Pool Time

Matthew was in a good mood this weekend. We ate at Fernandos Friday evening and Matthew did really well at the restaurant. As the week progressed, he was waking up in a better mood with more energy. He was singing songs all weekend. He likes to sing "Ba Ba black sheep", "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star", "There were 5 in the bed - roll over, roll over".

Andy took Matthew to the YMCA indoor pool on Saturday while I was able to go shopping. Matthew squealed when he would jump into the pool to Andy. He was loving it. They enjoyed some male bonding time and then went to McDonalds for a happy meal. After I came home, I took Matthew for a walk in the stroller and then we ate frozen yogurt. Matthew was having a fine day. Ana Paula came over to babysit Sat night while we went out to dinner. Matthew cried for 10 minutes and protested "Mama no" but after that, he was giggling with AP and having a fun time.

On Sunday, we went to church and then on to Lucky's diner for breakfast. Matthew did pretty good waiting for the table and food to arrive. He took a good nap and then he was ready to play. We took a walk in the stroller and it was so hot that we decided to go for a swim in our pool. The water is still very cold. Matthew enjoys playing on the first step and getting in and out of the pool. He didn't swim all that much. We ate popsicles and Matthew enjoyed playing in the backyard.

At one point, Rusty was sitting upright and Matthew noticed Rusty's privates. He looked at it and then said "what's that?". I said "That's Rusty's wee-wee. That's how he goes pee-pee" Matthew was repeating it "wee-wee, pee-pee". I said "just like you have a wee-wee". I was cracking up.

Trip to Arkansas

Janet and Nanna
Riding the razorback
Yum! Matthew likes the cake
Jamie, Austin, and the Snider family
Congratulations JP!
Matthew with great grandpa Guido
Matthew was enjoying touching the razorback
Matthew and Papa riding the razorback
He was scared of the pig
Playing at the airport while waiting for the luggage

We had a good trip to Arkansas to visit my mom's side of the family. We left on Friday and arrived just in time for dinner. The flight was only 1 hour and Matthew did well. We made sure to go after his nap schedule. We visited with Uncle Joe, Lauren, Janet, Papa, Nanna, and Mike on Friday night at dinner. Then we headed to our hotel with the indoor pool. Matthew got into the pool with Papa and Nanna and even stayed in their bedroom at night! He didn't sleep too well and the next day he started developing a fever.

We went to JP's graduation at U of Arkansas and Matthew did so well for the entire 2.5 hours! Papa was giving him popcorn and getting up with him to change the scenary. He even fell asleep for 30 minutes on me. We all took naps at the hotel and then we headed to the party at Joe and Janet's clubhouse. Matthew visited with great grandpa Guido. Matthew developed a slight fever while we were there and so he wasn't his usually smiley self. But he enjoyed the food and cake!

We went back to the hotel in the evening and Matthew swam in the pool. Andy bought McDonalds and Matthew loved eating the fries. He didn't sleep well at night and his temperature was getting hotter. We gave him some motrin and that helped bring his temperature down. On Sunday, we decided to get back home early because Matthew was sick. He cried for 10 minutes on the flight (which seemed like forever) and then he stopped. We tried to keep him busy but he did not want to be on the plane. We made it back home and relaxed the rest of the evening.

He was on antibiotics and I kept him home from school on Monday and Tuesday. Matthew and I went to the mall and ate pizza, I took him on wagon rides, and we even got into the pool. He started feeling better Tuesday evening with more energy.

Mr Personality

Matthew on a motorcycle just outside the nursing home last Sunday

Matthew noticed the motorcycle and this man offered for Matthew to sit on it. Matthew had a huge smile!

Matthew's personality is coming out as he is able to talk more. He definitely takes after his daddy with his friendliness and impatience. Matthew is observant and a little shy around strangers. The teachers at school tell us that he is so serious. They find it hilarious that he likes to tell the other kids what to do. One day Andy saw him tell a kid to not go down the slide head first. While we were playing the park over the weekend, he told some older kids "be careful." Matthew enjoyed playing outside most of the weekend. He pushes his mower around the yard.

He was riding his tricycle and skuffed his knee on the cement (since he was wearing shorts) so he has a bobo now. He had to tell the sticks in the driveway "not nice" and pointed his finger at them.

On Friday, we ate dinner at our usual - Fernandos. Matthew was amusing us by putting his crayons into his milk cup where the straw usually goes. We ordered sopapillas and Matthew loved them, especially the honey.

