Friday, October 23, 2009

matt's answers

Do you think Jonah takes more after you or Patrice and why?
Jonah is loving and strong-willed. These are two adjectives that I think anyone who knows Patrice would use to describe her. Being strong-willed is what makes him a fighter, so I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What first attracted you to Patrice?
I was attracted to her for the first time on our senior trip after high school graduation. She had just gotten out of the shower. Seriously. (Note from Patrice: I was fully dressed with a towel on my head. Don’t freak out, Dad... See? Inappropriate. I told you guys.) It was because of her playfulness and sense of humor. She was and still is so much fun to be around.

What is something that you have learned about Patrice since you had Jonah?
The fact that she became Supermom did not surprise me. I expected this all along. It’s one of the reasons I married her.

Her ability to adapt did surprise me. I would have never have imagined how quickly she adapted to caring for an EB baby, and how quickly she used the resources available to her to make the best decisions for Jonah.

Do you think you have the coolest wife ever?
Yes.

What do you love most about Patrice?
What I love the most about Patrice is her laugh. If she laughs, I laugh. There are few things in this world that make me feel more alive than her laugh.

What do you respect most about Patrice?
She is herself all the time. You may have guessed by the transparency on her blog, and she is like that in real life. You don’t have to wonder where she stands on any issue or how she is feeling at that moment.

What do you think is her most beautiful feature?
Her eyes. I am so thankful that Jonah has her blue eyes.

What is one thing about Jonah that makes you smile?
Jonah laughs at the pictures of himself on the wall. He loves looking at himself. He must get that from me. Patrice says that I look in the mirror a lot. I also think it’s funny when he farts.

What is the single most important event in WFU sports history and why?
In my lifetime, many would say the most important was winning the ACC football championship in 2006 and playing in the Orange Bowl and proving that WFU can contend on a national scale. But I would have to say that my favorite event was the 1995 ACC Tournament in which Wake won by beating Duke, UVA, and UNC in the championship game. Randolph Childress (my favorite basketball player of all time), broke the single tournament scoring record with 40, 30, and 37 points respectively.




What is your perfect date? If you had 4-5 hours of date time with Patrice what would you do to sweep her off of her feet?
Humphrey Bogart once said, “A hot dog at the ballpark is better than a steak at the Ritz.” That said, my dream date would be a couple of hot dogs at a baseball game followed by a trip to Waffle House for a cheese steak omelet, grits, and hashbrowns scattered (on the grill), smothered (with onions) and covered (with cheese). If you’d like, you can also get them chunked (with ham), diced (with tomatoes), and topped (with chili).

Oh wait, the point was to sweep Patrice off of her feet? Oops. I am not much of a romantic, even though I wish I were. Patrice likes to eat, so I would definitely take her to a restaurant. Somewhere where we could sit outside that had some nice scenery. She also likes to take walks, either through downtown, on a beach, in the park. No movies and no sports for sure.

How many Target charges appear on your credit card statement each month?
Wow, so far in October only four. I would estimate eight to ten per month.

What do you eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner?
For breakfast, Pop Tarts. Usually Frosted Strawberry.

For lunch, usually leftovers at work during the week, but on weekends, usually a double decker fried bologna sandwich on toast with Honey BBQ Fritos.

For dinner, whatever Patrice cooks. If she doesn’t cook, then Chick-fil-A. Sunday night is always pizza night.

I don’t claim to eat healthy, but at least the Pop Tarts that I eat are low fat.

What do you do for work? Is your work supportive of some of the extra needs Jonah has? Are they willing to work with your schedule?
I am an accountant for a staffing company. I would tell you the name the company that I work for, but the last time that it got out some freaksickle called me at work while Jonah was in the NICU and told me he could help Jonah if I could convince the hospital to use his machine along with water treatments. I don’t know exactly what kind of machine it was, but I am imagining that it is like the death machine in The Princess Bride that takes a year off of your life every time you use it.

