Matthew is 3 and his mom is my dear friend Tammy.
I love him a lot. And not just his arm (more on that later).
He is a smart, funny, and good-tempered kid. I wish I saw him more. In fact, I need to find a way to see him more. As much as I love NYC, the lure of Tammy and Matthew makes me think that one day I could see myself somewhere closer to DC. Time will tell.
Here are some things I learned about Matthew:
If he gets mad or frustrated, he gives himself a time out. That's right, a wee little three-year old has the self control to leave a bad situation, go to a quiet place for a minute, and return refreshed and happy. Isn't that genius? I'm so impressed.
The way he says "Aunt Rachel" makes me so happy I could cry.
He is very polite and friendly.
He likes chocolate milk, pancakes, cheese, carrots, and donuts.
He LOVES Thomas the Tank Engine.
He fell in love with my upper arm. "Aunt Rachel, I love your arm." And then he hugged it.
He named the plastic "hairy" ball I bought him "Charlie." He told Charlie that he was his "very best friend."
When I showed him pictures of the shelter kitties on my camera, he petted them on the viewing screen.
He sings and dances and that boy has rhythm.
When he says "carnival" it sounds like "caramel" and it's spectacularly cute.
Oh, and he LOVES the carnival. Especially the Dragon Wagon.
I love love love this kid.