Matthew Jayden

You've Been Served...

2010-10-20T15:56:00.000-07:00

Guess what I did today. I started walking! :) I have been practicing for a couple of months now and decided to bust out my moves on camera. See?

Anyway. Mommy, Daddy, consider yourselves served! I will be into more things now.

MUA HA HA!

Things are just starting to get really good...

2010-10-07T12:32:00.000-07:00

That's what I imagine my son thinking. He's 18 months old today and into EVERYTHING! This includes cleaning out the cat's litter box and depositing the contents on the dining room floor...

by hand.

Yeah, I thought that would get you all just a little bit. :) No worries, the hand has been sanitized and he seems none too worse for the experience. Mommy and Daddy may need some therapy because of it though.

Happy 1 and a half birthday, Son! I'm looking forward to many more adventures with you. You need to learn to walk without holding on to something before we do that, however. :)

14-Months Old (and a day or two)

2010-06-09T07:14:00.000-07:00

Things Matthew knows how to do:
Unroll the toilet paper roll
Pull all of the Kleenex out of the box
Pull all of the diaper wipes out of the box
Dump out the kitty cat's food
Spill the kitty cat's water
Say "Uh-oh!"
... and as of yesterday, pull himself to a standing position.

Happy Birthday to ME!!!

2010-04-07T11:24:00.000-07:00

I'm 1 year old today! :) While Mommy wasn't looking, I sneaked down to the rec room and hacked onto Daddy's laptop to post again. Daddy needs to come up with a password that I can't figure out.

I'm a year old today! Mommy's busily trying to burn down the house while cleaning the oven, so I only have a few minutes left. All my fans should send me money and presents because I'm really cute and I'm a whole year old!

I heard them all talking about something called cake and ice cream that I'll get to experience today and I can't wait to do something they aren't expecting. It'll be so much fun!

Uh-oh - Mommy got the smoke detectors to stop so she'll be looking for me any minute now, so I have to go now.

Later, Gator! :)

10 Months

2010-02-10T10:31:00.000-08:00

My son turned 10 months old 3 days ago. I have to admit that he's a really cute little guy. His 4 little teeth coming in are pricelessly adorable. He gained 2 pounds since his last visit to the doctor, a little fact that makes his pediatrician very happy.

I'm happy I could bring you this little update. Matthew sends his best wishes and will hopefully be crawling by the time you get the next update. :)

A Little Over 9 Months Old

2010-01-15T11:53:00.000-08:00

I just read my son's latest entries and I can tell you that he'll have something to answer for when I get home. I'm not sure where or how he's had access to my laptop to make those posts, but I can assure you I'll speak sternly to all 16 lbs of him.

Al least he's almost back on the weight charts and his doctor isn't as concerned about him as she was. He's able to sit up really well and will squeal, giggle, and emit various other noises happily especially if there are toys or people in reach.

It's hard to believe that it's closing in on a year since he first joined our family, but despite the lack of sleep, I've enjoyed each and every minute of his cute little face. I'm looking forward to all the adventures we'll have together over the years.

I love you Matthew, even though I'm going to have to cut off your access to my laptop. Where did you learn to type anyway?

.6667 Years Old Already

2009-12-07T23:14:00.000-08:00

Hello all. I'm 2/3 of a year old already. Guess what I gave my parents to celebrate. I gave them a night of no sleep! :)

Wasn't that awfully nice of me? :) I thought so.

By the way, in case you were wondering, I'm sitting up pretty well these days and I can roll from my tummy to my back. I'm still a little wobbly on each of those, but I can do it. :)

I like to sing too, but I don't think anyone knows the words to the songs I sing. It doesn't matter though, because I like to laugh and that seems to make the grown-ups happy.

Now for my first word, I'm thinking about uttering the word HUNGRY on Christmas day just to see what happens, but I haven't made up my mind on that one yet.

Uh-Oh! Dad's coming back. I can't let him see me working on his laptop, so I'll see you all later. BYE!!!

7 Months

2009-11-07T23:07:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! I'm 7 months old! I smile a lot - except when I'm hungry or tired, then I scream a lot - and I flirt a lot. I can pick up toys, and I recently learned to roll over from my tummy to my back. My balance is getting better and soon I'll be sitting up! Doesn't all this sound like fun?

Pretty soon, I'll be mobile and when that happens, Mommy will completely loose track of her sanity. Won't that be a big truck load of awesome?! :)

I'm going to go plot out just how I'll finish making my family insane now. You enjoy this glorious day, OK?

Half a Year Already!

