I know it's insane, but I'm thinking of potty training Christian. He's only 14 months, but I believe he was the right temperament for elimination communication. What is EC you ask? Here is a brief description:

The trickle treat method begins with conditioning and can be approached in a rational and scientific manner as well as an intuitive and spiritual one, or a combination of both depending on what works best for you and your baby. The rational approach involves timing and observation of elimination patterns and baby body language. The more spiritual approach involves intuition and "tuning in" to your baby in more subtle ways.

Infant potty training is based on an elimination training technique used in much of Asia and rural Sub-Saharan Africa. The method has been adapted to the Western lifestyle in various ways, including the use of a sink, potty, toilet or other container; variations in elimination positions; part-time use of the technique; and, where desired, part-time use of diapers.

Synopsis of the elimination communication method
Observation Lay your undiapered baby in a comfortable, warm and safe place, then observe her:

1. timing (how long and how frequently she goes after waking or feeding)
2. body language (such as twisting or grimacing while defecating)
3. sounds (such as grunting while defecating

It is suggested that you start this particular method around 4 months. Well, I didn't have the patience nor the time to do this with a 4 month old, but I'm going to be doing a modified version with Christian.

When Christian woke up from his nap this afternoon I sat him on the toilet just to see how he would respond, and he loved it. We sat there singing songs for a good 10 minutes. When I told him it was time to go, he started throwing a fit. So all signs are pointing to that he might actually enjoy this.

My plan going forward is to take this slowly. I'm going to start with trying to eliminate his morning diaper. First thing I'm going to do when he wakes up in the morning is take him to the toilet. I'll do that for a couple of weeks until he is comfortable. Then I'll start with the afternoon diaper.

I know this is going to be a long process, and if I'm not consistent it could totally backfire, but I'm hoping that Christian will be fully potty trained by Christmas...could possibly be wishful thinking, I'm fully aware of this.

I'm also hoping that Christian potty training will light a fire under Manny's butt. Perhaps if he sees what Christian is doing, he'll want to do it too. I've noticed a bit of sibling rivalry already between the two; whatever Christian does, Manny must do.

I'll keep updates with progress (or lack there of).