This post was brought to you by the letter P and the number 2

As as has been well-documented on this blog, Jack has had an abiding affection for the signs on bathroom doors for several months. Over the past couple of weeks, however, Jack has begun to show a growing interest in what actually happens behind those doors.

He's already familiar with much of what occurs when one goes to the bathroom. When he has a dirty diaper, we dump the contents into the toilet and let him flush. Then we have him wash and dry his hands. He seems to have that part down pretty well. He has said, "Potty!" quite a few times. When we ask him if he wants to use the potty, he usually says, "Yeah!" Even though we don't actually have a potty or a toddler seat for the toilet, we take him to the bathroom, take off his diaper, and sit him on the toilet. So far, nothing has happened. This is somewhat of a relief, because success would also mean a big mess. We end up putting his diaper back on, and he goes on his merry way.

A few days ago, I borrowed "Elmo's Potty Time" from the library, and it is now Jack's new favorite. He asks for "Elmo toddy!" all day long. Yesterday, we watched it three times.

It's pretty hilarious seeing and hearing adult performers sing songs about using the potty. I suppose that once you have committed to singing the lyrics, "Sometimes that feeling sneaks up on you, when you've got to pee or you've got to poo," you might as well commit fully. Thankfully, there is no actual visual of said pee or poo in this video, unlike in "The Potty Book and DVD" (yuck!). Although Sesame Street being Sesame Street, they couldn't resist their usual puns - "Sesame Street is brought to you by the letter P and the number 2." And they somewhat disturbingly took the racy-for-its-time song "Let's Do It (Let's Fall In Love)" and changed it to "You'll Do It (You'll Use the Potty)." But all in all, it's cleverly and charmingly done. We may actually have to buy this one.

We are also now officially in the market for a toddler toilet seat. (I refuse to get a potty at this time. The thought of dumping and rinsing is simply too much for me to think about.) We braved the crowds at Wal-Mart on Thanksgiving weekend to find this Elmo toilet seat, but of course they were all out. I still don't think Jack is quite ready anyway. But I'm in no rush. When he's ready, I'm sure we will be too.