2009-10-08T11:55:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I turned .5 years old (also known as 6 months). To celebrate it, my Mommy took me to the doctor where they attacked me! They successfully stabbed my legs twice on each! :(

I think I'll try to remember to hang out with Daddy when I turn 7 months old. :)

Aside from the vicious assault, I'm doing well, even though I'm still a little peanut. The doctor said I can have some solid foods now and I'm looking forward to the yummy things I see the rest of my family happily consuming.

I'm still working on learning how to roll over and sit up, but I understand that it takes a while to learn how to perform such complex actions. :) I'll keep working on it.

5 Months old!

2009-09-07T09:23:00.000-07:00

Today, I am 5 months old. Yay! If you're really lucky, I may grace you with a large, happy smile that will show you where all my teeth will come in as well as my cute dimples. :)

I'm still working on giggling. It's sometimes a little tricky to remember to continue making the cute noises. :)

Now, I just need to learn how to roll over, and sit up. Wish me luck!

Day 90 - Scary Baby!

2009-07-05T11:29:00.000-07:00

Dear Matthew,

I decided to put you on your play mat this morning, and when you saw the baby in the mirror, you just grinned and grinned!

But then, something startled you. You stuck out your lower lip, and it started to tremble, and the baby in the mirror did the same thing!

Poor Matthew! I have never seen you so sad! You kept staring at the baby in the mirror and getting more and more upset because the baby in the mirror was getting more and more upset. I couldn't help but laugh!

It took a bit of work, but I finally got you to smile again while you were looking in the mirror. You were adorable as you began kicking and cooing away at your new found friend.

You are such a funny little boy!

Love, Mommy

Day 65 - Mr. Uncooperative

2009-06-11T20:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Matthew,

The stars seemed to be aligned correctly. You weren't fussy, Daddy was even able to lull you to sleep. Mommy wasn't exhausted, and there was clean counter space available.

All we wanted was a simple hand print or footprint, captured in plaster forever.

Let's just say this evening was a disaster. I'm simply going to have to buy another kit and try again. Or hire a professional.

No worries though... you are still very much loved.

Love, Mommy

Day 61 - 2 Months Old & Baby Blessing

2009-06-07T22:53:00.000-07:00

Dear Matthew,

Today you are officially 2-months old. Bad news, little man... 2-months old means it's time for immunizations. I'm not looking forward to it, but it's a necessary evil. Let's not dwell on it and simply move on to happier subjects.

Today was also the day of your Baby Blessing. Your Great-Grandpa blessed you which made today even more special. Your Great-Grandpa is 94 years old, and he has never had the opportunity to bless a baby before. I know he worried about doing things correctly, but I think he did a wonderful job. I love my Grandpa and I know he loves our family very much. I hope you have the opportunity to make many more memories with him.

Your Daddy came to church today, also. It's not something he particularly likes doing, but he got to participate in that he could hold you up after your blessing so that the entire congregation could see you. And he held you so high, well, there's no doubt in my mind that even the very back row got a good look at you. Your Daddy is so proud of you and loves you so much.

Speaking of Daddy, he is still waiting for you to smile at him. How about it? Just a little grin, that's all it would take to send him to Cloud 9 for a few days.

I love you, little man. You were blessed with so many wonderful things... there is no doubt in my mind that you will bring us, your parents, much joy during the coming years.

God bless you.

Love, Mommy

Day 28 - Four Weeks Old

2009-05-05T20:37:00.000-07:00

Dear Matthew,

Today you are 4-weeks old. Time flies when you are having fun, and we are definitely having fun.

Today is also your due date. It is highly unlikely that you would have been born on your due date simply because Mommy was supposed to have a scheduled c-section, and most likely it would've been scheduled about a week ago. But still, I find it strange that we've finally reached your due date but you are already 4-weeks old. It just boggles my mind.

We went to see your pediatrician today for a weight check. You now weigh a hefty 6 pounds, 15 ounces and are in the 3rd percentile for your weight. That basically means that out of 100 babies who are your age, 97 of them will weigh more than you. Yep, you're a tiny little guy, but I know you will catch up in due time. Your doctor did say that if you were born today, your weight would put you at the 50th percentile. In other words, you're right on target if we use your gestational age! But alas, that's not how it works, so 3rd percentile it is. Don't worry, you won't be there long, I just know it!

That being said, I am glad to see that you are growing and getting stronger, but a small part of me is a little bit sad, because, well, I just want you to stay little! I love snuggling and cuddling you, and I just know that no matter how much I treasure every little moment with you, this time is fleeting and it will be over far too soon. I know that there are many wonderful adventures awaiting us, but right now I just want you to stay my teeny-tiny little baby.

