83 Months

Wyatt,

Ahhhh, Christmas.  Where do I even begin?!  Since it was our first real Christmas, as a family, living in the same house, John and I got a little bit excited.  Definitely more then you kids.  You are always excited about Christmas, John and I were down right giddy.  We wanted it to be special.  We wanted to respect the traditions that had already been set in motion with a 5, 6, 6, and 8 year old.  We wanted to spoil the shit out of you.  We wanted to shock and awe.  And we wanted to do all of this in two hours.  Because that is all we had.  John was picking up his kids at 8am and they had to leave for the airport around 10 to go to Texas.  You and I were meeting them in TX a few days later.

John and I were meticulous on making sure you all had the same amount; of gifts to open as well as money spent.  It was hard.  There was always one of you coming up short and then we would buy more and the process would continue.  I had a stash of gifts in my office that I would wrap in brown paper when I was on lunch. Gwynnie was very curious about the three present tradition.  She questioned you several times and of course you had the response that I have engrained in you readily prepared.  "Jesus gets three, and so do we.  Its his birthday."  I eventually had to intervene because she didn't understand that she once got a million presents from Santa and now only three. I told her on the first child's first Christmas, the parents write a letter to Santa explaining the rules of the house.  Because every home is different and every family celebrates in different ways.  So, Santa brought 3 presents in our house, but they would also get things from John and I.  (Hey.  I still think that's pretty good.)  She hesitated, but then ran with it.  At least for this first year, I think we got away with it.

Santa Pa paid us a visit!

You tore through your presents Christmas morning, as per usual really.  I felt bad that John missed so much of it because he was busy packing the kids up.  You all were thrilled.  I think favorites were Dylan's skateboard, Byron's vintage GI Joe Guys, Gwyn's tickets to see Taylor Swift and your new Skylanders video game. Mine was my tickets to see Book of Mormon and John's was the Walking Dead set (against my better judgement) but he would say it was his new work pants (boring).  However, I thought the pickle present was by far the best.  I wrapped up all these tiny boxes with clues in them, that sent you all on a scavenger hunt around the house and outside.  You were all running around in your pj's and having Gwyn read the clues along the way.  You were so freaking adorable. I had a TV in the basement for our famiy pickle present.  There was lots of screaming all around.  Actually, even though John was in on it, I think he was the most excited.  Since Dylan found the actual ornament, he claimed that it was his only and it would go in the boy's room.  Yeah, that idea got squashed pretty hard. 

I guess, traditionally, John's kids stockings were less the full.  Santa only brought some candy.  John failed to mention this.  So I packed the crap out of all the stockings.  With candy, sea monkeys, light saber lipgloss, jellybean pooping grumpy lambs, socks, pencils, camo bandaids, hair clips, toothbrushes, etc, etc, etc.  For you this was normal.  For the kids, this was extraordinary.  I got to sit and watch as Byron carefully unwrapped each item with awe and surprise, putting mostly all of them in his backpack for the trip.  It was a great Christmas.  One that I hope you will remember.

And then John and the kids left for the airport.  And you went with your Dad for a little.  And I was left, in my Christmas PJ's, in an empty house, surrounded by wrapping paper.  It was ..... weird but not entirely unpleasant.  Dadda and I decided to switch things up a little this year.  We both wanted you to be able to do everything with all the families.  So you did some bouncing around.  As part of this, you came to my church on Christmas Eve and got to participate in the Christingle Pagaent.  You have been coming to Sunday School fairly regular with me and quite simply the Pagaent is just a rite of passage.  You happily played a very adorable shephard.  And Lizzy and I quite made you laugh with our ridiculous faces and miming playing "Trumpets" by Jason Deruo from the choir loft balacony. I look am looking forward to making you laugh from afar for years to come.

