Happy 2nd Birthday!

Banging pans together to make music

Walking on the pie pans

Playing the game Mimi and Papa Durkin gave him

Eating his cupcake - he was so happy

Enjoying a snack and opening gifts

Opening gifts from Papa and Grandma Bruce on Sunday morning. His first words after opening the ball "No Daddy, Mine"

Tulips in the neighborhood

Matthew was still feeling sick on Monday from his ear infection and cold so I stayed home with him. He was up every hour or so and I was exhausted so I was glad to stay home and get a nap. That morning just after eating breakfast, Matthew took off for the stairs in his fleece pajamas with the feet in them. I was in the kitchen looking for his clippers and I think he thought they were upstairs so he was going to go fetch them. In that couple of seconds, he climbed a couple of stairs and fell. He had a big bump and bruise near his eye.

I felt bad for Matthew with the cold and constant runny nose and then the bruise on his eye on top of it all! We went for a walk with Rusty in the morning and noticed the beautiful tulips around the neighborhood. After we met Daddy for lunch, Matthew and I took a bike ride to get frozen yogurt. He enjoyed the ride but the helmet was hitting his bruise so he cried on the way back. On Tuesday, he was feeling better so he went to school. The teachers were calling us to find out how he ended up with a bruise on his eye. On Friday, we ate at Fernandos - our ritual on most Friday nights.

Saturday was busy for us. We woke up at 7am and went to breakfast at Angelas. Andy took the car into the dealer because of the floor mat recall. I took Matthew to get his haircut at 10am by walking there with his stroller since it is so close to our house. We had a full day before noon! Andy played golf in the afternoon. Matthew took a good nap and then we headed to Allen for the indoor swimming pool. We missed the easter egg hunt in our neighborhood because Matthew was napping during that time. But he had fun swimming and I hope to take him every weekend. Ana Paula came over to babysit while Andy and I got out for a Junior League potluck dinner. Matthew cried when she first arrived but then he was giggling with her by the time we left 10 minutes later!

On Sunday, we sang happy birthday to Matthew and let him open a couple of presents from Papa and Grandma Bruce right there at the breakfast table. He loved the presents, especially the ball. We went to church and he stayed in the nursery. We went to the pancake house for breakfast afterwards but Matthew was getting tired so it was a rushed breakfast where I was holding him in my lap and shoveling food in my mouth as fast as possible before he "blew up". We were supposed to go to a church easter egg hunt but Matthew napped during that time so we missed it. Oh well. Naps are critical at this stage.

Matthew woke up from his nap and we let him open the rest of our presents and gave him a cupcake after dinner. We will celebrate it again next weekend when the Snider family will come into town. Matthew had been eyeing those cupcakes for the past couple of days and he was so happy to finally eat it. He was running around the house with lots of energy afterwards.

Matthew is talking so much now and he impresses us every day with his new words. He was singing the alphabet song and he could get most of the letters. I was amazed. He saw an ocean on tv and said "ocean". We also think that Matthew is too smart for his own good sometimes. He is very aware of Mama and the second that I am out of the room, he starts looking for me. We look forward to short work week (since I am off Good Friday) and a fun weekend ahead with visits from the Snider family and Matthew's great grandma - Nana.

Update - April 1, 2010

Andy took Matthew to his 24-month checkup at the doctor. He was a big boy and didn't even cry when he got his shot. He just commented on the bandaid "sticker".

His stats are the following:

Height 32 1/2 inches 15%

Weight 26 lbs 30%

HC 19 7/8 96%

The doctor mentioned that Matthew was small given the height of Andy and myself but we know he eats well and he will grow in due time.

Sick again and Snow again

Matthew had fun at his St Patrick's day party at school on Wednesday. I brought green cupcakes and he was eyeing those when I dropped him off in the morning. Daddy was able to stop in for the party at 3pm. Matthew didn't want him to leave and cried when he left.

On Wednesday evening, I could tell Matthew wasn't feeling that great. He didn't eat much for dinner and had a slight fever. On Thursday, I was debating on taking him to the doctor because he was coughing in the middle of the night but he was in such a good mood so I took him on to school. We received a call at 5pm from his teacher telling us to pick him up because he was playing outside and then put his head on her leg because he was tired. So I took the day off Friday and took Matthew to the doctor. As I suspected, the sinus cold has caused an ear ache. I kept Matthew medicated with antibiotics and tylenol but there were a few times where he would just cry and say "mama" as I was holding him. When he felt better, we played with playdoh, stickers, and colors. He loves his arts and crafts time. The weather was beautiful on Friday in the 70's so I took Matthew for a bike ride. It took me some time to get the air in the tire and he kept saying "bicycle" so he was excited to go. We also went to the yogurt place by our house later that evening and Matthew ate a good portion of it.

