Terrible Two's are here: Matthew can get out of his crib

This week was one of the more challenging weeks with Matthew.  On Monday, I took Matthew to the doctor first thing in the morning.  He had 3 or 4 loose bowel movements a day that seemed to be getting worse.  He also had a runny nose that just wouldn't stop and he seemed more fussy than usual.  The doctor told me that he just had a virus and there was really nothing they could give him.  It was the peace of mind that made me feel better (this swine flue threat is weighing on my mind these days).  Andy and I also felt queasy with a painful pressure before bm's so this must be what Matthew was feeling.

He came home from daycare on Monday and he seemed fine up until the point that I diluted his juice with water.  He cried and threw a fit.  I put him in the high chair to feed him (typical routine) and he was kicking his legs in protest.  I forced the tray on top of him and he cried even more.  Andy even tried to console him by taking him outside and that didn't work.  He put him back in the high chair and we tried to ignore him through dinner (that's what the dr said to do).  

It seemed like 20 minutes and Matthew did not calm down.  I took him upstairs and put his pjs on and then took him on the balcony upstairs to finally get him to stop crying.  Our neighbors had a fire pit and Matthew got excited and started pointing to it.  He started giggling and smiling.  I felt bad he didn't eat anything for dinner, so I took him back downstairs and he ate everything just like there was nothing wrong with the high chair or food and he was saying "mama" in between bites.  After I put him to bed, I read the daycare update and I was surprised to hear that he only took an hour nap.  He usually takes a 1.5 to 2 hour nap from 12:30 - 2:30pm.  It sounds like he was probably over tired.

  

Throughout the week, Matthew was getting up at 6:15am (normally it's an hour later but I think he is still messed up from the time change) so he is getting an hour less sleep per night than normal.  He would have a bm before we even came running into his room to get him out of the crib in the mornings.  He woke up several times in the middle of the night but fell back asleep without us going into the room.  In the evenings, we put him in the high chair and he is throwing his fork in the floor and throwing food down.  We scold him and he stops for a while but we eventually have to remove the food from him.  Matthew is also teething with his back molars so that is adding to his fussy mood.  

As the week went on, he seemed to do better in his high chair.  We were almost thinking there was something wrong with our high chair.  In daycare, they have a table and chairs so maybe he likes that better.  On Friday, we tried to go to our usual spot for dinner (Fernandos) and once we got there, we decided that he was too fussy to eat out.  He was getting sleepy.  So we ordered the food to go and Matthew enjoyed his dinner in front of his favorite show (the Backyardagan's) in the comfort of his own home.  Andy and I have decided that we will not take him out to a restaurant until we feel that he can go without crying.  It's too embarrassing.  We try to ignore it but people start looking at us thinking "why aren't you guys doing anything?"  but if we ignore it then he will usually calm down.  One of us is usually carrying him around to wait for the food and then we have to eat it really quickly so it's no fun for us.  

On Saturday, we took Matthew to get a haircut (second time).  He did okay in the chair.  I had to hold him.  The weather was nice in the 70's so we took a long walk.  I hosted a baby shower so Andy took Matthew to the Dallas Aquarium.  Matthew enjoyed getting out but I think Andy was exhausted because he was trying to keep up with Matthew in a kid-crowded area.  We put Matthew to bed and I almost fell asleep while reading to Matthew.  I ended up in bed around 7:30pm!  

On Sunday, Matthew was up around 6:30am.  We discussed going out for breakfast but then we realized that he was fussy the last time we went to Angelas for breakfast and he also seemed fussy today.  Hopefully, we can go out to eat one of these days!  When we came home after church, Matthew was crying the entire trip home (because he was tired).  

He almost feel asleep when we were heading to church but we woke him up to go play in the nursery.  So, we put him in his crib after church.  He cried for a minute or so and the next thing I know, I hear a thump and then I hear him trying to turn the doornob.  He managed to get out of his crib!  He was smiling and in the best mood so we took him downstairs to play a while.  We were playing outside and then Matthew wanted to play with the water in the pool and his bucket.  I told him no but he didn't listen so then I take him inside and he cries.  I thought we could get some dried beans and put them in containers and that would be equally satisfying for him without getting wet.  He liked it but then he started throwing the beans everywhere testing my "no".   At this point, he was ready for a nap so we put him into his crib and he slept a couple of hours.  After the nap, he was in a good mood but he was into everything!

