He's 3

Dear Wyatt,

What kind of words should I use to describe you?

Happy

Kind

Chirpy

Puppy

Daydreamy

Chatty

It's your birthday today! I tried so hard to not let you be born on Halloween. That's why you were born at 11:42 p.m. I held out as long as I could, but you weren't having it. I didn't want you to have to share your birthday with anything else. I still feel a little sorry for you that you have to. I always imagine birthday parties in the future where no one wants any of your birthday cake because they are too full of Halloween candy. Bottom line: I think that you are too special to share your day. But alas, it is what it is.

You are dear to me. You remind me of a pleasant, gentle breeze on a warm day: easy and delightful. One of my favorite things to do is watch you play. You are so content to just lay on the floor, chat with yourself and your toys and daydream. I can't help but wish that I were able to be that content in my own thoughts. It's very sweet.

I'm completely bonkers in love with you. That adorable under bite that makes you look like a bulldog is fitting since you have recently fallen head over heals in love with puppies. I love to watch you tuck all of your stuffed animal puppies into bed and pull the blankets over their heads. I love your pudgy cheeks and thoughtful questions. I love driving down the road and hearing one of these: Are these roads busy? Mom, do you like bananas? Is Colton my best friend? I love it when we sit across from each other at the kitchen table, just you and I, sharing smoothies and Cheetos and practicing winking at each other. Bliss.

I'm such a schmuck. Even as I type I weep. I can't help but feel like I've gotten more than anyone could ever hope or ask for. I feel like the Lord has just heaped happiness at my feet. I love you, Wyatt. I love every little teeny, tiny inch of you. I hope when you are a tween or teenager and go back and read this post it embarrasses you to no end with all of it's sickeningly sweet talk. I can't help myself.

All My Love,

Mom.

Family Picture: The Outtakes Edition

We were so happy to get a family picture because it has been a long time since we have all been in one place, smiling, and looking at the camera. It was, oh, how do I say this???? - - - a challenge. I will only give you 5 outtakes, but you must understand that of the 100+ pictures we took, we only got one.

Yes, one good picture.

But you only need one, right????? So don't be surprised when you see this picture turn up everywhere. If you get a Christmas card - - - yep, there will be our picture. Log onto facebook? yep, there will be our picture. Check your email at our house? yep, the wallpaper will be our family picture. You get the picture. heh heh heh. ;)

Anyway, onto the pictures and witty captions.

Bossy Mom caught in action. But what mama isn't bossy. Doesn't Noah look a little bit like he is not trusting this shot?

Wouldn't a picture of us all hugging be soooo cute? Don't be alarmed. No one was hurt in the making of this picture. Newborns naturally scrunch. So, rest easy.

Wyatt is shocked that we are still taking pictures. I am just focusing on the picture. "Keep smiling, Katie, keep smiling. You can only control yourself." Noah obviously has something important to say. If only we knew what it was.

I suspect that this captures the very first moment that Wyatt will give us that indicates that he will be a moody teenager. Even as a 2 year old, he is in touch enough with his emotions to know he doesn't like to be told how and when to smile. Katie, just keep smiling. Or, look like you are napping. Either will do.

Though not an official member of the family, he was a willing participant in the photo shoot.

Things To Love About Cyrus

1. The bunched up, scrunched up, newborn way he curls up in my arms.

2. His baby acne. Let's be honest - - - zits only look cute on a baby. Plus, he doesn't even cry when I tease him about it and ask him if he wants me to order him some Proactive.

3. The excuses he gives me to sit down for 20 minutes at a time and watch TV. a.k.a. nursing.

4. His adorable sleep smiles. I love it! What is making him smile? I'm sure it's me with my amusing stories, lovely singing voice, and sweet breath.

5. Baby gas. I'm sorry. I know that is a little crude. But it makes me laugh that he is so gassy. When he is really gassy, we pump his legs to "help him out." The other day Noah got 7 toots in a row!! That could only make a mother and father proud.

6. I love his natural ability to grow my laundry exponentially. I used to get by on one laundry day a week. Now I have 1 laundry day + several small Cyrus loads throughout the week.

7. His dark eyes. They seem so curious.

8. AND MY FAVORITE - - - - He helped me lose 30 pounds in just a matter of weeks. What a son!!! What a son!!!

Hey Kids! Why Don't You Make Your Own Breakfast?

Nothing says healthy living like a big batch of Trunk-or-Treat candy for breakfast. They even covered the four main food groups: chocolate, fruity, sucker, and gum. Maybe it's time Yo Mama got outta bed and tended to the older two kids.And I'm pretty sure that mass amounts of sugar at the crack of dawn coupled with letting your two year old put himself down for a nap can sometimes lead to this:
Yep, that's the living room floor. The hard, wood floor. Almost as good as a bed. Actually, just as good when you are plunging down from a sugar high.

And Baby Makes 5

When did we become a family of 5? It is still taking some getting used to. We are still working "Cyrus" into the family vocabulary. And most of the time we just call him, "the new baby."

We are also still working on: getting dressed everyday (mostly me), leaving the house, sleeping through the night, not being sad that Memaw Kay will be leaving soon, remembering to be quiet when the baby naps, and getting used to the fact that everything has changed.

The Kiss of Death

Look how happy he is to be kissed.

Cyrus Cruze Shafer

Cyrus Cruze Shafer

October 6, 2009 at 7:42 a.m.

9 pounds even, 20 inches long

Freshly Born

Handsome #1 and His Handsome Offspring

Calvin Learns the Art of Babysitting. We get them started early.
Noah's bruised arm. Proof that my epidural didn't work, and that I might have looked into some pain management classes.

Thanks to everyone for your well wishes. We are happy, tired, and being taken care of by Memaw Kay.

Smooches,

The Shafers