Matthew's 5th Birthday!

Matthew turned five yesterday and he was so excited about it. He was beaming all day. He kept saying, "mom, I'm five! Did you know that?" And then when trying on a bracelet Chrissie made him, which was a bit small, he said, "hmm, this most be for three or four year olds or something."

Things I love about my now 5 year old Matthew: the attribute that has just blossomed the moment I brought Daniel home: brotherhood.  Matthew loves his little brother Daniel.  He is obsessed with that little boy.  Daniel is one lucky boy.  Matthew is so sweet and loving with him. He is always hugging and kissing him, playing with him, looking for him, wanting to lay by him, sleep with him, hold him, unbuckle his seatbelt, you name it, Matthew wants to do it.  Anything to be near his little brother.  I feel so blessed as a mother and only hope this special bond strengthens and continues through out their life.
-I love how when I ask him to do something he says, "sure mom!"
-I love his laughter and how he loves to laugh.
-I love his tender heart.
-I love how he wants to snuggle with Rick and hates that he is the only one who sleeps alone (he is desperately waiting for Daniel)
-I love how he says, "mom, I just love you."

 A few photos of Matthew and Daniel.  Matthew is always putting accessories on Daniel.  

 We had just returned from a family trip, Wednesday afternoon, and so I was ill prepared for his birthday. But we tried our best to make it special.

Our usual birthday breakfast didn't happen because we were jet-lagged and woke up 10 minutes before school started for Chrissie!  We still had a little breakfast where he got to eat as many strawberries and grapes as he wanted!  Chrissie even had And then he ate as many strawberries and grapes as he wanted!  with just me, Jane, and Matthew where Chrissie had a special card and present waiting for him on his plate.  And then he ate as many strawberries and grapes as he wanted!  

Later, we went on a special lunch date with Rick, which was the highlight of his day.  And then we ended the day with dinner, presents, and cake.  

 The lunch date.

And of course we had balloons, which Jane immediately took ownership of. After a little coaxing she was willing to give them to the birthday boy. 

Birthday dinner

The birthday boy! Man, I love that smile.  

And now I must apologize for the paper plates and frozen pizza dinner. I'm so sorry Matthew the sink and countertop were being refinished.  But we did have some special Izze drinks!

I think he put on the batman shirt especially for his batman cake.  I made the usual ice cream cake (chocolate cake, peanut butter and chocolate ice cream, and whipped cream frosting) with a batman logo, upon his request. However, the grayness just wasn't working for Rick and me-we just couldn't eat it.  Maybe it had to do with turning our teeth/lips black and it just didn't look appetizing. I may have to wipe that off and put on a nice clean white frosting. 

Happy Birthday sweet boy! We sure do love you!