Caught in a Downpour

Despite looking freezing here, he actually thought this was the coolest thing ever.  We were both dripping after running to the car during a flash flood deluge.  

Summer of Yes

Sometime around May, I started feeling fairly stagnant.  This happens to me every once and a while.  And when it does, I seem to go in 12 directions at once.  I want to buy a house one day.  A new car the next.  Then I'm going back to school.  Or planning trips around the world.  But everything I think of seems like a rash decision to make.  I can't decide which direction to go in.  So I end up doing nothing besides a lot of late night online shopping.  (Mom always knows when I fall into one of these funks because boxes and packages magically appear at our doorstep.  Wyatt loves this.  My bank account; not so much.)  So, when it happened again this year (with the help of my therapist) I came up with a different plan.

I like to call it the "Summer of Yes".  The premise was to say Yes to every opportunity that came our way.  Whether it sounded silly, or boring, or uncomfortable, or something I wouldn't normally do.  Just say Yes.  To all the little things and see what fun, engaging, new and exciting places Wyatt and I could find ourselves in.  Obviously, I tried not to say Yes to things that would get me arrested or give me the clap but I tried to get right to the edge.  Here are some of the things we said Yes to:

A walk around Shu Swamp with some older members of my congregation.  Specifically a group called the Winter Weezers.  We were the youngest by decades. When they got lost, Wyatt lead them to safety.  There are only like two trails.  It was hysterical.

Yes, it was a hot pink limo!

I went on a singles wine tour with Jen and 2 other girls.  There was one guy amongst about 35 girls. We had a blast.

I said Yes to finally getting my teeth fixed.  This was HUGE for me.  I have been wanted to get them fixed since college but could never find the time or justify the money.  Finally, I decided that if I had actually said yes when I first wanted to it would have been done already and not still lingering stubbornly on my to-do-list.  So I shopped around for orthodontists.  And pitted them against one another.  And negotiated the shit out of them.  And finally found something slightly above reasonable.  Progress.

I said yes to an ex-boyfriend that I probably shouldn't have BUT I did get to go to my first country concert that was absolutely amazing.  My therapist would want me to point out that the entire experience taught me some things about myself.  There is no regret, just learning for next time. So it guess its still a positive.

Before

After

I finally refinished a dresser that has been down in my basement for three years.  It came out really nice.  Everyone in the family is fighting for it already.  I actually impressed myself on this one.

I took Wyatt and I to California on a whim.  It was an amazing trip and I am so glad we did it.

I have been carving out extra time in my life for my friends. This has meant a random night out with Brianne and Jessica during a monsoon (because when's a better time to drive to a bar!)  Going to Newsies on Broadway with Rebecca then saying Yes to too much wine afterwards meaning mid-week city sleepover.  Agreeing to elope with some cute guy - then thinking better of it in the morning.  (Pretty sure that was the right choice. About 50/50.) Getting 10:30pm calls to go out, changing out of my PJ's and staying out until 3am.  Meeting Lizzy at Walls way too much.  Actually pulling an all-nighter in Long Beach and not getting home until 1pm the next day (it took me a week to recover from that!) And plenty of times celebrating Mike and Joanna's new house. (You got cable!  Sure, I'll bring beer!)  It has resulted in a lot of hungover mornings and babysitting nights for my mom but its been a shit load of fun.

I signed up for yoga at the library.  10 classes for $25.  Seriously people, what's to think about?  It was my first time doing group exercise.  I was nervous.  Then I noticed the median age is about 63.  During stretching, I try not to show off.

I bought a groupon for horseback riding lessons.  Haven't cashed in on that one yet but I am very much looking forward to going this fall.

And I think the biggest one:  Nana asked if Wyatt and I would like to move into her house.  There was a resounding YES!!  Wyatt and I will be less then 5 miles from my parents and Nana and Grandpa will stay in my old room when they visit from Florida.  Its bittersweet because we won't see them as much.  But Wyatt and I are so excited (and ready) for our own place.  We just started doing some renovations. I don't want to give much away because I want Nana and Grandpa to be surprised when they come home for Christmas but there will be plenty of before/after pictures when we're done.  When I asked Wyatt today what he wanted to do after school he said, "Mom, let's go work on our house."

Overall, I think my experiment has worked out pretty well.  I am planning on extending my Summer of Yes into a Lifetime of Yes.  I think what the whole thing taught me was I tend to nix an idea before I have really thought it through.  Everyone does.  I can't do that because I have work, or its too late, or I'm too tired.  Yes, but.... throw it out.  Its garbage.  Say Yes, people.  Trust me.  Its been a fucking great summer.

In the Next 30 Years

So, I am turning 30 tomorrow.  I have to admit it is a daunting number.  Made harder because I am not where I thought I would be at 30.  I don't know many people who's lives are exactly the way they planned them or are exactly where they thought they would be.  Actually, I can't think of one.  And maybe it is better that way.  Maybe if you live your best life everyday, the planning just doesn't matter so much.  I like that thought.  Stop planning, stop searching, stop thinking.  Just live a happy life.  I think I am doing a pretty damn good job of that.

Wow. 30. Do I actually want to admit that I am a little excited to what the next 10 years will bring.  My 20's were so filled with anxiety.  Anxiety about leaving college, getting a real job, relationships, financial independence, who I was, my next move, then the joy and test that was Wyatt.  Its just SO much. I have this great hope that my 30's aren't going to be like that.  That its going to be about loving myself, loving others, being happy with who I am and where I am.  I am sure there will be hardships but I am content and hopefully to put some of those old anxieties to rest.  I am excited at what lies ahead for me and for Wyatt.

To start off my next thirty years, Wyatt, Rebecca and I are taking to the skies.  Yes, tomorrow, the day I turn 30, we are headed to California for a week.  Hayley is so graciously allowing us to crash and Delta so graciously offered cheap last minute tickets.  What's to think about really?  On the agenda: Legoland (like RIGHT NOW!!  Wyatt is BESIDE himself!!), Cars-Land in Disney, the beach, some booze, some friends, and hopefully some glorious sunshine.  Not a bad way to start a decade.