I have always wanted you to have a sibling.  At least one.  I always felt that more keenly around Christmas time.  Some of my best memories are from Christmas with my sisters.  They were always my partners in crime and witnessing their joy was contagious happiness and excitement. You went from none to three in less then a year.  I loved watching you this Christmas, opening your presents and excitedly sharing them with each other.  And you helping Dlyan open his. And Gwyn reading all of you the clues.  And your hands a mile a minute watching Byron open the GI Joes. And Gwyn screaming at her Taylor Swift tickets and you all screaming with her without understanding why.  And watching you all seamlessly, overnight it seems, becoming siblings.  I know from the outside looking in, it must be choas.  But being on the inside, it is watching love take root in our living room.

I love you everyday,
Momma

82 Months

Bud,

Despite both of us being sick for most of the month, we really jam packed it with fun!  I have had a sinus infection for about two weeks now and you got a bad cold and pink eye.  So exciting!  You couldn't go to school so you had to come into work with me.  You helped me unpack boxes from Staples and played Legos in my office while I worked.  For not feeling well you were the best working buddy.  It kind of made me miss those days I brought you for a hour everyday.

A few days before Thanksgiving, John and I decided that none of you had ever been to the parade before and it was about time.  Both of us have such fond memories from when we were younger.  So, I called up Auntie B and begged her to let us borrow her apartment.  We thought it would be easier to sleep in there and then take the subway the next morning from Astoria.  You all were so THRILLED to sleep over somewhere new.  As soon as we got into her apartment you, Byron and Dylan ran through every room and then started playing some hide-and-seek crawling game.  It took us forever to get you all to bed you were so excited.

We bundled you all up the next morning and set off.  We stopped to get some coffees and you guys were so patient that they gave you all cookies for the subway ride.  And us free coffees, probably because it looked like we needed them.  Then there was the SUBWAY!!  You have been on it many, many times.  But because it was Gwyn, Bryon and Dylan's first subway ride I think you got in the spirit.  Honestly, you were all asking a million questions to a very tired 7:30am subway car.  I think you would have been content riding the subway all day.  We got off at 5th Ave to another round of questioning and found a great spot on 56th.


The police had barricades up a little into the streets off of 6th Avenue.  So we weren't on the direct parade route but you could see the whole street clearly with no one in front of you.  Once the parade started, the police let just the kids go into the blocked off area.  At one point, you were having a kids dance party with rollerblading clowns dumping confetti on your heads.  The looks on your faces when the first balloon rounded the corner was priceless.  Byron is still talking about the Kiss float.  Mamie swears that she saw us all on TV all the way from Texas but we couldn't find it on the DVR later.  There was mild "I'm cold" complaining from you and Gwyn but other then that it was seamless.  We were home by 1 to start the festivities at Aunt Candy's and down the Club.  It is definitely something that John and I plan on doing again.

Then on Friday, we took you to the light show at Jones Beach.  It had been shut down for a few years.  I'll admit that the light show was a little underwhelming.  You guys liked it but I think you were expecting something more.  Maybe we talked it up too much.  I don't know.  What I know for sure is that my most favorite part was having all six of us laughing in the car.  Between John's running commentary, stirring rendition of "The 12 Days of Christmas", and you getting a little rowdy after seeing a reindeer in a bikini, it was hilarity and chaos. I think those are the times that I love the most.  Just us and our laughter.

On Sunday was the Annual Tree Cutting, which deserves a post unto itself.  The whole month has been so fun but especially this last week.  All four of you have been meshing so well with each other lately.  We have been officially living together for a few months now and I guess I thought there would be a little more transition time.  More boundary testing.  More arguments.  More whining.  But there really hasn't been.  Of course there are times when you get possessive of me. And times when you argue over toys.  But on the whole, I am just so proud of all of you, especially you, Bud.  Simply because you have to share your everything.  Your toys, your mom, your room, your Gammy and Pa and you have done it with such grace and understanding.  You amaze me, my little one.

I love you everyday,
Your momma.