In other news, I asked your pediatrician if you could still use your SnuggleMe blanket since it causes you to sleep for 4 or 5 hours at a time, and she said it was fine! Lucky us! I think our family will be a whole lot happier with all of the extra sleep we will be getting now. You just need to keep eating every 2-3 hours during the day so you keep gaining weight like the doctor wants you to. And all things considered, I guess I want you to keep growing too. It's what healthy babies do, and ultimately that's what I want. A beautiful, happy, healthy baby... just like you!

I'm lovin' you so much, little one! Can't wait to see what the next 4-weeks holds in store for us!

Love, Mommy

Day 24 - A Room Of Your Own

2009-05-01T17:07:00.000-07:00

Dear Matthew,

At 1:30 am, early this morning, a very important event occurred. Mommy and Daddy finished putting the final touches on your nursery! Well, maybe not all of the final touches... Mommy still has to paint a few little cars and trucks and airplanes to hang on your walls, but everything else is done and it is livable, so close enough, OK?

I'm pretty impressed with how it turned out and that's saying a lot because your Mommy is a perfectionist. Unfortunately, your Daddy was the one forced to do all the work and attempt to meet my high expectations. Let me state for the record that I am a very lucky woman to have such a talented man for a husband! He did an amazing job. And you, Matthew, you are a very lucky boy because one day your Daddy will be able to teach you all kinds of amazing skills!

I took some pictures of your room because I want to remember it. I know that you don't care about it too much right now. You're just happy to have a comfortable place to sleep, though I do think you appreciate the lamp that bathes the room in a warm, soft light because you really don't like the big bright lights that seem to be everywhere else in the world.

So Matthew, we hope you enjoy your new room. It was designed, painted and decorated just for you by your Mommy and Daddy with LOTS of love. Sorry it took so long to get it completed, but you really did mess up our plans by arriving 4-weeks early. We still got it done before your due date... so there!

Love, Mommy

~ The Inspiration ~

~ Dresser / Changing Table ~

~ Window & Crib ~

~ Close-up of Crib ~

~ Closet ~

~ The Icing On The Cake ~

Day 16 - Mommy Guilt

2009-04-23T21:01:00.000-07:00

Dear Matthew,

Today I began to feel a little guilty for just sitting around and holding you most of the day because, for the most part, all you do is sleep.

But I love holding you. I love listening to your little sighs, your little grunts, and even your little whimpers. You are a wiggle worm, especially when you are trying to go to sleep or when you are attempting to wake up. You stretch your arms and stretch your legs, and even do some tongue calisthenics as you stick your tongue in and out of your mouth repeatedly. When you finally fall asleep, more often than not your arms fall back by the side of your ears, and you hardly move at all. I am constantly placing my hand on your chest to make sure that you are still breathing because when you are content, you are also oh so still, and frankly, it scares me a bit.

So, I decided that today I would put you down more so that I could be productive. But I wasn't productive at all. And then I experienced this thing called "Mommy Guilt" where I ended up feeling pretty darn awful because not only did I neglect you all day (even though you were sleeping contently), but I also didn't accomplish a darn thing (except for getting dressed).

It's evening time, and you are asleep yet again. I am being somewhat productive (documenting your life counts as productive, right?), but I have found a way to alleviate the guilt AND type with both hands.

Sleeping on Mommy's lap is one way to help Mommy alleviate the guilt!

Now if only my leg hadn't fallen asleep...

Love, Mommy

2-Weeks Old

2009-04-21T23:17:00.000-07:00

Dear Matthew,

Today you turned 2-weeks old. The time has flown by so fast, I just can't believe it's already been 2 weeks. And to think, you are not even supposed to be here for another 2 weeks! Our life has been turned completely upside-down, yet I couldn't be happier.

Apparently, sleeping for 3-hours at a time two nights ago (April 19-20), was too good to be true, and you decided that it was time for revenge last night. You were up every 90-minutes demanding more food. Don't get me wrong, I love feeding you, and as exhausted as I am, I wouldn't have it any other way. BUT... 90-minutes? C'mon, let's try for 2-hours at a time, OK? I promise that it will help you have a much happier Mommy. Really! And as a bonus, I might even be able to stay awake...

Mommy gave you a bath this morning, all on her own. Apparently I got the water temperature just right (again), so you pretty much curled up in the bath tub and went to sleep. The only time you cried out (and it was only a little bit), was when I removed the warm towel that was covering you in an attempt to wash your belly and back. As soon as I replaced the towel, you went right back to sleep. Silly little boy!

Daddy and I took you to see your pediatrician today. You now weigh exactly 6 pounds, just 1-ounce shy of your birth weight. Not only that, but when the nurse measured your length, you surprised us by growing an entire inch! Way to go, little guy!

