Wherein Nora assigns responsibility, and mama is generously left out of the mix.

We've recently entered one of the most eagerly-anticipated and widely-dreaded phases of parenthood: Potty Marketing 101.

Above all, you must know your audience. In this case, she's a member of a discriminating demographic -- highly averse to pandering, spin, and the heavy sell -- The Two-Year-Old. Forget the loud enthusiasm ("It wipes it flushes AND THAT'S NOT ALL!"), drop the bait-and-switch ("Yes, ma'am, scribble your name right here ... Ohhh, shiny unicorn stickers!") She's got your number, buddy, and she's ready to drive a hard bargain.

Thus far, we've rolled out a few strategies. We've provided a couple of different seating options. We've adopted an "open source" philosophy, otherwise known as an unobstructed view of her parents, um, processes. We've employed the protracted soft sell, which involves talking about it freely whenever the opportunity arises, and backing off at signs of resistance. And then there are the books. Lots of books, with plenty of bum-nekkid characters and plot twists, and the eventual denouement of a successful deposit and diaper liberation.

There's one book, though, that holds a special place in Nora's heart. One that stands out from the rest in its excremental focus. O, the shapes! The sizes! The way the sphincter (that maverick!) crosses party lines!

If you aren't named in this particular clip, fear not. Nora knows.



*For those who aren't able to view the movie clips or visit the links, the book we're referring to here is the classic "Everyone Poops" by Taro Gomi. Nora has assigned various illustrations from this book to beloved members of her family.