Two short years ago I was introduced to the sweetest soul I'd ever known. Matthew joined our family in the midst of some really terrible twos and some finally improving fours... his arrival threatened what tiny hold we had on our dwindling sanity.
But we survived. Nay, we thrived.
Matty brought an evenness to this very lopsided home. I have sometimes referred to him as the Great Equalizer. Everyone loves baby Matthew. Matthew is perfectly fine with whatever, wherever, whomever, however and whenever. Well, he may take exception to the latter if he's hungry. He didn't steal, "squat," make demands (of anyone but me, that is)... What's not to love?
This angel baby has been my Baby. I could not have asked for a sweeter child. Ate well. Slept really well. After the two month mark, he even tolerated the car really well. Rarely upset, rarely flustered, and not at all bothered by his brothers' antics. In fact, he joined the fray as soon as his little arms and legs would carry him into their shenanigans. His chronic ear infections bothered me more than him. Earplugs for bath time? No problem - he "helps" to put them in and take them out daily. His inevitably large teeth accentuate his big ole grin, and he shows them often. We still don't know what color his eyes are. I like to think they are the color of the lake water he loves so much.
My buddy. My Matty.
And now he's two.
(sigh)
For this monumental moment in our family's story (a second birthday for which I am NOT pregnant), we celebrated with cake and such at the lake.
This of course required planning. Preparation. Lists. Grocery shopping. Aside from the usual cookie from the kind folks at Publix, this boy was Not Interested.
 |
| All the whole foods and organic produce are buried under the coke, chips, beer and frozen pizzas. Promise. |
Two.
Hayes, we aren't in Kansas anymore.
 |
| Can't you tell it's his happy place? |
So it may be that the halo is a wee bit tarnished as we move into Year 3. We still get lots of love and cuddles, flirtation and smiles... even if easygoing has been replaced with finicky and sometimes argumentative. We always say that manners get you far in life, and you are proving that smiles get you everywhere. Happy birthday to My Sweet Boy.
 |
| Staring in wonderment at the cupcake cones |
 |
| Blowing kisses |
 |
| He made short work of the cupcake, then it took him another half hour to eat the cone. Diligence! |
 |
| (swoon) |
 |
| Muah! |
* * * *
We have conducted science experiments involving acidity, density and states of matter.
 |
We have learned about weather patterns, civil war history, and the Galápagos Islands.
I have learned I don't have to fear thin green snakes , but I sure don't have to like them, either.
We watched helplessly as an older gentleman at the zoo collapsed (ostensibly from heat exhaustion) and the paramedics were called in. He later rode along on the zoo train, so thankfully he rallied. So we learned about first responders and "looking for the helpers." (Thank you Mr. Rogers.)
Peter has discovered that Reenie is a woman of her word. The hard way. 60 minutes in the closet.
Davis has learned what it means to skinny dip.
Matthew has learned that his nostrils are each the perfect size for a finger.
Maureen learned not to promise $20 for catching a minnow unless there are no minnows to be found.
I have learned that my swimming with my kids gives them an inordinate amount of joy and satisfaction.
We have learned that the boys DO actually enjoy each other's company, and they share many interests. The only caveats are that we can't be at home and there can be no ownership of anything. When stuff belongs to someone else, neither boy can claim possession. Lenin must have had sons.
And I learned that a family trip, while not a vacation per se, can be something to really cherish.
 |
| Taco Night on the dock |
 |
| Let freedom ring! |
