Yo Gabba Gabba

As we prepared for Zachary's arrival, I knew that I would love to have to deal with only one child in diapers.  Abby was approaching her 3rd birthday, so we figured it was time that she be completely potty trained. She'd been using the toilet since before her second birthday, but we couldn't seem to get her to use it every time with consistency. One day she'd go on the potty every time, and the next day she'd flat out refuse. We were hesitant to push it too much, having read about and heard from other parents who pushed a bit too hard and turned their child off to toilet training. Like I said, one kid in diapers was the goal, so we didn't want to do anything to set Abby back.

Carey spoke with one of his co-workers who had a daughter about a year older than Abby. This mom used a reward as incentive for her child to become completely toilet trained. (In her case, her daughter loved Mary Poppins, so she was treated to the Broadway musical once she was toilet trained.) We'd tried other, smaller rewards, with limited success.  That was until Carey found out that Yo Gabba Gabba was coming to the Nassau Coliseum in October. After talking it over, we decided to purchase two tickets to the show, and we explained to Abby that she could go see the show with daddy, but she had to wear underwear. I don't think I have ever seen someone as excited to use the toilet, nor have I ever seen someone so excited to tell everyone who would listen that she had used the toilet. This reward did the trick: Abby was completely toilet trained in just a few short weeks, and, while we thought there might be some regression after Zachary was born, the goal of seeing Gabba kept her on track.

So, on a sunny Saturday afternoon in October, I stayed home with Zachary and Carey and Abby enjoyed an afternoon with DJ Lance Rock, Foofa, Muno, Toodee, Brobee, and Plex. And since we have an adorable Foofa costume, Abby asked to wear it again. (Click here for some additional Abby-Foofa memories!) Carey snapped a bunch of great shots from the afternoon - here are some of my favorites.

Someone was ready for the show to begin!

 Our little Foofa, anxiously awaiting the start of the show.

 All the Gabbas...

I was totally jealous when I found out that Biz Markie (yes, the "But you say I'm just a friend" Biz Markie) was at the show!

Foofa and Toodee, Abby's favorites!

So, not only did our reward have the desired result - a diaper-free little girl - but Carey and Abby were able to enjoy a special father-daughter afternoon.