A Lenten Miracle

While maybe not on the level of loaves and fishes, a miracle occurred in our household.  Eileen gave up pull-ups for Lent and stayed dry at night for 7 days straight.  Amen! Allelujah!

Eileen has been potty trained during the day for a while now, at least since she turned two.  She wasn't consistently dry during nap until a few months ago.  I was beginning to feel like staying dry through the night was never going to happen. 

About two weeks ago Eileen and I got into a fight at bedtime.  She wanted a water bottle in her bed and I said no because then there was no way she would be able to stay dry.  She disagreed.  I, in an admittedly less than pleasant tone said, "Fine.  I'd like to see you try."  Well she showed me and stayed dry that night as well as the next two.

Many many many months ago we promised Eileen the Cinderella's Romantic Castle LEGO set if she ever stayed dry through the night for 7 days straight.  She has coveted the set for a long time and lovingly paws it whenever we visit the LEGO store.  From that first night of dryness, it took a little under three weeks to accomplish the feat.

Eileen woke up ecstatic.  She was so proud of herself.  If she had her way, we would have been at the LEGO store by 8 am.  This weekend Dave agreed to tackle project of painting Eileen's bedroom.  In an effort to make his job easier, I decided to keep the big kids out of the house all afternoon.  Robin did his part by taking a 3.5 hour nap and being cute.  With Grandma in tow, Linus, Eileen, and I first went to the movies and saw Night at The Museum 3 (strongly recommend), followed by a trip to the LEGO store, and then the magical land of Target. 

The kids were so good.  Each brought their own money along for the trip.   After much decision making and keeping Eileen away from the LEGO friends collection (I just can't on principle), the kids figured out what sets were in their budgets.  Eileen tried to carry the Cinderella set, but it was so big she kept dropping it.  I let them get in line and make their purchases by themselves.  They did such a great job. 

Much LEGO making commenced once we got home while I made dinner.

I love her sly knowing smile.  She bought the double-decker couch LEGO movie set with her own money.

I admit it might seem like craziness to spend so much on a gift for being fully potty trained, but the cost is equivalent to about two months of pull ups.  And really isn't being able to open the door to the bedroom in the morning and not be overwhelmed by the smell of urine priceless?  I think so.