Nose Honker and a bag full of goods

Time sure flies when you’re having fun, and for the last 19 months we have had some F-U-N at the Lamar household.  Bitty was 19 months old on the 13^th and is livelier than ever.  Some things I want to remember about John Brantley at this stage in his life:

John Brantley will go to the refrigerator, grab the handle, and make noises until I come open it for him.  He will then grab his cup of milk and Ford’s.  He is very kind to take Ford his cup, but makes sure to sample his milk on the way over.  This absolutely drives Ford over the edge.

 He has a shoe fetish.  If you plan to come visit don’t take your shoes off.  It bothers John Brantley and he worries about them being off.  BoomPa, my dad, likes to throw a shoe across the room when he visits just to get a rise out of Bitty.  Like a good boy, he delivers him his shoe back promptly.  He is beyond obsessed with his navy blue rain boots.  Why he owns any other shoes I do not know.   He wears them around the house, on top of his footed pajamas, to church, and grabs them if he thinks someone might be going somewhere and he needs to be included.

John Brantley doesn't like to be left out.  Closing doors with him on the outside is a major No No.  He will yell, scream, holler, and literally try to beat the door down until you open it.  I made the mistake of not letting him in the bathroom while I showered.  I desperately wanted some peace while I was in there so I didn't have to watch him cleaning out my drawers, licking the toothpaste, or trying to get to the potty brush.  Instead he used his sippy cup to beat the door to death!  Ford purposefully shuts the door on him just to push his buttons.  

 The boy also has a high regard for a nose.   If you are within an arm’s reach of him he will more than likely test your honker out.  He also likes my chap stick.  This isn't a good habit to have.  I have ruined my lips since middle school by applying chap stick every few minutes.  I think he is more into rubbing it on his cheeks and having me chase after him to get my addiction-fixer back!  (There are THE BOOTS).

 The little guy still isn’isn't talking.  He understands whatever we say and communicates beautifully in his own little way.  He will say “bye- bye”, “Ma-ma”, but most of the time it comes out as Maaaaaaaaaaa like someone from the Bronx would say.  He can say tractor which comes out as “tac-ter”.  I’m pretty sure that no amount of speech therapy will help my strong willed child at this point.  He might be their worst patient yet!!!!

 The biting is better, but I did get chomped on today.  I got on to him and he put himself in time out!!!

On Thursday, my mom went in to have surgery for pancreatic cancer.  The procedure wasn't successful because she had a spot that was on her liver.  They were unable to perform The Whipple Procedure.  Mom is home and recovering from being cut open.  My dad has learned how to run the washer and dryer, turn on the dishwasher, and make a pot of coffee.  I think that is quite the accomplishment for a man who will be 63 next month!!!!

My sweet friend, Meg, brought over a bag loaded with all kinds of goods for me to take to the hospital while we waited on mom last week.  I thought that was so thoughtful of her to put together all these goodies for us.  Thank you for all the prayers for my mom, Gran, and my family.  Please keep them coming.  This battle is far from over.  We will beat this terrible disease!!!