After his nap, I snatched up my boy for another King family photo...

But Mommy had imbibed a bit too much in her homemade Burgundy punch (just kidding, this is a picture taken mid-blink).

The act of a child eating a Cheeto is likely a non-event in most households. But for us it signaled a major breakthrough! You see, in addition to his many challenges, Matthew also has an oral aversion. Six months of uncomfortable tubes in his mouth (and a feeding tube which ensures he is never hungry) has left our little guy with no desire to eat. Most offerings of food are greeted with swatting hands and a sour expression on his face. Ever vigilant, Terri keeps on offering things to Matthew in the hopes that he will eventually show interest. Well thanks to a week of steroids to treat a respiratory infection, Matthew has been receptive to his bottle and today he tasted & nibbled his first Cheeto!

The King Trio paid a visit to Aunt Gabrielle & Uncle Keith's house today. Terri snapped this shot after Aunt Gabrielle put an elf hat on Matthew's head. Every time he tried to pull the hat off, he only succeeded in pulling it over his face. Everyone had a laugh at Matthew's expense.

Casey came by in his suit today to visit with Matthew. The relief you see on his face is from having just completed his oral board for Corrections Officer.

Matthew received his monthly Synagis shots today. His nurse practitioner, Ryan, didn't want Matthew to associate him with ouchy shots. So he covered his face with a mask and drew a smiley face on the front. As you can plainly see, Matthew wasn't impressed.

After thanking God, how will we ever be able to thank KVBC for getting the story out and LVMPD (Metro) for pushing the cap through??? A thousand "thank-you's" seems so inadequate.

My eyes tear up every time I think of our little Whomagoo being able to continue receiving the best medical care possible. It is truly an intolerable thought that it could very well have not been this way. What a relief that I can now safely push that fear quickly out of my mind.

No parent should face this fear. You, Mike, and Matthew have put a face on this unthinkable situation for all similarly situated families in Nevada. How fabulous it will be when this legislation can make a difference in some families lives and they, too, can breathe a sign of relief.

Matthew's story was featured last night on our local NBC news station. The reporter, Beth Fisher, and everyone behind the scenes did a great job of bringing to light the difficulties in providing for a sick child. Here is the link to see the news clip... CLICK HERE

During the week a Rams bib is fine. But come Sunday...

...Matthew & I are all 49'ers!

To give Mommy a break, us boys headed off to Uncle Keith's house for a football day.

Uncle Keith (the diehard Rams fan)tried to scare Matthew right out of his "home colors".

Matthew wouldn't be intimidated and stood up for himself in the face of his sizable opponent.

After the sports altercation, Matthew got down to the business of play.

While Matthew will likely become a prolific phone talker like his Mommy, for now he is content to simply gnaw upon the antenna.

The Three of us went to Utah this weekend with Grandma & Grandpa Wright. The weather was beautiful so Matthew got to go on several long walks with Mommy & Grandma.

Matthew is on the verge of walking on his own. He still uses the couch and coffee table for support but has become more daring. He has started crawling away from the table and standing on his own. I tried to get a picture but he is camera shy like Bigfoot when it comes to photographic evidence of improved locomotion.

Ever since he came back to Las Vegas, Casey has been diligently spending time with his little brother.

Matthew weighed in this morning at 22lbs 5 ounces which is up nearly a pound from last month. Unfortunately, he is no better when it comes to eating. As you can see in these two pictures, it is a struggle to feed him via the bottle. He has become quite adept at pushing it away. Most of his nutrition is still delivered through his feeding tube.

Matthew has a couple molars coming in so he has been excessively drooly. To keep the front of his shirt dry, we have been hanging a bib around his neck all week.

Here you can just make out two lines of drool running down from Matthew's mouth.

Some of you may remember this outfit that Matthew wore back in February complete with the matching jester hat. Since the forecast in Utah was cold this weekend, Mommy dressed our little hero in the warmest outfit he has!

What a difference 8 months makes! Matthew was swimming in this suit back in February. But now it barely fits.

Matthew loves book time. When Mommy reads to him she enjoys his undivided attention.

When Matthew's books call for us to sing he gets all excited and has begun to make little noises as if he'll be talking soon.

Look at Matthew smile at the lights in his favorite book. I hope he stays interested in books once they no longer twinkle and make music.

Matthew likes to grab onto me when he gets a bath. So, in order to stay somewhat dry, I've been donning Terri's apron at bath time.

This weekend we went to Beaver with Grandma & Grandpa Wright. Matthew spent the majority of time in Grandma & Grandpa's RV playing with the doggies.

Moose could not get enough of Matthew.

Like with everyone, Moose's ears were just too tempting for Matthew to resist.

Matthew enjoyed demonstrating the law of gravity to Grandpa Wright by dropping everything off the coffee table. Grandpa just laughed and pointed out other items on the table.

As seen here, Matthew and the doggies wore each other out. Matthew lets out the cutest little "koos" of excitement when the dogs are around.

While Matthew took a nap, Grandpa and I put up a new gate to protect Matthew and the dogs from the main road that leads to our property.

Grandma & Grandpa's little doggies are at risk due to the red tailed hawks. Therefore, grandma got them this little kennel so they could still enjoy the outdoors.

Matthew and Grandma Wright visited with the doggies after his nap.

It's hard to beat friendly dogs, a great view, and the crisp mountain air.

"Don't worry guys, if I can just figure out this latch thingy I'll set you free!"

"Hey Dad, let me try that hat on!"

"Looky here, partner! This trailer isn't big enough for the both of us!"

When we got home Casey, Kim, and Joel were waiting for us with a birthday cake for Terri. Didn't Joel do a great job?

Earlier this week we paid a visit to Matthew's Pulmonologist, Dr. Nakamura. It is so nice having Matthew in a front facing car seat so we can see his little face as we travel. His curiosity seems to routinely be peaked as he peers out the windows.

Matthew can't even talk yet and already he keeps putting his foot in his mouth.

Matthew got all high marks from Dr. Nakamura. He is off of his diuretics completely now so hopefully his little kidneys can take a breather. With RSV season coming next month, we will be seeing a lot of Dr. Nakamura's office (Matthew must receive vaccinations every month until April). I am confident that all the wonderful nurses there will be happy to see Matthew swagger through the front door in his upright stroller.