Post party melt down

Marcelo had such a great time at his much anticipated third birthday. The third birthday must really be when they get that it's all about their special day. I remember Sofia was the same way.

Every time we talked about preparations for his birthday, he thought it was happening that day and was extremely disappointed when I had to tell him "two more weeks", "a few more days", "three more days", etc. It was so cute, when I was making his cake two days before the party, he was so excited, he kept asking me if so-and-so would come and I'd say - "yes, they're coming". And if this other person was coming. "Yes, they're coming". And after a little while, he asked me, "will they be here soon?"

On party day, Marcelo behaved really well. There were no meltdowns or fights over his new toys. He truly had a great time. He went to bed tired but highly satisfied and content.

The next morning, he awoke early to play with his new toys, giving each one the attention they deserved. He played enthusiastically with Sofia and then on his own until lunch time. After lunch, we went to his weekly dance class (the third one) and I was surprised that he was apprehensive about going in. Maybe it was because Sofia didn't come along this time, or simply because he had had such a big day the prior day with no nap for a few days in a row and having just recovered from a cold. Anyway, I hoped it wasn't going to come to a severe refusal to participate like something I might be more accustomed to expect from Sofia. But I wasn't sure if I should nudge him along after he told me, "Mommy, I just want to go home", in a sweet, tired, and quiet voice.

Just then I noticed another child not wanting to go in. She got picked up by the teacher and set in the circle on the floor. I pointed her out to Marcelo - "See, she doesn't feel that great about participating today either. Maybe you can go sit with her". After a couple of seconds, he suddenly turned around and went running in. Funny how someone else's misery can serve to give you a boost of moral, I guess.

He did great in his class. I could see he was trying hard and even loosening up and goofing around in front of the mirror a little bit.

After dance, we went to Target. As we were leaving, Sofia asked if we could go to Trafalga. We were considering the idea and thinking if we should pick up some pizza from Target's Pizza Hut but decided on Costco pizza instead. Suddenly, Marcelo decided he had to have pizza from Target (which he cannot eat anyway due to allergies) and started throwing a mild fit. By the time we got to the parking lot, I had to pick him up and he started pinching/squashing my face in protest. I guess all the activity and partying finally caught up to him. We decided against Trafalga and went home to eat dinner.

At home, I was still giving him a chance to come around and apologize for his behaviour which he usually does quite quickly on his own. Didn't look like it was going to happen this time. I thought to myself, "I guess he really is three", and had some disturbing flashbacks of Sofia's third year. "Surely it won't be as bad as that" - I comforted myself.

Then when Ray failed to fill his sippy cup with milk, Marcelo turned around, pulled his pants down and MOONED HIM!

What?!
Where did this come from?
OK, I acknowledge he may have learned some "adult words" from me and certainly some undesirable behaviors from Sofia and Ray, but mooning. Where did that come from?!
How did he determine that his butt would serve as a great offense to someone? Especially since he doesn't much know the difference between running around butt naked and running around with clothes on.

I don't know what is brewing in Ray's genetic code, (I know it's not me, seeing as my genetic code is extremely weak and I spent my youth in a virtual coma according to all reports and the overwhelming consensus that I was the epitome of the well behaved child), but I tell you there's some kind of craziness that gets set off at age three.