The weather was so cold on Saturday (40's) and rainy. Matthew seemed to be feeling worse and he didn't want to eat much and he was fussy. We drove around the neighborhood in the morning just to get him outside. We later saw Taylor and Kristy doing the same with Arden and we chuckled. In an effort to boost his mood, I took Matthew to the Galleria. Matthew had a smoothie and he watched the ice skaters on the ice skating rink. He really enjoyed getting into the stroller and getting out of the house. He asked for a walk several times during the day but the weather was so bad that we couldn't go - and that made him cry. I took him to a play area in the galleria where lots of kids play and Matthew enjoyed that for a little while. I ordered a happy meal from mcdonalds (something I never give him) and he ate 5 or 6 fries dipped into ketchup. He was smiling while we were sitting there in the eating area. I started to rush him to go and told myself that we are here for him to have a good time and if it means sitting there in the eating area for a while and playing with his toy, then that's what we will do.

I figured he would wake up in the middle of the night given how rotten he was feeling. He woke up at 4am on Sunday. He was hungry and I was glad to hear him say "eat" and motion the hungry sign language. So I fed him cereal and we watched one of his cartoons before going back to bed. He was up again around 6am and Andy took that shift then he was officially up at 7:30am. Matthew seemed to have his appetite back. He still wasn't feeling well and tugging on his ear but he acted better than the previous days.

We woke up to snow on the ground Sunday morning. I heard there was a chance but I really didn't think we would get snow this late in March! The wind was fierce so we didn't get out and play in it. We went to the grocery store and Matthew enjoyed riding around in the grocery cart and just getting out of the house. He took a good nap and in the afternoon he grabbed his jacket because he wanted to go somewhere. I usually take him to the senior citizen home but I didn't want to bring his sickness to the seniors. I decided to take him to the Northpark mall instead. We got another balloon at Nordstroms and he enjoyed the change of scenery. We shared a small cup of mango sorbet. He was so cute sitting at the table in the big chair. I said "Mama and Matthew" and he repeated it and it just melted my heart because I know he enjoys spending time together.

Later on Sunday, the Bowen's came over for dinner and a playdate. Arden was full of energy and Matthew seemed to perk up when she came around. He was a little better about sharing his toys this time. Well, on to a new work week- hopefully the weather will warm up to our normal temperatures so we can enjoy more outdoor activities. It was the first day of spring and I have to say that it sure didn't feel like it!

Sunny weekend

Sweeping the front porch in our Sunday clothes

Relaxing on the side of the pool in Mama's arms - his tooth was probably bothering him

Just hanging out

Climbing this green pole is his favorite new thing to do

Swinging with his sunglasses on

Cool Dude with his shades on

After much rain and cold weather we finally experienced a sunny, warm weekend. The temperature was in the 70's with a cool breeze and it reminds me of California weather. Matthew had a good week and we tried to make the most of the weekend with Matthew since we ran off and left him last weekend. We took him to the park near our house - his favorite past-time. He demands "Walk" and "stroller" or something that sounds similar so that we understand. And we usually drop what we are doing to accommodate Matthew since it's usually about time to get out of the house. His new thing lately is to sweep with the broom and help clean by wiping with a rag. He likes to help out and carry grocery bags inside for daddy or clean the counter for mama.

I took Matthew to an indoor aquatic center in Allen after his nap. This place was perfect for Matthew with a lazy river, hot tub, pool, and kids area with squirt guns. It was $5 for the both of us - what a deal! I was so excited to be able to swim with him. He was uneasy at first and he said "done" after we first went under water. So we sat on the bench for a little while and after he absorbed his surroundings, he was ready to swim again. He would jump into the pool into my arms and squeal with excitement. I remembered some of the swim lessons and told him to kick his feet and I was so impressed when he was doing it because last Summer he just didn't get it. He did pretty good for his first time back in the water and I hope to take him up to this indoor pool every weekend until the weather is warm enough to swim in our own pool. He really enjoyed it and it was great because he was exhausted at the end of it. Of course, Mama was too.

On Sunday, we went to church. The nursery was closed so Matthew sat with us during the service. He enjoyed the music and just sitting between Mama and Daddy. He was pretty good. I got out the snacks during the prayer right before he started to fuss. We went to Kel's diner and enjoyed a big breakfast afterwards - our family tradition lately. Matthew went to the nursing home again with me and the old ladies just sat around after Bingo and just watched his every move. It brings back positive memories of their children and they just adore him. He likes the attention, too. He blows kisses and says "bye bye" when he's ready to go.

Weekend with Nanna and Papa

Matthew playing with stickers

Andy is eating a smores near the camp fire

We held the tradition of enjoying a beer after a long day of skiing

Relaxing near the fire

Andy fell on the first day

Getting cozy by the fire

The skiers

Matthew spent the weekend with Nanna and Papa Snider at our house while Andy and I had a long weekend getaway to Colorado. I won the trip in a raffle in my office so our hotel and lift tickets were covered. We stayed at the Park Hyatt in Beaver Creek and we highly recommend it. We were able to enjoy flight benefits into Vail as well. It was our first trip away together. We missed Matthew but we certainly enjoyed our time together as a couple. We skied some on Saturday but once Andy fell and hurt his knee, we decided to take it easy the rest of the day. I went to the spa and enjoyed the steam room and massage. We went to a Chop House for a nice steak dinner and enjoyed hot chocolate by the fire. We skied hard on Sunday. While we were skiing, I noticed a breath-taking view but didn't take a picture. The sun was going down and the mountains in a distance were lit up from it. The view was amazing. It started snowing and everything was so picturesque. There was an ice-skating rink with music and lights in the trees (like a Christmas tree) with the snow falling. We were able to walk to the restaurants for dinner so that was nice. We were excited to come back on Monday and see little Matthew.

