Toothers…

Lately Wyatt has been chewing on EVERYTHING, his hands, his paci, teething rings, exersaucer pieces, basically anything he can get in his mouth!  He has also been crankier than usual and had some awful diapers…  Most Mom’s (and Dad’s) probably know what I am talking about… Wyatt has been TEETHING!

Saturday (while watching Miss America), I discovered two little teeth poking through his bottom gum!  I was shocked, excited, and did what I do when Wyatt does something new, I cried.  Paul was pretty excited as well, although he doesn’t cry like I do!

We decided to get some pictures of our new “Sabre Tooth Tiger”…

Sabre Tooth Wyatt

Two Little Teeth!

See the teeth?!

They are still coming in, and every day you can see more of the tooth!  It is such an exciting time!  Next step – A mouth full of teeth to eat yummy table food!!

Rolly Polly…

When we were at my Dad’s, Wyatt slept in a pack and play.  I was very pleased with the fact that he adjusted so well to sleeping in that, since he had only slept in it twice before.

While out of town, Paul and I developed a schedule for when Wyatt would wake up.  Paul would get him out of the pack and play while I made a bottle, I would feed him and put him back to sleep.  This system worked really well for us.

Wyatt primarily sleeps on his stomach  – gasp! I know Pediatrician’s and books say that babies should sleep on their backs, but Wyatt won’t sleep on his back.  He screams, yells, and fights until you put him on his belly, and then right to sleep!  He has always had incredible neck strength and we have video monitors, so I watch him very closely! 

I only mention the above because it ties into my little story…  On Wednesday morning (the 20^th), Paul went to get Wyatt out of his pack and play, and was SHOCKED to find Wyatt on his back! 

He then asked “Shari, did you put Wyatt to sleep on his back?”

To which I responded “No, Why do you ask?”

I was floored when he said “He is on his back now, so I guess he rolled over!”

WHAT?  My BABY rolled over?  There is no way, he is just too young, rolling over is something ‘big boys’ do, not little babies like mine!  With that, I decided, until I saw Wyatt roll over, it didn’t happen.  Wyatt must have sensed my disbelief, because later on that morning, he looked at me and then flipped on over.  I clapped, cheered and cried.  Wyatt looked at me like I had finally lost it. 

Every morning since, I have woken to find Wyatt wiggling around on his back.  Such a little rolly polly!  He won’t roll over on demand (no matter how hard I try), but every time he starts wiggling in a way that I know it is about to happen I run and grab the camera.

While we were enjoying the Miss America Pageant this weekend (Congratulations Miss Virginia), Wyatt started wiggling so I ran and grabbed the camera and was FINALLY able to get some good pictures!  You have to use your imagination just a little, but here is my ‘big boy’ rolling over…

Road Trip Recap Wrap Up

The rest of the week went by in a blink of the eye, and we ended up with very few additional pictures.  So this will be the final wrap up post, and will probably only have a couple of pictures (consider yourself warned…).

Wednesday January 20^th, we headed into DC, via the Metro.  Wyatt seemed to really enjoy the Metro, although, he is quite the social butterfly and couldn’t understand why other people on the Metro didn’t want to talk to him!  He was really good on the train, and only fussed a little when he got hungry.  Luckily, I had a bottle waiting, so we had no problem at all!!

We got off the Metro and up to the street level and were greeted by my Dad!  He decided to take off early and spend the afternoon with us!  We headed down the road to a restaurant called, “Ollie’s Trolley” for lunch.  My Dad referred to it as a “Washington Institution”, it has been in business for many years, and has such delicious burgers! 

 After lunch we headed to the American History Museum.  We were really excited about being able to go to this particular museum, since it has been closed for remodeling the past couple of years.  We were so happy that my Dad was able to be with us, and especially grateful that he spent the day pushing Wyatt’s stroller!!  Wyatt spent most of the day sleeping, waking only to get a clean diaper, drink a bottle, and get carried around a little bit!

We were too busy looking at all the different exhibits to snap many pictures.  I’m sure there will be MANY more photo opportunities at Museums, Monuments and Memorials in DC!!

Thursday January 21^st, we headed over to Grandma and PapPap’s to spend the afternoon.  Wyatt was not in a very good mood, the lack of napping had finally caught up with him.  He eventually got so tired that we put him in his car seat carrier and headed out the door.  Once we got him in the car, he fell fast asleep, and stayed that way for the next 3.5 hours!  Since he was sound asleep, Paul and I decided it would be the perfect chance to walk around the Outlet Mall.  We got Wyatt a cute pair of train conductor style overalls from Oshkosh, some candles from Yankee Candle, and Paul got a new wallet for $5 at Wilsons.  A successful trip!  After shopping, we headed back to my Dad’s so we could meet him and Ilene for dinner.  We went to a local Italian restaurant, enjoyed a drink, delicious dinner, and WONDERFUL conversation!