Like Cousins Do

59 Months

Monkey,

This Christmas we got a special surprise.  You got chosen to play Santa in the Night Before Christmas play at school.  You were the only kid with a line, "Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night".  I'm still not sure how they chose you.  Your charm.  Innocent good looks.  Ability to yell over other kids.  Sheer nepotism cause Momma works there and everybody loves you.  I am going to bet on all of the above.  I got you to practice at home by asking you to say your line instead of saying please. To say that everyone was excited about your debut is an understatement.  We brought an entourage of people.  Auntie B and Pa took off from work.  Aunt Lizzy and Nana wouldn't dare miss it.  And of course Gammy and me.  You were amazing.  The confidence!  The direction!  The biggest smile ever!  With your classmates as reindeer, you rode in a sleigh.  You had an enormous stuffed belly that you grabbed like a bowl full of jelly. You put your finger on your nose and scooted up the chimney.  You waved to the audience and said your line perfectly.  The video will surely be a favorite of many Christmas's to come.

NBD.  Just making Xmas treats.

I was mildly nervous about this Christmas.  You asked for the Lego Death Star.  It was the only thing on your list that was consistent.  And it was the only thing that I was positive I was not getting you.  It is a $400 Lego set.  Made for 14 years and up.  Its epic.  Its unpractical.  I just couldn't justify it.  So I distracted.  Persuaded you to look for other sets that were just as awesome.  I was nervous that you were going to be disappointed.  We all get disappointed at Christmas at some point.  I just really didn't want it to be this Christmas; this early in your life.  Thankfully, my distraction techniques worked.  I still can't decide which choice was better, not getting the Death Star or replacing it with the Wii.  You are obsessed with your video games now and quite talented too.  My favorite pastime has become watching you jump around the den.  One day you were jumping, running, and gesturing so enthusastically that you tripped on your own legs and landed on your back.  I laughed.  I'm not proud that I laughed when you fell.  And of course I comforted you while my eyes were streaming with laughing tears.  BUT it was pretty hysterical.  You tripped on your own legs playing Wii.  Totally something I would do.

I got a pretty lucky break and got to house sit for a parishoner who happened to have an indoor pool/jacuzzi.  Perfect timing for breaking the winter blues.  I would get you from school and we would head there to feed the cats and swim.  It was glorious.  A mini-vacation sorely needed.  I kept wondering if we lived there would I appreciate it as much.  Or was it just because it was a novelity.  There is not much stress to be had when you are in the water, with a glass of wine (or ice tea for you), watching the snow fall on the glass above your head.  By the end of the few days you were pretty positive you wanted to move in.

Santa got fancy this year!

My most favorite part about this Christmas was how grateful you were for everything.  I gave you pajamas, like always, on Christmas eve.  And you professed that it was the best Christmas ever.  You went on and on how amazing your pajamas are.  On Christmas morning you actually watched us open our presents while waiting in between yours.  You TOOK TURNS opening presents.  What almost 5 year old does that?!?  You loved everything and if you got a duplicate you would comfort the gift giver.  "Its ok.  We can return it."  For a Christmas that I almost thought would be ruined, you absolutely amazed me once again.  I am so proud of you.

I love you everyday,
Momma Domma

Beep Boop

That's his robot face!

Wyatt asked to be R2-D2 for Halloween.  Gammy made most of his costume because I have been pre-occupied with the house renovations.  Then we lost power for a few days so finishing touches left him a very home-made.  Wyatt LOVED it.  Like thought it was the best costume ever.  Best part was instead of "Thank you" he would tell everyone "May the force be with you."  More on trick-or-treating sans electricity coming soon...

"When is it Going to Be Christmas Again?"

Christmas in Pictures

The stockings were hung...

The amount of gifts under the tree seems to be growing exponential every year. I think it is because we have the 3 girls, plus Wyatt, buying gifts instead of just my parents.  Each of us had at least 2 presents for each family member, sometimes more.  It is a little ridiculous and I have to admit to being a little embarrassed about the quantity. One of Wyatt's favorite gifts was a kid's digital camera that Terry gave to him. He took a picture of every gift he got and the tree and almost everything else. He was being very patient waiting for the girls to get up and even took a picture of Santa's half eaten cookies.

I have been talking a lot about taking Wyatt skiing this winter (if we get any snow, none yet).  I think it is best to start them off early.  Most of my skiing stuff I have outgrown or lost through the years.  It has been almost 5 years for me.  I am proud to say that Wyatt and I are now set for the slopes.  I got him a helmet and goggles, that he would try on periodically try on throughout the day.  Becca got me goggles and Mom got me a new NorthFace and snow pants.

