Oh, Wyatt

I felt like it was time for a Wyatt update! You know, as the second child, he doesn't get as much face time as Henry did for 3 years on his own. So where to begin...

If I've said it once, I've said it a million times (hahaha! I'm my mother!)...Wyatt is the exact opposite of Henry. Wyatt is not compliant. Wyatt is not shy. Wyatt has never met a stranger. Wyatt does not eat everything you serve him. If Wyatt doesn't care for what you serve him, he does not keep it on his plate. Wyatt does not sit still. Wyatt does not, after being reminded 20 times, keep crayons, markers or pens out of his mouth. Wyatt does not keep shoes or socks on for more than 2 minutes.

Wyatt does what he wants. Or at least, he tries to. And when he's told "no" or has something taken away, he screeches, stomps around in a circle two times and throws himself on the floor face-down. He throws the best temper tantrums. Two or three times a day.

He is an individual, for sure. His personality is developing loud and strong (emphasis on loud). He is opinionated and downright sassy - at 18 months! Fortunately, there are also quite a few things about him that balance out the stubborn parts of his personality. I just do not know where he gets all that stubbornness from...

Wyatt loves to cuddle. Wyatt loves to talk. He has a very funny sense of humor. He loves to laugh. Wyatt loves to play hide-and-seek. He loves his big brother. He loves being chased. He loves being outside. Wyatt loves giving kisses. He jumps up and down and squeals for joy when we come to get him in the morning. He loves his blankie and drags it everywhere. When he can't find his blankie, he walks around saying, "Uh oh. Uh oh" until it is found. Wyatt is a mama's boy, and while that can be trying at times, it makes me reeeally happy. Did I mention he loves to cuddle?

Wyatt talks all day long, and while you can't understand much of what he is saying, he has quite a few words that most people can figure out. Here's a little sample:

Mama
Dada
Henny (Henry)
Brubba (Brother)
Kee-ee (Kitty)
Nana (Banana)
Tate Too (Thank You)
Eyes
Noose (Nose)
Teeeese (Please)
Teeeese (Cheese)
Mi Ma (Mickey Mouse)
Da Duck (Donald Duck)
Meenee (Minnie)
Dewce (Juice)
Ba (Ball)
Piper (Diaper)
Burrrr! (Bird)
Nenna (Jenna)
Yep
Nononononono!

At 18 months, he is:
30 lbs. 13 oz (95%)
34 1/4 inches tall (90-95%)

Not quite as big or long as his brother but still a big boy and we love it! He spices up our life and we are thankful for the privilege of being his parents. I don't think Henry could even imagine life without his baby brother. We sure love this crazy little guy!  Here's to a lifetime of saying, "Oh, Wyatt."

This is what happens when your 4 year old has his own camera

Don't you want to run out and get your kid a camera?  And this is only a small portion of Henry's "collection."  I wanted to post this a long time ago, but...well...I forgot.  Grandma and Grandpa Marr got Henry a kids camera for his birthday last July and it is always a big hit at our house.  I haven't decided yet if it is very weird that Henry mostly takes pictures of himself making faces...

At least we get a good laugh out of it. :)

In Loving Memory

After 2 years fighting stomach cancer, my Grandfather passed away November 21st.  I have spent the last 2 weeks trying to decide whether or not his passing is something I should blog about.  There is no way that I could ever sum up with mere words the greatness of this man in one post and I think that is what I was conflicted over.  What I decided today though, was that I didn't have to do that. 

My Grandpa read my blog religiously.  He loved that I had my blog as a means to keep memories, which he also enjoyed.  My grandparents house is full (and I mean ceiling to floor in some places!) with pictures.  Hundreds of pictures and collages full of memories.  Family, friends, places - everywhere.  I love walking down the halls of their home because I am instantly taken back to when I was 2...9...12 (mercy, my outfits).  Times that may have seemed insignificant to me at the time, but that were so important to my Grandparents to remember.  I learned from them how important it is to "remember."  How loved all us grand kids felt because our Grandpa wanted pictures of us all over his house.  It didn't even come close to being the only way he showed us his love and devotion as our Grandfather, but it was something he really enjoyed and something us grand kids felt proud to be a part of.

I want to honor my Grandpa's tradition by being faithful in my own memory keeping - whether it's by keeping up with my blog, journaling, or hanging pictures on our walls.  I want my kids to know by these actions how much we love them - and some day, their children, along with the personal relationships my Grandpa blessed us with.

 A man of God, a humble servant, a loving father, grandfather and husband, encourager, fighter, believer, protector.  My Grandpa.  I miss you so much but I know you are celebrating with Jesus.  I can't wait to see you again.  Hallelujah!

http://obits.oregonlive.com/obituaries/oregon/obituary.aspx?n=cw-field-bill&pid=146822037