to you bah ha h aha xx
Lyndal recently posted..in case you were wondering…
mamagrace71 says
Yeah, it suddenly hit me “Undies under the pull ups” just can’t be his last words to me !!!
Glad you got a giggle 😉
Jess says
Run Grace run! 😉
In all honesty, it’s been my experience that kids toilet train themselves. Make the potty available, tell them what it’s for, then just leave it be. When they dirty their nappies, cheerfully say, ‘poos are for the potty,’ and don’t make a big deal. They do just do it when they are ready. My little 21 month old just took herself yesterday for a poo. Don’t stress too much; it will happen when they are ready. Xx
Jess recently posted..Run for Your Life
mamagrace71 says
I think I’ll take your word for it…after all, you’ve gone through it 4 times !
I have total faith that my boys will get there in their own sweet time. And I reckon they’ll totally blitz it. Even if it will be messy. Meh. What’s a bit of mopping ? 🙂
Emma says
My oldest was three, and my middle son is nearly 3 and we are training now. My only advice would be not to worry if they don’t get it straight away. Changing nappies is a bit easier than cleaning up messes! If you need to stop and wait a month before you try again, then don’t beat yourself up!
mamagrace71 says
Great advice, Emma! If it takes a couple of goes, then so be it, right ?
Janet says
LOLLLLLling …
Hubster toilet trained Mr 2 1/2 (now 18!) while he was on 4 weeks leave after the birth of baby girl. Let’s hear it for the boys!!!!
Janet recently posted..Beer and a birthday …
mamagrace71 says
Wow ! Good on him! I think maybe Mr Surfer knows what he’s doing after all 🙂
Becky from BeckyandJames.com says
Yes. A tropical island! Go! And don’t look back until they’re fully trained!
I think we could all use a Mr Surfer. Sharing the parental responsibilities… going to a TT seminar. Amazing. Seriously.
Becky from BeckyandJames.com recently posted..Rice Paper Rolls. You’re Doing it Wrong.
mamagrace71 says
Ha! Maybe I’ll return in time for their 18th ? 😉
Yeah, he’s pretty amazing. Considering he didn’t want a family and kids when we were courting…amazing how things in life change 🙂
Tat says
Distant tropical island sounds like a great idea, may I join you? We are doing night time training, something we could have done a lot easier a year ago, but I was too attached to my sleep… plus more often than not I was sleeping in the same bed. I know most people wait until their kids wake up dry one morning, but I have a feeling it won’t happen by itself any time soon, so I thought I’d take some action.
Tat recently posted..The power of art to change the way we feel
mamagrace71 says
Wow! You’re dedicated, Tat…taking the initiative like that.
But I think running away together to some far off island sounds like a great plan. What do you think ? Shall we meet at our usual place and go from there ? 🙂
Denyse Whelan.Education Specialist says
Wouldn’t worry a bit about it. It’s Winter. Leave it but chat about it. ruby is now 2 &. 8 m & “gets it” boys can be slower to “get it” . Why stress. Unless…ah well, it is trouble times two & I think Dear Daisy has something to say about that as well. But your man is awesome isn’t he? Bloody good note taker.. d xx
Denyse Whelan.Education Specialist recently posted..It’s JELLY BABY Month.
mamagrace71 says
True, why stress ? I think I might wait till the summer. It makes more sense to me…But yes, Mr Surfer is all hands on when it comes to his twinlets. I feel very blessed 🙂 xxx
Penny says
I’m not looking forward to toilet training the twinlets. Man, oh, man that’s a nightmare to come. Let me know how it goes… ha ha ha.
As for Surfer dude, surfer man, awesome-guy-who-lets-wife-have-a-night-off, he may need to come over to my house to man-train my husband!
Penny recently posted..Two Little Ballet Shoes
mamagrace71 says
At least you have some idea on what to do because you’ve had experience with Miss Possum.
But I bet we’re going to have some interesting stories to exchange, you and I 🙂
Sarah says
I have an over sharing husband too…he takes his ipad to meet the teacher evenings and then process maps her discussions. It drives me bonkers but its the balance of the team approach we have to our kiddies…
On another note I say just do it when you’re ready – Ive never seen a kid start school with nappies on. Its miraculous how easy it is when you’re both ready (or opt out like I did with one of mine and I got the daycare to do it). Lovely post – visiting for the first time from #ibot
Sarah recently posted..Blending in….a TSIB interview
mamagrace71 says
Process maps discussions ??!!! Wow ! That’s totally amazing!!!
Yeah, I’m not going to stress about it too much. I’m actually leaning more towards waiting until summer. It just makes sense to me.
Colleen says
I love Mr Surfer! You are lucky to have such a switched on co-pilot:).
mamagrace71 says
Oh, Colleen, sometimes I think he’s the real pilot. 😉
Kylie @ Octavia and Vicky says
We’ve had a little go at toilet training but Miss 2 is adamant that she doesn’t want to wear knickers. I’ll have to have a good read through that brain dump and try to glean some wisdom from Mr Surfer.
Don’t you love those crazy, random thoughts that spiral through your mind sometimes? I bet that never happens to guys.
