Restaurant Potty Time

Yesterday my Owen took one step closer to becoming a man. Granted he still has a ways to go, but this was a big deal.

We went to Olive Garden (a whole 'nother story for sure) to celebrate getting our new car (see Heather's post). We hit it at prime dining around 7 PM - things pretty much clear out after 8:30 - but we had a 1/2 hour wait. What to do?

It's always a dilemma when we need to wait in confined space where there are expectations for no running - no jumping - no screaming - no bothering other people. What to do? Heather took Kyle and waited inside with him (which he is pretty good at). I took Owen outside to play on the sidewalk.

We practiced running and racing. After about 45 seconds of that we had to move on to something else. We practiced jumping off the bench as far as we could. That lasted much longer, but since it's more dangerous, it naturally would.

After about ten minutes he was ready to go inside. What to do now?!? Heather suggested changing diapers - no even better - Owen goes on the potty in the restaurant. Great idea for a 10 minute activity.

Here is the big deal: we went inside and were the only ones in the restroom. I pointed to the urinals - "Do you want to go potty in a urinal? You say it - urinal." He pointed to the big one - "ruhnal". "That one is too big - that one [the short one] is your urinal." Without going into detail (although father's with sons can imagine quite well), he did a great job and didn't miss a drop. Yahoo! But the most fun part - reaching up (pants still down), grabbing the handle and flushing. He did it - yahoo!

Just need to teach him to not touch the urinal screen and deodorizer block....