December 2010 – Pictures

I feel like the past couple of months have FLOWN by!  Wyatt and I play hard in the morning, he takes a good nap in the afternoon in which I get work done around the house, get showered and dressed, prepare dinner, etc, and then we play in the afternoon.  Doesn’t seem like much when I write it all down – but time passes quickly and at the end of the day I am EXHAUSTED.

I owe some updates from December, so I will start there. 

Paul and I set up the Christmas Decorations in early December one night after Wyatt went to bed.  When I got up with him the following morning he was in awe and kept a safe distance from the tree – he wasn’t quite sure what to think of it all.  Once he touched the tree and the ornaments he was done with exploring the tree.  After Paul came out we turned on the lights and Wyatt was really amazed by it. 

Admiring the Ornaments

Sooo Happy!

We took Wyatt to see Santa early in December so that we would beat the rush.  We also wanted to make sure he had plenty of time to tell Santa exactly what he wanted for Christmas.  Wyatt was very talkative when we got to the mall.  He was pointing and “talking” about all the decorations and continued to do so into the area with Santa.  Once he got close to Santa he just stared.  That was all – no talking, no motions, no expression – just a blank stare.  I guess I should be happy he didn’t cry. 

Wyatt and Santa

On December 16 my friend Alaina came over and we made Christmas goodies.  We made snickerdoodles, oatmeal M&M cookies, nut puffs, coconut macaroons, gingerbread cutouts, pecan fudge and plain fudge.  We spent the better part of the day baking and my house smelled DELICIOUS by the end of the day.  Alaina’s daughter Katherine and Wyatt spent the day playing together.  It amazes me to watch Wyatt with Katherine, he is so calm and gentle with her.  He always makes sure that she has a toy to play with and is having fun.  He will go about his business playing with his own toys, but will come back to check on her.  It warms my heart to see them together and I can’t wait to see him as a big brother one day. 

Wyatt and Katherine

December 18 we bundled up and took Wyatt to Zoo Lights.  It was SOO much colder this year but Wyatt didn’t seem to notice or mind.

Following Daddy to see the lights

Stopping to show me the lights

Fearless around the animals

The week of Christmas Eve Paul’s parents and grandma came to visit us.  We spent time hanging out, playing, eating yummy food, driving around looking at Christmas lights, and enjoying the wonder of the season with Wyatt.

Christmas Eve we all went to Church Services at a local Methodist Church.  It was a beautiful service and Wyatt was amazed by the candles and singing.  After Church we had dinner, read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’, put out milk and cookies, got Wyatt in his Christmas pajamas and put to sleep. 

Santa arrived overnight and Wyatt woke up to LOTS of presents under the tree – We are one very blessed family for sure!

Christmas Morning 2010

Playing IN his Pirate Ship

Those are the only pictures we have from Christmas morning – but we have TONS of video.  I plan on getting it posted this week!! 

That pretty much sums up our December in pictures – better late than never!

Snow Day

There’s no day like a snow day… At least that’s what I always thought growing up.  As an adult they are still fun, but you have bigger things to worry about – not just “where are my mittens”.  The biggest worry for me is Paul working late when the weather gets bad.  Last night the snow started coming down and was stuck to all the roads by the time Paul got off work at 10pm.  It was a LONG drive home for him (normally takes about 25 minutes, took over an hour) and I was BEYOND relieved to see him home safe and sound. 

Wyatt woke up this morning and was totally unaware of the snow outside.  Even after I pointed it out and was VERY excited in explaining to him we could go play when Daddy got up, he didn’t seem to care.   Things changed when I started getting him ready for outside, he sat patiently and ran to the door waiting for Daddy and I.

Here are some pictures from us, all bundled up, playing outside in the snow.

Not sure what to think...

Following the leader

Checking out the snow - with Daddy's help

Little footprints in the snow

Trying to get around in the snow - it was deep for him!

Headed to make a new friend with Mommy close behind

Playing with his new friend Skylar

I L-O-V-E to make comparisons between Wyatt last year and this year.  Here is a picture of him last year “enjoying” a snow day.

Jan 2010 Snow Day

Jan 2011 Snow Day

Fall 2010 Family Pictures

This past weekend we had our family pictures taken at the Collierville Town Square.  We met a FANTASTIC photographer, Caitlin Gunn, who is incredibly talented.  She spent the afternoon taking candid and posed pictures of our family of three.  Yesterday we got a CD in the mail from her with over 80 pictures!  I had a VERY difficult time narrowing down the pictures to post here, nonetheless, here are some of my favorite pictures

Family Photo Brick Path

Wyatt Smile

Wyatt and Daddy in Shadows

Family Photo Leaves

Wyatt Cabin Smile

Big Boy Wyatt!

