We waited until Lisa, Stephen and the new addition Matthew came home from the hospital Friday June 6,1997 to go to Stephen and Lisa's house to see the new member of our family. Matthew did not look like a new born, because of his size and weight. Lisa and I were trying to figure out who he looked like, her or Stephen. I think he looked a little more like Stephen at the time. But now as Matthew is getting older, he is looking like Lisa and our Dad.
Matthew is now 8 months old and very alert and on the ball! Matthew helps Lisa feed himself, although it turns into a mess. Matthew likes to eat a lot. Matthew knows his bottle very well, and Lisa will "tease" him by putting the bottle in front of him and waving it in front of his face. Matthew lets out one of his famous screams, but to us it's funny. Matthew has the whole house hold under his control, but he is still a good baby.
Although Stephen and Lisa play with him a lot, he can entertain himself quite well when he wants to. Somebody would really think a person was mistreating him, because of the way that he lets out these big, long, loud screams. He will scream then laugh about it, or sometimes he will do it just to get attention. I think Matthew thinks that life is just ONE BIG GAME. He can now reach for his toys, especially when he is on the floor. Matthew doesn't cry very often, only when his hungry, or sleepy, or wants to be held. And instead of just going to sleep, he fights it to the bitter end, then finally his little eyes will close! But when he wakes up his eyes pop open like he was never asleep. Matthew doesn't take very long naps, unless he is really tired. About 15 or 20 mintues is his speed, and then he is fully CHARGED!
Matthew will never know his real name, because we have a lot of nicknames that fit him much better. I finally named him, "Judge Thumper Screamer Benton". He looks like a "Judge" when he is sitting up. And forever more he is thumping his legs, feet, arms and hands. Then there is "BAT MAN", which I call him and Lisa calls him "MATT-MAN." Lisa gets him up and starts singing "BAT MAN", and he goes into his little dance, with Lisa holding him. Then he throws his head back and starts laughing and smiling. This is what cracks me up, the toothless smile. This is my favorite act. Lisa also calls him "Little Man". Mom calls him "faker and you little clown", which he is. And, if somebody is laying beside him, WATCH OUT. For Matthew will now pull hair, nose, ears and whatever else he can get his hands on. I have already been a "victim" of this.
When "The Judge" comes over it's "Showtime", because you never know what kind of tricks he will do next. We try to eat our lunch, but it's very hard, when "The Judge" is doing his tricks. We are too busy laughing at him. Lisa must have her camera ready at all times, because I don't know how she gets pictures of him like she does. The pictures would crack you up. It was not easy picking out a picture to put on my web page.
Matthew will not get on his stomach. Every time Lisa puts him on his stomach, he will yell. We think it's because he is fat and probably is too uncomfortable on his stomach. I think Matthew will skip crawling and just walk. He has no problem standing up, when somebody is holding him up. And now he can raise his head off the bed. And if somebody holds on to his hand, he can set himself up.
Lisa and Stephen take very good care of thier son. He is always clean and does not want for anything.