Getting Strong Now

Matthew has taken advantage of the cold outside temperatures to work on his training and exercising indoors.

Floor exercises

Flexing his muscles

Push-ups

Laughing after a hard workout

Matthew also took a trip to the doctor's office this week for some regularly scheduled shots.
While at the doctor's office he weighed in at 19 lbs, 6 oz and measured 27.75" tall.

Softball, yes. Concert, no

Matthew had an exciting weekend. Friday afternoon he went to his very first University of Georgia sporting event; a softball game. Since Matthew is close, personal friends with a couple of the coaches, he didn't even have to pay for a ticket. Of course the Dawgs won!
Saturday evening Matthew spent some quality time with his Aunt Meg and Cousin Ellen in South Carolina while his parents went to a country music concert in Augusta with Papa, Grandma, and Aunt Devin. Matthew's parents realized that they are getting old, not only because they had to get a sitter to go to a concert but because part of their description of said concert included the words "too loud".
Matthew is getting much better at sitting up by himself. He wants to crawl so bad he can't stand it, but so far can only crawl backwards. Everyone who sees him cannot believe how much he has grown and notes that he is healthy and isn't missing any meals. Since Matthew is getting heavier his parents have to find new ways to carry him around the house.

Sitting in baskets

Funny Valentine

Valentine's day may have been 3 days ago, but Matthew in his Valentine's outfit (from Grandma) will bring back a rush of the lovey-dovey feeling. Thanks to everybody for the Valentine cards.

Smiley

Sitting up

Chasing toys

Announcement Anniversary

One year ago, Matthew parents were telling his grandparents that they were going to be grandparents. And everybody was so excited! The family is still excited about their baby boy.
Matthew's response to recent the snow, however, has been less than impressed.

 Matthew sized snowman

Snow is a great teething device

Sleeping Snow Angel

First Snow

Matthew got to play in the snow for the first time Friday afternoon.

He'll eat anything

It's a seat not a sled

With Mama

And Daddy

All together now

On the truck

By Saturday Morning there was a thick blanket covering everything

A little more than 4 inches total. Maybe Matthew will get bundled up today to play outside some more.

Safari

Matthew recently had a hunting expedition.
But first, he had to fill up on some tasty green beans.

Sticking his tongue out during supper is not encouraged.

Notice how his hunting clothes could "camouflage" any green bean spills.
This particular evening Matthew was hunting Lion. The hunt started nicely as he was able to track a fine specimen. He waited patiently for his opportunity, until it was time to pounce.

Matthew believes in giving everything a sporting chance, so he bypassed the gun, or the bow, or even a sharp stick, and attacked this great beast with only his two bare hands.

Initially his unorthodox hunting style caught the Lion by surprise, but eventually the Lion was able to gain an advantage by obscuring Matthew's vision.
The battle was fierce, but the Lion was able to escape to fight another day. Unvanquished and tired Matthew retired to his crib early. The safari was great fun with only one drawback. No fresh meat means tomorrow night's supper will have to include...Green Beans!

Super Bowl Shuffle

Matthew showed almost no interest in the Super Bowl Sunday evening. The result was his parents (mostly his mama) working to keep him otherwise occupied. As a result, Sunday night was Matthew's first experience with vegetables. More specifically, green beans.

He wasn't impressed.

His green bean experience led directly to bath time

He has graduated from the baby tub to the seat.

Rubber Duckie you're....delicious

During bath time, Mark realized why Matthew has been grabbing his beverage cup so much lately. Matthew has a difficult time distinguishing between the red plastic cup used in the tub, and the red plastic cups used by his parents so frequently for their sweet tea. Only one of these is supposed to be dumped over Matthew's head.

All night long!

Last night Matthew laid down in his crib in his room to go to sleep shortly after 10 p.m.
His parents did not get him out of his crib until it was time for him to eat at 6:30 this morning. He made it all the way through the night all by himself. Of course, this blog post will most likely jinx this new phenomenon.
After breakfast Matthew was ready to play.

Still in his pajamas

Danielle had another photo session with Matthew planned for this morning. In anticipation of the upcoming photos with Ms Heather, Matthew decided to scratch himself between his eyes. His fingernails are sharp.

Scabs are cool.

Matthew will get to see his first Super Bowl tomorrow evening. Hooray!

Who Dat?

Cutting Horses and Teeth

Matthew started cutting his first tooth during the past week. The top, front tooth was first discovered Friday when he decided to chomp down on his grandma's finger. There is still not much pearly white showing, but there is obviously more than just gums up there. Also, Matthew is putting any and everything into his mouth and in addition to the copious amounts of drool, seems to enjoy rubbing his toys across his gums.
Over the past weekend Matthew spent two days at the Augusta Cutting Horse Futurity, where his mama was showing everybody how big he's gotten.

He sleeps during barrel races too.

Matthew was so inspired by the finals Saturday night that he had to try out his horsemanship skills on Sunday.

Showing off with a one-handed grip

He also had his picture taken next to his big horse

Click here to see how much he has grown in relation to his horse since his first month.

Smiley

Matthew also had an unscheduled doctor visit this week to investigate some coughing and congestion. While there he weighed in at 17 lbs 13 ounces with his clothes on. The overalls were obviously lined with lead.