dude, let it out!

I apologize in advance for the content of this post. 

This is yet another post about poop. We're continuing our efforts to potty train young Z-Dub. All of his little friends, many of which are younger than him, are now diaper free, so we're on a mission. He has no issue peeing in the potty. He's had a couple of accidents, primarily due to distraction, but for the most part he has peeing under control.

Our problem is his poop anxiety. He's afraid to do it on the toilet and we've yet to have success with dropping a load into the porcelain throne. In fact, yesterday he was so fearful of the notion, he sat on his little toilet for much of the day without success. Instead of just letting it slide on out, he actually held it in all day long. His poor belly was big and he complained that his "tummy and his butt" hurt. We encouraged him, held his hand and even explained how to relax and push it out. Nothing helped him overcome his fear.

Eventually he went to sleep...late. At 4 a.m., while getting ready to head off to work, HotMomma checked on him. He was asleep with the largest, stinkiest load of poop in his pants. I ended up changing him while he was asleep.

Today he's with his cousin who is six months younger and already potty trained. We're hoping she can encourage him to get over his poop fears.

Any advice?