More Loved Than Thomas

Someday (like in 2 weeks!) I will be writing and reading for fun once again-let me finish up this semester and I will update with birthdays, holidays, milestones and the boring mundane stuff of life I don't want to forget.  Tonight, I want to write a few words about my Wyatt.

It is after11 pm, and he is sitting on my lap, drinking apple juice (or gurgling apple juice all over my laptop), and talking my ear off about Baby Zoe (his new cousin), Thomas and Percy (his obsessions), his age (he will hold up 3 fingers and tell you he is 3 and his birthday is in March), Jeremy (he will NOT call his Dad by his proper title, which tickes Jeremy off), his favorite blanket, and whatever goes on in his active and imaginative 3 year old mind.  And he is giving me lots of hugs, snuggles and kisses.  A little known thing about Wyatt is that he is a snuggler-a very touchy feely, needs lots of physical attention-type of boy.  But he is very particular with who he snuggles with.  Wyatt hates going to bed by himself (which leads to his late nights, and his falling asleep with us), hates waking up alone, and basically just hates being by himself.  He can tell you every train that lives on Sodor Island and will only wear the latest in Thomas clothing, play with the latest in Thomas toys, and watch only those show that have to do with Sir Toppham Hatt and his happy little train workers.  His birthday was a Thomas the Train Extravaganga.  His favorite food is cereal, and some days has that for all 3 meals.  He fiercely loves his sibilings and his Barky.  He is also fiercely protective of his independence, and will not back down from a power struggle in order to get what he wants.  He likes to be called "Wyatt" and nothing else.  No nicknames for him!  He knows who he is, and he wants you to know who he his too.

I just asked Wyatt I just asked Wyatt who he liked more, Thomas or Percy.  He replied with Thomas.  I then asked him if he loved Thomas or Mama more.  After thinking for a couple of seconds, he answered, "Mama!" and rewarded me with a hug around my neck and a kiss on my cheek.  I am learning that I can't force him into what I think I want him to be.  I can't (and shouldn't) force him to wear dinosaurs when he really wants to be wearing trains.  And a million other little choices that I try to make for him every day.  He knows who he is-he knows what he wants.  And he knows what is important.  And what is important is that Mama, Jeh-my, A-in, Lee-a, Barky, Grama, Grapa, JuJu, Z-hoie, 'Nam and his other friends and family members are more important than Thomas.