My work is super supportive of Jonah’s special needs. I work a little bit of a modified schedule and I also have the capability to work from home when needed.

What are some of these “hilariously inappropriate” things that Patrice is referring to?
Hilariously inappropriate? She may be referring to me constantly quoting lines from some of my favorite movies, wholesome flicks like Clerks, Dogma, Old School, and Wedding Crashers or maybe the fact that I am too open with my bodily functions.

We know that Patrice wants more kids? What is your perspective on this? Do you want more kids?
I used to joke that I wanted nine kids so I could have my own baseball team. I definitely want more kids. It is tough to come to terms with the fact that we will most likely never have another child that is genetically ours. That being said, Jonah is more than enough for me in that respect. So, yes, I definitely want more kids. Patrice and I have discussed embryo adoption. She wants to get this process started sooner than later. I just want to be able to sleep past 9:00 a.m. one Saturday before we have another kid.

Are you sarcastic?
Yes. I would try to think of something sarcastic to say to prove this, but that just seems like a lot of work.

Do you speak Spanish?
I can understand it better than I can speak it. Patrice and I were in the same Spanish class our junior year and senior year of high school. Patrice was very good student, and I liked to watch TV. I made a higher grade than her when we had a test on a play we had to read “La Dama del Alba.” The test also had some vocabulary on it. Patrice says I only made a higher grade than her because she didn’t know there was going to be any vocab on the test, so she didn’t study it, but I didn’t even read the play. I use this one instance to illustrate my superiority over Patrice in the world of Spanish even though she is fluent and I can’t even order at El Maguey.

Matt’s Spanish lesson for the day- How do you say “I would win”?
Ganaría
Say it out loud.

What words of wisdom/fatherly advice can you pass on to first time parents?
You think you know, but you have no idea. I didn’t realize the constancy of it all. It is 100% full throttle all the time. You have to be able to put your needs aside and focus all of your energy into someone who is totally dependent on you, and it’s totally worth it. At the same time appreciate every little moment, because you never know when it will be taken away.

How did you propose to Patrice?
I proposed to Patrice the day she got back from three weeks in Argentina. She had been there over winter break. When she came home, we went out to eat at a Japanese steakhouse and then to my apartment to exchange Christmas gifts, and I had our song “Blue Sky” by the Allman Brothers Band playing and I had written her a letter so that when she was done she would see me down on one knee with the ring. She said yes and also gave me a baseball card autographed by Marcus Giles. That was a good night.

What is your favorite dish that Patrice makes? Can I have the recipe?
My favorite dish that Patrice makes is bacon wrapped beef tenderloin and baked potatoes stuffed with cheese, onions, and mushrooms.

Recipe: Wrap meat in meat. Take potato and put cheese, onions, and mushrooms in it. Patrice can probably give you the real one.

Do you like Target?
Target is okay. I like it best when Diet Dr. Pepper is on sale.

Do you like Chick-fil-A?
Yes, I love it every bit as much as Patrice. I get a #1, no pickle, value sized with Diet Dr. Pepper. And of course Chick-fil-A sauce, which I have you guys to thank for.

What is your favorite sport? Who is your favorite pro and college team?
What an excellent question. Living on Tobacco Road, I would have to say that basketball is my favorite sport. I am also a huge fan of baseball and football. My favorite college team is Wake Forest and my favorite pro team is the Atlanta Braves.

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Edy’s Girl Scouts Somoas Cookie Ice Cream.

What is your most favorite food ever that you swear you could not live without?
Well, my favorite food is probably pizza. I think I could live without it though. The one thing I could not live without is Diet Dr. Pepper. My dentist asked me if I was going to stop drinking it after I had nine cavities one visit. I said no and quit going to that dentist.