When we were done eating, I was walking with him in the parking lot and he didn't want to hold my hand. Since there are cars around, I told him that was unacceptable so I picked him up. He screamed because he wanted to walk on his own. I put him in the car seat and he screamed all the more - trying to arch his back so I couldn't buckle him in. The entire 5 minute drive home he was screaming at the top of his lungs. You would have thought he was in pain or something. After a minute, I couldn't take it and I found myself trying to yell louder than him to get him to stop crying. I had the windows rolled down and anyone that could hear us would probably think I was a crazy woman. Andy had a similar experience the other day. Of course, then you feel guilty for yelling at them the second after you do it. It sounds ridiculous but there are some times that the screaming just gets under your skin.

As soon as we pulled into the driveway, Matthew was a in a good mood and he was playing like nothing happened. He is definitely in a phase where he is exercising his freedom. Andy and I are constantly having to correct him or set him straight. It's exhausting! One day Matthew took off his shoe in the backseat and threw it at Andy. Andy reached back and gently slapped his leg and said "No" after repeatedly telling him to quit throwing his shoes. When I change his diaper, he likes to kick me and after trying to logically convince him to quit, I finally had to slap his legs and tell him to stop.

His new words are "stop it." This is something that he hears at school. Anytime I try to wipe his nose or wash his hair in the bath, he yells "stop it, mama." I'm like, I'm mama and I can do these things! Don't tell me to stop it.

Matthew was walking up the step on our front porch and scuffed his foot. He spent 10 minutes to tell the step "that's not nice" as he pointed his finger at it. He even mentioned a time-out for the step.

I took him to the YMCA indoor pool on Saturday and Matthew enjoyed it. He is getting better with kicking but he doesn't kick and move his hands at the same time. I was proud that he floated on his back (as I was holding him). We ate lunch where Matthew enjoyed sweet potatoe fries and ketchup. Andy was busy buying sod and trying to repair our dead grass in the front yard. Then Matthew and I went to Barnes and Noble where Matthew played with the toys and books. They had a kid section and he loved it. We made a stop at the frozen yogurt place and Matthew ate nearly all of it! He was having fun with Mama.

Andy and Matthew went for a bike ride on Sunday. Andy thought that Matthew was falling asleep at one point because his head was hitting Andy's back every now and then. Matthew loves the bike rides. And then they jumped into our pool. But the water was too cold so Matthew said "all done" after a minute in the water. We went over to Taylor & Kristy's house for dinner and Matthew enjoyed playing with Arden. He gave her a hug goodbye and she got close but then pushed him away. Matthew repeated "Arden, no push" for the next 5 minutes on our walk home. He was really hurt by this!

After having a runny nose and a little cough for over a week now, I took him to the doctor this morning to check out his ears. We are traveling to Arkansas for my cousin's graduation and visit Papa Guido (over 90 yrs old) so I thought I would get him checked out before the plane ride. Matthew's ears were fine for now and the doctor gave him a decongestant to dry up the sinuses. The allergies are really bad in Dallas this time of year because of the pollen. Matthew was in good spirits at the doctor's office. Matthew had a couple of splinters on the bottom of his foot and the doctor got them out. I wasn't brave enough to try myself. Matthew did really well and didn't flinch too much from the needle poking at his skin. The doctor gave him 2 bandaids (more for show) so Matthew was happy to have a "sticker". Matthew weighed 27 pounds.

Playing outside

enjoying a popsicle - Matthew says "hot, bicycle" when he wants a popsicle

Matthew had a good week at school. He is talking in more phrases. We are impressed all the time with his progress. Over the weekend, we enjoyed the nice weather and played outside most of the time. It has been rainy and cool here so it was a treat to have a weekend with sunshine at 75 degrees. Matthew played with his toys outside. One day during the week, he rode his bicycle on our neighbor's driveway. He can't peddle just yet so mama had to push him the entire time. He gets frustrated when he can't move on the tricycle, especially on the grass.

Matthew was helping daddy with some gardening last weekend and then at school they planted some things for earth day. Matthew was a pro. His teachers were impressed and said he was a big help. He likes to play with legos at school and put things together. As far as indoor activities at home, we have some construction paper and glue sticks and he enjoys making pretty pictures. And he has a sticker book of Elmo that he enjoys putting the stickers on pages and on his face and hands. Of course, he loves to play with playdoh and make snakes with his fun factory by squeezing the playdoh through templates.

