Three Months Old

It is hard to believe that Matthew is already three months old. He has really amazed both Cass and I with how much he has grown. Physically he has grown two inches in the past month and over two pounds. (We don't know exactly how much he weighs as he would not stay still when we went to get him weighed last Monday and so the scale never locked in place. The figure was hovering around 13 pounds 10 ounces). Matthew continues to love being outdoors and taking in all the sights. Indoors he really enjoys looking at lights and trying to "steal" glances of the television. Recently he has started doing the doggy paddle in the bathtub and is really proud of his accomplishment. He still loves music and enjoys kicking his legs in his crib. Recently at night he has started sleeping in bed with his mommy, which has resulted in better sleep for both of them. We are looking forward to the holidays and can't wait for Matthew to meet some more of his relatives at Thanksgiving. We will update soon with some holiday pictures. (Mommy is having a very hard time finding him a holiday suit but so far has found two other very cute outfits).

Here is a video from Friday night highlighting Matthew's love for stories:

Happy November!

Matthew has been growing by leaps and bounds. It is hard to believe that in just three days he will be 3 months old. He now weighs almost 14 pounds and I am curious to see how long he is, which Cass and I will find out on his mirthday (month + birthday = mirthday). He is now talking up a storm and has even started shrieking. Matthew also just started laughing and last Saturday was the first time that he laughed while awake. Daddy was playing with him and he laughed right back at Cass. Matthew has also been grabbing and playing with things though not as much development there as with his talking. He rolled over from his tummy to front on the 25th of October but hasn't done it much since then. He also LOVES to stare at lights and does so quite a bit. He has been trying to sit up on his own and gets extremely frustrated when he is unable to do so. Matthew and I flew down to Texas from October 20th until the 24th and we had a great time. Matthew behaved wonderfully on the plane and even received a few compliments. Matthew has also spent some quality time with Granddad, grandmama and grandpa/popop. Sorry to keep this short but Matthew has not been sleeping for very long without me recently and so I need to catch up on some much needed sleep. Please enjoy the pictures and video.

Talking up a storm:

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.

This past week

This past week has been a busy one as Matthew reminded me once again that his mommy should not eat any broccoli or I will suffer extreme consequences. He went on two walks this week (one with Uncle Stevie and his mom and the other with his parents) where he was able to get in his stroller without the car seat. He really enjoyed the fresh air and was able to "chill out." Matthew has also been grabbing more and more things (my hair, bag handles, fingers, shirts, his daddy's glasses, etc) and he has managed to hold them for longer periods of time. I also discovered this past week a great way to occupy Matthew during the afternoons so that I have enough time to make and eat lunch - propped up in his bobby pillow.

Matthew also gave both of us his first conscious smiles. On Monday, Matthew smiled at me three times in a row while I was changing his diaper. Then his smiles "disappeared" until his broccoli induced gas pains went away and so Cass had to wait until Thursday morning to get his. Cass loves Matthew's smiles and thinks that "they are beautiful" and I totally agree. Matthew's smiles make our day and are so rewarding. Let's see if they win you over as well:

One Month Old

It is hard to believe that one month ago today we gave birth to our first child and most precious son, Matthew. This past month has definitely been an adjustment for Cass and I as we are slowly learning what it means to be parents. Things are starting to resemble more of a routine in our house although we are by no means on a set schedule. Matthew has also gotten to the point where he sleeps for one four hour stretch each night, which allows mommy some much needed sleep time. We are also becoming more familiar with Matthew's cues as well as his various cries. We have learned that he LOVES to sleep on his mom's chest and that his swaddleme in conjunction with his car seat and vibrator are a good substitute. Matthew equally enjoys spending time with his daddy especially when that time involves staring at and studying his dad's face. Finally, we know that although at times caring for Matthew has been stressful and has provided us with our ups and downs, we wouldn't trade it for the world as we love our little boy and can't imagine our lives without him.