Wyatt's last present was a box with a note from Santa inside.  It said "Dear Wyatt, I can't fit your last present under the tree.  Go check on the back deck.  Merry Christmas! Love, Santa"  Lizzy read the note to Wyatt and he BOOKED it outside, ran right past the HUGE power wheels fire truck and looked up on the roof.  Clearly, if Santa was going to leave him a gift it would be on the roof.  When he finally saw the truck his entire face lit up.  It was the best part of Christmas.  We eventually moved it inside so he could really see it instead of sitting out in the cold.  Lizzy gave him an entire fireman outfit that he insisted on wearing while riding in his truck. So worth every penny.

The maiden voyage.  He took driving very seriously.  He would be smiling from ear to ear then put his foot on the gas pedal and go very serious.  I kept on telling him to stay by the curb and he kept telling me "I can't, Mom.  I don't have my divers' license yet. And my sirens are on so the cars will move out of the way."  Did I mention the very loud working sirens? Finally, Lizzy drew him up a fake divers' license.  I am envisioning hours of fun this summer.  Now, if only we had somewhere to store it for the winter.  I told Dad that he might need to build a garage for it.

Traditionally, we have an epic board game the day after Christmas. This year, the board game was over shadowed be the HUGE amount of Lego's Wyatt received.  At one point the 3 of us were building while Wyatt stood by and supervised.  He has got us all whipped.  Dad bought Wyatt and I this sorting system that I just spent an hour organizing.  I am about 1/2 way done.  As I am typing, Cash fell into the whole thing, knocking everything to the floor.  I am listening to this happening right now.  I refuse to look.  That dog will be the end of me.  My bedroom is coined the "Lego Room" that is how many new sets he got.  His train table has been dismantled to carry the load.  I wouldn't have it any other way.

This Christmas was awesome.  As Wyatt gets older, experiencing the magic through his eyes is breath taking.  The spirit, the love, the joy, the excitement of Christmas lives in his every move.  Its contagious.  My Christmas spirit was feed by his.  It makes spending all this money so worth it.  Out of all my Christmas's, all of the wonder of my childhood, this Christmas was by far the best because I got to make Christmas magical for my boy.

The List of all Lists

Wyatt has been writing his Christmas list for a long time.  Mostly it consists of trucks, Lego's, and more trucks.  He just rearranges the order of importance.  When we were finalizing the list to send to Santa, he threw me a doozie:

Can you read that?  That little bitty request at the bottom.  Well, if you can't, it says A BROTHER.  As in, another human.  Oh shit you guys. Can I pee my pants now?

I can't say that this is ENTIRELY a surprise.  He has been asking a decent amount about brothers.  Just a lot of questions really.  Which of his friends have siblings?  How is Aunt Lizzy my sister?  That kind of stuff.  I think it started when Gammy was opening peanuts with Wy. (Do you see how easy that was to blame Gammy? Ha!)  She would open them and ask if it had a brother or not. Wyatt started doing it. Then he started asking if he could have a brother.  I told him maybe someday but definitely not any time soon.  Then we were shopping in the mall and the "All I want for Christmas is a Brother" song came on.  Yeah.  I had never heard of it either.  It was as if a lightbulb went off above Wyatt's head.

"Santa can bring me a brother?"
"Bud, I'm not really sure that Santa can bring you a human.  Santa only deals with toys."
"But maybe I could ask him for one."
Ok, different tactic.  "Are you sure you would want a brother?  That means you would have to share your toys and your Momma."
"Well, maybe I want a big brother.  So, he could have big toys."
That's when I let the conversation drop because I was pretty confident I was not going to win any arguments.  I have a hard time out-smarting him sometimes, especially when he gets something in his head.

So, a few days later when we are writing his list, I am wondering if he is going to bring it up.  We got so close to the end and then he throws out the brother card. And just to clarify, he goes "A REAL big brother.  Not a toy." Then watches to see if I wrote that down.

