November 4th - not just Election Day.

Tuesday was an important day. In addition to it being Election Day, it was also our 8 year wedding anniversary and picture day at Wyatt's "school." So there were lots of extras to remember that morning - voter registration card, anniversary card, and extra clothes for Wy as he was supposed to go to school dressed for pictures.

I was excited about picture day because they were doing a Christmas theme/background. Since I had to go back "to town" to take Wy's jeans back to The Children's Place (see Perfect Pumpkin Patch Day) I decided to get him a new outfit for the occasion. I think all you moms know the "I hope my child cooperates" feeling that you have on picture days. I mean, I always want him to cooperate, but you know how some days are effortless and some are a battle from the time you hear the first "Maaamaaa." It never fails that on days when there isn't really anything extra important going on, they are a dream. And on days you have more to do than you have time for, yet you still have to make it work, they buck up like no tomorrow. As I type this I already know the answer to why this is - these little ones are so perceptive and intuitive. They pick up on that "vibe" and they react accordingly. Let me add "learn how to conceal the vibe" to the top of my "to do" list.

So, the morning had gone fairly well until it was time for him to get dressed. My poor child - really, he does have nice clothes but he has a VERY casual wardrobe. I have NEVER put him in anything with smocking or monograms - that is not my style. I like people to be able to tell he is a boy. And even his church clothes are more casual hence the not being familiar with the sweater vest look that I just had to bust out on him that morning. He spotted it coming a mile away. And even though he wasn't sure what it was, he knew he didn't like it.
Wy: Mama, whas that?
Me: school clothes
Wy: Nooo, whas THAT?
Me: It's a vest
Wy: (pitch heading towards the whine) Nooo, I not like vest. (Sliver of possible tantrum starting to rear it's ugly head) I not wear vest to 'cool.
And here we go. That little, tiny, miniscule stubborn streak in me, that is so rarely seen, decided to face off with this child. So I tried to explain that it was picture day at school, blah, blah, blah and it soon turned into him trying to rip the vest off and me pulling it back on him. Hello - total waste of time. You can always make the teacher put it on him. Hindsight is 20/20.

But, in case he didn't cooperate and b/c I like to have pictures for my blog, I had already decided that I was going to take some pictures at home that morning. So, when I was already pushed for time, I took him outside in the wet grass to take pictures. Guess what? He didn't want to have his picture taken. Shocking, I know. And the icing on the cake? He slipped and fell on the porch steps and mud splattered all up the back of his only khaki pants that fit. Genius of me, huh? All I could do was deep breathe knowing that it wouldn't show and proceeded to take a few pictures before calling it quits while I was still somewhat ahead. Then I had to take him back inside the house to clean up his pants and shoes before going through the ritual of leaving for the day again.

But there was victory in the end! I got some cute pictures of him that morning, I continued learning lessons in patience, and he actually participated when it was his turn for school pictures. I saw the proofs today and they turned out great! Here are a few shots from that morning - he is a handsome little guy if I do say so myself.



Standard "I don't want to have my picture taken" expression


Right before the slip and fall


"Sorry about the mud."


"Can I lose the vest now?"


"You're finished? Really? It would be cruel to joke."