Catch ya on the flip side!

Expectations

This is the second rainbow I saw in 2012.  Caught just two weeks after seeing the first one.  I was driving home from a night in Long Beach and this was arched across the sky. Dipping into the water at either end. I don't think I have ever seen a rainbow in its entirety before.  I called home, told Mom to put Wyatt's shoes on and grab the camera.  We raced back to the beach. You couldn't see the whole thing anymore but still both ends, with some clouds in the middle.

I have had this crazy hunch that 2012 is going to be a really good year.  Every year I start with good intentions and hope but, for some reason, this year feels different.  I have this nagging feeling that something amazing is coming down the road but I am not really sure how to get there or even what it is.  However cheesy it sounds, these dual rainbows appearing at the very beginning of the year, seem to be some kind of sign.  A confirmation that this gut feeling is going to manifest itself.

I am hesitant to even talk about it.  As if somehow speaking of having lofty expectations for 2012 will make them disappear.  I don't even know what I am expecting.  Maybe just more good then bad?  Maybe it is just a better attitude?  Maybe the hope of a good year will be enough to make it so? 

Fingers crossed.

Time-Out

Wyatt and I have been having some problems.  I have mentioned this before.  About his refusal to listen.  His sometimes dreadful sharing skills.  His willingness to push my last button.  His talking back.  And of course his repeated use of that God Awful word: no.  In response, I have added the time-out chair.  Which worked for about 2 minutes.  He simply doesn't care.  It's not incentive enough for him to quit his bad behaviour.  He will give himself time-outs when he is being extra crabby.  On my next attempt, I decided to take away toys.  I would give him 2 warnings and on the 3 he gets something taken away and put on the top of the fridge.  He can get them back if he has an extra good day.  I still do that sometimes but it is only really effective when I can take something away immediately.  It doesn't work if we are out.  By the time we make it home, he is usually better behaved and has forgotten all about the incident.

Then we hit an impasse.  Drew, Wyatt and I were out to dinner.  For whatever reason, Wyatt was not having it.  He is always amazing so I guess he is allowed a bad day occasionally.  He asked to go to the bathroom about 3 times simply because he was bored.  Then he was running up and down the handicap ramp.  He refused to listen when our food came out.  Didn't eat one bite.  I tried all my tricks.  Nothing worked.  Finally, I asked him to sit down or we were going to leave.  He smirked at me and started walking backwards.  I looked at Drew, told him I was sorry but I had to grab Wyatt and run.  That Wyatt was testing me and I needed to act.  Could he please grab the check and meet us in the car?  As soon as I reached Wyatt he started screaming.  He was upset, I was upset.  As I was struggling to put him in his car seat and my face was inches from his, he reared back and slapped me.  Right. Across. My. Face.  I lost it.  It was the last straw.  Hitting is absolutely unacceptable.  Where did he even learn something like that?  I was screaming.  Wyatt was hysterical.  By the time Drew got into the car, no one was talking.  I couldn't even breathe, I was so upset.

After calling Jen, Kari, and chatting with Mom, I came up with another plan.  Obviously the time-out chair did not work, neither was taking away toys.  What about trying something I haven't done?  Why not reward positive behaviour instead of punishing bad?  (Totally Jen's idea. Give credit where credit's due.  She doesn't even have kids yet...brilliant)  Of course, Wyatt will always respond better to the things he is doing right.  So, I came up with this system. If he has a good day (see: sharing well, listening to his momma, cleaning up, etc) he gets a gold star for the day.  When he reaches 10 gold stars he gets a gift or an adventure, pretty much whatever he chooses.  Its his day.  Gammy bought this school bus chart and I put it by his bed.  Every night we go over why it was a gold star day or why it wasn't.  If he starts acting up all I have to say is "I'm not sure its going to be a gold star day, or, that's not really gold star behavior." And he usually stops.

This has been for about 3 months now.  I am not terribly consistant, which is a problem.  There are nights when we get home late or he's really tired that we don't put stars on.  But for the first month, it was religion.  And his behaviour changed.  He has been amazing.  There was one day that he was really upset and he turned to me with hand raised ready to hit me.  I grabed his wrist, got down on my knees, and said "Think about what you are doing right now.  Are you sure you want to do that?"  And he stopped.  That was the last time he tried to hit me.

For his first 10 stars, he asked to go to Toys R Us.  He tried riding every training wheeled bike in the store.  I was convinced that he was going to ask for another bike.  I said he had $50.  He ended up picking out this tow truck for $20.  That's what he wanted.  His second 10 stars, we went to Chuck E Cheese.  Mom told him that when he gets to 100 stars, we'll go to LegoLand.  At the rate he is going we will be there by Christmas.

Holy Hiatus, Batman!

Hello.  Anyone out there.  Have I lost all interest since I have taken a big ole' sabbatical. I really wish I could say it was for some really good, fabulous reason.  But it's really not.  I've just gotten lazy.

Anyway, first topic of business:

Saturday pictures are going to be postponed for a while.  Because I went and got my camera (well, Rebecca's really but I was using it...see: worst sister EVER) Stolen.  Yes, thats right.  The beautiful digital SLR that I love and cherish has been stolen.  So, I am stuck with a little point and shoot that is not much fun to use or my camera on my blackberry that takes pretty awful pictures.  I really haven't been taking that many pictures as a result of this disaster.

When we were coming home from Colorado I was faced with a dilemma. I had a decent sized pack that I was carrying (with my laptop, toys, books, snacks, markers, essentials) plus our coats and Wyatt and his small backpack with cars to look after while navigating 2 airports.  I really wanted to add my camera to that list but with its extra weight and size I thought it would break the camels back and surely I would lose something; probably Wyatt, as I was juggling all our things.  I sat in our room, packing, staring at my laptop in one hand and the camera in my other.  I decided to keep the laptop with us and stow the camera in our checked bag.  I put it into the case, wrapped it in Wyatt's winter jacket, tied the sleeves around the case and buried it in the middle of our suitcase.  I also threw my point in shoot camera in the bag as well.