Walking

Tall Red Doors

Close Up Red Doors

Daddy and Wyatt

Wyatt waving to cars going by

Mommy and Wyatt

You’re My Best Friend

You placed gold on my finger…

You brought love like I’ve never known

You gave life to our children

And to me a reason to belong…

(Last two photos courtesy of Caitlin Gunn Photography and Design – Full post of family pictures to come after I get the CD in the mail)

Today marks 3 years since Paul and I said “I Do” in front of our family and friends.  It is amazing to see what can happen in 3 years time.  We got married, moved to Tennessee, bought a house, and had a baby. 

Paul – As the song says –

“When I need hope and inspiration
You’re always strong when I’m tired and weak
I could search this whole world over
You’d still be everything that I need.”

You are my best friend and I can’t imagine life without you.  You are such an incredible husband and father to Wyatt.  Watching you with him just makes me love you even more.  Thank you for providing for our family and always making us feel like the center of your world.  I did then and I do now.  More – Shari

Halloween Post #2

We had a WONDERFUL Halloween day here in the ‘Berger household.  Paul had to work in the afternoon so I took some pictures of him and Wyatt prior to him leaving.  We also tried to give Wyatt some lessons on what to expect with his trick-or-treating bucket.  He got the hang of it and walked around the house carrying his bucket looking for his treats … Smart kid!  Wyatt was a BURGER this year for Halloween!!!  We found it very fitting and funny… Our little Baby Berger graduated to Jr. Berger – He is growing up SOO fast!

Wyatt and Daddy

Practicing with his bucket

Paul left for work, Wyatt and I ate lunch and played.  In the middle of the afternoon Paul called and said that he could leave work early to come trick or treating, but since he rode in with a friend, I would have to go pick him up.  Wyatt and I were ELATED that he would be here and wasted NO time in going to get Daddy from work!

My friend Alaina and her baby Katherine came over to join us in our trick or treating festivities.  We got the kids dressed up and headed out around the neighborhood.  Wyatt walked around our neighborhood and up to the doors without a problem.  The only issue we had was keeping him OUT of houses, once the doors were opened he wanted to go in and check it out.  One of our neighbors is a pediatric nurse and was amazed at the way he came right up the driveway with no issues.  She said he acted MUCH older (20 months) with how well he is walking around.  That made Paul and I REALLY happy to hear!  Wyatt walked down the hill to the bottom of our neighborhood and around the houses down there.  He finally broke down and rode in the wagon back up the hill and then climbed out to go to the final houses.  We were SOO proud of him and how he handled the night.  We were out for almost 2 hours and there was no whining or crying.  Here are some pictures from our evening….

Making sure Katherine was settled

Mommy and her Jr. Burger

Headed to the next house

Jr. Burger headed to his next stop

Family Photo 2010

Wyatt and Katherine headed back up the hill to the house

Katherine the pretty pretty flower

Wyatt the Burger and Katherine the Flower

Alaina and Katherine

Family Photo

Checking out his loot

Trying to eat a wrapped lollipop and a wrapped twizzler!

In bed but not ready to say good-bye to Halloween!

I tried to get some video of Wyatt trick or treating, but it was really dark.  I have two clips to share with you, but everything else came out really dark – Hope you enjoy!

Halloween Post #1

Happy Halloween!!!  We have one very excited little boy for trick-or-treating tonight!  We did a test run on Saturday with his costume and his trick-or-treating bucket.  He seemed to enjoy it – I guess we will see how he does tonight!

Saturday evening we finally had a chance to carve our pumpkins.  It was really fun for Wyatt to be a “part” of pumpkin carving this year.  Last year he sat in his little chair only 2 months old and watched as we carved.  This year he sat in his high chair and played with his pumpkin, drew on it, played with pumpkin guts from our pumpkins and then ate some dinner while we carved.  It was a very enjoyable evening. 

Here are some pictures from our carving experience…

Wyatt and his pumpkin!

Feeling the pumpkin "guts"

Paul carving his pumpkin

Wyatt eating a Vanilla Wafer and watching Mommy carve her pumpkin

After we finished carving we took our pumpkins outside to get some pictures.  Here are some of our pumpkins and our little mummy monster!

Pointing out the Pumpkins

Wyatt with the pumpkins

Pointing at the pumpkins eye

Pauls Pumpkin (chewing on a baby pumpkin), Wyatt's scribble pumpkin, My Scared Pumpkin

Our Little Monster

Park Playdate/Weekend Wrap Up

This past weekend we went to Paul’s parents house to visit and attend the annual party they hold.  The party includes LOTS of yummy food, lots of family and close friends, lots of great music by a wonderful band, and lots of stories to tell the next day!  Unfortunately we have NO pictures from the actual party.  I guess we were too busy this year chasing around the little guy to take any pictures.

I do have some pictures from a playdate Wyatt and I had Friday morning.  I finally had the chance to meet Kelsey – a girl who went to high school with Paul and I have met through the internet but never “in real life”.  Kelsey has a daughter, Paxtin who is a little over a year older than Wyatt.  Luckily for us, Wyatt LOVES older girls!!

We met at a local donut shop and had breakfast and then went to the city park to play.  Here are some pictures of Wyatt and Paxtin playing at the park:

Peek-a-boo through the holes

C'mon Wyatt... What are you waiting for?

