The Other One

This photo says so much about the other one. I realized as I started these profiles I didn't have a cute close up of Tanner, so I proceeded to pose him today. Of course the only one that he actually smiled for...the creepy one where he is hugging the leg of Butterscotch the horse. So telling. Tanner is persistent. He has no concept of backing down until he gets exactly what he wants. He is dramatic. He is a little cunning. A lot ornery. Loud. Physical. All of those put together mean that he will employ a variety of tactics in his relentless fashion until he gets what he wants. And his favorite, and first choice, is how cute he is. He uses those baby blues and grin. Kisses. And how much he loves. Until it doesn't work and then he kicks it up a notch. He loves with the same relentless passion. He ADORES those he favors. Ignores those he doesn't. And has a horrible temper and pout, that at the same time is usually incredibly funny.

Tanner is clever. He can recognize letters, shapes, colors, Caterpillar backhoe loaders and John Deere articulated dump trucks. But he refuses to learn how to count to five. He can dress himself, but puts everything on backwards so he still gets Mommy to do it. He can sleep through the night, if Mommy is with him. He can jump in the pool and swim in his floaties, if Mommy is watching. But at other times he likes to go off and pretend by himself, build with legos, look at books, cut, draw, and play dress up in his fireman or doggie costume. His giggle, especially when tickled, is impossible not to be addicted to. He runs awfully fast on those short legs (which have sadly lost their rolls) and can throw a mean punch. I am amazed at how far he throws.

Oh, the other one. There is no middle ground here. But my love for him will always be high.