Matthew enjoyed the extra attention from Nanna and Papa. Nanna says "he was a perfect little angel and didn't shed a tear" They took him to the park several times with Rusty. Matthew was going up and down the slide and having so much fun. Nanna entertained Matthew with a moose puppet "Bullwinkle" by getting behind the chair and putting on a show. He thought that was funny. He comes out of his playroom with bullwinkle on his hand. He loves to play hide and seek too. When he hides from Papa he says "poo poo". Nanna says "He's just the cutest thing. He is talking up a storm."

In order to get Matthew to leave the park Papa told him they had to go home and get popcorn. When they came back to the house he was looking for popcorn. He's a smartie. Matthew and Papa are a team. He didn't want Nanna to go to the park with him Monday morning. He put up his hand and said "no, Nanna, no". I gave my parents some projects to work on in their spare time since we always have to-dos around the house. Papa worked on a couple of projects and Matthew was right there in the middle of it. Papa took him to Lowe's to get screws and when they came out, Papa was carrying Matthew and Matthew was carrying the box of screws. Matthew said "skews". He repeats everything you say.

Matthew has a little sticker book he enjoys playing with. He had stickers all over his face. They took him to the yogurt place where Matthew ate almost all of Nanna's yogurt. He loved it! They also went to Whole foods for some groceries where Papa and Matthew found the free sample of grapes. They bought a little container and Matthew ate them all. He crammed them in his mouth as fast as he could trying to keep Papa from getting one. The grapes kept Matthew regular so he was a happy camper although Nanna was having to change lots of poopy diapers.

The weather was rainy on Sunday and Monday and Matthew learned the word Umbrella. I was shocked to hear him say it the other day. He is saying new words all the time.

The funniest event of the weekend was when Papa and Nanna locked themselves out of the house on our balcony. Matthew likes to sit outside just before bedtime to see the airplanes at Love Field. We received a call from Papa and we were able to get a hold of our neighbor to let them back in the house. Matthew was bundled in a blanket and sleeping on Nanna. Thank goodness Papa had his cell phone to call us. It was funny to hear how they were going to get back in the house. Papa talked about jumping off the balcony into the pool because the back door was open or trying to open a window that was unlocked. They were worried they couldn't fit through the window and they would make headlines as "Grandparents stuck in window while stuck on Balcony". They talked about calling the fire department for a latter or just yelling for help to see if the neighbors would come out of their homes and hear them. LOL

What's your name

Daddy playing This Little Piggy went to the Market

Matthew swinging with Arden

Matthew started something new this week. I would ask "What's your name?" and he responds "Matthew" He sounds so cute when he says it. He also points at his baby pictures and says "baby Matthew". He is learning new words all the time. We have not seen too many temper tantrums in a while so we are enjoying this phase so far. He still has a couple of teeth left to go but he is a happy kid most of the time.

We enjoyed Mimi and Papa visiting from Michigan. They played with Matthew a couple of mornings and took him to daycare a little later. It was a big help for me because I usually have an hour commute a few times a week when I take Matthew to daycare. Mimi and Papa cooked dinner every night and ran errands for us. Matthew still says "Mimi" when he comes home from school.

We had beautiful weather on Sat and Sun. The sun was shining and it hit 70 degrees at one point. It was such a nice break to all the overcast, snow, and cold days we have been experiencing (unusual winter weather for Texas). I went to a bridal shower on Saturday while Andy took Matthew to the YMCA to play while he worked out. We ate dinner at Pappadeaux's and Matthew did pretty well.

On Sunday, we dropped off Matthew in the nursery while we went to mass. The lady in the nursery had 15 kids and she was the only one there. I asked if she needed help and she took me up on it. The parents just kept dropping off more kids so I swear there were 20 kids in there with just us two. I was overwhelmed on how to play with all these kids of ages 6 months to 5 years old. I started reading a book and some kids gathered around. Matthew was clinging to me. One kid smelled like poop so I picked him up to change his diaper and Matthew threw a big fit. So I had to pick up Matthew and carry him around most of the time and just tell the other lady that she needed to change him. One girl had to go to the potty and I had Matthew on my arm while trying to pick her up and put her on the toilet. I wasn't quite sure what I was doing since Matthew isn't at that stage yet but I just let her lead. Needless to say, I was exhausted after only 1 hour in that nursery. I was just laying around the rest of the day!