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. :)

"Talking" with Matt

Visitors!

My dad, cousin, and sister came to visit us a few weekends ago and we had a blast hitting up all the local tourist spots. Here we are in front of Union Station in Tacoma. We also went to the glass museum, Pacific Grill, Hello Cupcake, and Point Defiance. And that was just in one day! We took the ferry to Seattle where we made it to the Space Needle, Pacific Science Center, Stadium High School, the Troll, the monorail, Pike's Place, downtown, and the waterfront. It was quite a day - 8am-9pm!

The weather could not have been more perfect. We spent one lovely afternoon in Paulsbo where Matty had a monster of a good time! Ok, not really. He and I spent much of the day in the car because we were both a little snotty. Jackie was able to stay longer than Dad and Fiona, so she got to have lots of one-on-one time with Matty. She babysat while I worked and found out what being an aunt is really all about!

We kept up wit the tourist fun on the weekend when we went back to Seattle for South Center Mall and took the Underground Tour. Since Matthew is officially holding his head up, he was able to ride along with dad and not miss a thing! Don't they look cute in their matching striped outfits?

I couldn't find a good picture of Jackie with Matt, but I wanted her to be included. Here she is with her favorite hobby, knitting. And to think, I taught her all she knows about the wild world of yarn goods!

Now everyone is gone and we are back to our regular boring lives (at least that's what Auntie Jack would say!). Hopefully that means I have more time to blog, although I guess I won't have much to blog about. Ah the catch 22.

Peek a boo!

Peek a boo ... Where are you? I know y'all have been missing us out there in bloggerland. We are all well, just busy bees. I'm back at work, Joshua has started school, and we had family out to visit. As soon as I have more time (ya, like that's ever going to happen) I will fill in the blanks. But for now, enjoy my baby boy soaking up the sun we had the weekend before last. He is a bit camera shy and refuses to smile whenever he sees you with one, so this is the best one I have found that captures his darling grin.

Ode to the Forgotten Cat

Once the orphan child of an unknown mother Now the adopted son of another You were chosen when you had tears in your eyes Food, shelter, and love there was no dearth In your new home everyone shared in your mirth But, now, that seems long ago Thrice plus one a fortnight has passed Since a new human brother have you acquired Banished have you been, upon his arrival home To the nooks, to the crannies, and out to the fields you roam Away from the clean and sanitary places The love of your adopted mother you once knew Is all but completely gone For when she gives you the love she promised She must wash her hands of you Don't fret, dear cat For this place where you're at Is a new world, where You're new freedom has brought you A life of adventure enjoyed by the very few No longer are you confined to the singular choice Of using a litter box for your only relief But out among the grass, dirt and leaves You get to leave your mark New friends you make in the woods Meow like a wild cat, and show off you've got the goods Still, inside, you do have a home Not quite as quiet and calm as it once was Cradled you sit in your bed of fuzz Alone though you may feel Know in your heart that love you still get From the adopting mother of your youth Plus that of her husband and child too

Pooh all over

Joshua told my mom this morning that Matthew had pooh all over him, so she wanted to see a picture.  Today is pajama day at our house but that doesn't mean we don't coordinate our accessories. :)  

Mom was also shocked to hear that we needed things like mittens and hats ... it's hot and humid in her neck of the woods.  We had to turn our heaters on this morning!

Matthew's Blowout

Erin was playing with the new features on her Apple computer. Matthew decided to celebrate the occasion by filling his pants on camera. Here it is for all of you to share.

No Video

I can't find my video to upload, but here are some more fun pictures.
This one I took while at the training.  Very professional, I know.
Matty and Mommy.  Sepia always makes my hair and make up look like they are actually done.

Gotta run ... we're off to a BBQ.  

Apple Fun

All of the teachers got new Apple laptops this year.  Last week we had a training and I thought I'd show off what I learned.   
Joshua and Matty got in on the fun too.  Next time maybe I'll try posting video.  
Joshua left this one as a surprise for me.  Matt looks so serious!

My Family

Working Mommy

I had to go back to work last week (which explains the lack of posts - sorry!) and I am plum tuckered out. Tuesday morning I dropped Matty off with his grandma and kissed him goodbye through my tears. I cried all the way to work and had to face my colleagues with red swollen eyes. But the day was over before I knew it and I was back with my little man. He is such a happy kid these days, always smiling, cooing, and giggling. My favorite smile is the one that is so big he throws his head back and closes his eyes. Too cute!

He had his 2 month well visit, and is growing like a champ. His rash, while not gone, is much improved. He has started some early signs of teething like drooling and gnawing on things.

He still loves to be held but has become much more independent. He likes to look at his surroundings and is content to sit by himself. He has been hanging out at school with me while I get my classroom ready and he loves all the bright colors. He even got to attend a few meetings and was the best little boy ever. I don't think everyone even knew he was there!

Tonight is the Back to School Picnic where I get to meet my new students and visit with the old ones. Joshua is coming to take care of Matt. I am looking forward to showing off both of my handsome guys!

Video for Mom

Below is a video that we've been trying to make for some time now for Erin's Mom. For whatever reason, Matthew doesn't like to smile for the camera. The last couple of weeks he has been focusing in on people and objects and responding with big smiles and laughter. We first discovered this new phenomenon while changing his diaper in his bassinet; he giggled so hard at the three sheep that circle above his head to music that is both off-beat and flat that we had to share it.

The video I recorded just before this one included the sounds of him filling his pants. I laughed so hard, I almost filled mine. Erin vetoed that video in hopes of appearing less crude (yet she still let me write this post). Matthew enjoyed the making of this video so much that he soaked through the chair he was sitting in.

The Wedding

The reason for our vacation was Joshua's second cousin's wedding, so I thought I should post some pictures of that. Here is the lovely bride with her parents. his picture does not do her justice - she looked amazing! I told Joshua I want to get married again so I can have a dress and veil like hers (the veil has a train ... gorgeous!)

Here is sweet Matthew at the start of the wedding. He had just been fed and changed and was fast asleep. Perfect!

Here is Matthew about 10 minutes into wedding. Remember I said he wanted to eat every hour? Yeah, well, I had to go out and feed him to stop him from screaming through the ceremony.

Since it is a rare day that I style my hair, put on make up, and get dressed up, I insisted upon a family photo. Bummer that Matt is sound asleep and laying so awkwardly. Oh well, we tried. By the way, he slept soundly through the entire reception and woke up just as we were getting in the car to go home. So he was fed and changed and low and behold, he was still hungry. So he was fed and changed again before we could hit the road.