Poop Happens Potty training can feel like an exercise in futility, but every know and again you have a shining moment.

I had traveled to Columbia, S.C. Thursday after work, Junior in tow. Got to my parent's house and got settled, had a bit of dinner and had progressed to night-night time for the little one.

About an hour after I thought he had gone down for the night, I distinctly heard the pitter-patter of scurrying feet.

The boy had made his way back downstairs to find me. I was under the impression that he was just jerking around, trying not to go to bed. But when I asked him if he wanted me to pick him up to carry him back upstairs, he shook his head no and stated that he had to poop.

This was unheard of. This was the same boy would had no problem sitting in his own filth only weeks prior. I thought I might have misheard him. "Did you poop?" I asked? "Daddy, I have to poop", the only response.

So we make our way up to the bathroom and get settled on the pot. I have never witnessed such straining and facial manipulation, other than during his birth and that was coming from his mother!

But lo and behold, business was completed. "Big poop" being the only statement uttered out loud at the time. With a wave of satisfaction and a farewell of "bye-bye poop", the toilet was flushed and Connor went off to sleep.

Never in my life did I imagine a moment filled with shit would bring about feelings of pride and accomplishment.

Of course, if I announce that I just pooped on the potty, do I receive accolades? Of course not, I get chastised for even bring up the subject. Oh how life changes as you grow up.  ¶ 9:59 AM