Today you had to have your PKU test done. It's just a screening test that is required by law, but it requires yet another heel prick. Mommy really dislikes heel pricks. As usual, the nurse brought out a latex glove filled with warm water to hold on your heel for a few minutes before hand, but this time the water really wasn't very warm. So Mommy untied it, emptied it, and refilled it, and Daddy held it in place until the nurse was ready to collect the needed blood. The glove worked like a charm - you barely even whimpered when the lancet stabbed you. The nurse let Daddy hold you against his chest, and you pretty much slept the entire time. Piece of cake!

You and I had a very busy afternoon. Mommy's friend Cheri came and kidnapped us, and Mommy was excited because she has been home-bound (or hospital bound) for 2-weeks, because she still isn't allowed to drive the car. We went to J&L Gardens in Bountiful, where you were quite the attraction. Many people commented on how cute you are, and particularly how small you are. I am sure that Cheri was quite tired of hearing Mommy say "He's 2-weeks old, weighs 6 pounds, and was born 4-weeks early!" Once concerned woman asked me if you were "safe in this environment?" I guess maybe she thought you were too little to be out exploring the world, but I think you did just fine.

Once Cheri finished her shopping, we went to Ben & Jerry's at The Gateway in order to participate in "Free Cone Day!" Mommy got Chocolate Macadmia because I knew that was what you were secretly hoping to try. Right? OK, maybe not... but it was delicious. Trust me.

After we got home and rested for a few hours, Mommy and Daddy took you and your big sisters to Ben & Jerry's once again. They were running out of flavors to choose from this time around, so you and I sampled the Strawberry (though your 'sample' didn't arrive until many hours later in the form of 'milk'), the girls chose Chocolate, and Daddy chose Vanilla.

Matthew sleeps while the family enjoys free ice cream from Ben & Jerry's.

Oh Matthew, I love you so much. I love holding you and watching you sleep. I love being able to breast-feed you, though I could really do without the initial "CHOMP!" that you greet me with each and every time. I even love changing your diapers because each and every poopie diaper is one step closer to being completely jaundice free. You are still 'in the clear' but your face still appears to be a little bit yellow, yet it is nothing to be concerned about at this stage of the game. You are doing so well!

Love, Mommy

Picture Day

2009-04-16T14:49:00.000-07:00

My friend Sherri is starting her own photography business and offered me a steal of a deal on newborn pictures of Matthew. Today was the big day! I really wanted everything to be perfect, so of course I was majorly stressed out. Of course, I shouldn't have been. But I was, OK? So there!

Anyway, Sherri took over 250 pictures of our little guy, and I cannot even imagine how hard it would be to sort through them all. I already told her that I just need one print of all of them, and I can use them to wallpaper our family room. LOL! I cannot wait for a sneak preview!

Matthew was a champ. Didn't cry, didn't fuss, might've pouted, but overall, was cute, cute, cute. We did some pictures clothed, some pictures with only a diaper and even a few nekkid pictures. What a cutie!

Anyway, as I said, I can't wait to see the pictures of our little guy.

Happy Birthday To You!

2009-04-07T22:37:00.000-07:00

Matthew Jayden Harris was born at 12:43 pm on Tuesday, April 7, 2009 via c-section. He was born 4-weeks early, but still managed to weigh 6 pounds, 1 ounce and was 18.5 inches long. He is the smallest of our 3 kids.

He has been struggling a little with his oxygen levels, and initially had problems with his blood sugar, but seems to be doing much better now. I was finally able to nurse him which totally made my day because it meant that I got to hold him! He will be spending the night in the nursery so that they can monitor him closely, but they will bring him to me to nurse. I made sure to tell them that if they felt that he couldn't leave the nursery, they needed to tell me and I would come there! C-section or not! I really want my baby time!

I fully intend to write his "birth story" but I am too tired to accomplish this activity right now.

Happy Birthday little guy!

~ Daddy Is Already Teaching Him To "Geek..." ~

35 Weeks

2009-03-31T06:57:00.000-07:00

I love getting weekly updates from BabyCenter.com. It's so fun to see how our baby grows from week to week. You can sign up for a free account and get your own weekly updates sent directly to your e-mail address.

This week BabyCenter told me:

"Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew melon)."

34 Weeks

2009-03-24T06:58:00.000-07:00

I love getting weekly updates from BabyCenter.com. It's so fun to see how our baby grows from week to week. You can sign up for a free account and get your own weekly updates sent directly to your e-mail address.

This week BabyCenter told me:

"Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long."

