Zaeda Turns 3

At the end of May, Zaeda turned 3. We had many adoring aunts, uncles and grandparents on hand to help us celebrate the occasion.  Her Disney Princess obsession was fully indulged. Her pink items adorned with Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and all the rest include towels, sleeping bags, backpacks, t-shirts, dresses, pillows, a toilet, and all manner of stickers, books, and toys.

Here is the cake Jenny made for her. Zaeda can name every one of them, no problem.

Potty training is still something Zaeda is working on. Yesterday, I promised her a piece of candy if she could sit on her princess toilet and make anything – anything at all – come out into it. She really wanted that candy, so she sat down and shortly after announced “I’m done. Can I have some candy?”  But there was nothing. She did it again. On and off all day. She’d grunt and sigh and then assure us there was now something in the toilet, but every time it was empty.

Then late last night, as Jenny and I were straightening up,  we noticed that her princess potty was filled to the brim with turds and water.  Jenny didn’t hesitate to call in Oliver. He quickly confessed that he’d gone to the toilet that day, and then scooped some into Zaeda’s potty because he wanted her to get candy.

Gross. And funny. Also a little worrisome to have caught our son in such a con. But I also feel strangely encouraged that Zaeda will grow up with a big brother so willing to go to bat for her.