Matthew

• Matthew has always been a bit of a character.  He LOVES sweats!  In fact, he refuses to wear jeans.  This entire school year he has only wore shorts or sweats--never jeans.  And he only wore jeans twice last year in preschool.  He has always liked being in charge of his fashion.  Not that he is fashion-forward--he just wants to have HIS say be the only say.  He has been dressing himself and picking out his own clothes since before he was 2 years old.   
• Matthew has made lots of friends in Kindergarten--a group of about 5-6 boys.  Recently he and his friend, Zander, were moved to the same table and they sit next to each other.  So, now everything is 'Zander this and Zander that'. 
• Matthew really enjoys playing sports.  He's gotten into basketball lately since they're allowed to play it at recess.  The other day he told me, "Basketball is my LIFE!" 

New Favorite Pic

11 Months

Gavin is 11 months old today.

Weight:  19 lbs. 4 oz.

Height:  29 inches

 (Gavin's favorite sitting position)



Gavin is so much fun.  I love this age.  He's getting mobile and learning to talk and express himself.  He's cruising everywhere and is beginning to take steps on his own.  Yesterday he took three steps.  When he stands without holding on to anything, he grins from ear to ear, so pleased with himself.  He's also starting to talk and mimic what we say. He says:

"da-da"

"mom-mom-mom"

"Maa"-Matt

Yesterday after climbing up all the stairs he said "did it".  Both Adam and I looked at each other in shock.  Then we replied "you did it".  Which then Gavin replied back "did it".  I'm not sure he quite understands what he's saying but knows enough to vocalize those sounds when he's reached the top of the stairs. 

He naps once in the morning and once in the afternoon.  I'm about ready, though, for him to stop napping in the morning.  I'm tired of not being able to do much of anything or go anywhere in the morning.  

Gavin's a very happy baby.  He loves to be around other people, especially children.  He gets very excited when he can get something he really wants, i.e. the computer, tv remote, cell phone.  He studies how things work.  I can just see his mind thinking as he plays with things.  He's really into the swinging gate--see how the gate opens and closes and how it catches and locks closed.  In some regards he reminds me of Adam on how he focuses intently.   

Fun Run

(Adam at the finish line.  Matt didn't want to be in the picture.)

We did a 1 mile Fun Run this morning with the boys.  A young man in our ward is working on his Eagle project.  He organized and put on a 5K and Fun Run to raise funds for his project.  Adam and Matt were very excited about doing this.  They were the youngest runners.  Adam came in first place with a time of 8:48 min.  Matt came in 4th with a time of 9:55 min.  I came in last.  I was walking while pushing Gavin in the stroller.  Adam's goal was to finish first.  His ability to hyper-focus is definitely a blessing sometimes.  It surely drives him to excel.   

Tender-Hearted

My folks are leaving on their mission to Germany next month.  Adam has been quite distraught about this because he won't get to see them for two years.  He doesn't like goodbyes or having his life change in any big way.  I then had to tell him his Aunt Holly was also moving further away, to Seattle.  He looked at me, put his head down on the table, and started to cry.  Hopefully these changes won't be as hard to adjust to as he thinks.   

SPRING

. . . HAS SPRUNG!!!  Which means I survived the winter. 
Our tulips are poking their heads up above the ground. 
We've seen robins, doves and even a woodpecker in our tree.
And, Spring Break and come. . . and gone.
The boys had Spring Break last week.  We didn't go anywhere so we came with something fun to do everyday during the week. 
We went to:
the library
had lunch at McDonald's
Matt & I saw "Rango"
Robert & Adam saw "Mars Needs Moms"
watched a lot of basketball, especially KU
...and did spring cleaning.  What Spring Break is complete without spring cleaning?  A year ago, Adam and Matt started sharing a room.  So, it was high time that we cleaned out under their beds and vacuumed. 
Now, we're back to school, counting down the days 'til Summer Break.   

Pinewood Derby

Last night was Adam's first Pinewood Derby.  He was quite excited.  The theme was favorite sports teams, so he clearly chose KU.  His car ended up being in the middle of the pack which was a bit disappointing for him (we're still working on losing graciously).  Afterwards at home, I told him losing simply helps us do better the next time because it can teach us what we need to improve.  He's quite competitve and is already thinking what he can do differently and better for next year's race.  He did receive an award to "sticking to the theme the best".