Matthan's 2 year stats report.

Matthan turned 2 at the beginning of the month. I am behind (as usual) on posting highlights and stats.
Weight: 32lbs 90th % Height: 35 inches 75th % Head circumference: 50 1/2 90th %

The doctor said he is developing wonderfully. He says he is "smart as a whip". We were able to discuss with the doctor two areas we have ongoing concerns about: bedtime and his diet. The doctor felt that continuing to do what we have been doing in regard to bedtime would be best. This means follow a routine, once he's in bed- do not go back in- despite his occasional protests against our leaving him in the room. This has been a year long battle- and while weary certainly is a good word for our feelings regarding the process, its good to know we are doing the right thing- even though it doesn't SOUND that way coming from Matthan! :)

As for Matthan's diet: The doctor said that though he is extremely picky- and likely its due to a food texture issue-the good thing is he is gaining weight at an appropriate rate. He also said that around this age their tastes for things change, so its possible food he has refused in the past he may interested in and vice versa. So, hopefully in the coming months he will be more open to new things. Currently his diet primarily consists of lots of yogurt, applesauce, fresh fruit, green beans, crackers, bacon, and cereal. He will NOT eat bread, pasta, oatmeal or any warm cereal, cheese, meat (other than bacon). Lately, he is interested in eating Asher's baby food- and while the doctor isn't opposed to that, we are trying not to go back to that since it took a while to break him of it a while ago.

We are hoping Matthan's umbilical hernia will heal itself, it does appear to be getting smaller, but if by age 3 its still there, it will require surgery to repair it.

This past month has been one of lots of laughter, as the things Matthan says is generally quite entertaining! His vocabulary has certainly expanded quite a bit, and its like we can have a real conversation. He is usually very excited to see Asher, he will say.."Aww what's baby doin?" or "whats "a" doing"? Instead of saying "A" in the long vowel sound, he says it in the short vowel sound. Pretty cute.


One day we were watching something on the television, I think it was baby animals, and Matthan very affectionately (and drawn out) said "Loooook". We continue to hear this whenever he sees anything he thinks is "cute". And lastly, while getting a haircut recently, he said "Umm, how bout some snacks?". :o) When we are leaving in the car he announces "Here goes" (with a strong southern accent!:O) Our little guy is so smart, and so aware of all that goes on around him. We are seeing our need to be very clear when explaining something to him, or instructing him- as we will soon hear it repeated to us if we or anyone else does something he isn't supposed to do.


We've entered the world of sharing- or well-not sharing with his brother. Up until recently it hasn't been much of an issue, as Asher was unaware of what was going on. However, now when Matthan grabs a toy away from Asher, he gets a not-so-passive response. One day the boys were playing with cars and it looked like Matthan was not sharing, I said, "Matthan, are you sharing with Asher?" He said "Yes, School Bus!" I was shocked he completely understood what I was saying, and he had decided sharing was giving him something, not necessarily what the baby wanted. :O)

In the past month Matthan has taken great delight in watching videos that include farm animals. He has always loved animals so much, so we thought we should find some classics and see if he'd enjoy watching them. Some of his favorites: Charlotte's Web, Fox & the Hound, and Babe. What's funny is that he especially loves the Owl in these videos. He constantly is asking us about owls, looking outside to see if he can see one, clearly loves them!


While Matthan is still super active, we've noticed he has a little bit longer attention span, and is therefore able to sit still for longer periods of time, if needed. He remains super friendly and outgoing and he especially loves his little brother! He's also started asking us to pray. This can be at mealtime, bedtime, etc. It's always so encouraging when he asks, and a pleasure to bow our heads alongside of him as he joyfully shouts A-MEN at the end of each prayer!

We are anticipating tackling some major accomplishments in the coming months...potty training, more structured learning at home, and encouraging more independence in simple tasks. Our big boy is growing up so quickly and is eager to learn. We are, with God's help, seeking to embrace this season as much as possible, with the hope of helping him excel in many areas.

Some of Matthan's favorites this past year are:
Books: I love you through & through, All of his Farm Animal Books, Good Night Moon,
Toys: Cars, Trucks, anything on wheels!
Food: Yogurt, French Fries, Fresh Fruit
Cartoon Character: Oso & Mickey Mouse Clubhouse

We love you so much Matthan. We are grateful for each day the Lord gives us with you, and for the privilege of being your parents. I know I say that all the time, but it's true!!

Stay tuned...upcoming posts: Birthday Party Highlights, Asher's 11 months