Friday January 22^nd, we woke up and headed to Grandma’s for a farewell breakfast.  She made eggs, pancakes, ham, biscuits, sausage, and fruit.  It was an amazing way to start our last day in Virginia.  We spent some time hanging out before loading up all the goodies they had gotten us and Wyatt.  We said a very tearful goodbye, and headed out.  We stopped at my long time best friend Julie’s house to visit with her and her parents.  We have known each other for years and years, and I couldn’t wait for the family to meet Wyatt.  He wasn’t in the best of moods, but he smiled and played for a bit with Julie and Mrs. B.  They had gotten Wyatt a couple gifts, and Wyatt was so excited when he saw the bag.  He knew they were for him and immediately started pulling out the tissue paper.  It was ADORABLE!  We spent a little time there, and then back to my Dad’s so we could pack for the drive ahead. 

I spent the afternoon playing with Wyatt while Paul packed the Tahoe.  Let’s just say it was literally packed to the max…

We decided to leave after rush hour, so we met Aunt Kathleen, Uncle Sam, Daddy and Gigi at Chipotle (one of my FAVORITE places) to eat dinner.  We enjoyed burritos, good conversation, and a very tearful goodbye! 

Wyatt slept in the car for awhile, then woke up had a bottle, played for a bit, and fell back asleep.  We made it almost all the way to Bristol, VA and spent the night.  We woke up the next morning and got back on the road.  We made a stop at Bass Pro Outdoor World off of I-40 just east of Knoxville, and again in Nashville.  Wyatt would nap for a little, wake up and play, eat, and nap again.  He did really well on the drive, breaking down when we were about 4 miles from home! 

Anytime I would look in the backseat I would see one of these two things…

Paul, Wyatt, and I would like to Thank EVERYONE who made our first Virginia Trip such a success!!  We LOVED spending time with you all and can’t wait to see you all again soon!!

Road Trip Recap #4 – January 19th

Tuesday we got up and headed over to Grandma and PapPap’s to spend the afternoon.  Wyatt loved getting all the attention from his great-grandparents!  He really loved the fact they had so much to do with him…

First Wyatt and Grandma played with a balloon…

Then Wyatt played with Grandma’s watch…

Then Wyatt spent some time looking out the window with Mommy…

Then PapPap and Wyatt played peek-a-boo!

With all that playing Wyatt needed a bottle…

Finally, Grandma played the “get the toes” game with Wyatt

It was a wonderful afternoon playing at Grandma and PapPap’s place!

After leaving their house, we headed to a local restaurant, Sweet Water Tavern to meet up with another one of my childhood friends, Karen and her husband Jeramy.  We really enjoyed having a drink, dinner, and great conversation with an old and new friend! 

As soon as we finished dinner we headed back to my Dad’s so Wyatt could play with his Granddaddy some before bedtime!

Another wonderful day of vacation!

Road Trip Recap #3 – January 18

Monday we went to visit one of my long time friends, TJ. My mom and TJ’s Mom (Lynn) were best friends, so TJ and I grew up hanging out! It is actually pretty interesting, Paul and I got married November 10, 2007, TJ and Chrissie got married December 31, 2007. Sophie (TJ and Chrissie’s daughter) was born in May 2009, Wyatt in August 2009. If my mom was still here, I know her and Lynn would love the fact that they became Mother-In-Laws at the same time, and then Grandmother’s at the same time. I like to think that Mommy is smiling down, enjoying every moment of Wyatt’s life, and beaming with pride as she watches me mature into the type of Mother she modeled for me.

I was really looking forward to seeing TJ, Chrissie and Sophie. Chrissie and I keep up with each other through the social networking site facebook. I love looking at the pictures of Sophie, and couldn’t wait to give her a big hug! TJ and I were both looking forward to getting the chance to introduce our babies, so that they could become lifelong friends just like us!

When we first showed up, Sophie and Wyatt were a bit confused as Chrissie took Wyatt, and I took Sophie. They spent some time trying to figure each other out, and eventually became good friends! Lynn and Tommy (TJs parents) stopped by to see us all, and we decided we needed to take the chance to get some “engagement” pictures!

Wyatt decided that he liked Sophie, but Sophie wasn’t quite so sure…

 

Then Wyatt decided that Sophie looked yummy, and he wanted to try to eat her…

He was quite proud of himself 

 

Sophie just had a soaking wet head

Wyatt really liked Chrissie

Then we took some group shots…

TJ, Sophie, Tommy, Chrissie, Wyatt, Lynn

TJ, Chrissie, Sophie, Wyatt, Me, Paul (Notice Sophie and Wyatt are holding hands)

After we left TJ’s house, we headed out to my sister’s (Aunt Kathleen) new apartment to see her, “Uncle” Sam and the puppy, Patron.

