Our nephew, Matthew, has been staying with us for the past few weeks. He spends his evenings and weekends with us, and Grandpa comes over during the day to watch him while Guy and I work. Twice this week Grandpa has had other commitments and Matthew has gone to a friend of mine’s house for the day. I was worried that he may be upset to stay there but instead has had a total blast. When I picked him up on Wednesday I reached into her truck to get him out of his car seat and he immediately reached out for her. I am so glad he is having such a fun time at her house but a little sad he doesn’t see me and immediately jump for joy. When I pick him up his face freezes and I can see a thought bubble pop out of the side of his head that says, “Shit. She’s here.”
Matthew also refuses to smile for the camera. The closest I can get is seeing him laugh and trying to snap a photo quickly without him catching onto what I’m trying to do. That is not saying he doesn’t smile, he actually smiles and laughs a lot, it’s getting him to do it in front of a camera. Recently, the closest I’ve come to a smile is this:
Do you see the other boy in the photo with him? That is Kristen’s son, Logan. I believe he is the magic fun plant that is growing at her house and why Matthew loves it there so much. Logan is a couple of years older and I think Matthew looks up to him and tries to emulate him. Hence the eating and smiling for pictures. Hopefully he can spend enough time over there that he also catches onto going pee in the potty. Pretty please, Matthew?
Sher Bailey has been a dedicated voice for the Love and Marriage blog for over a decade, sharing practical advice on everything from stretching a grocery budget to finding the best homeschooling resources. She writes from the unique perspective of a full-time traveler, living and working on the road in her motorhome alongside her husband and their two cats. Sher’s diverse body of work is fueled by her belief that with the right tools and a little creativity, any challenge can be turned into an opportunity for growth and adventure.
Another Day In Paradise says
Matthew is so cute! Funny how kids do that, the food is always better at someone else’s house!
Kristen says
To make you feel better Matthew wouldn’t eat or smile at me on Wednesday either. It took spending a day with us and having a 2nd day, more with Logan than me, and he’s caught onto cheesing for the camera and realizing that some foods are yummy he just has to try them!
AND, when I pick Logan up from school he runs and hides! This is normal, it’s sad, but it’s always more fun someplace else!
Thanks for letting Matthew come play with us!
Sher says
Welcome to Motherhood Kitten. He’s doing what every kid – and husband – always does.
Lindsey says
Aww what cute boys!!
Sara says
If it turns out that Logan is the magic fun plant that makes Matthew end up peeing in the potty…can I send E over there???
Hang in there…you’re wearing the mommy shoes right now…and we’re just never THAT popular! : )
Lisa D says
I have a nephew that is the same way – the kid barely eats! And he runs around constantly, so I don’t know how he does it. I guess pediatricians always say that kids will eat when they are hungry, but I still don’t understand how he eats so little but can run circles around me & never tire.
Oh, and I can rarely get the kids to smile for pictures… I try to be so sneaky, but usually the smile melts away when the camera comes out!
a H.I.T. says
What adorable pictures!
Justin and Jenn says
Our local library actually paid for Nicholas Sparks to come (I hear it was quite expensive). They had a breakfast and book talk…it was SOO wonderful!