Blog Q&A

Well, I don't have a lot to post at the moment, so I'm going to take the opportunity for a little Q&A!  I need some advice, parenting help, and whatever else I happen to think of! And in the process of asking the questions, I'm sure you'll get some update into what's been going on with us.  Also, some of this blog entry may be TMI (too much information) in which case, stop reading after question 2 :)

1) Blog name!
 I'd like to revamp the blog a little with a better header and background.  And I'm thinking I'd like to get a different name.  Maybe something a little catchier or cuter and more related to the kids since really, that's why I have the blog.  I'd love some thoughts and suggestions for a fun new name!!  Please send me some!  I hear such cute other blog names that I'd like to have my own cute blog name :)

2) Low grade fever?
Caitlin started a low fever (like right at 100 degrees) on Wed night. She had the fever all day today (I mean, it stayed right at 100 degrees).  She's been really fussy and just wants to be held all the time. She is eating okay.  She is not congested AT ALL. No pulling of the ears.  I can tell she's not feeling well. I've given her some motrin and it doesn't do a lot for her.  Any ideas what it might be? I'm assuming just a little virus but wondering if I should take her to the Dr. anyway.  Thoughts??  I think if she still has a fever tomorrow, I probably will just take her in but I'm curious what other parents would do in this situation. It's so hard to know when they can't tell you what's wrong!

3) Potty Training!
We haven't been real serious with the potty training until after our big Christmas trip.  Before then, we would encourage Evan to sit on the potty and he would use it whenever we put him on it for the most part.  But, we hadn't ventured into the world of underwear and pull-ups.  Since the beginning of the year, I've been really wanting to work on this and so we have now officially started potty training. 

So far, it's going pretty well!  When we are at home, I have him in underwear and for the most part, he does really great.  I've even started putting him in pull-ups for preschool and they said he's doing fine.  But, we have a few issues and those with experience (especially boy experience), I'd love some advice. Here goes:

Question 1:  We have a little potty and he likes to sit on that. He's kind of scared of the big potty (although just tonight I got him to sit on it and actually go on it - big accomplishment).  Any tips for how to handle the big potty, especially when you are out in a public place?

Question 2: To stand or not to stand.  At preschool, I guess Evan has been using the little kid urinals so it's not an issue that he wouldn't sit on the bigger potty.  However the whole peeing to stand thing seems rather difficult if you are out and about at the mall let's say.  Anyone taught a boy to pee standing up first??  Just curious if you have and how you did it and how it worked while out!  It just seems way too difficult to me but maybe I'm wrong!  Of course, sitting down there are other issues too - like spray!  I'm thinking girls are SO much easier to potty train!!

Question 3:  Pooping!  So, I think we've got the pee thing down, but pooping is a whole 'nother story. I just don't know how to work this issue.  He really doesn't poop in the potty. I mean, I put a diaper on him at night and for naps (and obviously right now if we go somewhere), so I think he just waits to poop then.  Any suggestions for encouraging it in the potty?

Question 4: General potty training - I feel like we are making good progress.  How do I sort of take the next step to being diaper free?  Just continue with what we are doing?  He's not really telling us still when he NEEDS to go. I think he's doing a great job of holding it and going on the potty... but I'm worried that if I didn't take him as often as I do, he'd just go and wouldn't necessarily tell me.  He has told me a few times and I do take him.  And when he has a diaper on, he often will tell me after the fact.  Is there maybe a good book I should read?  Whatever tips anyone has, I'm all ears!

I guess that's it for questions.  Please post comments to the blog entry so I can get your opinions on all the above issues.  As you can see, my world is SO exciting!  After potty training, next step is getting Evan out of a crib and into a toddler bed.  That will be another blog entry full of questions but for now, I'd love answers to the above.  Thanks y'all!