He still threw food on the floor during dinner time and received a stern warning.  Andy and I can definitely tell a difference in Matthew and his actions.  We are exhausted!  He has his cute moments and he is talking more each day.  I heard him say "F" when reading the alphabet book so he is picking it up.  I am so thankful that Andy is able to help me out.  I don't know how I could make it without a supportive husband.  

19 months old

Matthew is learning more each day. We can tell because he will surprise us by talking. Every night when Matthew is on the changing table, I ask him questions like "where are your eyes" and Matthew will point to his eyes. He knows head, hair, ears, nose, mouth, teeth, tongue, and toes (we are working on elbow, shoulders, and knees) This week he said mouth. It is fun to hear him say new words so then you know how much he retained. He also says phrases like "Where's Mama" or "What's this" and he says many things that we can not understand.

He has a book of baby signs and it is cute to watch him do the signs as he turns the page. I will have to get him on video. One page shows a baby and he will say "dedee" and then bend his arms next to his side and rock back and forth like a swaddling motion - so cute!

This weekend was relatively low key. During our Friday night dinner at Macaroni Grill, Matthew was fussy. I had to leave the table with him for a while until the food came. He seemed really tired. He refused to wear a big so he ended up having spaghetti all over his mouth and clothes. He loves spaghetti. On Saturday morning, he went to his first play date with James. We ate breakfast with my friend, Kimberly, and then Matthew played with James for a while. James was just learning to walk and he seemed more motivated to walk after he saw Matthew doing it.

There were times that Matthew would crawl into the stroller as a sign that he was ready for a walk. We took him to the park to play a couple of times. Matthew seemed to be more fussy this weekend because of some stomach issues. He cried more this weekend than most weekends because his teeth or stomach- something wasn't quite right. When I took him to the daycare on Monday, they asked "Does he ever cry? We never hear him cry?" I just chuckled. Andy and I think that's hilarious!

Happy Halloween

My little Teddy Bear

Pizza, yum!

Matthew's thinking "When can I get in the bounce house?"

Matthew loves the slide

Trick or Treat with neighbor, Eric

The trick-or-treat gang

Matthew and best bud, Rusty

Matthew enjoying the toys at the neighborhood party

Matthew played in the water on Sunday

Matthew and Dada

Weeee!

Matthew enjoyed swinging!

Matthew had a busy week with all the Halloween festivities.  Matthew went to Mama's work on Thursday and then to Dada's work on Friday.  Matthew came to American Airlines headquarters and he was in awe at all the planes in the building.  He would point and say "Ewww!"  with excitement.  Most of the festivities were over by the time I picked him up and took him into the office but Matthew enjoyed walking around the cubicles and meeting a couple of coworkers.  He took home lots of candy (although mama will only let him have the twizzlers).  

On Friday, Andy went to the daycare for the halloween parade.  Matthew was happy to see Dada.  Then they went to Andy's office where Matthew decorated a bag with other kids and ran around the office shutting doors.  We all met at our favorite mexican spot, Fernando's, for dinner and had one of those "pack up part of my dinner because Matthew is too tired to stay any longer"  Matthew was just exhausted.  

The weather was beautiful on Saturday after a rainy, cold week.  Matthew took an hour nap in the afternoon and at 5pm we went to the Briarwood Halloween party.  Matthew played with the toys and went down the slides.  We went trick-or-treating to a few neighbor's houses and then we went over to Taylor & Kristy's.  

It was nice to get an extra hour on Sunday but Matthew's still on the old schedule.  We ate breakfast at Angelas and Matthew ate quite a bit.  We went to church and Matthew played in the nursery.  He took a nap shortly after and then he watched the Cowboys game with Dada.   At one point he got into the stroller so we decided to take him to the park.  He has some teething pain this week due to his molars.  He has been done with teething for a while but all of a sudden, he is in a lot of pain, particularly at night.  We have been giving him Motrin to ease the pain but thankfully, he still sleeps through the night with no interruptions.

Autumn at the Arboretum

"Hi Mama"

My little super hero

Nanna is bribing Matthew with snacks to sit on the pumpkin

Matthew gave a big smile in his 2nd costume - Dallas Cowboys football players

Mama and Matthew at the pumpkin patch

Afternoon nap in the stroller

Nanna, Mama, and Nana in front of White Rock Lake

During daycare this week, Matthew was caught kissing Madeliene.  Matthew likes to blow kisses, too.   He was doing that to all the workers.  He came home a couple of days this week just exhausted.  I think he only took an hour nap one day and he wanted to skip dinner and just head straight to bed.  It was rainy and cool this week so that always makes him more sleepy than normal.

