17 months old

Daddy and Matthew watching the fountain at Northpark Mall

Matthew with Mrs. Kriston - the Northway Baptist Director

Matthew with Mrs. B - she has been at Northway for 20 years

Matthew definitely has a mind of his own sometimes.  For the most part, he is easy-going and happy but lately we have seen a different side of him where he stomps his feet and cries because he does not get his way.  On vacation, there were times that I said, "Matthew, your crying is not working - you played that card too much."  He likes to walk every where that we go (as opposed to being carried).  And in the mornings when we are getting ready to leave for work, he will walk around the yard and we will have to pick him up to put him into the car seat and he will give this cry that you just broke his heart!  

We had more daycare drama this past week.  Northway Baptist was down for 2 weeks for renovations.  They opened back up last Monday with new carpet, new air conditioning, and all the staff were wearing uniforms.  Three days later (on Wed) they told us not to come back on Thursday because there was an air quality issue - they found something when they were switching out another air conditioner.  Luckily, our neighbor, Gay, watched Matthew Thursday and Friday until we could figure out a daycare option.  

We found a wonderful daycare near Andy's office in Addison called Bent Tree Child Development Center.  It has workers with teaching degrees and a nutritionist on site.  They have told us that it is not a daycare but a learning center.  Matthew's first day was Tuesday and he seemed to adjust very well.  He knows sign language so that was easy for the workers to help communicate with him and he was already used to the family style eating and nap routine.  They just love him!  They have music time in the mornings, outdoor areas for the little mobile toys, play grounds, indoor play areas, etc...  

The old daycare, Northway, had a goodbye bash on Thursday so Matthew and I went to that.  It was good to see the staff one last time.  The director said good things about the new daycare so that's good to hear.  

This weekend was rainy.  Matthew got a little stir-crazy so we went to the mall on Sat and Sunday.  He loves to walk around and see other kids.  Both times, I left with clothes for Matthew.  What happened to shopping for myself?  We had a babysitter Sat night and enjoyed a nice dinner at Nick & Sam's.  It was well-deserved, considering we didn't get a chance to enjoy a nice dinner while we were on vacation.  Most of the times we were eating at kid-friendly places.