Kylie @ Octavia and Vicky recently posted..Easy DIY Wall Art
mamagrace71 says
To tell you the honest truth, Kylie…I haven’t had a proper read of his text messages yet !!! I’ll get to it…when I’m on that tropical island drinking a cocktail 😉
No, I’m pretty certain only us women have those crazy random thoughts. Men just don’t go there, do they ?
Leanne@Deep Fried Fruit says
You lucky thing!! Best thing about sending him off that night was that he now has ownership of it. Woot woot! Yep … run (and kick your heels in the air as you go)
Leanne@Deep Fried Fruit recently posted..Day 962
mamagrace71 says
Ha, Leanne! I never thought of it that way, but YES ! He should take total ownership of the upcoming messy experience. I’ll let him know you said so 😉
Rachel @ The Kids Are All Right says
Wow, that’s some serious schooling in poo and toilet training. You put me to shame. I guess it’s harder with twins but my almost 3 yo prefers to poo on the floor and even her dinner table than in a toilet. And despite the fact that it’s truly disgusting, there’s not too much we are doing about it. Our conversation goes:
Me – Audrey can you please sit on the toilet and try to do a poo?
A – No.
Me – Ok.
Rachel @ The Kids Are All Right recently posted..And tonight’s specials are…
mamagrace71 says
LOL!!! You are hilarious!
I guess it’s just not worth the stress is it ? The more we stress about it, the more traumatic of an experience it ends up being for both you and your little one…
Michelle @ Blundermum says
I’m all for running away from toilet training. Not just the initial stage either, but the next one where they simply must use every toilet in the world, even if they don’t do anything. Then comes a cool breeze and the way they’ll let you buckle them into the car before screaming dire urgency and making everyone get out again…
Honestly, I’m not sure this whole toilet training business ever ends!
Michelle @ Blundermum recently posted..Accidental deadlines
mamagrace71 says
That’s exactly right! It’s one thing to toilet train them, it’s another to constantly drop everything right there and run to the loo with them!
Oh joy, oh joys ! 🙂
Mum of Adult Kids says
My boys were 18 months apart so I had a newborn and a toddler in nappies. My eldest was a late toilet-trainer so it felt like I was toilet training for years… and I probably was! Luck I only had two, I don’t know how parents do it with 4. And as for two at once, all the best of luck to you!
Mum of Adult Kids recently posted..All I want for my 21st birthday is to see my teeth
mamagrace71 says
Ha! Almost sounds like you were raising twins for a while there too!
I honestly don’t know how this is going to happen for us. I think it’ll just require a lot of patience, persistence and mopping 🙂
Laney @ Crash Test Mummy says
That’s an option? I can run away to a tropical island? I’m there, baby! CrashBoy isn’t showing too much interest, but just before he said he wanted to go while I was changing his nappy. He jumped off the change table, grabbed a chair, took into into the toilet and climbed up on it to aim into the bowl! Soooooo funny! I’m not ready for the clean up required if he actually manages to wee next time!
Laney @ Crash Test Mummy recently posted..Condition Report: How I’m really feeling
mamagrace71 says
We’ll run away together and sit by the pool, drinking margaritas, Laney!
Sounds like CrashBoy is all set raring to go with the toilet training. But yeah, I wouldn’t want to be the one to clean up the mess when he misses either. Gross 🙂
Parental Parody says
Run. Run fast. Run far.
Beloved Daycare trained my oldest (Miss6), so when it came time to train the Twin Tornado, I had no idea what to do. Having one of each sex totally threw me. Mstr3 wanted to sit, Miss3 wanted to stand and aim – which totally says a lot about them, since I swear they switched gender in the womb.
I had a hellish 3 days at home, making the potty so hilariously fun and funny, that they were super excited to get on there every freaking 5 minutes.
THREE DAYS. It was hell for me. Bemusing for them. But it worked.
Now where’s my parenting award for awesomeness?
God speed xxx
Parental Parody recently posted..FFS?! Friday
mamagrace71 says
Oh wow ! Completely didn’t think what it would be like to toilet train boy/girl twins!!! Eeks !
Gad, I can just see me now…getting animated over a plastic potty, trying to get the boys excited about taking a dump.
I don’t know how you did it over 3 days. You get an award…and a bottle of the finest red 😉 x
Lee says
Yep, head to the tropical island I reckon!
To be honest I didn’t really actively train Miss A, she did it herself in her own time. That said, she’s still doing number 2’s in a nappy. She’s four in July…she’ll get it at some point.
Lee recently posted..{32/52} being and doing
mamagrace71 says
Oh man, Lee…you’re so lucky! I reckon Miss A is a dream child if she toilet trained herself. I wouldn’t worry about number 2’s in a nappy either. They all get there in the end, don’t they ?
Martine@themodernparent says
Grace thats hilarious! I just cant believe how much he took in! And yeah my best advice after toilet training 4 so far…..they are much easier to train when they are ready! So don’t stress it, they all get there. x
Martine@themodernparent recently posted..Listening to our kids now to hear them later
Jackie K says
That’s very funny!
I’ve got twins too and we only started when they were nearly 3, and it wasn’t too bad. One of the girls learned straightaway (2-3 days? very few accidents); the other took much longer, what I thought was forever but was only weeks in the end.
But every kid and household is different and it will come together in the end!
Jackie K recently posted..What’s your favourite scary movie and why? (Competition)