Merry Christmas Everybody

Matthew wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and so do we! Thank you for the gifts. We miss you all. This card in this video will seem familiar! :-)

Petting Zoo

We went to a petting zoo yesterday and Matthew had a blast. We fed sheep and goats and saw a donkey, a horse, an emu, chickens, pigs, and others. There was an area to get in with some animals, too. We also went on a hayride at 11 a.m., thankfully before the high of 91 (humidity, too!) We had a picnic lunch, then the kids played on several restored items from Maryland's enchanted forest.

Here are some pictures in this month's gallery. (Unfortunately, I really don't know how to point you ONLY to the pictures of the petting zoo.)

Here he is with Lindsay, a kind six-year old he wishes were still in the church nursery and not children's church.

Matthew's First Pet

Meet GILL--Matthew's own fish. He won him last Saturday at a local street festival. Like I did years ago at the fair, he threw ping pong balls into tiny glass bowls with the fish inside. They had a small container of balls for $4 or a bucket for $7, with a guaranteed win. I thought he should earn it if he DID win, and if he DIDN'T win, I didn't want to pay $7 for a 10-cent fish!

So I paid $4 for Matthew's chance and about halfway through, he won a fish and was tickled as can be. I was thankful he only won one! Some kid across the way won 4 fish--eek!

We went to Wal-mart and Daddy bought a bowl, some rocks and a small filter. Here's a picture of Matthew reading the "Sheep book" to Gill. He was thrilled with everything and we feed him and talk to him each morning and night. The first night, I explained to Matthew that he shouldn't ever try to take Gill off his dresser. He has been doing really well with Gill. Each morning and night he stands on his stool and feeds him.

Click on the picture for a larger view.

Easter

Okay, so it's really late. Very very late. The reason why may be its own post. But, finally, here's a picture of Matthew on Easter Sunday with his two peeping chicks. He received one chick from the Easter Bunny, then one at Sunday School.

This year we colored eggs. Matthew really enjoyed it, but he didn't eat the eggs and neither did Dad. I ate one, but because it was so hard to peel, I only ate one. He enjoyed hunting them, tho. He hunted his eggs, then found his basket and a fire truck flashlight as well.

We went to Grandmas house after church, then came home. Here's Matthew right after coming home, holding his two chicks. Short video, but Matthew's being a ham. (What else is new, huh?!)

Christmas 2007

We don't have any pictures, but we have a few videos of Christmas. Even though he was excited, Matthew didn't really understand the Christmas routine that much. I mean, we went to church on Christmas Eve then came home and laid out cookies and milk for Santa. Matthew didn't want to share his milk, but did so grudgingly, saying, "I don't want Santa to drink my milk." When he woke up, he wasn't anxious to get downstairs (as you will see), but when we told him that there might be some surprises, he decided he wanted to get up.

Santa brought a Binocuscope, a toy dog, the Cars movie, a box of Bisquick (pancakes), and a Leap Frog First Computer. He also brought a stocking with a lot of candy, a flashlight, and a tiny Lightning McQueen car.

Check out four videos below.

* Santa Visit (Listen closely to hear him ask for pancakes and a telescope.)

* After the Santa Visit (Fun with other boys.)

* Opening His Christmas Stocking

* First Christmas Video is below:

Waiting for Christmas

Well, I know that many of you received a picture of Matthew on Santa's lap. Unfortunately, I'm having problems retrieving the video from my camera card. It's cute, tho. Matthew asks, one more time, for pancakes and a telescope. Last year, he would have nothing to do with the mall's in-person Santa, although he enjoyed his stuffed Santa at home. This year, he was a little shy & holding onto my leg, but was definitely wanting to see him.

So, today is Christmas eve and Matthew has been prepped as to what will happen. We'll set out cookies and Santa will come tonight and may bring toys if he's good. I can tell you that I've reminded of this yet today and he straightened right up. He wants Santa to come and bring a telescope and pancakes and candy canes and lollipops.

We'll see! I can TAKE the pictures, but I'm having problems retrieving them. Works on the PC but not on the Mac. So, with Dad off this next week, I can get his help!

Matthew Turns 3

Matthew turned 3 LAST Tuesday, October 30. At first, he didn't want to be 3 and didn't even care when I told him that it was his birthday. He was like "ho hum". He insisted that he was 2 for the longest time. But on the way home from Kids Club (I'll have to post about that one separately), I told him we had some surprises at home and that it was his birthday, he was thrilled!

