What's up Duck?

Teeth!

Matthew's bottom two front teeth have erupted. He is growing so fast I can hardly stand it! This is the best shot I could get of his pearly whites. If you see him in person he will gladly show you how sharp they are by gnawing on your finger.

Surprise!

On the last day of our visit Jackie suspiciously sent us out of the house. We went to check out my brother's new home and give the boys some more face time.

We returned to a surprise "little get together" for my birthday. Jackie and Aunt Beth had made little foods of all kinds - brussel sprouts, Cornish game hens, mini cupcakes, you get the idea.

Family photo op! My little cousin Shannon (now a towering 5'7") got cut off on the left.

California Part 2

Friday night we went to my dad's place for dinner (Vince's Spaghetti .... yuuummm!) Caleb enjoyed playing the piano while Matthew sat there looking frightened.

Ah, the Matthew Grahams all together: Caleb Matthew Graham, Gary Matthew Graham ,and Matthew Graham Hardwick. Cute!

Grandpa with Matty.

What a day! Matthew went out as soon as his head hit the pillow. Don't worry, we didn't leave him sleeping on a pillow on the couch. It just made a cute photo!

Matty's first trip to California part 1

Matthew was terrific on our first ever airplane trip. I requested that we sit next to an empty seat ti give us a little more space. The gentleman at the window seat was a sweet old man with multiple grand and even great grandchildren. Matt and I read books and played quietly. He filled his diaper, so i had the pleasure of using an airplane bathroom changing table. Super! He fussed a bit on the descent, so I tried feeding him. He did better with a pacifier in his mouth. We arrived on time and had a few hours to visit before hitting the hay. Here is Matthew being adored by his Uncle Gary and Aunt Jackie.

On Friday I got to visit with my dear friend Patty and her two darling girls. My indecisiveness surrounding car seats arose again as I watched Patty bring in her one year old still fitting nicely in her carrier. Arg! We had a great time catching up and seeing how our little ones have grown.

Matthew spent most of the 95 degree days in just his diaper. He LOVED that! His first two teeth have broken through (early, I know) so he was chomping everything he could. He fell asleep while chewing Grandma's fingers that evening.

My little brother cracks me up. Two short years ago he was a young kid always looking for ways to shock and go against the norm. Now he is a husband and father full of advice and baby stories to swap. I really took note of the changes in him when he casually wiped a booger from Matt's nose. :) My how times have changed. This is one of Matthew's favorite cuddling poses - cheek to cheek.

Just like Dad

How big is Matthew?

So big!

Is he ever big ... tall that is. He has outgrown his infant carrier at 26 inches, but at 15 pounds he isn't ready for a booster. He isn't even 4 months old yet!! We bought a convertible made for 5-40 pounds, but it does not fit securely in the van. Now I'm thinking we may get another infant carrier that will last to 30 inches and as many pounds. What an ordeal! Any moms have good advice?

In other news, Joshua and I celebrated our fourth anniversary last week. We lumped it together with both of our birthdays for one big date night. We had a lovely dinner overlooking downtown Tacoma and the bay. Then we headed off for Tango lessons. Alas, the dance class had been cancelled for the evening. Not to worry, we both wanted to get home and see Matty anyway. :)

Today I had my first chiropractic adjustment. I was so pleased with Matt's doctor and his progress, I decided to give it a try. I am hoping it will help relieve my migraines.

Matty is getting closer to sitting up, loves reading books, chews on anything he can, and is very ticklish. Sometimes he giggles, but more often just grunts. He is so like his daddy. This week the two of us are leaving Joshua on his own and heading to California. Matthew can't wait to meet his Uncle Gary, Aunt Jennille, and cousin Caleb!

Can you say THREE ZERO?!

That's right people ... today I turned 30! It was a lovely day indeed. Joshua and Matty each wrote me a card (we are celebrating next weekend, so no gifts). Actually, I chose my own gifts while at Costco last weekend - pj's, slippers, and a robe. Then my colleagues sang happy birthday after devotions. Next, my darling students showered me with gifts - special cards, beautiful flowers (even hydrangea, my favorite!), treats, coffee cards, candles, the works! Then there was a special announcement over the intercom about my special day. All day teachers and kiddos were wishing me birthday blessings! Matthew was particularly adorable today. He is in a chubby phase right now as you can see. That means he is getting ready to grow again!

I had to get a close up of his hairdo. Joshua says he looks like "Matthew Graham Who"! I think he has his mommy's curls!!

I attempted to be a photographer, and this is the best I could do. I was trying to show my beautiful boy next to my beautiful flowers. Not great, but hey, that is one cute baby! And check out the hydrangea!

I wanted a family photo to commemorate the day. It's not easy finding a way to hold up the camera, a clean spot to take the photo, and a good shot of all three of us. I added some special lighting to soften the old lady look. :)