At the top of the slide

Examining Leaves before saying Goodbye!

Wyatt and I had a wonderful morning with Kelsey and Paxtin and are excited to hang out with them again the next time we are in town!

Wordless Wednesday – Like Father, Like Son, Like Son

Virginia Vacation Part 3

There are a few special places that we would go to growing up, places that will stay with me no matter how old I get or how far away I move.  While visiting my Dad and I took Wyatt to two of those places. 

Monday afternoon we took Wyatt to Frying Pan Farm Park, a summer favorite of ours.  We spent the afternoon checking out the animals, wandering around, and playing on the tractors!  Here are some of my favorite pictures from our afternoon at Frying Pan Park.

Grandpa and Wyatt looking at the piglets

Piglets

Wyatt, Grandpa and the chicken coop

Wandering around the farm

Wyatt and the calf

Wyatt LOVED playing with the ROPE!

Frying Pan Park Tractor

Tuesday was Grandma’s Birthday, so we headed over to her house in the afternoon with some Boston Market for dinner!  We enjoyed a relaxing evening, chatting and watching Wyatt play.

Enjoying some of Grandma's water

Wednesday was our last day in town, so my Dad and I decided to take Wyatt to another one of my favorite places; Briar Patch Park.  We spent countless days at this park growing up and Wyatt loved spending the morning there just as much as we used too!

Grandpa and Wyatt through the tunnel

Down the slide!

Ready to head down the slide... Again!

Bouncing on the 4-wheeler

Swinging

Walking the path around the park

That evening Daddy, Wyatt and I met Grandma, PapPap and Kathleen at the Macaroni Grill for dinner.  It was a very nice way to say “See you later” to everyone.

Thursday morning my Dad drove us to the airport, bought Wyatt some Donut Holes and sent us through security.  Wyatt was FANTASTIC on the flight and was more than elated to see his Daddy.  I wish I would have been able to capture their reunion on video.  Wyatt and I were walking towards Paul and as soon as Wyatt saw him, he dropped my hand and went as fast as his legs would carry him into his Daddy’s arms.  It made me tear up! 

Wyatt and I would like to Thank EVERYONE who made this trip possible.  We greatly appreciate the effort that went into preparing for our arrival; everything from snacks to baby proofing to baby supplies.  We really enjoyed spending the week with Wyatt’s Virginia family!!!  We can’t wait to see you all again at Thanksgiving!  WE LOVE YOU!

Virginia Vacation Part 2

Saturday morning, October 9, Wyatt woke up to find that his Uncle Michael had come to visit as well.  They spent the morning playing together.

Uncle Michael and Wyatt on the couch

Exploring the backyard

After naps for everyone – Michael, Wyatt and I headed over to Kathleen’s.  She wanted Wyatt to hang out with Patron – her puppy.  Patron jumped up on Wyatt, pushing him over, so he was NOT a fan of the puppy.

Aunt Kathleen, Patron and Wyatt

Aunt Kathleen, Uncle Michael and Wyatt

The four of us headed to the grocery store to pick up supplies for a family barbecue for that night.  We got home and Wyatt took another mini nap before waking up to play outside before dinner.  I must add, Wyatt LOVED all the attention he got from his Aunt Kathleen, Uncle Michael, Uncle Sam (Kathleen’s fiancée), Grandpa, Grandma, PapPap, Uncle Michael G, and Gigi. 

Tickle Time with Grandpa and Aunt Kathleen

Spinning around and around

Tickle Time with Uncle Sam and Aunt Kathleen

After a delicious family dinner Grandpa found some silly string and decided to see what Wyatt would think of it…

Silly String Time

Not a fan of Silly String - AT ALL

 Silly String time was super messy, so it was bath time for Wyatt.  Thankfully Aunt Kathleen was there to help!  After bath, we took Wyatt downstairs to explore.  While downstairs I found the original Mr. Happy shirt, the one that all three of us wore as kids.  My Dad let me keep it so Wyatt and additional Berger Babies will have the chance to wear the same one!  The trip downstairs provided us to explore the old toys that my Dad has kept all the years.  Michael found some little remote control cars and thought it would be fun to show Wyatt how they work.

Chasing after a remote control car

 Wyatt was so confused by the cars and spent a good bit of time chasing the cars around the floor.

Wyatt LOVED playing with his Aunt and Uncles for sure-

Uncle Sam, Aunt Kathleen, Uncle Michael stuck behind the gate!

Sunday afternoon the family headed over to Grandma and PapPaps place.  Daddy and I picked up Subway for everyone on the way over.  We enjoyed a WONDERFUL afternoon playing, watching the Skins win and most importantly spending quality family time together!!!  Here are some pictures from our wonderful afternoon –

Playing with PapPaps Balloon

Walking the halls with Uncle Michael and Grandma

PapPap, Grandma and Wyatt

The Family - Thanks to Sam for taking the picture!

Playing on Grandma and PapPaps bed!

It was such a fun afternoon with family at Grandma and PapPaps house.