The weekend was gorgeous at 77 degrees and sunny.  Nana, Papa, and Nanna came into town this weekend to babysit Matthew while Andy and I went to a wedding in Ft Worth.  The girls went to the arboretum with Matthew while the guys played golf.  It was the perfect weekend. It  was so relaxing to be surrounded by beautiful flowers while listening to the live music and enjoying the sunshine.  

Matthew and the gang headed to Maggiano's for dinner while Andy and I went to the wedding.  Matthew was blowing kisses to the people sitting at the next table and just hamming it up.  He was smiling and waving.  He also had a good appetite and impressed everyone by eating lots of spaghetti - one of his favorite meals.

On Sunday, we took everyone back to the airport.  Matthew watched the planes takeoff and land as we sat in the terminal to see Nana off.  He also had a yogurt smoothie - his favorite.  He was a little sad to see Nana go.  

While 99% of the time Matthew is a good kid,  there are a few challenging times.  Lately, Matthew started throwing and flinging his food on the floor.  We thought we were past that stage but apparently it is coming back. 

Boys weekend

Matthew's first beer (just kidding- he was only drinking the water on top)

Dada and Matthew with Peruna

Matthew at the pumpkin patch

Matthew, Dada, and Rusty had an unexpected boys weekend.  Mama went on a girls weekend trip and Matthew was supposed to go to Michigan to see Grammy and Grandpa Durkin and Grandma and Papa Bruce.  But Andy ran into some traffic and other unexpected delays and missed the flight (by a matter of seconds) so they decided to stay in town after all.  Andy took Matthew to our favorite Friday night restaurant, Fernandos, and on to a pumpkin patch to pick out some pumpkins.  

On Saturday, Andy went to Lowes and Matthew enjoyed pointing to the christmas decorations and riding in the grocery cart.  Then on to the YMCA for Matthew to play with the kids while Andy worked out.   They went to the SMU tailgate and Matthew loved playing with Arden (Taylor & Kristy's 23-month daughter).  

On Sunday, Matthew was getting a little stir crazy after breakfast so Andy took him to the park with Rusty so he could play on the slide (Matthew's favorite).  Overall, Matthew was a good boy for daddy.  He took naps without any problems.  There was one big tantrum and Andy tried to put Matthew in time-out until he calmed down.  It took a while to get him to calm down and Andy suspected that Matthew was sleepy and sure enough, he took an early nap.  There were times that Matthew would call out "Mama" but then Daddy would direct his attention to something else.  When I came home from the trip, Matthew ran over to me with a big smile and gave me a hug.  He had some good male bonding experience but he was ready for mama to be home.

Parent Teacher Conference at Bent Tree CDC

Watching the SMU band with Dada

Judson and Matthew at the SMU tailgate

On Tues, Oct 6th Andy and I went to Matthew's parent teacher conference at his new daycare, Bent Tree Child Development Center. Ms. Kelly told us so many interesting things about Matthew. Apparently, he is a leader in the class. Ms. Kelly told us that he listens to instruction very well and he even tells other kids "no" when they do things they shouldn't (walking up the slide, etc). There was a new girl in the classroom and Matthew would hold her hand when the teacher asked him to go get Claire and bring her inside.

Ms. Kelly was almost in tears expressing her joy for Matthew. Let me just start by saying that Andy & I had this conversation with Ms. Kelly while all the kids were sleeping in the classroom with the lights dimmed and soft music playing in the background. Matthew was sleeping on a cot in his sleeping bag holding on to a stuffed animal - it was so cute. I think Andy & I almost teared up a couple of times, too.

Ms. Kelly told us we were lucky to have such a good little boy. She says that she usually only has to tell him "no" once by saying "Matthew" and he will look at her and then proceed with something else. He is able to use a spoon when he eats and he can drink from a regular cup (no sippy cup needed). He can walk backwards and do all the milestones for an 18-month old. Multiple teachers have told us that he is a smart kid. Ms. Kelly mentions the alphabet and Matthew runs over to the alphabet poster and points to the letters. Some of the other kids don't pay attention but when they see Matthew doing it, they start getting engaged. Ms. Kelly says that Matthew makes her job easy.

Matthew loves to dance. Usually Ms. Kelly is the only one dancing while the kids just stare. But Matthew starts dancing and so the other kids follow. We found out that he loves the hookey pookey song. Ms. Kelly says that most kids at that age pick up books and speed through them but Matthew slowly turns each page while paying attention to the details.

