Gratitude

Dear, sweet Matthew,

Thank you for sleeping so well. Truly, thank you. I will spend the rest of your childhood attempting to repay the favor.

First Movie Quote

J,

Well, it's official. In addition to identifying songs after hearing two measures (Sweet Child O' Mine by Guns N Roses was the first title you nailed, btw) you've inherited your father's talent for internalizing and spitting out movie quotes. Your first one, which you modify depending on the object of your diatribe:

"You. Are. A. TOYYYYY! You're not a [Mommy], you're a child's play thing!"
---Woody, Toy Story (1995)

Jason the Director

Jason,

You've discovered the camera and have been taking lots of pictures. Some of them aren't half bad! You aren't at all shy about directing your models, and I was able to capture a bit of your commentary by setting the camera to "video" yesterday. Excuse the clothes all over the couch; it was also laundry day!

(For those who missed it, Little Spielberg demanded, "Look at the camera!")

Baby Playtime

Matthew,

I just can't get over how adorable you are. With your big brother I was always a bit anxious to get to the next milestone--the next thing always looked so fun! And it was. But now that I know how fast these baby stages will fly by, I want to fully appreciate the present and not miss a thing. All of your smiles and gurgles and leg rolls are so cute I can't stand it! You're just starting to enjoy playtime, which means Matthew the newborn is already being replaced by Matthew the giggly baby. Oh, how I wish I could press the pause button on life sometimes!

Here you are with your favorite rattle:


And turning on the music in your bouncy chair:

Tetherball

Jason,

Mamo got you a tetherball for your birthday, and it is a huge hit. I don't know what it is about tetherball, but kids love it! I remember spending hours and hours at my friend Mandy's house playing tetherball. She had a trampoline too. I sure did love that thing. If Mamo gets you one of those I'll have to start taking Valium.

Anyhow, onto the photo documentation:

Fun in the Sun

Boys,

We spend a lot of time outdoors, and I'm so delighted you both like it as much as I do. I grew up outside--swimming, biking, exploring, boating--and it just feels like home. The feeling of sunshine soaking into my skin (through a layer of sunscreen, of course) triggers a sense of calm and happiness.

Matthew, I think you feel much the same way. If you are upset I just take you outside and you immediately relax and turn your little face toward the sun.

Jason, I can't decide if you like the open space for running or the opportunity to yell at the top of your lungs!

"The River" is a favorite spot for throwing stones:

Hiking through "The Forest" where we've seen deer, butterflies, bees, and even a snake:

Blowing bubbles never gets old:


Just hanging in the backyard with Daddy:

Happy Boys

You two keep me busy, but how can I complain with smiles like these?