He came inside and went to the dining room, where there were several presents laid out, plus a cake. He was quite thrilled with the cake and insisted that we do the candle. View Matthew's Arrival Video.

After a while, we called Sally, who had called earlier. Here's a video of Sally on the phone with us. Matthew kept trying to show her (on the phone) his new toys. The final video we have is Matthew opening Debi's box full of Mickey paraphernalia. We did that just before going to the doctor for Jim.

Here are several pictures. View the captions for a description.

Thank you everyone for toys and money. With money, I purchased winter clothes, which he desperately needs. He also is enjoying a new IU cup, but I won't tell who got that one. :-) Thank you, everyone!

God's in Town

Normally, I would've posted again by now, especially with videos of Matthew's birthday. But I have to tell you that God's in town.

Isn't God everywhere? Yes. But sometimes humans actually hear Him and then His power really flows. God's will is being done on earth as it is in heaven. Martinsburg, WV, 60 miles from here. It's not the speakers who are great, it's God. God's people are flooding the altars in sorrow over their sin.

I had to take a little break to tell you that. Here's a web site.

Fall Fest

Matthew enjoyed a fall fest this past Saturday. During most of the 3 hours, he was bouncing and sliding on the Moon Bounce. It was the first he had seen, and he saw it from the road, shouting, "Castle! I see the castle!" It was still inflating when we arrived, and we were the last to watch it deflate.

He took a break to eat two cupcakes and wandered into a cake/cookie walk when he saw everyone walking in circles. I was only taping him meandering around, but it happened that he won when I was taping! See the video below. After The other break he took was when he saw a little kiddie obstacle course. He saw it and kept saying "I need somebody. I need somebody to help me."

When it was time to leave, goodie bag in hand, he was most mesmerized and even teary eyed at the Moon Bounce deflating and dismantling of the obstacle course. He spent a considerable amount of time discussing it there, on the way home, and while getting ready for bed. In fact, the first thing he talked about the next morning was the moon bounce! He was excited to hear we were going back to church, but was disappointed when the moon bounce wasn't there.

Here are some pictures (12). And here are a few videos:

* Bouncing on the Moon Bounce
* Winning a Cake/Cookie Walk
* Discussing the Moon Bounce Deflating

Family Reunion

Jim's Dad's family had their family reunion on August 11. One of the highlights was Bingo. You can see Matthew with Cousin Robin, who patiently let Matthew stir and remove the balls after the game was over.

Matthew played in the sandbox for much of the time, even by himself. He also enjoyed the stash of toys in the garage, plus the other kids, and water activities.

Here are a few pictures. And, here are two videos:

  *   Tracy catching a Maryland crab
  *   Matthew's first fish

Wedding Fun

This picture is typical of the evening. No, it is not a mistake. Matthew didn't make it into the picture completely, because he moved too quickly--constantly on the go at Aunt Debi's & (new) Uncle Bob's wedding reception. Thankfully, Matthew was not the only child at the wedding or reception.
And we had a some help from Kristin & Amber.

It was FOUR straight hours of running for the little tot, and he would've run a little longer, if there had been more time. Here's a post-reception interview.

 

Matthew's "First" Easter

Well, Matthew's been around for THREE Easters, but this is really the first time we've done any kind of activity. I did not try visiting the Easter Bunny, because of his reaction to Santa, but the bunny came anyway, and brought Matthew a basket full of goodies!

Here are some pictures (10). Two videos are below.

Snow!

Yesterday was a big day. Jim's family came out to the house...AND...it snowed!! Okay, just a tiny bit, but it was enough to be slippery and get Matthew excited about "Fotty Nomane". We walked along the front, and after watching Dada put snow in HIS hands, Matthew did the same. He was not at all happy when he had to come in.

Christmas Morning

Finally! Here are a couple of videos of Matthew on Christmas morning. Since we were traveling, it took some time to once again get our bearings.

Matthew received a Geo-Trax Train from us, plus a Doodle Pro (The CARS version), and a small prayer book. From others he received 3 train products (all unique & he loves them all!!), clothes, a special frog, Colts paraphernalia (much), and a couple of ornaments, plus some money. I wish I had other videos of the afternoon gift time!! He was thrilled with everything, and with all the excitement, it was too hard to get many pictures or videos. Anyhow, enjoy!

