A busy few weeks...

I am sorry that it has taken me so long to provide an update but we have had a busy few weeks. This past Monday Matthew went to the doctor for his two month appointment and we found out that he is now 23 inches long (60th percentile), 11 pounds 10 ounces (50th percentile) and has a head circumference of 15 3/4 inches (50th percentile). Matthew has really taken off with talking. He now coos like crazy. Both Cass and I really enjoy our conversations with him and his reactions. He also has seemed to discover his hands and now thoroughly enjoys putting them in his mouth. In fact, he tries to not only get his entire fist in his mouth but also both hands at the same time. He is starting to discover placing just his thumb in his mouth, but his thumb usually ends up moving along his upper gum line instead of in a conventional sucking position. Matthew received his first (and only) bottle on the 10th when we went to our first family life group. We had a great time and look forward to our second meeting on the 24th. We are looking forward to doing our study on the Book of Isaiah. Matthew still enjoys going for walks outside, although they have been limited lately due to all of the rain and cold weather. He still enjoys looking at trees and other foliage. Matthew has also started to push himself up even further during tummy time and constantly impresses both Cass and I by his strength. Matthew has also enjoyed being in his new bouncer, which mommy also enjoys as it gives her a chance to grab a bite to eat/get dinner ready. Lastly, Matthew has become quite good at holding things for longer and longer periods of time.


Watch out what you put near my mouth daddy.
Bundled up for a walk with mom.
Asleep in my bouncer.
I love to lick things now including this blanket made by my great-great-grandmother.

Watching the Ravens game with daddy.
Spending time with Uncle Stevie.

What we have been up to...

Well the past ten days have really flown by in the Bell household. Some memorable moments include Matthew sticking his thumb in his mouth for the very first time. Granted this solo thumb sucking experience did not last long as Matthew's fingers quickly joined the escapade. We have also taken Matthew out for a lot of walks in his stroller, where we have discovered that Matthew has a genuine love for the outdoors. He definitely looks forward to his time outside and appreciates looking at the trees and listening to the crickets. Matthew also got to take his first big people bath with mom and really delighted in being in the warm water. Since then he has taken two other baths with mom in the big tub, which he enjoys as long as it doesn't last longer than 15-20 minutes at which time he really lets mom and dad know that he has had enough time splashing around. Matthew and mom also went on their first play date on Monday where we met some great moms and children. (There was also another little boy named Matthew). We have also noticed and delighted in the fact that our son smiles more and more each day and has started cooing as well. Matthew continues to take joy in listening to music and he now even has some wrist rattles so that he can join in on the fun. Finally, Matthew has started to grasp onto objects other than our fingers. We hope that you enjoy this week's pictures and video!

This is a picture of the first time Matthew wore pajamas.