What to do?  What to do?  Clearly, it is at the bottom of his list.  I am sure once he finds the Power Wheels Fire Truck (that has already been purchased and fought for at ToysRUs!  So Excited!) he will forget all about that pesky brother business.  Can I adopt a big brother somewhere?  Or maybe just borrow one for a day or two?  I am sure that will curb his need for a sibling.  Robot siblings, anyone?

Halloweenie!!

Wyatt asked, some time ago, to be a cherry picker for Halloween.  I thought about it and decided that it might be to hard for me to pull off.  I figured that I could plant an idea of something easier before it came time to start creating.  Thankfully, he changed his mind.  About a month ago, he decided he wanted to be a road. With fire trucks on it.  And maybe something on fire.  And it should probably be Mountain Ave. Easy!  Done!  I can do that! All I needed was a black sweatsuit, yellow duct tape, velcro, matchbox cars, and a street sign.  And Mountain Ave was created:

And because I am super ambitious, I made street signs for the entire family so that we could all trick-or-treat as our town.  And let me tell you, Wyatt OWNED that costume.  He marched for the entire Halloween parade and explained (in detail) to every person who asked about his costume.  He was the only "road" in his class of super hero's.  I am so proud of him that he chose his costume. That he is already owning his decisions and being uniquely Wyatt. He is loving every minute.


Oh and did I mention that he WON first place original costume!!  Oh, yes, he did!  Two years in a row!!  Jeez, there is going to be a lot of pressure for next year.


Wyatt also made a special request when carving pumpkins.  Again, this year, he was less then enthused about the gutting.  But he was very demanding about wanting to carve a fire truck into the pumpkin.  Because there are haunted fire houses and sometimes fire trucks are spooky.  After googling "fire truck pumpkin carving template" drew a big blank, I found a simple outline and we carved a fire truck.



We found this adorable Rice Krispie pumpkin mold at Hicks Nursery.  Wyatt loved it and decided he wanted to make pumpkins for his class for show n' tell on friday. Basically, I made them while Wyatt ate marshmallows.  He did decorate the box we brought them in with "spooky" stickers.  His teachers said he handed one out to each kid and was very excited when the class thanked him. One parent even asked me where I bought them.  Yeah, not so much.  We're rock stars!

July Gloriousness

Christmas in Pictures

The tree after Santa came.  Quite impressive if I do say so myself.  On the chair are the milk and cookies that Wyatt left out for Santa.  He also left carrots for the reindeer.  With hummus on the carrots because "the reindeer love hummus too!"

The six stockings on the banister our stockings.  The stockings lining the stairs are for my mom's extended family that come over on Christmas Day.  The family is growing so fast we are running out of stairs! 

We always get Christmas Eve pajamas in our house.  Since Wyatt was born, I have been buying them for my parents too.  This year when we went shopping, Wyatt picked out these lovely Grinch pajamas for Pa and then insisted that Gammy have them as well.

Getting his first look at the tree.  I woke him up (a little) asking "Let's go see if Santa came" because I was so congested Wyatt responded with "Cave?!  Why would he bring a cave?"  He walked right over to the tree, picked up the first gift and asked if he could open it.  I told him we had to wake up Aunt Lizzy and Auntie B.  He threw the present back under the tree and ran upstairs to wake up the girls.

The first present Wyatt opened.  He got  a ton of Lego's which he hasn't stopped playing with.  I think the Lego's are his favorite toy.  However, when we were opening stockings, the absolute last of the gifts, Wyatt opened a tiny matchbox car and exclaimed "this is just what I always wanted!"

The running joke is Lizzy, at 19, gets a Nancy Drew computer game every year.  And she always plays it on winter break usually cheating, might I add.  This year I got her an accompanying WWNDD (What Would Nancy Drew Do!) shirt.  Hysterical.

Wyatt had to play with each toy he opened before moving on the the next toy.  I don't think he understood the extent of the presents because when we were onto the second party of the day he looked at me and asked "Are we going to get more presents?!?" Like he couldn't understand that there could be more to open.

Lizzy being her ridiculous self.  Wyatt picked out those socks especially for Aunt Lizzy.  It was very important to him that she got them.  He thought she would "Love these beautiful dogs!"

