Long Overdue with the Moo

Oh, I don't call him "Moo" much anymore because he insists (incredulously) that his name is "Matthew". But I still sneak it in when I can.

My Matthew. I was supposed to get you a birthday post back in November, but now is just going to have to do. I hope you don't mind.

Matthew is a TOTALLY different kind of child than Michael. Matthew is impulsive, silly, he will do anything for a laugh, even if that laugh is just for his own benefit.  He is spunky and energetic. he loves to get out, run around, make funny noises, faces, wear silly hats and just be an overall character.

Matthew has taught our family generosity. He is the first to say "Michael can have this" and keep peace.  While that tendency has gone through the trial of his "twos"  which generally is the child being more self-aware and consequently a bit more self-centered, he still maintains that quality.  Especially at the park, he'll give a toy right out of his hands to another child, "Here you go, buddy"  and smile knowing he did something good.

Matthew can defer to his very strong-willed older brother, but knows how to stand on his own two feet and be his own person too.  He doesn't do everything Michael wants, but often times will be the first to compromise to make everyone happy.

He can't be trusted alone, even for a second. He is impulsive and so if a thought pops into his head, "This would be funny!" he doesn't consider the consequences. He just does it. Emptying soap bottles down the drain, opening the door to a stranger while I am in the other room putting Molly down, writing on a wall (and every other flat surface), etc. That's what Matthew does.

Matthew is very smart. He has good control of his body. He is coordinated, agile, fast, and he has a good arm for a little boy.

Potty training has also been a BREEZE with him. While he is not all the way trained, he wears a diaper only at night, now, and can often go through the whole day without an accident and that includes trips to the store, park, etc.  He can dress himself from head to toe, and can even get a diaper on by himself.

Matthew is a lover. He will cuddle, he'll collapse in your arms and throw his head back with a high pitched squeal knowing that he just wants to be the baby boy for a few minutes.

Matthew has a real religious sense.  He loves to pray. He wants to go make a visit to Churches, he'll be the first to remind me to say a Hail Mary when he hears a siren.  He has a real special sense of loving God.

Michael is a talker and consequently, Matthew absorbs everything, though he can  more reserved about saying what he knows. He likes to read, but doesn't like to be tested. Homeschooling him will be tricky because at this point, educating him has to be very round-about: if he thinks he is being taught, he will give wrong or silly made up answers, but every now again, I can test his reading and he is doing quite well.

Matthew's speech is still laden with baby-talk and consequently a bit hard to understand to the untrained ear.  He has a hard time with K,C,G sounds and has only recently gotten the V and F sounds, but they are still not habitual.  Sometimes, it seems like his tongue is too big for his mouth and he is struggling to speak around his tongue instead of with his tongue.

Matthew is such a joy. He's mischievous and rambunctious. He is silly and sweet. He is independent and crafty. He is smart and spunky.

We love our little Moo!!