Matthew, in the future...

As parents I know that we all think and wonder about what our children will be like in the future. What does the future hold for our little miracles? For some of us, we fought through a lot of tears, failed pregnancy tests, doctors visits, needle pricks, and ovulation tests to get our miracles. Our only hope is that those sweet babies eventually become adults who get married, have wonderful relationships, travel, and do exciting things with their lives. I know this is morbid, but what if that doesn't happen? I stumbled upon a blog the other day about a woman with two boys who have autism. She didn't realize that her first son had autism until he was maybe a year and half, and the second son she realized much sooner since she had experience with the first child's diagnosis. It has been so amazing reading her blog and learning about how she navigates life with her boys. As a mom to a son, I pray that little Matthew doesn't fall on the spectrum. I don't think he will, because he has hit every milestone thus far, but there are still things he hasn't done and might not do. I have found myself the last few days really looking at him and celebrating who he is. I've also been really thinking about does he make eye contact with me (he does, but is he really seeing me?), does he respond to his name (not yet - hasn't reached that milestone), is he babbling appropriately (lots of eh's and mm's right now, with tons of raspberries thrown in), is he interested in his toys the way he should be at six months? I hate that I'm thinking about it, but is it wrong to be making sure those milestones are being met?

After reading this woman's blog, I am finding myself also enjoying Matthew in the little moments that we are sharing. So what if he falls asleep while nursing and I let him sleep on me for one of his naps. So what if I get up in the middle of the night and rock him to sleep and stare at his perfection. So what if I don't say no when he throws a toy on the floor and laughs and I laugh right back at his adorableness. This time with him flies by so fast that I can't even believe he is already half a year old. Where is my newborn baby? I've also enjoyed these little moments a little more the past few days because of my surgery and not being able to hold him for a few days. I will love my chunky monkey no matter who he becomes, because he is a reflection of me and my husband and the love we have between us. He is perfect in my eyes and that is ALL that matters.

P.S. My cheeky boy rolled over from his back to his front, and just can't get enough of it! Even in the wee hours of the night! GO MATTHEW!

And now for loads of pics! = )

 Just shopping like a big boy, folks!

 Hey! I'm 6 months old and sitting up BY MYSELF!

 My old Pops examining my two bottom teeth!

 Ahhhh, green soft Ohio grass. Much better than sharp, prickly Georgia grass!

Me and my perfect, wonderful, adorable, cuddly, chubby boy!

Holy Moly!! I don't even know where to begin...

School is out for the summer, we took a long car trip to Ohio, and I had a hernia surgery on Monday. Since Cheeks was so large I got a hernia sometime after pregnancy from either working out too early, or picking up my gigantic baby in his car seat! I've been recovering from the surgery this week while my boy has been at daycare. His daddy has been dropping him off and picking him up every day. I feel almost guilty being home without him, but know I couldn't take care of him if he was here since I can't lift him up. I am getting more comfortable with holding him to nurse and play on the floor, but walking around with him makes me nervous since I'm still in pain.

We were in Ohio last week to get Matthew baptized in the church my hubby and I grew up in. It was a beautiful ceremony and reception afterwards celebrating with our family and friends. We also were able to visit with a lot of other friends and family while we were in town.

I can't wait to be over this surgery so we can get Matthew to the pool!! I bet he will love it. He's already six months old and is pretty much sitting on his own. Although, he isn't rolling over from his back to his tummy yet. He's almost there, but my chunker has a lot of body to move. Seeing him in all his chubby glory just brings a smile to my face!

We've been feeding him solids for a bit now. He likes bananas, pears, carrots, squash, sweet potatoes, and green beans. He wasn't a fan of apples, but ate them, and highly dislikes peaches! I'm going to try peaches again in a few days and see how they go. I know it takes up to 10 exposures to really know if a babe will like something so I plan to keep offering it. He was a bit more receptive to the peaches on the third try, but ended up crying because he didn't want to eat them. I'll be adding in breakfast for him next week, probably just some oatmeal and a fruit mixed in for flavor and extra nutrients. I try to give him a fruit and veggie at dinner so he has a balanced meal.

He's been an excellent sleeper, but I don't want to jinx myself as I know that can change at any time! He pretty much goes down to bed between 7:30 and 8, and sleeps until between 4:30 and 5:30. Each day it seems is getting later and later which is fine by me! I don't mind getting up to feed him at 4:30 or so if he goes back to bed afterwards.

Now that I am home for the summer I will probably blog a bit more. Being a working mom is NO JOKE! Our nights and days were extremely busy. I'm looking forward to having Matthew home to read books, sing songs, and play with all kinds of new toys!

Here is a picture of us and his godparents at his baptism. He was wearing our family baptismal gown that has been around for multiple generations.