Matthew's 16 Month Birthday!

Wow, another month old.  Matthew is growing and developing so nicely.  His new thing is to shake his head yes and say "ya" to answer questions.  Matthew, do you want milk to drink? "Ya with the head shake.  So cute.  He is into everything and is now climbing on the furniture.  He can climb into his rocking chair, but he needs help getting out.  On Tuesdays he goes to story time at the Shaler Library and has a blast.  I love to see the excitment on his face when Miss Joy brings out the bubble machine. Some favorite toys are the vaccum cleaner and blocks.  He likes to take his shoes and throw them into the washer when mom is not looking.  Matthew loves summer time foods such as watermelon and strawberries.  He is doing well with this signs.  So far he has more and finished down which are incredibly helpful.  Still working on others, but they will come.  We started going to a pool and he loves to play in the water.  Soon enough he will be with his big brother and sister in the deep end. Do I dare say that he continues to be a great sleeper.  That makes everything so much easier.

I am with Matthew all the time, but I feel the days and months go so much faster with him.  Is he really 16 months old?  Next year at this time, he will be getting ready to go to preschool in the fall.  Unbelievable! 

Love you Matthew.  You smile and laugh bring me so much joy everyday!  So glad you are with me.

Matthew is 15 months

Can't believe Matthew is 15  months.  He is very active and learning so much all the time.  He tried watermellon for the first time at dinner and loved it!  His favorite skill to practice right now is walking backwards.  It is so funny to watch him.  He waves bye, bye, and says da da when he sees Robert.  Matthew is very social at story time and Kindermusik as he walks to each person and says hi.  Lately, he has become a screamer.  And wow, can he be loud!  It is only a phase.  He is extremely independent and doesn't like to be told "no."  His favorite activity is running the romba who we call Bruce.  That is the first thing he does in the morning--goes and sees Bruce. 


Update on the other two.  Annalese's new bed came yesterday and daddy set it up.  She was quite excited to be sleeping in her own bed once again.  She only has two weeks of Kindergarten left!  I can't believe I will have a first grader.  She really is a big kid.  My little girl is no longer a baby!

Robert had a flag football game today and did well.  He had a 50 yard run and almost scored a touchdown!  Needless to say he was quite excited when he arrived home.  Yesterday, Robert had a tball game and did so well!  His hitting is improving.  I think going out and practicing the day before helped quite a bit.  He is a great little athlete and will do well in sports as he gets older.

Annalese, Robert, and Matthew.  What great little kids with such great personalities.  I love seeing them grow and prosper.   This will be another incredible summer with the opportunity for each to again try new things.  Belonging to a pool is perfect for our family at this time.  I think I am going to have three fish on my hands!  Happy Summer!

Happy Mother's Day!

Not too bad of a day.  Dad made breakfast this morning.  I received great gifts-strainer with smiley faces, a pig skillet, a little egg skillet, and a cook book.  We will be doing lots of cooking this summer!  Dad also gave me a Polo top.  Annalese made a book with her hand print and a book at school, and Robert baked some muffins that came with the cutest poem about moms, titled "If you give a Mom a Muffin." 

Mom and Dad, Kathy and Fred came up to see Robert's flag football game.  Because Matthew was sleeping, I stayed home, but took advantage of the time and walked for an hour on the treadmill.  I want to lose some weight so now is as a good a time as any to start!

When grandma and pap pap were leaving, Matthew waved and said "Bye Bye!"  Way to go Matthew.  Seeing my child grow and learn is one of the best Mother's Day gifts.

Thanks everyone for a great day!

Love,

Mom

14 months old

Matthew is 14 months old today!  This age is so exciting!  Matthew continues to be Happy Baby.  Just this past Monday, I had to take Matthew with me to Robert's tball practice.  While we were waiting for him, Matthew ran around in the outfield and rolled in the grass.  I have never seen a person exhibit such pure joy and happiness.  He laughed and giggled and squealed.  And of course he smiled. 

He seems to be picking up the signs I have been teaching him.  Yesterday at dinner, he seemed to give his version of finished!  But he is also working on his words.  He still uses the word "this" which is very effective.  We pretty much are able to guess what he wants.  His "da da" is pretty solid now too.  When Robert comes home, Matthew gets so excited and runs to see him while shouting "da da!"  I have to get that on tape. 

He eats mostly everything. Right now he is greatly enjoying strawberries.  But he has to have the entire berry because he won't eat a piece that I have cut off for him  What an independent little boy. 

Love having him in my life.  He is such a wonderful baby!

Play Ball

Last night, Mom, Dad, Annalese, and Robert went to the Pirates game against the Phillies.  Had dinner and ice cream before the game.  It was a little slow in the beginning, but it became exciting in the 6th inning when the Pirates tied the Phillies.  It was late and we were getting cold so we left a little early, but the Pirates ended up winning the game in extra innings.  It was fun going out for the evening as a family. 

Not to worry.  Matthew was at home with Aunt Kacki and in bed early!  When he is a little older, we will be taking him along with us!

Happy Easter!

The Easter Bunny managed to make it to our house and brought the kids some great treats.  Annalese recieved a frame, Robert a McQueen pillow pet, and Matthew a book.  Mom made a big breakfast with her signature cinnamon rolls.  Then it was off to church where we were greeters for the 11:00 service.  Afterwards, we joined Uncle Pino and Aunt Linda, Joe and Cristina for brunch.  It was a fun family time.  Came home and saw Grandma, Pap Pap, Aunt Kacki, Uncle Fred, and Aunt Ann.  Our day was filled from beginning to end, but we so enjoyed seeing family and friends.  Happy Easter!

Sad News about Ralphie

Tonight we learned that Ralphie has stage 3 cancer.  Very somber feeling around here right now.  Never thought I would feel so sad about a dog, but I can't stop tearing up.  Ralph has been with us since the beginning.  Our little poomies.  So many memories!  I know that the next few weeks and months, we are going to treat him just a little extra special.  He is such a great dog!