Matthew's Birthday Party

We celebrated Matthew's first birthday today with a party at our house. We had beautiful weather and a full house. We are truly very lucky to have such a wonderful family and friends. At first Matthew was very overwhelmed by the people and he wasn't very social or active. He had just woken up from a nap and was a bit cranky. After a short time he softened up and was himself. He enjoyed the company of his friends and family. Lindsay and Brady traveled here from Farmington Hills, Uncle Brian, Aunt Cara and Cousin Maia traveled here from Ann Arbor, Great Uncle Bruce and Great Aunt Joene traveled here from Jackson, Abby and Brad traveled here from Grand Rapids and Gary, Blair and Henry traveled here from Milwaukee! Matthew had many more friends travel to our house that live in town as well. It just shows that he is loved and so many people care about him.

Of course we let him have cake! I tried my hand at baking and after a few tries, I was able to make him a cake. It wasn't decorated that nice, but it was baked with lots of love. Matthew took no prisoners when eating either, he dove right into the cake with both hands. He was a mess after and got a short rinse in the tub.

After all our guests left and we cleaned up, Matthew had his sugar rush! He was into everything and climbing over the dogs like they were mice. He was laughing and giggling and crawling a mile a minute. So, we had to give Matthew a real bath to calm him down. After his bath and lotion massage, he got his bedtime bottle and passed right out for the night. I still can't believe that he is one (well on Tuesday)! Everyone always told me that they years will fly by and boy were they right! We have been though a lot in the past year and had our ups and downs, but the love we have for Matthew is unbelievable. No matter what mood we are in, he puts a smile on our face. I can only imagine what this year will bring us. Just to put his development into perspective, aside from the cruising on the furniture and babbling, Matthew took his first nap at daycare with the big kids. They sleep on the floor in the family room on their mats with their blankets and pillows. He has moved out of the pack and play/crib room and in with the big kids. Deah said that on Friday he was just all smiles when they put him down with the other kids and went right to sleep almost as if he knew it was an accomplishment and an achievement for him!

In other news, I have eight days of school left for the year before I get to stay at home with him for the summer. He will still continue to go to Deah's one day a week. On those days, I will volunteer at our school's summer reading enrichment program in the mornings. It will also give me some time to get some things done on my own if needed. It will also help Matthew to stay in a routine so he won't forget Deah over the summer and make the transition in August much easier on us all, including Deah!

We want to thank everyone who took the time out of their day to come and celebrate with us! We love each and everyone of you! Enjoy the video of Matthew eating his cake (sorry, it's a bit long) and to see more photos from the party, visit our photo site. Enjoy!