We get to the airport, check our bag, get on our flight.  Our bag goes to Newark.  We go to JFK.  Great. By the time we land in NY, we have been traveling for 8+ hours.  Its 11pm.  Wyatt has reached his toddler patience level after being AMAZING on the flights.  I am ready to be home and fed...cause, did I mention, we almost missed our connection because we were late landing.  And missed getting lunch and US Airways evidently doesn't sell dinner.  Great.  I didn't even really care that our bag didn't show up.  I was just happy to be in the home stretch with a potential Diner in our future.  When I go to report our missing bag there are about 15 people on line.  There was NO WAY it was going to be ok.  So, we left.  I decided I would deal with the bag tomorrow.

I had to pick the bag up at JFK 2 days later. Since I didn't file a claim immediately they couldn't send it to me.  Wyatt was ok with the extra trip cause we made a pit stop at Auntie B's.  When I got my bag with the little lock still in place, I just grabbed it and left.  It wasn't until I got home that I realized the SLR camera was missing.  Everything else in tact.  Everything else accounted for.  I was livid.  I AM Livid.  When a lady from US Airways baggage told me that she was sorry for my lost items, I lost it.  I was screaming 'You stole my camera.  It wasn't lost.  It was stolen!'  Clearly, they have not owned up to the incident.  But believe me.  I will get them to give me something.  Damn it.  I paid $25 in baggage fees for them to steal my camera.

When I told Bec, I asked if she wanted the good news or bad news.  The bad news: I lost her camera.  The good news: it gives me a damn good excuse to buy a new fancy one with my tax return!

Big Boy Bed

Drum roll please..... Wyatt has been officially moved into his big boy bed in his big boy room for a solid two weeks already!!  Most of you know that I have been trying to make this transition for a while but honestly didn't really know how to do it.  My room (our room until recently) is on the first floor.  Wyatt's new room (formerly Rebecca's room) is on the second floor.  It is kind of weird having him on a different floor.  He's so far away.  What if I don't hear him and he sleep stumbles down the stairs?  What if he keeps Mom and Dad up all night?  What if the entire thing is a nightmare and just delays the process even further?

So, I didn't push it.  We talked about him moving to the room upstairs.  We picked out a comforter together and I got it for him for Christmas.  We talked about painting the room.  We bought curtains.  I am painting these cute canvases for him that he picks out the colors for.  I bought these adorable truck wall stickers that we decorated his room with.  Then one night he grabbed his blanket and binky and headed upstairs to sleep in his "big boy room".  I rolled with it, even though the room wasn't entirely ready.  I wasn't entirely ready.  He has been up there ever since.  And has even had several nights, from 9pm to 8am completely by himself.  No calling for me.  No leaving his bed.  Only the rustling of sheets as he rolls over.

There have been minor setbacks.  Very, very minor.  First, he does call for me.  Usually around 3am.  At which point, I am exhausted and usually end up falling back asleep in his bed.  I don't really think this is a big deal because at least he is STAYING in his room.  He does not wander around in the middle of the night.  And when I don't fall asleep and go back downstairs, he's fine.  Just needs to get tucked back in, a few kisses, and he's back sleeping.  Second, he doesn't really nap anymore except if he's not feeling well or if he is really wiped out.  On the few occasions that he does nap, he's asked to sleep in my bed.  Again, not really a huge problem because I don't foresee him napping for much longer.  Third, there has been lots of bed hopping.  Sometimes I sleep in the third bedroom upstairs to be closer to Wy, most of the time I'm downstairs.  When Rebecca comes home there are less beds.  I am thinking about getting a futon in Wyatt's room just for some added bed space and maybe some added cool couch factor for his friends.  God knows he loves showing off his new room.

It has been amazing.  He has been amazing.  I am shocked.  I expected it to be so hard.  After reading all these child sleep books, I expected to be sleeping on the floor for months while he got adjusted. I guess he was just ready.  He loves it up there.  He has so easily made the switch.  I, however, am not doing as well.  I wake up a lot wondering where I am or where Wyatt is.  I have had a really hard time adjusting to sleeping by myself.  I can't seem to get comfortable.  And I definitely cannot sleep through the night.  In fact, a lot of times, it takes all my will power not to run up the stairs and go cuddle with the boy.  Ah, how the tables have turned!

Just Too Damn Smart

In lieu of a picture this week, I would like to post a video that I took a while ago... like in September hence the limited clothing.   It is such a great example of how grown up he is now.  Of how he is a sponge for information.  I will translate below, in case you don't speak toddler.  Although he's pretty clear...

Wyatt: Garbage trucks....no!  No!  (He hates being taped sometimes)
Me: Can you try to say that again?
Wyatt: No doubt about it.  
Me: No doubt about it.
Wyatt: (on the Fire Truck page) Someone needs me!  Someone needs me!  Get a helicopter. (the Car Transporter page) We can carry all your cars, red, blue, red, blue.  (Moving Van) I'll carry all your furniture away.  (Delivery Truck) I'm a delivery van.  I deliver all your stuff and leave a box for you at home.  (turning pages)  I get cement made, cement made.
Gammy: Here's a little strawberry shortcake surprise!  (God, I love Gammy and her mid-afternoon deserts!).
Wyatt:  All trucks, trucks.  That was silly.  Strawberry Shortcake!  (seeing the camera again...) No!

A Place Between Sheer Glee and Sheer Panic

One of my best friends from 3.

The Playgroup at St. John's is a weird enigma of a place for me.  Wyatt LOVES it there but sometimes I think that he would love school anywhere.  He is a very social person.  A kid that wants to play all the time and has an elaborate imagination that only other kids can follow.  But for me, I can't really shake the assumption that I am the hired help.  I work there.  So, while the other parents are caught up talking and making connections with each other, I am talking to the teachers about whichever new problem has arose.  It has made it hard for me to make connections and establish some kind of social circle for Wyatt.  I know he's only 3 (!!) but some of my best friends were made at 3.  After making my bold New Years resolution, I decided to just go for it.

