Matt's Birthday

Matt turned three yesterday, and I was so glad Ryan could be home. It was our first Saturday together as a family in one solid month... (1st-year residency is hard to tolerate!). Ryan probably makes it to church 20% of the time because he's either working or sleeping post-call. Some people at church probably assume I'm a single mother, because more often than not I'm herding the kids into sacrament alone. Today was no different (Ryan works all day and all night tonight). Next Sunday Drew is assigned to give the scripture in Primary, but again Ryan can't see him because he'll be working. That's why it felt so great to have him home yesterday to celebrate Matt's birthday.

I just can't imagine life without Matt. He joined our family at an extremely stressful time in our lives. We struggled so much, but with great struggle comes tremendous growth, and we got through it together. Looking back, having our first child was so special (nothing else like it), but I clearly remember when Matt came along that the ties that bound our family together became tighter and more numerous. He is so special to us, and we are a better family because of him. Here's Matt through the years, followed by video of him blowing his candles out.

Birth...


Homecoming...

1st Smile...

1st Birthday...

2nd Birthday...

3rd Birthday...