Despite the nice weather, Matthew developed a runny nose and cough. It never ends! So far it doesn't seem bad enough to take him to the doctor. Everyone's allergies are flared right now so that could be it. Matthew says "shoes, outside" when he wants to go outside. He really wants to get into the pool but it is too cold right now. He is in a good mood most times now that his teeth are all cut through the gums. He is a character.

When Matthew wants a basketball, he says "soccer ball". He's a little confused on a couple of words.

Block Party Weekend

"Cheese"

Who knew water could be so much fun? Matthew would scoop it out into his bucket and watch his boats float.

Our neighbors - Matthew says "baby" when he sees Nicholas

Taylor's front porch - he was the cook

Just hanging out

Howard and Gay

Arden and Matthew riding in the wagon

Mowing the lawn with Daddy

Matthew's tooth finally cut through the gums so it is not causing him to wake up through the night - Yeah! Matthew does not like his bath routine and cries the entire time. One time our hot water heater unit shut off and I ended up giving him a cold bath and I wonder if that has anything to do with it because he has hated his baths ever since that point.

Andy traveled for work this week so it was a little challenging trying to get ready in the mornings and drop off Matthew to school. Matthew is pretty good about keeping busy in the bathroom while I shower and get ready. He will try on my shoes and he plays with a duster and tries to clean the walls. I will give him the wipe for the shower and he likes to wipe the shower door. He stays busy. I will put him up on the counter and we will brush our teeth together. He likes that although he will keep asking for more tooth paste.

Besides the 18-month phase, we really don't see the terrible two's. Matthew likes to be busy so we have to make sure he has plenty of arts and crafts time. He enjoys playing with playdoh, especially the fun factory where he can make spaghetti or snakes by squeezing playdoh through the templates. He also enjoys riding his bicycle and playing with balls. He really likes to play outside so we are happy the weather is getting nicer to do just that. Although, it was a rainy weekend. He was able to play outside Saturday but he was stuck inside most of Sunday except the break to church and trip to Lowes with Daddy.

We had a fun block party on Saturday. The rain threatened us all day with 70% chance but luckily it held out for us to party for a couple of hours. There are several kids within Matthew's age group on the street with a wonderful mix of neighbors so we enjoy living in this neighborhood. Matthew enjoyed a juice box, chips, hot dog, and cupcake. He had a great time since we normally don't let him eat such foods. He was a little shy around the group of kids. Our babysitter, Ana Paula, was there so we wonder if he was scared Mama was going to leave. Andy was a little surprised at how Matthew was clinging to Mama while all the other kids were playing with the balls. Once we came home, he was jumping around and acting completely different than in the group environment.

One last tooth

Matthew has one last molar coming in on the top right side of his mouth. He is early to have nearly all his teeth by 2 years old. This past week he was up nearly every night in pain. He would wake up around 1:30am and cry until we consoled him back to sleep. Andy and I took turns getting up in the night. We would give him some tylenol and then take him onto the balcony and sing to him until he was relaxed enough to go back to bed. A few times we tried to skip steps and he would not go back to sleep until we did all of the steps above.

He may have experienced a stomach ache one night because I made some hashbrowns and put too much olive oil so Andy and I were both feeling ill afterwards. He is pretty good about telling us what he wants but sometimes he just cries and you have to play the guessing game. He will say "change diaper" when he has pooped so that is nice for us to know. We haven't made much progress with the potty lately but we are not in a rush so that's fine with us.

Ana Paula watched Matthew Friday night while we went out to dinner for Andy's work function. Matthew put up a big fit when we left but a couple of minutes later he was showing Ana Paula all of his toys. She was impressed with him talking so much and he is developing such a little personality. She has been a wonderful asset for us just living right across the street and available whenever we need her.

On Saturday, we went out for breakfast at Angelas and then played around the house with playdoh, colors, and his new tricycle. After the after noon nap, I took him on a bike ride in the neighborhood and Matthew loved it. The weather was in the mid-70s and the sunshine felt great. Then I took him to the indoor pool at the YMCA where Matthew had so much fun splashing in the water. He kicks his feet with so much energy when he gets in the water. Now if I can only get him to move his arms at the same time.

