My Latest Haunts

I have been reading A LOT lately.  Like A LOT, a lot.  Like reading when Wyatt asks to watch YouTube videos which is like reading the same sentence four times.  And waking up at odd hours of the night to read until my eyes go blurry.  I even attempted to read in traffic the other day.  Bad idea.  I got beeped at twice before I decided it was probably the stupidest idea I've ever had.  I have always been an avid reader.  But lately my reading choice (and obsession) has got me a little concerned.

The first series I got stuck on was the Hunger Games.  Yes, its a youth novel.  Yes, so is the Twilight series which I also read and enjoyed.  Yes, so is Harry Potter which I LOVED.  So when I heard buzz about this series when the last novel was being released, I checked it out at the library.  I read this book in 2 days.  It is captivating.  The writing is not brilliant but the story is intriguing and the characters lovable.  It is more violent then I ever expected a youth novel to be and Graphic (queasy faced graphic).  I went back to the library to get book 2 and there was a waiting list.  I promptly ordered the other 2 books, Catching Fire and Mockingjay on Amazon.  Then I dreamt about these characters, about their world, their war, their poverty, their cruelty, their sobering reality.  I would find myself laying awake, staring at the ceiling, wondering about how I would react in their situations.  When the books arrived, it was Wyatt's first week of school and the St. John's Fair that occupies most of the month of September for me.  And I still could not let the books sit on the shelf for a better time.  I stayed awake from 1am until 6am reading Catching Fire.  I just couldn't put it down.  I was just as bad with Mockingjay.  I really hope they make them into movies and I totally understand what all the buzz was about.  This series was totally worth my late nights.

More recently, I started the Sookie Stackhouse Series which the HBO show TrueBlood is based on.  I love TrueBlood.  Just call me a vampire lover.  I think the show is so brilliantly awful yet oddly addicting.  I wanted to know where it originated from.  I have to admit, they are not my favorite books but the sex scenes do live up to HBO standards.  In the first novel, I found typos and sometimes there are so many characters that I can't keep them straight.  And predictably a new character is always the villain and most often dies at the end.  Perhaps the only reason that I am interested in these novels are for this man:

Oh my LORD.  I am drooling already.  Sometimes I find myself skimming pages simply to find his name.  This actor, Alex Skarsgard:  (I have to picture him again because he is just so delicious...)

Plays the character Eric Northman on the TrueBlood series.  And I simply can't help but imagine him when I am reading the novels.  Literally my life right now is built on elaborate fantasies about this man.  It just shows the state of my social life when I would rather read and dream about fictional characters then motivate myself to meet new people that most assuredly will not live up to my fantasies.  I know I should invest more time in actual relationships but sometimes it is just easier to dream.  I don't recommend the novels but I do recommend Alex Skarsgard.  Yum.  My next series is the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.  Thoughts?  Is it as good as everyone says it is?

Goodbye Summer. We'll Miss You.

Wyatt One Liners

I was trying to wrangle Wyatt into his chair for dinner and he was just not cooperating.  Finally, I gave him his ultimatum.  He had until I counted to 3 before I would pick him up and put him in his chair. His response "I'm gonna get mad at you real quick" put me in hysterics.

I brought Wyatt to work with me. I told him that he needed to be my big helper and work really hard with me.  Wyatt was fabulously well-behaved, even for him.  When we were leaving for the day I kept on reminding him how fabulous he had been.  Without missing a beat, "I was really good at Momma's work.  Can we go to the toy store next?"

Rebecca is notorious for asking Wyatt for kisses whenever she is home.  When he exhausts one answer he moves on to the next.  "Sorry closed for business."  Or "its too early for kisses and hugs, Auntie B"

We are down at the beach.  Wyatt has been throwing toys out into the water then wading out to get them.  He gave one truck a pretty forceful throw.  He stopped when the water reached his waist knowing that was his limit unassisted.  He called to me.  I went out to fetch the truck.  As I am chasing the truck caught in the current I hear Wyatt shouting, "I'm freaking out!  I'm freaking out!"  I wonder where he learned that from?

Wyatt and I are looking in the freezer for a evening snack.
"I want a chocolate brownie."
"We don't have chocolate brownies"
"Chocolate Brownie!!"
"Bud, I don't know what you're talking about.  We don't have chocolate brownies."
"Lemme see.  Lemme see.  Chocolate brownies.  Yes, siree."
Once I convinced him we didn't have any chocolate brownies, he settled for a creamsickle.

Pa has been trying to teach Wyatt "1,2 Buckle my Shoe."  I have to admit, it is helping with his counting but rhyming is not his strong suit.
Pa goes "1, 2 buckle my...."
"Truck."
"3, 4 shut the..."
"Potty"
"5, 6 pick up..."
"Toys."