Just a typical cousin pile up at my Aunt Carolyn's Christmas brunch.  

The morning after customary Clue game.  I got Rebecca (although she picked it out herself) The Office Clue.  Naturally, I won.

The next morning Wyatt touched my nose with his index finger saying "Hey you.  Hey you.  Look at the windows!  Its morning.  Its Christmas!"  I had to explain that I thought Christmas was over and Wy was adamant that it wasn't. Yes, I love Christmas too.  But I also love the following days of laying around and playing with toys.  Of course the snow totally helped us being land locked, playing with Legos and trains, in our pajamas all day. 

Lizzy got Dad Decision Points.  He began to read it and then fell right asleep.  Wyatt and Auntie B thought a silent Silly String attack was in order.  Dad never woke up.  He stayed like that for a good 2 hours.  Thats what shoveling 2 feet of snow and GWB will do to you.

The Grinch

I first have to preface this post by saying: I love Christmas.  It is, by far, my favorite holiday.  I love going to church on Christmas Eve, opening Christmas pajamas, the family camaraderie, the sibling rivalry, the eggnog, sending Christmas cards, and most of all giving gifts to others.  I even really enjoy Christmas shopping.  It gives me a good reason to spend money, something I normally do very seldom.  However, this Christmas has been something of a Grinch trifecta that has left me entirely unprepared, totally behind the 8 ball, and a little on the Grinchy side.

My first issue has been work.  This is the busiest time of year for the church. Michael's last day at St. Johns was on the first Sunday of Advent.  Normally, I am doing my Sexton things and more recently my Clergy PA things which keeps me busy full time.  With Michael gone, I am now picking up some Sunday School stuff which was NEVER in my job description.  Now, I don't blame Michael for this at all.  In fact, I am very happy for him.  It was only a matter of time before he found an amazing church of his own in Brooklyn but just because Michael is gone doesn't mean the work has stopped.  So, on top of it being Christmas, I am also adding a good 10 hours of extra work into my normal work week.  The thing that kills me is the extra work is stuff I can really sink my teeth into, like planning a youth Habitat retreat.  I would LOVE to do that!!  It is just a matter of trying to fit it in with everything else.  Its been a little crazy and a great stressor.  I have had several evenings this month lying awake wondering if I could complete all the things that I have to finish the next day.

Then of course on Monday before Christmas Wyatt started getting sick.  Runny nose, coughing, generally ickiness.  On Tuesday night, he coughed so much he puked, only once and I think it was because I had just given him a glass of water.  Today, I brought him to the doctor to find out he has his first ear infection.  Of course, the doctor was impressed that it was his first one and he is almost 3 but I am just panicked.  It is going to be Christmas!!  My baby can't be sick!!  I want him to enjoy every second instead of feeling gross and wishy-washy.  And on top of all that, when Wyatt is sick all he wants is me to sit on the couch and snuggle.  Which is not so bad normally but during the holidays its hard.  I HAVE to go to work.  I end up bringing him with me.  And he has been good but he's not 100% good.  Now that Wyatt is on antibiotics I am guaranteed to be sick for Christmas.  He will be feeling better and I will be getting worse.  It always happens like that. 

You know that post I wrote about my dog being out of control.  Well, since its the holidays, he has gone into overdrive.  For the most part he has been pretty good and I haven't had to crate him when we leave the house.  Then all of a sudden on December 1st, he Freaked the F out.  Literally, I am not making up these numbers: he ate 5 plastic cans of cat food one day.  Then it was 6 packages of dog food.  The next day it was a package of Chips a Ahoy, some Saltines, and a failed attempt at Wyatt's juice boxes.  He figured out how to open our pantry, even through my various blockades.  Then he ate all our Christmas stocking chocolate.  And then puked all night.  5 pairs of my underwear.  These chocolate liquor bottles, he was particular to the Grand Marnier and Jack Daniels.  Then he was really puking.  Finally I dragged the crate back up.  This was all in a week.  It was Pup's 6 days of Christmas gorging.  Its always a nice feeling when you are already stressed and then have to come home to a house that is trashed.  Out. Of. Control.

