Monday, July 31, 2006


Matthew still sleeps through the night in our bedroom so we can monitor his feeding machine. At nap time, however, we have begun putting him in his own room. We never imagined it would be fourteen months before he slept in his actual crib. Last night while talking to Grandma Sue, Terri and I placed him in his crib for the first time. He immediately stood up like a big boy. He was quite proud of himself.

Good night Mom & Dad. Did you get enough pictures? OK, sweet dreams. Ya, I'm gonna lay down for bed right now. You can close the door...

They bought it. Fools! Now that they are gone, what shall I do?

I know! I'll crawl over this guard rail down to the floor...

...and escape right out that window there.

...Then I'll be free! Ha-ha-ha (devious laugh). Uh-oh Daddys coming...

...Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep.

Darn! That Daddy is really on top of things. I better cry all night and wear him out before attempting my escape. Wish me luck.

Friday, July 28, 2006


One year ago today Matthew had his first open heart surgery at UC Stanford. We thought we would post some pictures to reminisce all that Matthew has gone through.

One week "Post-Op".

It didn't take long to realize the extent of lung damage that Matthew had suffered. His premature birth, heart defect which flooded his lungs with blood, open heart surgery, and time spent on a ventilator all combined to severely compromise his little lungs. At one point we were told to prepare ourselves for the thought of a tracheotomy (like Christopher Reeve had).

Then, quite miraculously, Matthew's lungs began to heal to the point where a Tracheotomy was no longer discussed.

When we first brought Matthew home he was very fragile and way under weight. He required constant medicating and feeding that made for incredibly long & busy days.

It didn't take long to see the wonderful results that love, security, and a routine brought. Matthew started packing on the weight, smiling more, and progressing in his motor skills.

Today, Matthew's future looks very bright. He will need additional surgeries throughout his life but, for now, he is progressing and getting stronger.

Thursday, July 27, 2006


Matthew loves it when we read to him. This book plays music in the background while we read the rhymes on each page. When seated on my lap at church, Matthew enjoys slapping his little hand on the pages of the hymnal book.

Wednesday, July 26, 2006


Mommy & Daddy will soon be running ragged because...

Matthew's ability to crawl is "emerging". He can lean forward from a seated position now and hold himself up on his hands and knees. He has yet to move forward but we are waiting with bated breath.

Thursday, July 20, 2006


This outfit reminds me of my baby picture when I was Matthew's age.

Sunday, July 16, 2006


Matthew's reaction to the Chickenpox vaccine has mostly subsided. At its' climax there were approximately 20-30 bright red pimples on his body. They didn't seem to bother him as full-on Chickenpox most certainly would have. The bumps have scabbed over and faded in color now. I think he derives new found pleasure in oatmeal baths. He was quite cooperative during this one.

Thursday, July 13, 2006

Guess What! this picture was taken on 7-6-06 and we all knew Matthew was keeping something from us. Well on Saturday, July 8, 2006, we learned what Matthew's "secret" was......... He was coming down with the Chickenpox.......... and only approximately 3 weeks after receiving the Chickenpox vaccine.

They did say there could be a 10% chance of Matthew getting a reaction. I wonder if mommy and daddy can get their money back. Hummmmmmmmmm (just kidding)

I itch just thinking about it. Matthew won't "eat" oatmeal, but has learned the benefits of its oils in his bath.

Love you, sweet baby! grandma w

Saturday, July 08, 2006


Matthew is perilously close to running amok. He has bypassed crawling and begun to support himself on the coffee table while standing.

Stick with me son, and I'll show you how it's done.

Ever present, Quixa was "quick" to share her affections. That is how she got her name.

Eventually Quixa just couldn't stand it anymore. She had to butt in on the kissing.

Thursday, July 06, 2006


Mommy & Matthew had a fun day of play and togetherness.

Matthew is beginning to get his feet under him when there is nothing to grab a hold of in order to stand.

What could be motivating him to stand?

...His pretty Momma!

A good game of Peek-a-boo will always elicit a smile from Matthew.

Terri loves to play with Matthew because he gets so excited.

Tuesday, July 04, 2006


Happy 4th of July Everybody! We all went to Uncle Keith & Aunt Gabrielle's house for a BBQ and fireworks. Grandma Wright & Grandma Sue both requested a flashback picture from last 4th of July. The Fifth Commandment is "Honor thy Mother and thy Father". So your wish is my command...

What a difference a year makes! So much has changed since this picture was taken. The only similarity is that the flag is in the same hand. Will Matthew be a southpaw like his old man? Stay tuned...

Sunday, July 02, 2006


Matthew wants to show you a new trick...

With just a little help from Mommy & Daddy he has started pulling himself up to a standing position.

In addition to showing off his burgeoning standing skills, Matthew has also begun grabbing everything that interests him...

...like grabbing noses!

But, of course, his favorite place for his hands are still in his mouth.