Do you use insensitive remarks and/or stares as an opportunity to educate others about EB?
I have not gotten any insensitive remarks yet, but we get a lot of terrible stares. I just stare right back. If we are outside, I make sure to take off my sunglasses so the person knows I am staring at them. I know it’s bad. I am working on it.

If you could give Jonah one pieces of advice to help him in life what would it be?
I tell Jonah every time that I am dressing him that we are putting his pants on one leg at a time just like everybody else. It is important that he realizes that he is no different than anyone else, and can still do anything that he sets his mind to, but won’t be given anything either. He could be a missionary who brings people to Christ or he could be a doctor that finds a cure for EB, but he will have to work for it. He may be physically limited, but the power of his heart, soul and mind are limitless. EB cannot touch any one of these things.

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Don't miss the post below if you'd like a Jonah update.

36 comments:

Sewconsult said...

What a delightful peek into your world. I loved the Spanish lesson. I had 3 yrs of Spanish (40 yrs ago) & I have a hard time remembering: ¿Donde esta el baño?
Hey, I did well with the typing!
Beckie in Brentwood, TN

Happy and tired said...

You are a wonderful couple. Praying for you all.

Brittney Galloway said...

Great post, and was alot of fun to read!

Kathy Lang said...

Great post by Matt! I enjoyed his answers, and laughed out loud more than a few times! I'm glad that Jonah slept better last night and took a longer nap today. That's a move in the right direction. I will pray that he starts eating more during the day, and not just while he's sleeping. If he does have the surgery for the G-tube, I'll pray for wisdom for the doctors & nurses taking care of him. I will pray that it's not necessary for your inner Roseanne to let loose on anyone! ;)

Anonymous said...

You should definitely post more often, Matt! It's great to hear things from your perspective and you have completely debunked my "shy, reserved" theory. You and Patrice sound like a great/fun couple.

Oh, and I think it is totally appropriate for you to take your sunglasses off and stare people down. You are his daddy, and Patrice and Jonah are lucky to have someone who is willing to stand up for them!

~Amy

The Hazelrigs said...

Thanks for the answers Matt. I love that you take your sunglasses off to stare right back. That is AWESOME! It's crazy how judgmental and rude people are. It's everywhere, even here in Alabama. I use to get stared at because I had a baby when my husband and I were 19 and 20, but I looked about 15. I would wave! People are so stupid. Now, we are 24 and 25. Anyways, if we ever head up that way, I feel like calling you guys because I feel like I know you! I talk to my friends about Jonah, as if we were close friends, meanwhile, you guys know nothing about us :) Well, thanks for you input and as always, thanks for sharing your life with us and everyone. We love Jonah and you guys and are praying for you! Adios. Tu bebe es perfecto y muy mono y guapo. Te amo Jonah... Sorry, but I don't know how to use the spanish letters and symbols. Yo hablo mucho espanol con mi amigos en mi trabajo.
Haley in Birmingham, Al

Anonymous said...

Yay! Loved hearing your "voice" on the blog. So fun to get to know you. I hope you post again sometime.

I'm seriously going to have to try the chick sauce. I always get bbq....last time I was there I actually thought about you guys and almost got the chick sauce, but still went with bbq. Now I'm convinced I should try it!

Anonymous said...

Ganaría....makes 'em laugh every time.

It sounds like you and Patrice were made for each other. Thanks for sharing!

McCullough Family said...

Lots of fun reading your answers. A girl I rode the bus with in middle school was madly in love with Randolph Childress. Go Deacs!

Anonymous said...

Ok, not only does Jonah have the most committed and loving parents ever but he also takes the cake on the most hilarious. Ah, I love it! Thank you Matt for your post. I think you guys are fantastic people and enjoy following your family's journey. Jonah is beautiful/incredible and I ugh...I could just go on but I won't because it could get long...er.

Take care
Mel

Katie said...

Oh we miss you.

