I am totally and utterly exhausted.
I mean zonked. Absolutely wrecked, both emotionally and physically.
Not to make it all about me but this toilet training malarkey really is a time-consuming, stressful, emotional, tiring journey - and I'm talking just about the parents.
I am now mid-training and I gotta tell you, our little Abbie is flying but it is really keeping Darren and myself on our toes.
I had been prepared for the pep talks and accidents and more pep talks and more accidents but I hadn't really thought about the physical exertion.
Every night now for the past week I have collapsed into bed with pure exhaustion.
Of course, I wouldn't mind that if I was immediately falling asleep but I lie awake most of the night worrying about the toilet training and if Abbie is stressed or if she is ok.
After much advice from lots of people around me - including many of you readers - I decided to ignore it all and just go on my own instincts when it came to getting Abbie out of nappies.
So, that's just what I did and so I don't think we are doing too badly.
On the first day, I treated her to a special breakfast and a Barbie magazine and a riveting pep talk about how big girls don't wear nappies and how big girls use the big toilet.
On returning home, she used the potty straight away and I was jumping around with delight. However this was soon followed by a wee accident in the living room.
I explained to her that these things happen but that every time she used the potty or the toilet, I had a special present for her.
I had gone into Toys R Us just a few days before and stocked up on lots and lots of stickers as she is a big fan and some mini lip-glosses and from that moment on she got a wee treat for every successful trip to the toilet.
After two days of us being house bound - making countless, anxious and exhausting dashes to the downstairs toilet - we headed to her nanny and grandad's house. However, her love of the outdoors and their garden meant she left it a little too long to tell us she needed to go and despite two desperate sprints by Abbie, she was too late.
This didn't bother me as she is only two-and-a-half however I was broken-hearted by how upset she was.
Her little eyes filled with tears and she just wanted to be held and hugged by me no end.
I explained she was doing really well but that when she needed to go, she should not wait.
Again, I explained about how big girls don't wear nappies, only babies and it was then that my heart just shattered into a thousand pieces.
She looked up at me and said: "I'm your baby mummy, I'm your baby".
Well, that was me, gone, tears running down my cheeks. We just hugged and hugged. The fact of the matter is, I don't want her to grow up, at least not this fast. She is and always will be my baby girl and really, I'm not ready for this so how can she be?
The following two days of toilet training went great and I am now very happy to report that things are going well.
We are now five days in with no accidents and Abbie is loving all the treats she is receiving.
It really hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be - thanks to all the horror stories I was told.
So, here's a word of advice from me. If you're embarking on this toilet-training journey any time soon, I would say, just ignore everyone else and do your own thing.
Don't listen to claims that it should only take two days and if it doesn't, there's something wrong.
Every child is different - thank goodness - because wouldn't the world be a very boring place if they were all the same.
Well done to our little Abbie.
We're almost there baby and we are so proud of you.
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Competition
Summer is almost over but there’s no need to get down as I have a thrilling read to help keep you entertained.
What She Left by Rosie Fiore tells the story of Helen Cooper, who has led a charmed life.
Beautiful, accomplished, organised, the star parent at the school - that is, until she disappears.
But Helen wasn’t abducted or murdered. She’s chosen to walk away, abandoning her family, husband Sam, and her home.
But, where has Helen gone, and why?
What has driven her from her seemingly perfect life? What is she looking for?
Sam is tormented by these questions, and gradually begins to lose his grip on work and his family life.
He sees Helen everywhere in the faces of strangers. He’s losing control.
But then one day, it really is Helen’s face he sees...
I have five copies of What She Left by Rosie Fiore to give away to five lucky readers.
If you fancy winning a copy, simply email your name, address and telephone number – along with the answer to the question below – to competitions@irishnews.com
Closing date for entries is Tuesday, August 15, 2017
(Q) Who wrote What She Left?
Normal Irish News Rules Apply
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What's Hot?
Tune - I'm loving a new tune being played on the radio recently called `Want You Back'. The single is from a pop rock band from Los Angeles called Haim, which consists of three sisters, who are very talented. Keep up the good work girls, I'm loving your sound.
Winterfell - Calling all Game of Thrones fans, The National Trust is to host it's very own Winterfell Festival at Castle Ward on Sunday, September 24. Ticketholders can discover the setting of the Stark family home, see theatrical re-enactments and enjoy lively music and local food.
New Show - After the Bake-Off controversy, the BBC has announced a new TV cookery competition, with Mary Berry as the lead judge. Britain's Best Cook will see 10 contestants compete across eight episodes, serving meals that reflect both modern and classic dishes.
So Not!
Axed - I'm really annoyed to learn the the handsome and charming Gavin Rossdale has been axed as a judge on The Voice. Apparently, the 51-year-old singer lacked spark and charisma. Seriously, were we watching the same show? He's fab.
Split - US actors, Anna Faris and Chris Pratt have announced they have separated after eight years of marriage. The couple, who share a son, said they had "tried hard for a long time, and we're really disappointed".
Creepy - Does anyone else find the first official trailer for The Great British Bake Off on Channel 4 a bit creepy? I'm not sure I like the singing, animated baked goods. I think it's all very strange.
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Competition
The winners of the Jim Brown competition are Patrick McKeown, from Belfast, Sarah Sweeney, from Belfast, and Linda Donnelly, from Belfast
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Easy Peasy Recipe
This week’s Easy Peasy Recipe is Chiang Mai Beef Salad courtesy of SuperValu and it's `Let's Cook' campaign
You will need:
250g Sirloin Beef
3 tsp Fish Sauce
3 tsp Lime Juice
1 green chilli, finely chopped
1 red chilli finely chopped
1/2 tsp ginger finely chopped
1/2 tsp honey
1/2 tsp caster sugar
3 shallots thinly sliced
2 cucumbers thinly sliced
1 tomato thinly sliced
1/2 celery roughly chopped
2 spring onions thinly sliced
small handful of coriander leaves
To Make:
Fry or grill the sirloin beef and slice thinly
In a bowl, mix the fish sauce, lime juice, chillies, and castor sugar
Add the beef and stir well
Add the shallots, cucumber and tomato and mix
Finally, add the celery, spring onions and coriander leaves and mix well before serving
Do you have an Easy Peasy recipe you would like to share?
Are you the queen of quiches, magnificent at muffins or can you turn out some nice scones?
If so, then send your name, address, contact number and recipe (plus photo if possible) to:
Easy Peasy Recipes,
Marie Louise McConville,
Irish News
113-117 Donegall Street,
Belfast,
BT1 2GE
or
m.mcconville@irishnews.com
