Big brother Matt climbs up into his carseat and insists that I turn Nic's car seat at an angle so that Matt can look inside it. Matt smiles, then waves hello and says "ic" while doing the sign for Nic. This happens every time I fetch Matt from his school.

Big brother Matt has turned 4 years. Photos and story to follow when there is a little more time.

Big brother Matt has figured out that babies love their dummies (pacifier). And that one needs to be found quickly and brought to mom as soon as Nic starts crying. Often I turn around, whilst holding a crying Nic, and there is Matt offering me a dummy that he has managed to scrounge from the car seat, cot, couch or floor.

A mystery

Big brother Matt has a broken arm. And how did it happen? Well we are really not sure. Last week Thursday we noticed that Matt asked for help to get into the car seat - he can normally climbs up on his own. And that afternoon during play with rice and beans he was only using one hand whereas he usually loves rubbing and moving both his hands through the textures. However he did not appear to be in pain and certainly wasn't crying. Only on Friday morning when Lloyd pulled Matt up onto our bed did he start crying. Knowing that many RTSweeties have been reported to have unusually high pain thresholds we decided we had enough suspicious evidence to warrant an xray.

No doubt about it: a fractured left arm, just below the elbow. But as already mentioned we are not certain as to the cause - was it when Matt toppled off our bed; or when he ran and fell on the grass; or tripped on his toy in the lounge; or one of the many other times when his exhuberant playing caused him to bump into or fall off something? An unsolved mystery.

Lloyd took Matt to have his arm put in a cast - which I am told he endured with much grace and calmness. Initially Matt was not sure about wearing this cast. He can say the word OFF now, and initially would repeatedly show me his cast and request it be taken OFF. I think he understands that it is here to stay. He has since adjusted to having only one arm in use. He has figured out new ways to climb up on beds, chairs and stairs without assistance. He can still feed himself and open the cupboard to find his snacks. And can still find a way to spin plastic lids; play with his cars and turn the pages of a book. He is more independent than I thought he would be, and really only needs a hand to drink from a cup, take his clothes off and get up into the car seat.

The biggest impact the broken arm has had is on his ability to communicate. Matt tries to sign with one hand, but as many signs require the use of 2 hands. Often we are not sure what he is trying to say. But we are persevering. And we are also using some of the PECS pictures to help us where we get stuck.

For the next 4 weeks bath time will be a bit more tricky and sadly no swimming for Matt. But hopefully the time will pass quickly and by then the weather will be perfect for his first swim.

PS I'm also learning to do things with one hand. My reason is a little different - Nic likes to be included in what I am doing during most of the day. I have to admit that Matt has adapted far quicker and more proficiently than I have!!!

Big brother Matt likes to put his cheek against Nic's warm head - and give him cuddles. Very cute!

Big brother Matt has discovered that Nic has small feet and cute ears - just like he has. He will point to his own ears, then to Nic's, and then sign "small".

Big brother Matt is fascinated with Nic's eyes and relishes any eye contact he can get.