Here's a video of Matthew coming down on Christmas morning. He was excited & trying to get down the stairs.

Here's another video of Matthew opening some Colts items.

Click on the picture to see a larger view.

Merry (Early) Christmas

Dada & Mama exchanged gifts on the eve of our Indiana trip. Matthew helped by putting on a bow & playing with wrapping paper! In this picture, he's giving a gift to Dada. See Dada's present!

Another Haircut

Wowee! Matthew sat in the chair by himself to get his fifth haircut. He even allowed the apron to be put on. (Yes, the picture is slightly blurry. Another "camera phone" thing.) :-)

Santa--No, No, No!

Matthew would have nothing to do with Santa when we tried today at the mall. I've even been prepping him with a small, stuffed Santa, which he enjoys and calls "Claw". But, forget it. Matthew said "no, no, no..." firmly, shaking his head.

At first, all was just fine, but the camera was not working. Santa came to visit the waiting kids, handing out some small toys. In this picture, Santa is speaking with Matthew, who's looking between me and Santa, with his stuffed "Claw" upside down (if you look closely, you can see his feet).

So, we played around in Toyland for a while, watching the choo-choo, and looking up at the giant tree. We even saw some other babies, even more freaked out than Matthew! :-) It was cute, but he was never persuaded.

If you look closely in this picture, you can see the "real" Santa's legs behind Matthew to the left. Click on the picture to see a larger view. Excuse the quality--I forgot my real camera and had to use the phone.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! Okay, it's a day late, but with pictures. Here's Matthew eating pumpkin pie, or at least the Cool Whip on top. It was a nice day with Jim's family, and Matthew held out pretty well. Here he is, waiting for our 2 p.m. dinner. We gave him a roll ("too"--toast--as he calls it) while he was waiting. He especially enjoyed the rolls and dressing. He kept moaning and saying "ummy" about the dressing. I believe he ate a cut up carrot, and I have no idea about the turkey. (Dad, can you help me remember?) Perhaps some mashed potatoes.

To tell you the truth, I was fairly focused on the mashed potatoes myself! At first, I forgot to give Matthew any food at all, I was so hungry. (Forgot to have breakfast.) Poor child, what a bad mommy!

After dinner, Jim's sister, brother-in-law, and neice gave us our Christmas presents because we won't be seeing them on Christmas. Matthew received a very fine Elmo/Cookie Monster phone that plays numbers and sounds, as well as some Elmo underwear in anticipation of potty training. What a nice motivator those will be!! Cousin Danielle got him a savings bond!

It was a very nice day. Went home full as usual. As for the "other family tradition" which I won't specify, I was mature enough not to care about what the neighbors thought.

Birthday Fun

Monday was MUCH FUN, with activities starting around 4:30 p.m., when Matthew woke up from his nap. He wasn't very happy after his nap (which is common), but when he saw his stack of gifts and especially ELMO, sticking out of a bag, he exclaimed, "OH! Mamo!"

He didn't make it to Elmo at that time, cause some Sesame Street gift wrap (Aunt Sally and Billie) caught his attention and he POUNCED on top of it. He opened Mr. Potato Head with much excitement, since he's been playing with Mr. Potato Head on Sunday mornings. It's one of the first toys he goes on Sundays, so he was thrilled. He received a few Elmos--one from John/Lorie/Kristin, a Singing Elmo (Betsy/Don/Sarah) and an Elmo book with sound (Debi/Bob)--he loves them all! He also received some clothes, a busy box, videos, Matchbox cars and a couple of checks. We (Mom & Dad) got him a Maze Craze, and a little football. ("Ball, Dada!") Man, we had no idea how big that maze craze was. Anyhow, thanks everyone!!!

Here's some pictures and videos:

Matthew's Birthday Pictures
Singing Happy Birthday to Matthew (Video)
Matthew Eating Cake (Video)
Playing with the Singing Elmo (Video)

Matthew is 2

Well, today's the day!! Wowee, he's 2. There will be MORE pictures, but here he is this morning, with his Elmo birthday hat. We'll have presents later this afternoon, BEFORE dinner so that he can play a while. We will turn on the web cam, so if you have Yahoo Messenger, you can see us. :-)