The thing that I thought was hilarious is that Matthew plays very different from most boys his age. He is very maticulous and orderly. For example, most little boys enjoy knocking down stacked blocks. But Matthew likes to stack them one by one and if he knocks them down, he picks them right back up and stacks them again. Ms. Kelly was amazed at his neat and orderly personality. She told the other teachers that our house must be immaculate with Matthew's cleanliness. Matthew gets this orderly trait from Andy but he gets the calculated/dantiness from me. When Andy was a kid, he had his shoes in order and everything was picked up in his room to the point that people were amazed. When I was his age, I played with glass jars and I would try to put different lids on each jar as opposed to knocking them down.

We are not sure what Matthew will be when he grows up but it sounds like he may follow in mama and dada's footsteps in that he will be detail-oriented. Grammy thinks that Matthew will grow up to be an engineer given his maticulous play. I bet he will be better at baseball or golf rather than the contact sports - at least that is my preference.

We were surprised to hear that Matthew never has any tantrums in the classroom. Just last week, we were trying to get him to eat broccoli and he threw the biggest tantrum yet. It took a while for him to calm down. After a couple of days of giving him broccoli for dinner first before the other food, he has finally warmed up to it.

On Friday, Nana and Papa came into town around 7pm on their way to Scottsdale. Matthew enjoyed seeing them for a quick visit. They caught a flight out early Saturday so when he woke up, he was saying "Nana", "Papa" but they were gone. On Sunday, they came back through Dallas on their way home and Matthew saw them briefly Monday morning.

On Saturday, Matthew went to the senior citizen home for a party. He was a little sleepy so he didn't run around and dance like he usually does but he was blowing kisses to all the residents and giving high-fives. They were surprised to see how big he has grown. The party was a state fair theme and Matthew liked the queso (I made it with sausage) and he tasted cotton candy for the first time - he loved it! Then we went to the SMU tailgate and game and Matthew had a grand time. He saw the band and played with Arden and Judson. We left the game around half time at 8:20pm to get him to bed before the meltdown occurred. (His normal bedtime is 8pm)

On Tues, Oct 13th Matthew had his 3-month checkup at the doctor.  

His stats are:

height 31 inches - 20%

weight 23.6 lbs - 15%

head circum. 19.3 cm - 85%

He is progressing well with no illnesses lately. He had a cold with a runny nose and cough that has lingered for the past 4 days. But other than that, he has been healthy. He has more teeth than most kids his age and the doctor predicts that he will be around 6 ft tall. The doctor gave us some good advice for the tantrums and veggies. He told us to not give in and just ignore him during the tantrum. Then he said to talk to him afterwards and explain that he has to eat his veggies. The dr said that Matthew will come around. We will give that a try next time.

This upcoming weekend Matthew will be going to Michigan to visit Grammy and Grandpa Durkin and Grandma and Papa Bruce. He will be going solo with Andy this trip. I am going on a trip with my sister, Lori. More updates to follow.

Albuquerque

Dinner at La Placita in Old Town

Waiting for the balloon glow show

"Hi Dada"

"hoarsey"

Photo Op in front of the only balloon left

Matthew loved to walk in the grass

Matthew went to Albuquerque for the first time for the balloon fiesta.  The weather was rainy and cool in Dallas so we were glad to get into the dry climate with some sunshine.  We flew out on Saturday morning and Matthew sat in his own chair on the plane.  He watched the backyardagans on the DVD player and everyone thought he was such a big boy.  

We went to Old Town for lunch at La Placita and Matthew enjoyed scrambled eggs and french fries.  He loved the ketchup so much that he was dipping his spoon in it.  He also liked the sopapillas with honey.  Matthew listened to the mariachi band in the Old Town square and danced to Labamba.  

On Sat night, we planned to watch the hot air balloons glow show and the fireworks display.  But the balloons didn't launch due to the wind conditions and it was past Matthew's bedtime so we decided to head back to the hotel without seeing anything.  

On Sunday, we slept in and enjoyed a nice breakfast at the Embassy Suites.  The balloon ascent was late due to the weather so we decided to drive out to see the balloons in the sky.  We walked around a little with Matthew and enjoyed the fact that the crowd had dispersed and the weather warmed up.  People get up at 4am to see the balloons and it is so cold and windy at that hour.  We did it in 2007 so we were content with missing the action this time.  

Matthew is speaking new words all the time.  He likes to point and say "truck", "boat", "apple", "all done", "Hi", "Rusty", and "book"  He likes to take bubble baths and read stories at night.  His favorite book is Baby Bear, Baby Bear What do you see?