Easter Celebrations

This post is a little behind...I was having trouble getting the energy to upload pictures as of recent.  Somebody has decided again to wake up and his start his day before 6 am.  This equals one very tired mommy as of late.
Mateus got to experience a hay ride, egg hunt, and farm animals the week before Easter with Aunt Sara and Aunt Laura.  He loved seeing the animals and was in aw of seeing a real cow for the first time.  As for the Easter Bunny...not such a big fan.  We gave him a little wave as we walked by but there was no way Mateus was going to sit on his lap.

The weekend of Easter was another wonderful time to spend with family.  I was so happy that Mateus got to see so many family members and play with his cousin.  Of course I think if you would ask him his highlight of the weekend would be getting to walk Watson. Did I mention this boy loves dogs?

Nice Weather = New Experiences

Hello Spring!  The nice (although somewhat inconsistent) weather has allowed us to get out of the house and spending more time outside.  Over the past few weeks, Mateus has visited the Bird Aviary, Zoo and Aquarium, visited the park (alot! this boy loves to swing!), and tested out his new ride in our driveway.  Here are some pictures from the past few weeks...

                                                     Watching birds flying at the Aviary

                                                            Spending time with Grandpa

                                                                             Penguins!

                                                   Hanging out with Grandma and the Aunts

                                                                        Mr. Fix It

                                                                  Playing at the Park

                                          Up close and personal with the monkeys at the zoo

                                                           Early morning park visit

                                                                   Mateus's new ride

                                                   Learning to say "cheese" for the camera

                                                                         Gangsta' look

March Fun

                                                              Puzzle time with GiGi

                                                     Loved spending time at GaGa's house

                                                         Daddy let me have french fries

                                                         Loved the fish at the pet store

                                                          Testing cars at the toy store

                                                          Loves everything involving water

                                                                            Rocks!

                                    Finally figuring out how to stay seated while going down the slide

                                                                  More rock play!

                                                              Finding his inner artist

Toddlerhood...For Better or Worse

When I was pregnant I would receive weekly e-mails telling me the size of the baby and what was developing.  Now I receive e-mails that describe how a toddler is developing.  Recent ones have been about establishing independence, testing and using the word "No!" and full on tantrums with no idea of cause and how to make better.  Check, check, and check.  We are in full blown toddler mode in our house.  There are many happy, pleasant moments mixed in with moments where I have asked "Where has my sweet little boy gone?"  Last weekend was rough as Mateus was sick and teething with molars at the same time.  Sleep was off, meals were disasterous and both of us were very frustrated! 
Luckily this week has been much better and here are a few shots of Toddlerhood for the better!....

                                                              Loving the sunshine!

                                                          Greek Yogurt Pop- Yum!

                                                                 Saturday play date

 I have been struggling with how to keep Mateus entertained on the weekends...especially when the weather has kept us indoors...early wake-ups and snowy weather make for very long days.  The following activities were pinterest inspired.  These pom poms have continued to provide some great entertainment hidden inside of Easter Eggs.

                                                                     Pillow Pile Up

  Attempting to help bake muffins. He did a good job until we added the yogurt and applesauce and he couldn't understand why he couldn't just stick his finger in to lick them.

                                                         The look of concentration

As much as Mateus enjoys his sled, I'm really hoping this was the last ride of the winter.....

Fun with Grandma and Grandpa

Mateus got to spend a fun filled weekend with Grandma and Grandpa Tingley last weekend.  He has taken to referring to them as "Gaga" and readily called their name throughout their visit (as well as after they left).

                                                         New books for Valentine's Day!

                                                          Fun at the Children's Museum

                                                            Loved digging in the rocks

                                               His favorite game of stealing Grandpa's glasses

Mateus recently decided that he no longer wants to sit in his highchair (he straightens his legs and refuses to sit).  Luckily his highchair transitions to a little toddler table where he now eats his meals and snacks (and gets up in between bites to get a ball, chase Nala, push his car).  Mealtime just became even that more challenging!