Christmas 2008

It has been a busy few days so I am combining Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and today all in one post. I did not get as many photos as I had planned but we had a good few days. We went to Keiko’s house for Christmas eve and had a great time. Mark and I were able to visit and snack while Andrew and Zach kept an eye on Matthew. My little guy has really bonded with the boys and it makes me so happy to see him engage with them, it is a far cry from last year We had a really enjoyable evening.

Andrew and Zach giving thanks for the dinner

We spent Christmas day with Mark’s family. Matthew has a big soft spot for his Grandparents and loves to go to their house and feels at home there. He always gets upset when it is time to go and never wants to leave. It was a nice, relaxing Christmas day.

Matthew and Grandpa Sumida

We came home and Matthew played with his favorite Christmas present, his Thomas train track.

Now for today, everyone the past few days has been telling us that Matthew needed a haircut (he did) so I braved it and took him. The first 3 minutes we broke out in a sweat holding down flailing arms as he was screaming but he calmed down quickly and did well after, and boy does he look handsome. That face melts my heart!

After putting Matthew to sleep last night Mark and I marveled at how different this Christmas is and how grateful we are for the changes this year has bought to our son. Watching Matthew’s progress is the greatest gift we could possibly receive and a continual reminder that recovery is possible.

Christmas Train

We took Matthew to ride the Irvine Christmas Train with friends. Irvine Park does a great job with decorating and stringing lights everywhere and of course, there is a chance to see Santa. We did not plan for having to wait for hours in the freezing cold. It was also packed and very loud. It was sheer craziness. Regardless, there was something we walked away with that made us very grateful, and that is all the change that a year has brought for our little man. Last year this type of chaos would have triggered a monumental meltdown; Matthew would have been screaming and hitting everyone around him the entire time, unable to communicate as he had no language. We would have been unable to stay and he would have been out of control. Of course he was impatient last night as would any 3 year old be, but he is able to express what he wants and needs and process his environment so much more. He is able to let us know how to help him far more, even if what he needs is for us to cover hears ears to drown out the sound.

The kids did have fun once they finally got on the train and enjoyed seeing Santa. Even though it was not the most comfortable night, we always enjoying spending time with our friends.

Good-bye Crib

It was a big night at the Sumida house last night. Matthew’s bed arrived! We have been talking to him about it for about 2 weeks and he was so excited. We probably bought more time with Matthew in his crib than most people but it was necessary as he is such an eloper. No child proof lock is safe from him either so we milked the crib as long as possible. He seemed a little uneasy for a few moments when it was time to go to sleep but was out pretty quick. He had a great night of sleep and only woke up once (a typical night is 3-4 times). I went into his room this morning because he was so quiet (he is usually up extremely early and demanding to get out) and he was laying on his back relaxing. He said “Mommy, go out. Close door.” I asked him if he wanted to get up and watch TV in my room and he said “lay down right here big boy bed.” It was really cool to see him understand that this space is his and to see him exhibit the independence to want to time to himself. He is such an amazing little boy and the absolute love of our lives. We certainly have much to be grateful for this year.

Mommy, I am not so sure about this.....

Our little sleeping beauty.

A Day To Remember

OK, so I have to officially go on record and apologize to Keiko for all of the times when we were kids that I charged her a quarter to sleep on my floor because she was afraid of the dark, and all of the times I would con her into picking up the dog poop (my chore) and for stealing her clothes and sunglasses when we got older. She and Rob gave me a birthday that I will always remember. Since I was a kid I have loved the opera Carmen. The tragic story, beautiful costumes and sets and the exquisite music…… Today they sent Mark and I to see Carmen….what an afternoon! It was incredible and we loved just getting lost in the excitement of it all.
It was a phenomenal performance!

We ended this special day with Rob and Keiko taking us for a delicious dinner where we indulged in decadent desserts!

Of course I politely declined such calorie packed confections (uh-huh!)

You are HOW old?

On a serious note, many thanks to Rob and Keiko not just for today but for everything. You guys have given us so much love and support, especially during the past 2 years. You guys have made us feel that our burdens were yours and that we are all in this together.

We love you guys.

It was a beautiful day and one of the best birthdays I have ever had (and I have had a lot).

Thank you!

Happy Birthday Auntie!

Today was Auntie Keiko’s Birthday so we celebrated by getting together for lunch and cake and just lounging for the afternoon. Keiko loves poker so we thought this cake was perfect for her….until she told me that there are no dice in the game of poker. Who knew?

We had a fun afternoon and Matthew enjoyed spending time with his cousins. After seeing Matthew so distant from people, it is wonderful to see him want to be around his cousins.

Kisses are as sweet as cake! (Especially Matthew's)

Happy Birthday Aunite Keiko!