Matthew's Journal

January 6, 2012
Matthew, you have come a long way in the last couple of months. Now you consistently stay on the futon during rest time, generally paging through a stack of books. A couple of times you've been tired enough to fall over asleep with a book on your lap but generally you stay awake the whole hour. If I know you're extra tired I make you lay down for ten minutes before I bring you books and hope you'll fall asleep! It makes such a difference for me to have consistent quiet time again – we are both saner for it.

You've also basically potty-trained yourself since Christmas. You decided you didn't like how diapers felt anymore so you wanted to wear underwear instead. And you're particular enough that you don't want to get them wet or dirty. So I just have you go to the bathroom every few hours and that has been enough to basically eliminate accidents. Sometimes I find you on the toilet without expecting it!

You also amaze me with your “make-believe” skills. You sit at the meal-table oblivious to what everyone else is saying while you conduct a full drama starring your crackers, apples or whatever. They talk to each other, but in the voice of you as author. So, “'Don't jump!' said the mama.” or “'I'm tired and want to go to bed,' said the baby.” This extends beyond mealtime to almost any object you encounter. You little “guys” and your trucks get endless use as all you have to do is spot something to play with before your imagination is engaged. Your powers of focus are amazing for two (and a great blessing to this mama!).

Your favorite day is Thursday, when Aunt Natalie picks you up and takes you to storytime at the library with cousin Beckham. Then you go back to her house and play and have lunch. He has gotten you “into” superheroes and now you love to run around the house in costume – usually Superman. You also like to wear shorts and short sleeve shirts (yes, in January) because they are your “running clothes.”

We spent Thanksgiving in Minnesota. One day was at Grandma Drewry's, one day was the Flanegan celebration and one day Grandma Kim took us to the aquarium in the Mall of America. You got to ride one kiddie ride. Then the rest of the time was chilling out with Wii and movies and playing with Westley's old trucks. I'm so glad we were able to see everyone, especially Great Grandpa Ed, because he passed away on Christmas Day.

We took the week before Christmas off of school and did lots of fun Christmasy things: caroling at a nursing home with our friends from church (Fagreys, Jacobs and Kennedys), decorating sugar cookies with cousins, and making gingerbread houses with Grace and Nadya Belcher. Christmas Day you got three big Tonka-style trucks, some superhero action figures, puzzles, “preschool toys,” and books. You seemed quite pleased.

Then after Christmas Daddy left for MN again to be with his family and Elise and I flew out a few days later for Grandpa Ed's funeral. You, Abby and Isaac stayed with Papa and Grammie. You got to sleepover at their house and they took you to Chuck E Cheese and the Storybook Island lights display. We are so blessed to have them nearby.