Matthew's First Birthday!

Last Saturday, we had our whole family over to my parents' house to celebrate Matt's big birthday! It was lots of fun, and I managed to only get choked up a little bit as I remembered his rough beginning and thought about how insanely lucky and blessed we are to have him here with us.

Random stats: Matthew is currently 21 pounds and 29 inches tall. He is cruising around on all the furniture in the house, and can walk with assistance. He hasn't taken independent steps yet, but I think it will probably happen soon! He dances to music, waves "bye," claps his hands, babbles like crazy, and is getting into everything! His current favorite "trouble zone" is the kitchen drawer where I keep the plastic food storage containers. I spend a lot of time tracking down lids these days. He also likes to throw things (usually soft, bouncy balls, but he'll also throw more dangerous items if we're not watching him carefully!). He has the sweetest personality, he's incredibly laid-back, and he loves to hug and cuddle with me. Cutest baby EVER!

Anyway, on to the party!

A few months ago, I asked the kids what kind of birthday party we should have for Matt, and Ethan's immediate, enthusiastic response was, "A zoo party!" I thought it was a super cute idea!

Here's the cake!

I couldn't resist.

I set up a hot dog bar with a ton of different toppings. We also had a menu with some suggestions for creative hot dogs, like the "Chicago Dog," the "BBQ Dog," and the "Salty Dog." I think people had lots of fun making them! Some were really pretty good! I chickened out when it came to the sauerkraut, though. So much for my German heritage.

Matt with his Grammy, Great-Grandma, and Grandma.

(That's just funny, actually.)

Grandpa and Matt.

Arturo and Zoe.

(I think she might have a bit of a crush. Sorry, Hannah.)

 One lucky mommy!

 Zoe was ready to blow out the candle for Matt!

 "Wait, what was that I just ate? It was good!"

"Hmmm..."

"Oh, yeah. I can totally clean the plate! This stuff is awesome!"

Then we opened some presents (with a lot of helpers)!

 

I think he really enjoyed all the fun boxes and paper, though he had no clue what was inside.

And, after a little nap, he found some balloons!

Matthew had a great first birthday, and the party was awesome. Thanks to everyone who came and brought him a gift! We love our Matt-Matt, and can't believe he's already ONE!

Matt is ONE!

I already posted a photo on Facebook, but I wanted to post here as well. Just to be thorough, and to help in fulfilling my personal vow to blog more this year. On with the show!

Matthew hit a big milestone today - his first birthday!! This is a big deal for any kid, but when it comes to Matt, we are beyond excited to be celebrating the big "1" with him. We weren't sure if he'd make it to this point, quite frankly, after all the difficulties he had at birth. Those of you who don't remember, feel free to read his extremely wordy, four-part birth story that begins HERE. 

One year ago today:

 Just a few hours old, in the NICU.

About a week later, once he was home with us:

 One of Matt's gorgeous newborn photos by Stacy at Sugarbee Photography.

(Check her out! Not only is she a great friend, but she's a great photographer, too! She also has a Facebook page.)

And, one year later:

Mommy's little kitchen "helper."

Taken this afternoon. It's hard to believe how much difference one year can make!

We've had so many people tell us how blessed we are, in reference to our children (and our family as a whole). As much as we agreed, we never really understood the depth of our blessings until Matt came along and blew us away with his strength and ability to overcome. He is such an amazing little boy, and we are so thankful that he's here with us, happy and healthy.

So, to our precious baby boy, Matthew James (Matt, Matty, Matt-Matt, Mattimus, Mattster) - we love you so, so much!! We have enjoyed watching you grow this past year, and we are looking forward to all of the things the future holds.

A new year, another start

I have been seriously neglecting this blog for a full year now. I've missed being able to come and write for so many reasons, but just haven't made it a priority because of all the other things we have going on in our home! I really hate New Year's Resolutions, but if I am going to make one at all, I'm going to resolve to be more diligent about updating here. So, there you have it. Happy New Year!

Matthew's arrival brought so much more to our lives, and while most of it was really great, some of it wasn't. We made it through the extremely complicated beginning, however, and were finally able to take a breath and just enjoy our newest little one, who is the absolute sweetest boy on the planet! It is completely unbelievable that he is going to be ONE already - in just a couple of days! It's just not possible that an entire year has flown by. We'll be celebrating this weekend with family, so be watching for the photo bomb that will inevitably follow.

We also celebrated Ethan and Nicholas's birthdays in December, and I'll get some photos up from their party as well. They're deep in a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles phase right now. It's like a flashback to my childhood, playing TMNT with my brother and watching the cartoons, so I don't mind it much.

We had several fun Christmas get-togethers with family, and the kids acquired every toy on the entire stinking planet. Once again, it looks like Toys 'R' Us threw up in my house.

I hope everyone has an amazing 2014! May it be filled with joy and abundant blessings!