Every night after we turn off the light we play this I Love You game.  I say something like "I love you more then the stars love the sky."
And he usually responds with "I love you like a wee-oh wee-oh truck."
"I love you more then a shark loves his teeth."
"I love you like an ambull-ance."
"I love you more then a backhoe loves his tires."
"I love you like a gookah."  A gookah is Wyatt's favorite made up word.  A gookah can be just about anything and I think he uses it when he forgets a more appropriate word.  Last night he told me he love me like a Mom-mom.  I told him I think that is a lot.  And he told me "So many people love me."
Yes, Wy, so many people do love you.  Very much.

Up in the Country

The Greatest Adventure

Wyatt's first day of school went brilliantly!  Once he woke up (which only took one TV show, 30 cuddle minutes, and 2 pop tarts.  He is a very slow riser.  A new record!) he was so excited.  He spoke about the toys he wanted to play with and the friends he was going to make.  Surprisingly we made in out of the house early which gave me time to document the moment on our front porch.  Can't you just feel his happiness?!?  On the ride, I couldn't stop from smiling.  I was just so excited for him.  I battered him with questions and fun things he was going to do at school.  

"Do you remember your teacher's names? Your teachers are going to be so excited to see you again."

"They're sad."

"They're sad?! Why are they sad?"

"Because there is no Wyatt yet."

When we got to the church, I told him it was going to be a few more minutes and we should go into the office first.  He grabbed my hand and tried to drag me down the path going to his school.  I couldn't even get him to use the bathroom because he wanted to use the potty in his "new school."  He ran right in the room and went directly to the toys.  I reminded him that he needed to ask his teachers if he needed to go to potty.  I swear if he had learned to roll his eyes at me, he would have.  He sounded almost exasperated when he replied "Yes, Mom."  I asked him to give me a hug and kiss (which is standard leaving protocol).

"Where are you going?"
"Mom's going to work.  But I'm going to come and get you in a little while.  You get to stay and play with your friends."
"OK"
And that was about it.  He turned away from me to go play.  I had my camera to document his first day but since he seemed so ready I felt like I should just get out of there.  I didn't want to linger.  So, I walked out and he didn't even notice.  For the next hour, I vacuumed.  Convinced it was probably the only way I would survive.  I needed something mindless, repetitive, so I didn't run over and spy in the windows.

When I walked in to get him, his back was to me and he was doing a puzzle with another little boy.  Mrs. Marino came over to me and said that he got a little upset when other mom's started to show up and I didn't.  She also said he was very smart and went to the potty.  She said when they asked him to do a project he said "No thanks" at first.  Yes, that is my son.  I called to him and he ran over to give me a hug.

"I was sad.  I didn't know where you were"

"Oh sweetie.  I was at work. I will always come back and get you.  How was your first day?  What did you do?"

And he turned to show me the apple he made and hung on the wall.  The toys he played with.   The playdoh shape he made.  On our way out, I asked him to say thank you to his teachers.  He ran straight for Mrs. Schwab and gave her a hug.

On our way to the car, I told Wyatt "Sweetie, I am just so proud of you!" He reached out and grabbed my hand saying "I'm so pround of you too."  I didn't cry.  I am pretty pround of myself too.

On day two, I tried to get him to pose for a picture outside his classroom.  He wanted no part of it.  He just wanted me to open the door.  He ran in.  On Thursday (a no school day), Gammy asked if he wanted to say home with her for the day.  He said he wanted to go to school.  My little boy is all grown up.  I am so happy he loves it.  Its so exciting.  I am so proud of my Wyatt.

The Mischief Makers

And a special Happy Birthday to my favorite Auntie B.  

"I love you like a backhoe!"

31 Months

Bud,

You are starting school tomorrow.  I know you are going to do fabulous but I just can't seem to get over the fact that you are going to school.  MY BABY.  TO SCHOOL.  FOR REALS.  Welcome to the next 16 years of your life.  When you woke up from your nap today your hand reached for mine and held my index finger.  It reminded me so much of when you were a little baby and held onto my hand in that same way.  But surely this big hand and smiling little boy can't be my baby.  This boy who tells stories, can count to 10, reads me books, plays in the dirt, knows colors and shapes, and wants to do everything by himself.  It doesn't seem possible.  You are my little boy.  It seems to have all gone so fast.  And as much as I am sad for myself, I am so excited for you.  I just know you are going to have the time of your life and I can't wait to hear every detail.  I know you are ready for your first real adventure without me.  But I am certainly not.  And I am definitely going to be that parent sneaking around in the woods and spying through the windows.

Daddy and I took you upstate to his families house in Callicoon with Grandma and Grandpa.  We had such a blast.  The house with all the recent upgrades from Grandpa was gorgeous, the weather outstanding, and the rays of sun through the trees were breath taking.  (I was kicking myself all weekend for forgetting my camera.)  You loved every minute running wild with Pup and Dad and breaking in the new swing that Grandpa built.  You had your first tractor ride, which was really a ride-on lawn mower, but you seemed pretty content with that.  You liked it better when it was off because then you could jump around in the seat and play "peetend" instead of sitting patiently and driving.  We trekked to the farm down the road to see the horses, goats, and real live tractors, which you were a little hesitant by the sheer size of them.  But in about 5 minutes, you were begging Dad to put you in the seat.  The farmer gave me zucchini's the size of my thigh and called you the "sidewalk cowboy".  A nickname that I find quite fitting.  I called in sick to work just so we could enjoy a few more hours in the fresh country air.  It was totally worth it.