My Christmas shopping started off really well.  Before Thanksgiving, I had already bought a bunch of stuff, mostly online.  Then Terry had Wyatt on Black Friday and I got a lot more done and then I stalled. Like didn't think about it at all.  I had piles of gifts in the basement and had totally forgot what they were.    I get to go shopping tomorrow.  Then Terry is taking Wy on Christmas Eve and I have 3 hours to wrap before I have to go to work from 1pm-8pm then 12-1:30am.  I am stressing out already.  I am pretty sure I am going to have to enlist my sisters to help me wrap, which I am sure they are going to be thrilled about.  It just makes me kind of sad because that is one of my favorite parts.  I LOVE listening to Christmas music, drinking eggnog, decorate presents to the 9's, and being a bonafied elf.  I guess theres always next year.

And I know that all of this craziness is going to be totally worth it.  I got some damn good gifts this year.  I love giving gifts that I know my friends and family are going to enjoy.  Wyatt is going to LOVE this Christmas.  I cannot wait to see his reaction to everything.  I just have to get there.

The Dump Truck

In September, I bought this incredibly well made, hand crafted, cowboy costume from the St. John's Fair.  It had real suede chaps and a little vest.  I had planned for Wyatt to go as Woody and I would be Jessie (probably trying to get Pup to be Bullseye) from Toy Story.  I showed Wyatt the costume and he seemed OK with the whole idea.  I patted myself on the back and crossed Halloween costume off my list.  Then about 3 weeks ago, while explaining the logistics of Halloween, I asked him if he was excited to be cowboy Woody.  He looked at me kind of puzzled then responded with "I want to be a dump truck."  "A dump tuck?!?"  "A dump truck."  And it was settled.  He wanted to be a dump truck and I could throw the Woody costume out the window.

Looking at pumpkin guts.

I tried not the think about it, hoping he would change his mind.  But he didn't.  Everytime someone asked him, he was being a dump truck, which got rather funny looks from other parents.  Then I asked him what color dump truck he want to be.  "Pink."  A Pink Dump Truck.  OK, I though, this is going to be interesting.  Honestly, he could be a tye-dyed dump truck for all I cared.  I guess I was just waiting for him to change his mind on the costume.  Toddlers change their minds so often I didn't want to dive into making it just for him to change his mind 10 seconds later.  So, I waited some more.  It was a pink dump truck for about a week.  Then it was a purple one for a few days.  Then he settled on yellow and I was running out of time.  But he was unwaivering.  He wanted to be a dump truck.  I brainstormed with Gammy for a bit, established a game plan, and decided to give it a go.

We thought a box with suspenders would be the easiest.   Then he could be a construction worker driving a dump truck.  Once the box and lots of yellow poster board was purchased, Gammy and I got to work.  Of course, once our creative juices started flowing we had to out-do each other.  Gammy found this aluminum roasting pan to create a bumper.  I decided I needed to photoshop a NY license plate that Gammy brilliantly thought should read DUMP4U.   Then Gammy took a pink (!!) toy sand sifter to bolt to the box as a working steering wheel.  Then I picked up some tap lights for some working headlights.  It really took on a life of its own.  Lizzy thought we were a little obsessed with it.  Wyatt was extremely excited once it was finished enough for him to run around the house in.

Wyatt winning his trophy!

On Friday, there was a costume contest at a local church.  Wyatt was so excited to show off his costume.  And honestly, I was going to be pretty disappointed if he didn't win something.  But the thing was, Wyatt was SELLING this costume.  He thought it was awesome, driving this truck around, turning the headlights on and off.  There was another little boy as a matchbox car, whose costume was much better constructed, and while up on the judging stage they were driving around together.  When he didn't want to wear it anymore he parked it in the corner.  All the other kids quietly whispered what they were into the microphone and Wyatt proclaimed his dump truck costume loud and proud.  He won first place amongst the preschool kids.  Both of us were thrilled.  Wyatt proudly displayed his trophy on the coffee table and is still talked about it.  I have no idea how we are going to outdo ourselves next year or what Wyatt will dream up next.