33 Weeks

2009-03-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

I love getting weekly updates from BabyCenter.com. It's so fun to see how our baby grows from week to week. You can sign up for a free account and get your own weekly updates sent directly to your e-mail address.

This week BabyCenter told me:

"This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds (heft a pineapple) and has passed the 17-inch mark."

32 Weeks

2009-03-10T07:02:00.000-07:00

I love getting weekly updates from BabyCenter.com. It's so fun to see how our baby grows from week to week. You can sign up for a free account and get your own weekly updates sent directly to your e-mail address.

This week BabyCenter told me:

"By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds (pick up a large jicama) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus."

Pa Rum Pa Pum Pum...

2009-01-30T07:35:00.000-08:00

Last night Matthew was moving around a little. This time, I could definitely feel him with my hand, not just him pushing all of my insides around. I encouraged Michael to try and feel him, and lo and behold, he was successful too!

When I finally rolled over to go to sleep, it seemed like Matthew had quieted down for the night. Boy was I wrong! As soon as I shifted, Matthew started kicking like nothing I have ever felt before. Kicks and punches, all in rapid succession, over and over and over again.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again...
Like Father, Like Son.

Now, in addition to a Sci-Fi geek, I also have a Little Drummer Boy.

I've Got You Covered!

2009-01-07T21:59:00.000-08:00

Dear Matthew,

I went shopping today because I heard a rumor about an incredible deal on diapers. The rumor was true, dear one, so Mama went shopping! (I'm afraid you will spend much of your early years in a shopping cart. Someday I hope you will forgive me - like when you realize that all of those hours in the shopping cart helped us pay for your college education!)

Anyway, I digress. The point, dear Matthew, is that I now have enough diapers to cover your cute little baby butt for about 2-months. After that? Well, I'm afraid we'll simply have to go shopping again.

Love, Mommy

Breech

2009-01-05T22:30:00.000-08:00

My OB-GYN informed me today that he thinks the baby is breech.

I'm not concerned. After all, I'm not even 23 weeks yet. The baby could still change positions. I have experience with this because my last doctor thought that Sara was breech and sent me in for countless ultrasounds which confirmed that she was head down each and every time.

But really, the funniest part is that I am having a c-section. I figure that once the incision is made, the doctor ought to be able to yank the baby out by some limb or the other. It doesn't matter whether or not the baby is breech!

Anyway, I know my doctor just forgot that I will be having a c-section, and I chose not to mention it. I just find the situation rather amusing!

22 Weeks

2008-12-30T14:16:00.000-08:00

I love getting weekly updates from BabyCenter.com. It's so fun to see how our baby grows from week to week. You can sign up for a free account and get your own weekly updates sent directly to your e-mail address.

This week BabyCenter told me:

"At 11 inches (the length of a spaghetti squash) and almost 1 pound, your baby is starting to look like a miniature newborn."

Already Following In Daddy's Footsteps

2008-12-27T19:42:00.000-08:00

Michael and I went to watch "The Day the World Stood Still" today.

I can't help but think that little Matthew is going to be a huge fan of science fiction because he picked this time period to officially let me know of his existence.

Yes, folks... we finally have movement! Undeniable, glorious movement!

But why oh why does he have to be a Sci-Fi geek?

20 Weeks

2008-12-16T15:40:00.000-08:00

I love getting weekly updates from BabyCenter.com. It's so fun to see how our baby grows from week to week. You can sign up for a free account and get your own weekly updates sent directly to your e-mail address.

This week BabyCenter told me:

"Your baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. He's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom and about 10 inches from head to heel — the length of a banana."

Baby Talk

2008-12-12T00:01:00.000-08:00

Rebecca has been talking to the baby for a couple of months now. It's not much, just a "Good morning, Baby!" every morning, and a "Good night, Baby!" every evening, with an occasional "Hi Baby!" somewhere in the middle.

Last night, her farewell took on a new twist:

"Good night, Baby... Boy."

It's A Boy!

2008-12-11T14:05:00.000-08:00

Today was the day of the big ultrasound, and while The King and I waited patiently for the technician to tell us the gender of our baby, we both thought that we saw something that wasn't on The Princess' or The Dragon's ultrasound.

Soon enough, the technician confirmed our suspicions.

It's A Boy!

* A Disclaimer: The King and I reserve the right to change this baby's name at any time. But for now, we are going with this. He is also known as "Lil' Stinker."

19 Weeks

2008-12-09T15:46:00.000-08:00

I love getting weekly updates from BabyCenter.com. It's so fun to see how our baby grows from week to week. You can sign up for a free account and get your own weekly updates sent directly to your e-mail address.

This week BabyCenter told me:

"Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a large heirloom tomato."