Since you actually did answer every question, I regret not asking mine. I was going to ask "If you had to write me a personal check, what would you write in the memo line?" But then I thought about it and decided I like having Patrice as a friend. And I didn't. Because while she has likely forgotten about that, I'm sure you haven't.

Anonymous said...

Loved all the answers. Very funny but I could sense the love for Patrice and Jonah. You all are so blessed to have each other. Your great people.
Lin :)

AL VIENTO said...

Nada te turbe, nada te espante todo se pasa,
Dios no se muda, la paciencia todo lo alcanza,
quien a Dios tiene nada le falta sólo Dios basta.



Santa Teresa de Avila.

Como se que hablas español fluído, te envio este poema. A mi me ayuda mucho en tiempos difíciles...y yo se que Dios esta siempre cubriendo a Jonah con un manto de amor...el tuyo.

Michelle said...

Awwww. How sweet:) Previously, I couldn't think of any questions to ask but now I have thought of one.

I'd love to get both Matt's perspective and Patrice's.

Would you be offended if someone stopped and asked you what was wrong with Jonah (please keep in mind, I don't think anything's wrong with Jonah, personally...he's wonderful!)?

Unknown said...

"I tell Jonah every time that I am dressing him that we are putting his pants on one leg at a time just like everybody else. It is important that he realizes that he is no different than anyone else, and can still do anything that he sets his mind to, but won’t be given anything either. He could be a missionary who brings people to Christ or he could be a doctor that finds a cure for EB, but he will have to work for it. He may be physically limited, but the power of his heart, soul and mind are limitless. EB cannot touch any one of these things."

Matt wonderful answer, my parents and grparents told me this every day of my life, I have CP, and I am a former sp. ed. teacher , wife, and a mother of two. I have learned to do all the normal things maybe somewhat longer learning curve, maybe not quite like everyone else but God made us all different. Keep telling Jonah only the words I can't can defeat him He needs to only say the words I can!

Kirsten: said...

Matt - you are hilarious! =)
Loved your answers especially your advice to Jonah! Thanks so much for sharing!

Stacy K. said...

Wow I didn't think you could be as funny as Patrice but you are! Jonah is going to have so much fun growing up with you two :-)
Always praying for you guys.

Erin said...

What an awesome post!

Freaksickle....a word that is immediatly going to be added to my vocabulary :-)

Sarah Crump said...

so i was going to actually comment on the post...

but now i just want to know what you wrote on the memo line of katie's check?

Wanda Wilkinson said...

Jonah has the most amazing parents. No wonder he is so charming, handsome, eye catching, adorable, funny, etc (I could go on for hours) boy. He takes after both of you, what a wonderful combination.

As many others have said I feel that I know you personally. The 3 of you are in my thoughts & prayers through out the day & night. I find you in my thoughts anytime I wake during the night. People that hear me talking about Jonah immediately think he is part of my family.. l have fallen in love with the 3 you & I would be so happy if you were my family. That way I would get to spend time with you & love on that sweet baby.(gently)

Prayers are being answered, because Jonah is eating & resting better. I will continue to pray that during the next week Jonah will show great improvement in eating, resting & gaining weight.

I pray that God will guide both of you when you have to make critical decisions regarding Jonah. He has brought Jonah this far (hard to believe almost 8 months) showing Jonah many, many miracles of good health & growth. I believe God will continue to perform miracles in Jonah's life.

Jonah (mom & dad too) has brought many people back to a relationship with Christ.

I hope you have a great weekend & remember there is so much love for all of you. Praying without ceasing.

brenda in seattle said...

Hey, that was fun. Thanks for answering my question, Matt. I will be praying for Jonah and his eating situation and for wisdom for you guys.

Kara said...

Thanks for the answers!

Karen said...

Ok, I only read until the "sleep past nine" answer and then I had a fit of laughter, then I decided to leave a comment.
My children are 14 and 11 and I still can't sleep past 7am or so on weekends.
Sorry to burst your bubble but it ain't happening!

