The "Lost" Photos

We misplaced the camera adapter to the computer that allows us to upload photos. So in other words our photos from the past two months were held hostage until Tony located the cord near the litter box. (It's no wonder I didn't locate it). Here are some of the "lost" photos.

Matthew and his Grandpa at the Zoo in February before it started pouring.

Tony and Matthew in front of a lunar rover displayed at Discovery Green Park.

You turn your back for two seconds and the little climber tries to get the drumsticks at the top of the hutch.

Circus Circus

On Sunday, we took Matthew to the Arabia Shrine Circus at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds in Rosenberg. I wasn't sure whether Matthew would enjoy it or not. The circus lasted 3 hours with intermission and Matthew seemed to enjoy the animal acts most of all. The acrobatics and daredevils were high caliber. They had three motorcyclists driving around in a steel sphere. That was Tony's favorite act. They had lots of other amazing acrobatics and the things you would expect to see in a circus. However, the horses, camels, elephants, lions, and tigers held Matthews attention for the longest period of time. Tony also surprised Matthew with some cotton candy and this blow up toy that I think was more for Matthew's mommy. You be the judge.

This Leash Demeans Us Both.. Not Really

Matthew is going through a very frustrating phase. He hates his stroller, car seat, or anything that restrains him and he also does not like to walk while holding my hand. When I hold his hand he immediately drops to the ground in protest and refuses to go any further. I discovered the solution while at the Houston International Festival.. a crowded event in Downtown Houston this past weekend. The solution: his monkey harness. Some might call it a baby leash but I say, "Nay Nay", it is a monkey backpack with a long tail with a loop handle at the end. I will let you be the judge.

Okay, maybe these photos don't support my argument, but I must say the monkey leash really came in handy. Nothing is scarier than the possibility of loosing a curious toddler in a crowd of people in the city. I enjoyed watching the varying reactions by passersby. Some looked at me like, "Wow, that is the most useful thing every.. I need to get one for my toddler". Other's looked at me in a condescending way as if to say, "I would never do that to my child". The latter passersby obviously have never had a 20 month old overly independent boy. I have a cousin who is an adult now. His parents had to use a leash to keep track of him.. he was the youngest of six. Some might think that he was traumatized because he grew up with the nickname "Pooch". But I think of the more positive side.. he is a great guy with a terrific sense of humor. The downside is that he occasionally scratches his ear with his back leg.

Easter and more

Matthew enjoyed two Easter egg hunts this year. One at church on April 4th and the other on the Saturday before Easter with the neighborhood association. He definitely understood his mission-Find eggs and put them in his basket. Both hunts were at a playground and I wondered whether he would assume that there are always candy filled eggs at playgrounds. We let Matthew enjoy some of the candy afterwards. We discovered that his favorite is peanutbutter cups.

Matthew, Tony, and I spent Easter Sunday together. After church we went to an Easter Brunch at the Houston Aquarium. Matthew was enthralled with the fish all around him. He also rode on the merry go round and the Shark voyage train. However, after enjoying all of the features that cost us money.. he decided his favorite was the "free" water fountains. Tony and I learned a lesson.. "always bring a towel", just in case Matthew gets the opportunity to get sopping wet before an hour long drive home.

I especially like this photo because he looks like he is conducting a water orchestra.

New non-talking milestones

Matthew has been recovering from a cough and ear infection. He is much better now. Here are some cute things he has been doing lately. Hopefully we can post video sometime soon.

1. Shooting a Basket: He does a gesture that looks like he is going through the motions or shooting a basket and ending up with an extended arm and a limp wrist. He does this to express his enthusiasm about whatever is going on or perhaps to accuse someone of being light in the loafers.. hee hee..


2. Drumming Head Bob: Matthew uses his new authentic drumsticks to drum on the table or his makeshift drum set that he sets up himself by lining up his bongos, tambourine, and any can he can find. Now he bobs his head when he drums like a real rock musician.

1. Humming: Matthew hums The Blue Danube. It is a song that plays from his music box on his changing table. His Daddy has been humming it to him since he was a few weeks old. I just witnessed him humming it for the first time this morning.


2. MMMMM: A few weeks ago Matthew started to say MMMM after he takes a bite of something. He says it very loudly to make sure every one knows he is eating.


3. Throwing Accuracy: Matthew loves to throw the light plastic balls from his ball pit. For the past month or so he enjoys throwing the balls at a drum or tambourine it makes a drum noise and then lands back in the pit. This makes both of us happy because it makes a drumming noise and it means less clean up for me.