Happy day! and "pay it forward" project

Today was a very good day for Matthew. He was the most vocal and happiest I've EVER seen him. So happy, infact, that I took numberous pictures and a cute little video of him. I'm so happy for him. He's just a happy little dude today. Here's some sweet pic's. Sorry there are so many. I probably took 50 or so :)

Today, Matthew also had a swallow study. See, a couple of months ago, he started refusing to take his bottle. And we've had some slight difficulties getting him to eat baby food. The baby food issue is starting to resolve itself, but man, he WILL NOT take a bottle. Not for anyone, no how. I wouldn't be concerned, but I do work part-time and that makes it hard for Steve to feed him while I'm gone (translate that to he brings all 4 kids to my job every 4 hours while I'm at work, ugh for him).

Matthew did really well with the test. He did not aspirate at all, and even though he still wouldn't take a bottle; he swallowed really well and I think as we work on it he'll do just fine. As for the bottle thing, my personal opinion is that he has figured out that we put gross things in his bottle and he doesn't want anything to do with it. I think he's gotten enough medicine in a bottle to know that it's not for him. But that's my personal opinion. I truly think it's a sign of his cognitive ability. Maybe, just for once, this is something that he's doing that is 'typical'. And by that I mean that typical developing kids refuse bottles all the time, this may not be a sign of something bad. He just knows what he wants and thats momma!
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On to the second part of my day. I've been wanting a new 'do' for a long time. I've also been contemplating how I'm going to 'pay it forward' with the contest that I won on Kristen's blog. Then I read a great post on Lisa's blog about locks of love. And it all came together. I was pretty sure my hair was long enough to donate, and it sure was. Kristen, I hope this counts! I'm hoping it will. And I had a great time getting a new haircut! And, I really love it, too! Here's some before and after pics.

Here's the before:

and......

here's.....

the after.....

The good news is that I have a huge pony tail that will be mailed off to Locks of Love and can be put to use in making a wig for a child.

And now; without further waiting, here is the cute video of Matthew. Pay no attention to the poor videagraphy and the annoying mommy voice on the camera. Just look at my sweetheart!The big red thing behind us is his therapy mat propped up against the chair, just in case your wonderin'.