Sandy P said...

Go ahead and get started on the next child. My first is 5, and he has NEVER slept until 9. You might be waiting until Jonah is a teen if that's what you are looking for!

Mimmy said...

Matt and Patrice, thank you so much for the "Matt's Answer's" post. It is really great to get to know you a little better, Matt.

My heart is breaking to find out that Jonah is having such problems. The past few days I've not been able to get on to keep up. You will continue to be in my prayers.

Love you all to Heaven and back,
Mimmy

Rebecca said...

Matt,
Thanks for giving us such a great glimpse into who you are! I read this post last night using my reader on my phone and I made it my first stop today because your answer to the last question about what advice you'd like to give Jonah touched my heart in such a profound way. You are an amazing Dad and Jonah is blessed to have you and he will be great at whatever he grows up to be because of the approach you take and explained in this last question.
Praying for you all!

Anonymous said...

Matt- I have some bad news for you. I don't think you will ever sleep in to 9am again! I used to LOVE to sleep.....now 2 kids later who at times wake at 5:30 or 6am.....sleeping til 7am is sleeping in for me! :)

April said...

I am so glad I asked the question I did. The answer was awesome and something that we could all take a lesson from. Thanks!

Erin Edwards said...

Patrice,
You will have to print up some cards for Matt like we have to hand out. There are times I just don't want or don't have time to go into an hour discussion about skin disorders with a stranger & the cards really help. You can be nice & make it easier for your little guy in the future;) Did I give you one of them when I saw ya'll? It just answers the biggest questions we get and gives FIRST's URL. I know it is hard to deal with stares and comments... and I know ya'll deal with more of that than we do. It does get easier too... Chip is getting really good about explaining and/or handing someone a card. Especially now that Ethan is starting to answer his own questions we want to be sure we model how we want him to handle it himself.

I hope ya'll enjoy the pumpkin patch tomorrow:) We are planning on doing Boo at the Zoo:)

Sandy said...

Hi Matt! It's SO GOOD to hear from YOU and to learn more about you. Thank you for taking the time to post for all of us. As I've told (written to) Patrice before, it's like you guys are family. I love your Jonah so much and pray for him (as well as you and Patrice)every single day. Our Youth Group at Poplar Springs Church in King has kept up with you and your family ever since Jonah's birth. He is prayed for every single week (at a minimum) by the group.

Much love and prayers.

Laura A said...

Matt, it's really nice to "meet" you - and it's very clear that you and Patrice are a perfect match!

I know you're a wonderful dad to sweet Jonah - please know we're all praying for you, too!

And just for the record, I see nothing wrong with the sunglasses removal. It makes the point.

Praying in TX!
Laura

Megan @ SimplyThrifty said...

Fun post to read. The wisdom you possess was displayed clearly in the last two sentences you wrote. So important for so many in our world to remember!
"He may be physically limited, but the power of his heart, soul and mind are limitless. EB cannot touch any one of these things."

Shan said...

Seriously laughed out loud at the Spanish lesson - sounds like something my own husband would say!

She laughs at the coming day said...

It was probably a Kangen water machine. It's pretty much a miracle machine, used in hospitals in Japan to heal all kinds of skin/physical conditions. A friend of mine has one and it does live up to its claims. She has lost weight just by drinking it and her mother's aching joints are gone.

It may be worth your while to check it out:
http://www.phdrinkingwater.com

Toni :O) said...

I loved this post! I LOL about the dentist and Diet Dr. Pepper....um, last time I checked, diet pop does not cause cavities (Swagbuck it, it's true!) Glad you moved on to a new dentist (what a dork!)...so hilarious especially because I LOVE Diet Dr. Pepper too! You two seem absolutely perfect for each other and sweet Jonut is so blessed to have you both. I can't wait to try Chick-Fil-A someday soon! Hugs and prayers to you all!

godfrey said...

you guys are just too cute!