Brianne's little sister, Gracie, at 10 years old has started her own business; Gracie's Cupcakery and Wyatt is IN LOVE.  Seriously.  Gracie sets up a stand at the Farmers Market every Saturday and sells them for $2.  She makes flowers out of marshmallows, fish out of circus peanuts, and aliens out of lollipops.  And she makes this chocolate heath bar cupcake pop that is to DIE for.  She has home made business cards that say "We'll bake you happy."  You were hooked the first Saturday we went.  Its funny now because almost every Saturday you ask to go find "Gracie's cupcakes."  I don't even know how you knows its Saturday!  Last Saturday, I knew Gracie wasn't going to be out.  So when you asked I told you Gracie's was closed.  Major freak out.  You demanded it was open and pretty much dragged me to the car.  We drove all around the Ville until you were satisfied.  Once I told Bri the story, she hand delivered some for you.  And when we went this Saturday, you walked right up to the cooler of cupcakes and helped yourself to about 8 then sat in your wagon surround by your cupcakes.  Truly, its love.

I feel like I say the same thing in every letter.  That you are getting so big and I have no idea how you have grown up so fast.  And its true, I can't help but be shocked every month.  But, in general, I don't see your progress everyday.  Its not until I sit and reflect on the month that I am shocked.  I have taken to cuddling you more, kissing you every chance I can get, helping you as much as you will let me.  Because I don't know how long it is going to last.  I have this sickening feeling that one morning I am going to wake up and you are going to be 6 and not want to give me hugs or hold my hand.  And I am going to be upset that I didn't take advantage of the innocent time when I could.  Maybe its just because your going to school.  I don't know.  But whatever it is I try to let you know everyday that you amaze me.  That I am so proud of you.  That I adore you.  And when I say "I love you" you say "I love you too."

I love you everyday.
MomMom (thats your new name for me and I kind of love it.)

The Three Amigos

Staring: Wyatt

Cousin William

And the baby Lars Christian

The Naked Truth

When I was 10, I was at a friends house.  We were in the basement playroom and I had to use the bathroom.  She told me it was upstairs and gave me directions past the kitchen.  As I entered the kitchen, her dad was standing, butt naked, in front of the sink.  He looked up, made eye contact with me then continued washing the dishes.  I was mortified.  Shocked, really.  I had no idea that people (or parents, I should say) stood around naked like that.  It was not something that happened in my family.  For a while, I thought all parents wandered around naked and it was just my parents that didn't.  He seemed so comfortable.  Stark naked knowing that there was a bunch of 10 year-old neighbor girls in the basement.  Like it was just a totally normal family activity similar to dinner around the kitchen table.  It took a while for me to realize that it was her family, not mine, that was out of the norm.  That not everyone was so comfortable being naked, mid-day, doing chores, while your children played in the basement.

Wyatt loves being naked.  He has naked time for at least an hour after every bath.  I think this is entirely acceptable.  I want him to be comfortable with himself.  I want him to know that his body is a work of art and nothing to be ashamed about or feel obligated to cover up.  Obviously, there is a time and place to his nakedness but I am sure he will learn this with age.  We were naked a lot as kids and I don't think it did us much harm.  The best part is when he was at the doctor today and while the doctor was examining his neither regions Wyatt proclaimed "The doctor is checking out my penis!"  Because that is what he calls it.  Because he is naked a lot and potty trained and when he's playing with it, I tell it like it is.

I have always been very comfortable with my body.  I am not a nudist or anything but I enjoy my naked time just as the next girl.  I don't wander around the house naked while other members of my family are home.  But I also think it is a safe assumption to say that my entire family has seen my butt and while breast feeding, I would have to say my boobs as well.  I try my best not to be naked in front of Wyatt but its inevitable.  Every once and a while he will see me getting dressed or getting into the shower or going to get something out of the laundry.  But he doesn't even blink an eye.  Doesn't seem to even notice.  I guess he accepts my nakedness just as his own.

So, while we were camping, I had to take Wyatt into the shower with me. This has happened a few times before but I try not to make it a habit.  I don't really think its a big deal.  He was doing great and then mid-shower he politely asks "Momma, where is your penis?"  I diverted the question which I don't normally do.  He caught me off guard and tried not to be utterly shocked.  It got me thinking how old is too old for him to see me naked?  I thought around 5 but now I am second guessing myself.  I don't want to be like the family I mentioned above but I also don't want to rule out nudity all together.  I think that nudity at home, when handled in a respectful, matter of fact way, is perfectly normal. I want him to be comfortable being naked and knowing that I am comfortable being naked will enforce that.  But when do the uncomfortable questions start?  Or do I just tell it like it is?  How long can I ignore his questions?