Wyatt has several boys that he speaks of fairly often from school (and one girl, Davis.  It might be love.  Or it might be because she has got that devilish twinkle in her eye and gets scolded a lot).  So, I sought out Chases' mom and asked to get the boys together.  When she said yes and to come over to their house after class, I had two distinct reactions.  Sheer glee and sheer panic.  I was so excited for Wyatt and just mildly terrified that I was going to muck up some play-date protocol that I am utterly unfamiliar with.  Do I just drop him off?  Do I stay?  Do I pack snacks?  Of course, Wyatt has had friends over but these are friends that I am also friends with, no panic involved.  Actually, it is a lot of fun because I get girl catch-up time while Wy plays.  But I don't know Chases' mom.

Wyatt's other friend William

So, we go over to Chases' house and I am asked to take off our shoes.  So I decided we were staying.  Within 3 minutes Wyatt and Chase are upstairs playing and Valerie, her 8 month old daughter, and I are chatting happily in the kitchen.  At one point Chase ran downstairs without pants on and she explained that they were potty training.  Nothing breaks the ice more then a naked 3 year old. I think I might have had just as much fun as Wyatt.  The boys got along great and after 3 hours Wyatt still didn't want to leave.  And dare I say, that I got a new friend as well?!  Wyatt loved the play-date so much that he asks to go over Chases' house and eat french fries for lunch all the time.  Whenever he doesn't want to do something, he says he is going over Chases' house.  Unfortunately, the next time we planned on getting together (with Peter and Peters' mom at the library... a triple date!!) Wyatt got sick and we couldn't go.  I have to admit, I am looking forward to our next play-date.  I think Wyatt is too!

The Accident Incident

Wyatt has been trained since April.  Over the summer I tossed his overnight pull-ups.  He rarely has accidents.  I can probably count the times on one hand and usually they happen at night.  He'll wake up saying "Momma, I have to go potty" and he'll have already gone.  You really can't blame him for trying.  Sometimes there will be a small wet spot in his underwear because he waits till the very last second before rushing to the bathroom.  He holds it forever.  Kid's a camel.  But even that won't happen if you prompt him when he starts doing "the dance".

During the first month in school, on a Wednesday when I went to pick him up, he was soaked.  Drenched in pee down to his socks.  You could smell him 5 feet away.  I didn't think it was Wyatt at first, maybe some kid with a dirty diaper.  Most of the kids in his class aren't potty trained.   I told his teachers he is really good about telling you but sometimes you have to prompt him.  I wondered if it just happen.  That he got too busy and couldn't be bothered to stop playing.  I gathered him up in my arms and rushed him out.  I didn't say anything to his teachers.  I didn't want to embarrass Wyatt.  I didn't want him to think he did anything wrong.  I took him to my office to get him cleaned up.  (I still keep an extra set of clothes in his backpack.  If its not pee, its chocolate or dirt or water.  Better to be prepared.)  It wasn't until I got him undressed that I realized he was freezing.  He had peed a long time ago.

I was livid.  He had been sitting in his own pee for God knows how long.  Why didn't they change him?  If they didn't want to change him, why didn't they call me?  I am in the building, working, while Wyatt is at school.  Literally, 30 seconds away.  Hell, if they let him out of the classroom he would know where to find me unassisted.  The only answer I could give myself is there are too many kids in his class; 17 kids to 3 teachers.  They missed him.  He's not a crier so he doesn't get noticed.  I was so upset.  I called Terry, Mom, Jen, Becca to find out if I was over reacting or the conclusion I had draw seemed accurate.  They all agreed I would have to talk with his teachers.

I went early on Friday; to catch them before all the other kids and parents arrived.  I explained that I was unhappy with something that happened.  I told them that I wasn't upset that Wyatt had an accident.  I almost expected a few with the transition but that he sat wet for some time.  They said I shouldn't be upset, that accidents happen.  No matter how hard I tried to explain myself, they just didn't seem to understand.  I left the room bewildered.  I didn't know how to explain it any clearer.  I went to work.  I thought all day about making a second attempt on how to spell it out.  Its hard to tell someone you don't think they are doing their job.  I ran into the director of the program in the basement.  I wasn't going to mention anything to her.  She said she had heard I was unhappy.  I explained again.  She confirmed that was a valid concern and didn't think his teachers understood.

When I went to pick him up, all of his teachers came over to apologized.  They said that he is such a great kid and always asks for anything he needs and that they were sorry they didn't notice.  I asked that they remind him to go once a day until we're confident that he'll remember on his own.  In the following days, they said they asked but he never needed to go.  They thought maybe he had some kind of fear of the potty at school.  Which I thought was weird.  I had taken him there before and he pretty much goes anywhere, no problem.  I talked to Wyatt about it and he responded with "I'll remember.  Don't worry Momma."  No joke.

He hasn't had another accident since.  And I think they have stopped prompting him.  One of his teachers ran over to me on pick up a few weeks later, so excited that he came and asked to go potty.  I told Wyatt I was proud of him for remembering.  When I asked him for his daily highlights, he didn't mention it.  Colored play-doh and cherry pickers were much more interesting.  It was a non-issue for him.  He forgot that one time. The whole incident taught me that it was clearly something that bothered me much more then it bothered Wyatt.

The Great Destructor

I haven't mentioned our four legged family member in a while and I am sure you are dying for an update.  He is settling in quite nicely although we are noticing a lot of neurotic tendencies.  This dog is OUT OF HIS MIND.  I have my theories about why he is such a neurotic dog.  Maybe he was separated too early from his mother.  Maybe the puppy place didn't treat him so well.  Maybe he ate some poisoned dog food. Maybe he just lost too many brain cells.  I'm not sure but whatever the reason, something is not all there. Here's the proof:

1. He will eat anything.  I when I say anything, I mean everything.  Steak, mac and cheese, lasagna, and then not so normal stuff like carrots, cardboard, stale bread thrown in the backyard for the birds, blankets, underwear, sticks and Wyatt's toys.  I actually took a video of Pup jumping on the arm of a chair to take a carrot out of a bowl.  I got a box of chocolates for Dad's birthday and left them on the kitchen table.  We passed each other on the road, less then 1 minute way from the house.  Pup ate the entire box then puked for the rest of the night.

