Stella, I just need some privacy right now, okay?
I am in the bathroom, wanting to pee in privacy for just one minute. Thankfully, Stella acquiesces. Since being potty trained around 18 months, she has always liked her space in the bathroom. This means she also (usually) gives us our space when it’s requested. I’m now realizing that this is a rarity in the toddler world!
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Me: Stella, I need to go to the bathroom. Can you go out and shut the door, please?
Stella: Ya, okay Mommy. Are you sure you want the door shut? Or should i leave it open?
Me: I’d like it shut. Thank you, Stella.
Stella: Are you sure? Because I can stay right here if you want to squeeze my hands. [We offer this to her when she’s afraid of a big poop, poor kid.]
Me: Nope, that’s okay. Please just go out and shut the door.
Stella: Are you sure?
Me: [Big sigh] Yes, Stella. I’m sure. Please just go out. Can you take your brother with you?
Stella: No, Harvey misses you, Mommy. He wants to stay with you.
Me: Okay, fine. Please just go outside and shut the door.
Stella: Okay, Mommy. I’ll stay right outside the door in case you need me, okay?
Me: Okay. Thank you, Stella.
[Stella steps out and shuts the door. I can see the shadow of her feet just beyond the threshold of the door. What a sweet kid.]
— Meanwhile, Harvey is squealing at my feet, trying to dip his hands into the toilet water. #BoysAreGross
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