Potty Training Woes

I am over-the-top exhausted these days.

Two words...

Potty Training.

Why must this be the hardest thing in life to accomplish this time around for my husband and I? We have two older sons who went through it. They're 18 and 13 and now use the toilet actively (ummm, thank goodness).

So what gives 3 1/2 year old kid?

About 9 months or so ago, I purchased the little toilet seat that fits over the big toilet seat. It has handles. It's decked out in cars. The thing looks hilarious and I thought it would be a hit.

Boy child used it without any set pattern. Mostly, we were just looking to introduce the idea.

As the months ticked on, we talked about using the incredible-red-car-toilet seat. Boy child decided he was too nervous about it and when prompted to "go", his response? Always, "Tomorrow!".

I was even offering stickers and M&Ms to prompt him. Nada. 

A few weeks ago, I purchased a stand alone toddler-sized toilet. I honestly didn't think boy child would like it so I didn't accompany it with any pull-ups or underwear. Then he proved us wrong! The kid was using it like clockwork. I bought the pull-ups and he had a kitchen timer set to 20 minutes. When the sucker went off, he was on that toilet without any say from us. We were all, "Yes! This is it! The moment we've been waiting for ever since I pushed the kid out of my body!" 

More and more often when the timer goes off now, his pull-up has been "used" at least once. These things are becoming expensive diapers. As if diapers themselves aren't already expensive.

So I'm at a loss.

I know we should let him take the lead, but he'll be 4 in March! 4! IN MARCH! 

I have zero recollection of potty training in the past. None.

The boy child has been rather late with most everything...eating solids, talking, walking...

I'm holding out hope that this is just a delay and soon enough I won't have to set that annoying timer anymore!

What are your tips and tricks to get your little one trained? This desperate mom is desperate!