Potty Time (or Not...)

(Drawing by "Mimi")

It has happened...  Monkey has hit that stage in his development where he likes to stick his hand under the bathroom door and call out, "Mama?"

The current development is an improvement, I suppose.  He usually beats me to the restroom and attempts to climb into my lap, sit on my feet, take all of his toys out of his bathtub caddy, or throw every last toy he can find into the bathtub while I'm indisposed.  I'll take a toddler hand under the door over a toddler on my lap while I'm on the potty any day!

I think most moms consider it a grand vacation when they get the rare opportunity to potty in peace.  I remember my sister telling me about one particular time when Buddy was about 3 years old.  The twins were learning all about "privacy" and were eager to put it into practice and show that they understood what that term meant.

Buddy (outside the closed bathroom door) -  "Mommy???  Mommy???  Are you in there?"
Christy - "Yeah, Buddy.  I'm in the restroom."
Buddy - "Whatchya doin' in there?"
Christy - "I'll be out in a minute, sweetie. Go play!"
Buddy - "Can I come in?"
Christy - "Not right now, honey."
Buddy - "Are you going potty?"
Christy - "Yeah, baby.  I'll be out in a minute."
Buddy - "Are you going #1 or #2?"
Christy - "Don't worry about it, Buddy.  That's private.  Go play!"
Buddy - "Can you see me, Mommy?" (looking under the door)
Christy - "Buddy, don't look under the door."
Buddy - "Oh, okay." (pause)  "Can you see my hand?" (sticking hand under the door)
Christy - "Yes, I can see your hand.  Go play!"
Buddy - "Do you need privacy?"
Christy - "Yes, Buddy.  I need privacy."
Buddy - "Oh, okay."
...pause...
Buddy - "I'll just wait for you right here then!"

Source

Having only fostered infants and toddlers (and one teen), I haven't really ever had to deal with the bathroom conversations before.  That should prove to be a fun new experience when I get my first preschooler.  :-)  Most of my "potty time" involves multi-tasking (when I can get free of the children), cleaning up messes that I'd rather not have to clean up, and trying to entertain toddlers and my cat who inevitably follow me in there and then get fussy when I won't play with them! 


One day, I will be able to potty in peace.  Probably not anytime soon though, so I suppose I'll just have to get used to having an audience.  :-)

... And so are the days of my life ...