Sunday was another beautiful day. At 7am, we watched the Cowboys stadium implosion while eating breakfast. Matthew had his cowboys pajamas on coincidentally. We could feel the rumbling at our house. We went to church and Matthew played in the nursery and then we went to Kels for breakfast afterwards. Matthew sits in the booster seat next to me in the booth and he likes to be sitting at the same table as opposed to sitting in a high chair. Besides the sleepless nights lately, he has become much easier to handle. He knows the routine and he doesn't cry too often. We make sure he takes his naps within his normal routine and that always keeps him in a good mood.

As we approach another work week, we hope that Matthew will be able to sleep through the night this week. He did fine over the weekend so hopefully the worst is behind us.

Easter weekend

Having fun

Just hanging out on a park bench

How Sweet!

Playing in the covered wagon

tip-toeing in the tulips

Mama, Lori, and Nana

Nanna and Mama posed for a picture while Matthew played with the rocks

Enjoying lunch at the cafe - Matthew wanted his own chair

This is my favorite picture

Riding the deer statue

Mama was using the umbrella to shield the sun

The arboretum gang

Matthew kissing Aunt Lori

Happy Birthday Papa and Matthew!

Giggling with Mama

Papa is playing peek-a-boo

Easter egg hunting in the backyard

Papa is helping Matthew open the eggs for the fruit chews

Papa said "Look up, Matthew" to find this egg

Matthew's new "bicycle" (as he calls it)

Having fun in the chair

It was an action-packed weekend with my side of the family. Matthew's great grandma Nana flew in from Arkansas to see everyone. She has been suffering with stomach ulcers so this was her first trip in a while. At 83 years old, she was going strong. Lori and Bryan flew in from Arizona on Thursday night as well. Nanna (my mom), Papa, and Mike arrived around 4pm on Friday. It was a full house! Matthew loved all the attention.

I was off from work on Good Friday so I kept Matthew home from school to spend time with him and the family. Matthew has an early schedule so he woke up much earlier than our guests most of the weekend. He woke up at 6:30am so we played, went to the grocery store, met the air conditioning repair man, and cooked lunch before any guests woke up. Matthew was shocked to see Nana walking in the house and he warmed up to her right away. He knew her name from pictures but I don't think he remembered her because it had been so long since her last visit. And Matthew was excited to see Lori and play with her. He almost hid behind me when she came down the stairs. He wasn't expecting everyone to be in the house.

Andy came home from work early so he played with Matthew some while Nana and I went to run a few errands. Nanna, Papa, and Mike showed up and realized Matthew was at the park near our house with daddy and Rusty. Matthew saw Papa from a distance and got excited. We all went out to dinner at Celebration Cafe later that evening and Matthew was patient through dinner because of all the family to entertain him.

The girls went to the Arboretum on Saturday while the guys played golf. Matthew joined the girls and had a great time. He saw a petting zoo and walked around quite a bit. He is happy as long as he is with Mama. The weather was perfect in the mid-70's. We enjoyed lunch at the cafe with live music and views of the lake. It was very relaxing. Matthew was starting to get fussy at nap time but Lori bought him some popcorn and that kept him in the stroller a little while longer.

Andy smoked pork meat for 10 hours and we ate it for dinner on Saturday night. We celebrated Papa and Matthew's birthdays with a cupcake cake in the shape of a basketball. We lit 2 candles and sang Happy Birthday. Matthew was in heaven eating the cupcake. The next morning he saw the leftovers and said "soccer ball, fire, candle, birthday" because he wanted to do it all over again. We thought that was so funny! He was serious. We celebrated it the weekend prior so I guess he thought this was going to be a weekly routine.

We stayed up watching basketball and Nana walked through her cookbook and told us the history behind a lot of her recipes. I was so glad to have the video camera rolling for that!

Matthew woke up at 5:30am on Sunday so we decided to go to the early church service at 7:30am. We ate a big brunch at the house with egg casserole, honey baked ham, and Mary K's homemade cinnamon rolls. The cinnamon rolls were frozen from her recent visit and they were delicious! Matthew hunted easter eggs with Papa and Nanna. They put Matthew's favorite - fruit chews- inside the eggs so he was loving that game!

Everyone left around 3pm on Sunday to travel back home. It was a fun weekend with a big family and Matthew enjoyed every minute of it. Easter is such a wonderful time of year with the nice weather and colorful flowers. And most of all we celebrate Christ's resurection from the cross. He has risen!