Wyatt, Aunt Kathleen, Sam, Patron

Wyatt wanted Aunt Kathleen to explain what this yippy little thing that kept trying to “attack” him was.

What is that thing Aunt Kathleen?

Then Kathleen and I took a picture with our “babies”.

Mommy, Wyatt, Kathleen, Patron

Before we left, Aunt Kathleen insisted that Sam hold Wyatt so we could snap a picture. Here is the proof that it happened…

Sam and Wyatt

After the pictures, we headed back to my Dad’s house where he and Wyatt played until bedtime!

Road Trip Recap #2 – January 17th

Sunday morning, we woke up, got dressed, packed some necessities for Wyatt, and headed over to my Grandparents/Wyatt’s Great Grandparents (Grandma and PapPap) to spend the day hanging out, and celebrating my Dad’s birthday! Wyatt fell asleep on the way over to Grandma and PapPap’s house, which probably was for the best, as we were able to get a little attention from them, and my Dad was able to get his birthday hug!! The whole family was going to head over to Grandma and PapPap’s to socialize, eat yummy food, watch football, and of course, sing happy birthday and eat cake!!

Some of the Appetizers

As soon as Wyatt woke up it was like no one else existed! Grandma and PapPap were on cloud nine, and were 100 percent devoted to him! It was amazing to see Wyatt interacting with Grandma and PapPap, as well as my brother and Dad, Uncle Michael and Granddaddy. Grandma and PapPap had gotten Wyatt a little table top tree, which had a couple presents left over from Christmas underneath.

Grandma and PapPap with Wyatt (his tree and gifts in the background)

He got a blow-up Penguin that has some balls in it that move when the penguin moves. He got a set of balls that each make a different sound and have a different feel, perfect for sensory development! They also got him a Tonka Dump truck that grows with you, it works as a ride on with a handle for parents, a walking toy, has a scoop front to collect toys, a horn with sounds, and shape recognition toys in the seat. It will be a FUN toy for him to grow with; we can’t wait to get it outside when it warms up!

Grandma showing Wyatt one of his toy balls

After Wyatt opened gifts and played with some of them for awhile, Uncle Michael put Wyatt in his borrowed swing for the week and decided to play a game with him. The game was “I’m going to get your toes”. I don’t know who had more fun, Wyatt or Uncle Michael…

Got your toes!!

Happy boy!

Uncle Michael and Wyatt

Uncle Michael – Wyatt says Thank You for playing with me, and he can’t wait to play with you when you visit for Spring Break!!

Uncle Michael and Wyatt spending some time together...

Gigi and Uncle Michael G showed up and they got to spend some time “chatting” with Wyatt as well…

Wyatt, Gigi and Uncle Michael G

Wyatt decided that he needed a nap (or maybe I decided for him?!), so we all ate dinner together, and then it was time to sing Happy Birthday and eat cake. It has been a couple years since I have been at my Dad’s for his birthday, and it was extra special this year because not only was I there, Paul and Wyatt were too! My brother made the trip home from college, my sister and her boyfriend were there, and one of my stepbrothers were able to get away from school as well! (We missed you Uncle Brian!!)

Daddy with his birthday cake!!

 

The cake says: "Happy Birthday Steve, Daddy, and Granddaddy" Had to cover all his "names"

Shortly after cake, Wyatt woke up, so it was time for Grandma and PapPap to show him lots of love and attention…

Wyatt hanging out with Grandma and PapPap

A little unsure?!?

Staring Contest

We headed home a little later, and spent the evening trying to get Wyatt to calm down (he was so excited from the festivities of the day)! He finally headed to bed, and we followed quickly behind! We needed to get some rest; we had a busy week ahead of us!

Five Months

5 Months

Five Month Collage

What are you up too at Five Months Wyatt? 

-  You are still working on establishing a sleeping schedule, as it changes depending on your mood and the events of the day.  In general you take two naps a day, a short one in the morning and a longer one in the afternoon.  (Although, the whole week we were out of town you REFUSED to nap!  I guess you wanted to soak in every moment with family and friends).  You slept for 10 hours straight the other night (9:30-7:45), I was so impressed, and greatly appreciated all the sleep!!

-  You are still drinking lots of formula every day, and now are eating some baby food as well!! We have officially tried  sweet potatoes, peaches, and bananas.  You are not a fan!  I think you are convinced that you can skip these foods and go straight to table food!  You glare at the food we eat, and watch us take it from the plate to our mouths.  It is hilarious!

-  As far as toys go, you LOVE your “MP3” player that Aunt Lara and Uncle Chuck got you for Christmas, you LOVE your “Worm” that Miss Tara and Kaylee got you for Christmas, you LOVE your Little Snuffy (Mommy and Daddy bought you), you enjoy sitting in your chair, and you LOVE your exersaucer.  You really enjoy standing up and looking at the world from that point of view. 