2. Along with the eating comes the begging.  He is  CONSTANTLY begging.  Inching closer and closer to the food source until he is literally on top of you watching you eat like a tennis match.  He chases Wyatt around the house jumping after whatever Wyatt is holding in his hand.  He attacks Wyatt when he gets down from the table, licking his pants, hands, shirt, and wherever else food has landed.  Mom decided that he just needed to be fed more and he is not only still begging but now he's fat.

3. Thats all fairly normal I guess but in addition to his food fetishes, he needs to be very close to you all the time.  Like living on Mom's lap and when sleeping on the bed he inches closer and closer until he is on a pillow breathing into your face.  When I am playing on the floor with Wyatt, he has to sit on the legos or puzzle pieces.  When he's sleeping on the couch while I am watching TV and he will get up to come to the bathroom with me.  He waits outside the bathroom door while mom or I are showering.  I can't quite do this justice because it is really something you have to see to believe.

4.  He is abysmal at walking on his leash.  Just the sight of Wyatt putting on his shoes or jacket sends the dog into hysterics.  He runs and barks and barks and barks.  Oh God the barking.  And after the barking its the running around everything he can find; tangling his leash and himself around trees, lamp posts, or parking signs.  Its a nightmare.  You would think he would get better the more walks he went on (we tried this theory; a walk everyday and running around with the neighborhood kids in the afternoon) but no, he got worse.  And he pulls, like ripping your arm out of its socket pulls.  The worst is when he runs around Wyatt and tangles his legs.  They don't make a leash short enough for this dog.  If they did, I would buy it.

Wy and Pup in my laundry.

5. He has an insatiable need to lay in the clean, hot laundry.  Need I say more.

6. He has a sick fascination with our cat, Delilah.  He chases the poor thing all over the house.  But she has learned, the coy little cat.  She taunts him.  She will sit perfectly still as he charges for her.  Then he chickens out and stops, as he is usually met with her sharp claws, absolutely dumbfounded on why she isn't moving.  Then she usually starts rubbing all over him while purring.  It drives him crazy and sets him barking and running in circles sliding on the kitchen floor.  Their love/hate relationship is hysterical to watch.  Delilah likes to hang out on the porch roof.  One early morning, while Delilah was casually sunning herself, Pup caught a glimpse and decided to jump through the slightly open window.  6 in the morning Pup and Delilah running circles on our roof, Mom yelling for Pup to come inside, for all the casual dog walkers to see. I would have paid good money to see that.

Pup Garbage Destruction

7. I bought this dress for my 10 year reunion.  I LOVE this dress.  I gingerly took it out of the box and spread it out on the floor to admire it.  Pup ran over, sat on it, then started to drag his butt on it.  Really!?! Do I have to say more?

Most of the time its endearing.  I guess you could say he fits right in with the family.  Bear was a neurotic dog as well but she was also a REALLY good dog.  Pup (I am praying) is still in his mischievous puppy years and will eventually grow into a really good neurotic dog.  When I was in college I bought a fighting fish that looked like he was the loser in about 1400 fights.  No one could understand why I would buy a fighting fish that had all its fins bitten off.  But I did.  Just because I didn't think anyone else would.  Maybe I saw some of that in Pup too.  That we needed to save him.  And besides aren't we all just a little neurotic.  When he's not eating the garbage or my underwear he really is very sweet.

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?

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?

Zzzzzz

I can't sleep.  No, stratch that.  I don't think I will ever sleep again.  Ever.  I don't have trouble falling asleep, its the staying asleep that gets me.  Its 3am.  We had a busy day.  I should be asleep, but alas, I'm not.  I fell asleep putting Wyatt to bed (which how could I not?  He's so cuddly and soothing and sleepy...drool) only to wake up for NO APPARENT reason.  Then not being able to fall back asleep, I give in and head into the artificial light of the night.  I think it is safe to say that I haven't had a full 8 hours of sleep since I was pregnant.  Thats about 3 years ago.  I have always been a light sleeper but this is ridiculous.

All I can think of is that it is just so flipping ironic.  Wyatt is FINALLY sleeping through the night.  From 9:30pm till 8am.  And I am STILL getting up.  Is there no justice in the world?!?!  Sometimes I lay awake watching him sleep.  He's so angelic and peaceful.  Then I slowly get jealous. Sometimes I contemplate waking him up just so I won't be lonley.  That idea is quickly stratched.  I really don't think there is anything worse then being awake when all you want to do is be asleep.

Medication has been suggested. But how could I possible take sleeping pills?  Yes, I guess that would work for me but is that really the best choice for Wyatt.  What if he needs me during the night and I can't wake up?  I can't be drowsy during the day.  Plus, I am pretty hesitant to take medication anyway.  So, no.  Pills are not my solution.

I know my naysayers are saying "Move that child into another bed."  Wyatt is not the problem.  Yes, he rolls around a little but nothing dramatic.  I have been (mildly) trying to get him in his own bed.  I thought that Rebecca could put him to sleep upstairs in his potential new room under the guise of a fun sleepover with his aunt.  It lasted 30 minutes before he told Auntie B that the sleepover was over and he wanted to go back downstairs. So much for my well laid plans.  I'm not really motivated to move him.  He is starting school soon. I am hesitant to throw too many new things at him at once.  And (am I allowed to admit this) I am going to be sad to see him go.  I will never have this time with him again.  And I am not sure, if I have another child, that co-sleeping will be an option under different circumstances.  I enjoy having him close to me.  He is a cuddlier and I am more than happy to oblige.  He is my baby and I will always be there if he needs me.

I guess I am just going to have to tough it out and pray for some relief soon.  Catch up on my DVR and Netflix.  Maybe join Wyatt for his hour long naps.  Invest in some delicious, irresistible coffee.  Relish in the quiet at 4am.  Moonlight as a phone sex operator.  Who knows?

