It's been a busy month for the Raffs. Of course there was Christmas and New Year, but also a lot of firsts for Matthew (we also threw in Daddy's birthday for good measure).
Matthew is now 7 months old! It's something we remind ourselves of often. It seems Matthew has been a part of our lives forever, and in some ways maybe he has. But he actually just turned 7 months this week.
As always, he enjoyed his monthly photo routine.
On Daddy's birthday, his parents came over. Here is Matthew with his Papa and Grammy.
At 6 months old, Matthew still didn't sit up very well on his own. So we called his Drill Sargent (well, his physical therapist) and she came by to see how he is doing. With a little prodding, Matthew was sitting up for her!! She told us to push him because he could sit, he just didn't want to! Turns out she was right. By the end of that day, Matthew was sitting on his own (but didn't appear to enjoy it)!
He has been eating more foods and of course enjoys his fruits. Mommy and Daddy make most of his baby food at home right now, but they aren't sure how long that will last.
Matthew was on his best behavior as Christmas approached, no doubt hoping to rake in the presents.
On Christmas day he spent time with all of his family. First up was the Matthews and Allens.
Here is Matthew with Great-Grandmother.
Matthew and Mommy enjoying everyone opening presents.
Unfortunately, we were so busy opening presents with the Matthews and Allens that we forgot to take pictures of them with Matthew (but don't worry, we will have pictures with them for our next update.)
With both sides of the family in town it was a busy day, so off we went to David's parents!
Matthew with Daniel and Chelsea.
Matthew was really excited when he found out he had more presents!
Mommy and Matthew opening his gifts.
Matthew ended up with lots of toys. He loves them all (and as you can see he didn't want to share).
He also got to see his Great-Uncle John.
His Great-Grandfather Don.
His Great-Grandmother Jeanne.
Just when Matthew thought Christmas was over, he had even more presents waiting at home!
This outfit was a gift from the Matthews. It's a little hard to read, but his name is on the back butt-flap.
Matthew may want to be an astronaut...
if he ever stops eating his feet.
We are very lucky that Matthew is almost always happy. This is his expression most of the time.
Since Matthew turned 6 months old, we wanted to have his pictures taken. Somebody on Facebook recommended Jennifer Zindler to Susan. Jennifer was great and we thought the photos turned out well. Of course, with Matthew in the picture I'm not sure they could have turned out any other way.
Once Matthew started sitting up, he also started to roll around more as well. Here he is playing hide and seek with Daddy by hiding under the pack and play.
He also plays hide and seek with Mommy.
Here Mommy busted in with a camera during bath-time.
Matthew is slowly learning to use his Sippy cup as well. I think most of his drink still ends up on his shirt, though.
Matthew wasn't sure what to think of his first time to see snow.
Mommy, Matthew, Charlie and Oscar taking it easy.
One thing we have learned is that Matthew grabs everything! Here he is reaching for the camera.
The rare tummy-time photo.
We didn't pressure Matthew about where he wants to college, but he made the right choice.
Matthew also went swimming for the first time this month. Unfortunately Mommy had to work, so Daddy and Matthew went on their own. He looks like he is wearing swim pants, but they are really swim trunks (with the required 2 swim diapers on underneath).
So, happy 7 months to Matthew and see you all next time!
