Wipe Your Bum!

Ever since Bubaloo joined our family, his underwear has been a skid mark alleyway. He repeatedly proclaims that he doesn't need to wipe his bottom.

We've tried everything. I've wiped it for him, I've shown him how to wipe, I've let him know that he smells a little bit like poo every now and then and I've tried to impress upon him the importance of good hygiene. I consulted friends about intervention strategies.

Nothing has worked. Nothing. I bought dark blue and grey underwear so I wouldn't have to deal with it on laundry day. Until now.

Yesterday morning as I was getting ready for work, Bubaloo rushed into the bathroom and landed himself right on the toilet.

"I have to pee Mom," he says.

"Well, go on then. I need to get ready for work," I say.

A handful of minutes pass. He's still sitting on the toilet. "Bubaloo, I thought you said you have to pee?"

"I did. And, I have to poo too!"

"Well, go on then. I don't care if you poo in front of me. It's your other Mom who has that issue." (Wifey is absolutely horrified when the kids poo with the bathroom door open, and will not cross the barrier of being with them in the bathroom at the same time. We only have one bathroom, and if I need to get in there, I'm going to get in there!)

Bubaloo finishes up his business and grabs some toilet paper and wipes his bum. Without me asking.

"Look, Mom!" he says holding up the toilet paper.

"Oh, good for you," I say. All the while I'm thinking why on earth did I ever need to see your used toilet paper, but I'm so glad you used some!!! And, then he proceeds to count out a certain number of toilet paper squares for wipe number two!!! Another intervention strategy to keep the plumber coming from our home due to using 1/2 a roll of toilet paper at each bathroom stop.

I can't help myself, but I have to ask, "Bubaloo, whenever did you start to wipe your bum?"

"Mom, you know how I now wear more boxersthan briefs? Well, it's just yucky-blech to not wipe and wear boxers, you know?" This is said in a very serious and earnest voice.

Success at last. I have a bum wiping son. This proud parenting moment has been brought to you by the letter 'P.'