Tell Me a Turtle Story

Wyatt and I read books every night. Usually about 5. Once the lights go off, we talk about our day for a while and sometimes, if he is still not sleepy, he asks me to tell a story.  Sometimes he wants stories about trucks, mail trucks or steamrollers, pickup trucks or school buses.  He names them and I make up a silly story.  The other night he asked for a turtle story.  I told him one that was based in reality from my own childhood with some added creative details.  He has asked for it several times since.  I guess my true to life stories are more believable then Morton the Mail Truck who got lost on his route.  Or Sam the pick-up truck that gets stuck in a pothole while delivering vegetables to children.

"When Aunt Kari and Momma were very little girls, we were riding our bikes on the back roads by the beach.  It had rained the night before and there were large puddles in the road that we half-heartedly tried to avoid.  At one puddle, we saw a little splashing.  We stopped our bikes and rushed to the nearest puddle to find the tiniest turtle you've ever seen splahing in the water.  He was just a baby and got lost on his way to the ocean."
"Where's his momma?" Wyatt always asks at this point which I kind of ignore because I don't know how to answer.  He doesn't have a momma, or he ran away, or she wasn't paying attention just doesn't seem appropriate.
"Kari and Momma thought the little turtle was so cute that we brought him home.  He couldn't stay in the middle of the road in a puddle that could dry up.  So, we took him to Gammy who found us a big box to put him in.  We made him a comfy home in the box with leaves and some water."
"And dirt. And grass. And sticks."
"Yup, and some celery so he wouldn't get hungry.  Kari and Momma took care of our turtle everyday.  We made sure he had fresh food and clean water.  And he grew.  He got bigger and bigger and bigger.  Until one day, he could barely fit in the box."
"The box broke!"
"He got so big that the box broke!  So, we told Gammy we needed to find a new home for our turtle.  She thought that maybe it was time to bring the turtle to the Fish Hatchery where he could have other turtle friends and a big pond to play in." (The first night this needed a lot of explaining.) "So, we drove to the Fish Hatchery to let our turtle live there.  And he is still there, with his friends, playing and getting bigger everyday."
"Can we visit your turtle, Momma?"
"Sure.  Maybe someday."

Someday finally came this week, Wyatt and I made a trip to the Fish Hatchery to see the turtles.  Every turtle he would squeal and ask "Is that your turtle, Momma?"  or "Is he Momma's turtle?"  I would tell him "No, that ones too little." or "No, that one has spots." Until we came upon the outdoor pond with some rather big turtles.  I picked one swimming in the water and started yelling "There he is!!!"  Wyatt got so excited.  It was contagious.  We fed Momma's turtle and watched him swim.  Another little boy came over and Wyatt proudly pointed saying "That's my Momma's turtle."  He didn't really care about the other fish or frogs after that.  He talked about it all the way home and then told the story to Gammy and Pa.  He asks for the turtle story every night and sometimes at nap time too.  But now it ends with our visit to the Fish Hatchery to find that Momma's turtle was happy and swimming with his friends.  He wants to go back already.

The true story is:  Bri and I did find a turtle in a puddle on a bike ride. I changed it to Kari because he sees her more.  It was a pretty big sucker and we brought it home for a little while, took some pictures and I think brought it back to the beach.  I never gave any animal to the Fish Hatchery.  Although when I told Kari, she said that she gave 2 turtles there.  So, I guess the combination of our two stories might work.  Wyatt is going to find out one day that his turtle story was just of my creation and be very upset.  I hope it's not as devestating as the Tooth Fairy or Easter Bunny.

Water Errywhere!

Its been pretty standard policy that I will bring Wyatt to work with me at least once a week.  He loves it at the church.  We all joke that he is going to be the next Priest.  The other day Wyatt and Pup were playing hide and seek in between pews while I cleaned up.  He has played in the baptismal font.  Today he decided to explore the pulpit.  Obviously, I'm not getting much work done but if its an emergency Wyatt can cooperate for a few hours.  I think, on some level, he knows.  He is independent and explores things without holding my hand.  It is going to be so easy in September when he goes to school there.  He is already so comfortable.

I got a called from Father Simon asking if I could come down because there sounded like there was a bomb in the basement.  Our basement troubles have been an ongoing saga since I started.  I told Wyatt that something was broken at the church.  He looked up saying "Let's go!"  Then grabed his tool box and headed for the door.  Because, clearly, he was going to fix the 100 year old boiler in the sea of asbestos with some plastic tools with faces. Makes perfect sense.  Once at the church, Wyatt marched in and headed for the basement.  He paused to see who was at the meeting in Simon's office, telling everyone that "Somethings broken.  Going to fix it in the basement."  They were all very impressed with his dedication on a Saturday.  We found the pipe leading into the circulator spewing water everywhere.  I waded in with my Chucks and turned the water off then left wet footprints back upstairs.  We called the plumber deeming this job too big for the likes of us.  Once the plumber got there, I carried Wyatt to the scene of the crime while Wyatt filled in the plumber on the situation.  "Water errywhere!!!  Pipe broken.  Whoosh!  In basement."  The plumber was impressed.  I didn't need to say a word.

St. John's has decided to increase my hours to 30 a week. Its still not quite full time so I still get to spend a lot of time with my little man. One of the Vestry members (kinda like a church board member) told me that I am a bright and intelligent woman who seems to have a fix for every problem.  I'll take it. It is nice to be reconized. However, I still haven't figured out the whole babysitting scenerio.  I have been blessed that I have my Mom babysit for me while I work but thats not going to get me to 30 hours.  With Wyatt's pre-school schedule still several months away, I'm piecemealing hours together praying I get to 30, taking Wy with me as much as possible and working from home during naptime.  Rebecca and Lizzy are going to be off for the summer soon.  Hopefully they will find it in there hearts to help me out while I pay them riduculously low.  Sounds about right.