-  You went on your first major road trip/vacation to your Granddaddy/Gigi’s house! You had so much fun with the extended family, and especially LOVED spending time with your Uncle Michael.  Just mentioning his name would make you break out in a big smile and you would belly laugh! 

-  You still love to be on your belly, and have officially rolled over!!  The first time you rolled over no one saw it, your Daddy went to get you out of your pack and play and you were on your back!  Later that day you rolled over while I was watching!  You have done it quite a few times since then, we are so proud of you!!  You think it is hilarious when you roll over and Daddy and I cheer and clap for you! 

- You are quite the little talker!  You love to put on a show for friends, family, and strangers.  You clap, squeal, and screech at anyone who will listen!  It cracks your Daddy and I up, as well as anyone who is around to hear/see!

Wyatt, you continue to amaze me!  You adjust easily to new environments/schedules, you react wonderfully to new people, and your smile brightens my day.  I am so proud to be your Mommy!  I love you so much and as I say every month, I can’t wait to see what the next month holds for you…

Road Trip Recap #1

Last week, Paul, Wyatt and I packed up the Tahoe and headed east for a visit with my side of the family!  This was Wyatt’s first long road trip, as it is a 13 hour drive to my Dad’s house.  We decided to break up the trip into two parts.  About 6pm on Friday the 15^th, Wyatt was getting sleepy so we loaded him into his car seat, and off we went!  We got on the interstate, made it about 2 miles and then we stopped, and we sat, and we sat, and we sat some more, we sat for about an hour!  After awhile cars around us started using the turn-around in the median, we followed, got off at the previous exit, and took back roads for about an hour until we were sure we had passed the wreck causing the hold up.

We drove as far as Cookeville, TN where we decided to spend the night and then start the rest of the journey fresh in the morning.  The next morning we were up and out of the hotel by about 9am.  We stopped in Knoxville to visit with a friend, and then headed north on 81!  Wyatt did really well on the trip; he only really had one breakdown, lasting about 45 minutes.  For those 45 minutes he was completely inconsolable, but he cried it out and fell asleep! 

We ended up getting to my Dad’s house about 5pm on the 16^th.  Waiting at the house were my Dad (Granddaddy until Wyatt gives him a name), Ilene (Gigi), Uncle Michael (My brother), and Uncle Michael G (My stepbrother).  They had ordered Chinese for all of us, which my Dad got back with right as we were getting Wyatt out of his car seat!  After introducing Wyatt to his Uncle’s we sat down to eat dinner, then it was time to unload the Tahoe. 

Once everything was unloaded it was time to settle in for the night.  We decided to use one of the empty rooms at my Dad’s and just use a blow-up mattress (they had a futon for us, but we didn’t think it was very comfortable, in the end I slept on it every night and it was VERY comfortable!).  Uncle Michael decided it would be fun to put Wyatt on the blow up mattress while it was inflating! 

Wyatt and Uncle Michael

After the mattress was inflated, it was time to put on pajamas, hang out with the family, and get a good night’s sleep; we had a busy week ahead of us!!

Granddaddy and Wyatt

Liberty Bowl Parade

January 1st, we bundled up and headed downtown to attend the annual Liberty Bowl Parade!  It was Wyatt’s first parade, and especially fun because the University of Arkansas Razorbacks were playing in the bowl!! 

We showed up on Beale Street and found a place to park the stroller.  We were all dressed in our Arkansas gear, and couldn’t wait for the parade to start!  There was a really nice couple from East Carolina University (ECU – playing Arkansas in the Liberty Bowl).  The woman thought Wyatt looked so cute in his Arkansas toboggan that she had to get a picture with him!  Then she volunteered to take a family picture for us…

Family Photo 1/1/2009

Wyatt waiting for the parade to begin

The parade started and Wyatt was captivated by the sounds, motion, and colors of everything going on…

Watching the Parade

Some sights from the parade

We had such a good time at the parade!  We were even more excited on the 2nd when Arkansas won the Liberty Bowl in overtime!!  We weren’t at the game, we were nice and comfy in our warm house!  We look forward to many, many more parades with our little guy, hopefully in nicer weather!! 

(**Tusk II, pictured above (living mascot of UofA) passed away on Monday January 4, of natural causes.  Paul, Wyatt and I would like to send our condolences (via this blog) to the caretakers, fans and members of the University of Arkansas for this loss.  We were pleased that we got to see Tusk here in Memphis, and look forward to meeting Tusk III at the next UofA event!)

First Feeding

Every parent has these, the pictures of the first feeding… 

First taste of Rice Cereal

More? Do I have to Mommy?

If I gag she has to stop, right?

So, maybe he wasn’t crazy about rice cereal… I’m sure we will have better luck with sweet potatoes, peaches and bananas!!!