The Potty Train

I did not think I would be one to rush Jackson into potty training. In fact, I didn't mention it much before Philip arrived. But once I had two in diapers, I quickly began pushing the potty on Mr. Jackson!

It seemed as though nothing we did got him interested in even sitting on the big-boy potty. Finally, I had the idea that if he went to the potty, we would take him on the train at the mall. That got him excited!

This attraction is a kid-size train that makes a loop around the North Point Mall. It is a luxury because it cost $4 per rider (where as the carousel is only $2 for the child - parent rides for free!). Jackson wouldn't even know about this ride if it weren't for Pop Pop. One day when my parents were in town they took Jackson to the mall and Jackson "some how" got Pop Pop to ride with him 3 times! Thanks, Dad :-)

Every time he gets money in the mail from family, he puts it in his piggy bank as train money. I told him we could go ride the train once he went potty on the big boy potty. Even with that treat lingering in the air, it still took him awhile to actually get on the potty and go, but as soon as he did, we made plans to head to the mall.

He was so excited about riding the train again but I think I was even more excited. Usually Jackson picks his dad to join him on all the fun things. This time though when Jackson was asked “Who do you want to go with you?” he said Mommy! YEAH!! I was so excited to share this with him!

Here are some of the pictures Wesley snapped of our 5 minute trip around the mall.

Oh, and I should point out that he went on the potty three times before we headed to the mall that night but to date he has yet to get back on it!

Mommy and Jackson waiting on the train

Jackson was so proud that he got to hold his own money.

Deciding which car we would sit in

Handing his money to the conductor

Getting his change and ticket

We have our ticket and are ready to go!

Here we go

(Yes, we are the only passengers on this little ride!)

Look at that happy face!

Whenever Jackson would see someone in the mall, he would wave! It was great to see the reactions from the shoppers. Everyone would stop, smile, and wave back to him!

All done!

The conductor let Jackson sit in the driver's seat and blow the whistle

And ring the bell

After the train stop for Jackson, we made a stop in the Apple Store for Wesley. While Wesley was checking out the new IPads, Jackson settled down to play Batman.

Even Philip enjoyed the time at the Apple Store!

Well, he enjoyed it until he got bored (like Mommy!)