It has been an adjustment working more hours.  As luck would have it, I have also been working more for Idea's to Go which I have mentioned before here.  Then I picked up this part-time thing for an Interior Designer that I can do when I have time.  Basically, I have decided to get as many jobs as humanly possible that I can bring Wyatt with me.  I'm hoping that all my part-time work equals full-time pay without the full-time Wyatt-less hours. So far it's working out.   Why not just work full-time, do you ask?  Well, the way I see it, I am keeping my schedule as flexible as possible allowing me to be at every potential baseball practice, every parent teacher conference, everyday after school, every sick day, every not so sick day but still not going to school, every snow day or field trip.  I can be an amazing mom while also being a force of nature in the workplace.  HooRah!

Friday Adventures- Part Deux

Wyatt must have read my post about getting him ready for his class at the Y and decided to up the ante. The following is the conversation that Wyatt and I had on Friday morning:

"Wyatt, my love, lets change your diaper and get ready to go to school."

"You silly woman. There is no way I am putting on that diaper."

"Sweetie, we have to wear our diaper to class."

"I will not."

"Come on, sweetheart. It will only take a minute."

"Don't touch me."

"Wyatt."

"YOU CAN'T MAKE ME. You're too slow!! HAHA. (maniacal laughter) I am going to run away now and be as difficult as humanly possible."

"OK, thats not funny."

"HAHAHA." (More maniacal laughter...)

"Wyatt. If you don't put on your diaper we can't go to class."

"Woman, thats your idea of an ultimatum?!?!? If you put that diaper on me I will only eat jello from a toothpick for a MONTH. Or better yet I will only eat pickles cut up to the size of my pinkie nail. That will get you stinky, messy shits for at least 2 weeks. Now thats an ultimatum!!"

"Did you just say shit, young man?"

"Woman, don't test me."

"Really?!? Is this REALLY happening??"

"I am not above biting."

"Wyatt, we cannot do this today!"

"HAHAHAHA. Are YOU smarter then a 2 year old??"

"FINE!! FINE!!! Don't wear a diaper!! See if I care?"

"Ohh, Momma, I love you!! Can I pick out my big boy underwear, please? Thank you, Mom. You are the best mom in the world!!"

I am sure you can infer the rest but I am going to tell it anyway. After Wy refused his diaper, I was in a little bit of a teaching dilemma. We are beginning to potty train but I feel like he always does better when it is HIS choice to have a potty training day. I ask him at his diaper change (usually when I know that were not going to be leaving the house) if he would like to wear his "Big boy underwear" which means he has to use to potty. If he says yes, its all systems go. I remind him every 3o mins or so and he has had very few accidents. If he says no, he gets a diaper. And then there are days like Friday when he makes the choice for me. Do I force him into a diaper and state that I don't trust him? Or do I let his choice stand and brace for the consequences? I wanted so much to have faith that he could make it but I knew that he was going to get distracted and forget.

We make it to class, without a golden shower, I ask him if he wants to visit the bathroom and he tells me "no, no" shaking his head and runs to play. I literally stalked him. Then, just after he goes down the slide, he gives me the face. The brief pause and slight cock of his head, invisible to the untrained eye, but for me the clock had started ticking. I race over, scoop him up, as he whispers in my ear "Pee-pees in diaper." No, my love, there is no diaper. Wyatt managed to get his pants, underwear, socks, and shoes and also sprinkled on my pants and my cardigan. Thankfully for him, I had a spare set of clothes in anticipation. For myself, not so much. So, yes, I went back to class covered in pee. It dried. I probably smelled. Whatever. Then his teacher gives him a "Special Sticker" for going pee on the potty (or Mommy, I'm not quite sure). It least it went well for him.

And so begins our adventure of roaming outside the house with big boy underwear.

Bunk Beds, Anyone?

Last weekend, while Wyatt was with Terry and my mind was spinning silently into a vortex of solidarity, I dismantled Wyatt's crib and replaced it with a toy box. I can't remember the last time Wyatt actually slept in his crib (embarrassingly, I think it will be a year around April). He likes to climb up the side of it and asks for me to throw socks at him. Certainly not what it is intended for and most likely an activity that has us headed for a recall. So, I decided to call a spade a spade, officially dig my grave as a co-sleeper, and pray that his transition into a big-boy bed goes smoothly and quickly.

(Deep breath and a sigh) Wyatt sleeps with me. Every night. And every nap he is snuggled in my (our) big bed. It might not be socially acceptable but its what works for us. Wyatt usually sleeps for 10 hours straight at night and I do too except for some kicks and maybe a reposition or two. Its OK with me. When he wakes up, I get to hear the first words out of this mouth which I can only assume is something he has been dreaming about. Yesterday it was "Robin Hood hiding in tree. Up, up, up at top. Oh no! Fall down! Bamm." Then he opened his eyes looked into mine and said "Morning Momma!" Yes, sometimes it can be terribly inconvenient and most of the time mildly embarrassing but I think its a good compromise. And just like most of the bad parts of childhood, its fleeting and you are left with only the good memories.

Sometimes I wonder if under difference circumstances he would be still in his crib. If I had a man in my bed every night (preferably/hopefully the same man) would Wyatt never have made it into my bed to begin with. Maybe I would have been stricter with him. Maybe my loneliness and spinsterhood has enabled Wyatt to stay in my bed. Maybe if we both weren't insane cuddlers. And then I think maybe not. Regardless of who is in my bed, I would still want to wake up with Wyatt's blue eyes inches from mine. I can see the scene play out before me, Wyatt would cry and I would start begging. "Please, let me bring him in. Only this once, promise. Please, he needs me." Which would turn into every night.

I was, understandable, nostalgic when removing Wyatt's crib. As each side came down, I would have flashbacks of Lizzy and Rebecca's hysterical antics at its assembly. Flashbacks of sunrises spent watching Wyatt's chest rising and falling. Flashbacks of forgoing sleep to listen to him coo or smell behind his ears. As I packed all of the bumpers and extra sheets into the attic I found myself wondering when I might see them again. Maybe in the next 5 years, maybe 10 years, maybe never. Because you really never know what life is going to bring. And the cliches are true; it all goes much much faster then you ever anticipated.

(Just a brief explanation of these pictures: First, Wyatt is 2 days old. His first introduction to Momma's big bed. Second, the last time Wyatt was in his crib. He's 5 months old. And Third, the other day in his preferred sleeping position.)

Fridays at the Y

Wyatt and I have class at the Y every Friday at 9:30 in the morning. I always used to be a stickler for time. Being on-time was late in my book. Then I had a child and now I will never be on-time again. This is a brief reenactment of every Friday morning before class. It usually doesn't bother me; taking 2 hours to get out the door but my anal internal clock gets mildly twitchy when I know I am going to be late for an event. God help me when I need to get him to school at 9 every morning.

7:45 am - Come on, Wyatt, time to wake up. I really would like to get there on time like all the other parents.

8:03 - That's my hibernating bear! Up and at 'em, engineer! Sun's up, morning's here!

8:04 - All right, Mom's a little too excited. Can we both just take it down a few decimals? I'll get your bottle.

8:26 - That diapy is so full with pee-pee's, can I take it off?

8:26.14 - Please! Lets pick a toy out for your diapy change!

8:26.38 - Diaper Change, NOW, Bud!

8:27 - Would you like to wear big boy underwear today? No? What if you pick them out? Well, all right then, maybe tomorrow.

8:29 - Spend several minutes in the bathroom, washing my face, brushing my teeth, trying to look mildly acceptable while Wyatt runs around pantless and/or watches the Backyardigans pantless.

8:37 - Would you like some breakfast? A blueberry muffin? Clementine? Waffle with a lot of syrup? Eggie weggies? Pa's juice? Cherrios? Blueberries? Yogurt? Apple? OK, so, pretzels it is!

8:40 - Momma just needs to sit for a minute and drink some tea. Would you like some of my cherrios? No? I thought so.

8:45 - Pack diaper bag: toys, juice cup, binky, blanket, diapers, wipes, a book, snack, my wallet, phone. Check!

8:47 - Hey Bud! I've got this great shirt with a bulldozer on it. Isn't it the coolest? Big boys love wearing shirts with trucks on them. And maybe some pants.

8:53 - Ok, sure, let's put on the red socks.

8:53.27 - Ok, the blue socks.

8:53.36 - Red socks? Right.

8:53.42 - Are you sure you want to put on the Lightening McQueen socks? Are you sure?!

8:55 - Why don't you pick out the hat you would like to wear?

8:56 - Where the hell did I put your jacket? And my shoes?

8:59 - Yes, PUP, we are leaving and you are not coming. Please, stop barking before I ripe out your vocal cords.

9:01 - PUP!!! Sweet Jesus! You tripped Wyatt! Stop running and get in your cage. YOU ARE NOT COMING!!!

9:10 - Come on, Wyatt. We're going to play with the kids. Would you like to bring that toy with us? Yup, in Momma's car. Come on, lets go show that toy to the birds outside.

9:13 - KATE, GET OUT THE FRONT DOOR, OH MY GOD

9:14 - All right! Can you hold Momma's hand? Its slippy out to the car.

9:16 - Yes, Yes!! Its a truck. How exciting! Lets watch!

9:30 - Bud, are you ready to get in the car now?

9:45 - Arrive with hair amiss and utterly disheveled, Wyatt looking like I picked out his clothing blind folded, and, unsurprisingly, late.

The 3 P's of My Life: Puke, Poop, and Pee

Wyatt is sick. I know its that time of year when everyone feels yucky but he is so helpless when he feels bad. He can't tell me what is bothering him so he just sits and looks pathetic. It makes it so much worse. He has this hacking cough that made him sound like a barking seal in the beginning and now sounds more like the heat coming on in the old pipes. When I do get him to sleep, he will wake himself up in coughing fits where he can't breathe. Last night it got so bad he started throwing up. He totally didn't care. It was like "Hack, hack, puke, hack, puke, hack, hack. Oh, Mom turned the light on. Time to get my trucks!" At one point, while I was changing the sheets, he threw a "Morning!!" in the mix. "No, bud, its still time for sleeping." Its already been a week and two doctor visits. I really hope it doesn't last much longer.

I want everyone who said no to us getting a dog to keep their "I told you so's" to themselves for a minute while I vent about Pup. Pup is very cute, cuddly and lovable but he is also very stupid. Seriously, there has to be some genetic flaw or lack of brain cells or something. He EATS everything. EVERYTHING!! If you need an example: all of Wyatt's toys, books, the draft dodger, pens, my underwear (which is too disgusting to go into detail), bananas, paper, glasses, my cell phone charger and Mac charger, etc, etc. I am praying that it is just the puppy phase because if he keeps on I am going to give him away on the corner. I am tailoring Wyatt's Christmas list around what I think will last the longest without Pup eating it. I found this amazing functioning cement mixer that Wyatt would DIE for and I am hesitating because spending $40 on a dog toy is out of my budget. Also, he is still having potty issues. Specifically, when I am giving Wyatt a bath. I think it might be vindictive because Pup will get in the bath if I let him in the bathroom. But my common sense tells me he is not smart enough to be vindictive. I yell "Pup" four thousand times a day. Bear was just such an amazing dog. Even in heaven she is still making Pup look bad. My only consolation is that Wyatt adores him. Seeing Wyatt on the couch with Pup's head on his lap is worth it while I am scrubbing the carpet. Most of the time. Ok, I'm ready for the "I told you so's" now.

Wyatt said "Stop cars, train coming" about two weeks ago. I was reading him a book and we were on a page about a railroad crossing. Hands down, he is a genius. I am considering this a sentence. Sentences before two years old!! Is this genius status or am I just being a proud mom who thinks their child is the best and possibly the next Einstein? His sense of language in general seems very advanced to me. He knows possessives. Like Mom's shoes and Pa's shirt. He has a sense of humor. He does this fake laugh, covers his mouth and says "silly, silly." He tells whole stories around the dinner table about what he did at Mommy and Me class or what he saw outside that day. Now, if I can just get him to pee on the potty. We sat in the bathroom yesterday for 10 minutes for him to walk into the den and pee on the rug.