Matthew's 4!

I can't believe our first baby is four today. He woke up this morning and I am convinced he looks older. Maybe it was because of the too-cute "crewcuts" outfit Grandma got him, but he is just looking so grown up to me (wipe the tears).

Let me back-track just a little. Because of the last blog that I updated with the pictures of the kids, Dad booked a flight for Mom to visit. Even though she'll be back when the baby decides to come out, she had to come out. Who can blame her? The kids are too cute to resist, Matt's constantly sending her picture mail on her cell phone, the kids call and leave her messages, she's a grandma, and so she gets to do such things. We had a great visit. We went to the park, went shopping, hung out at the house, went out for breakfast where she was absolutely amazed at how much and how fast my kids can inhale pancakes and eggs (of course who could blame them when we licked our plates clean, too!), and did more shopping. Just what I needed. I needed to get out of the house and eat and shop and play. My kind of visit. Here's some pictures: The first try was a little bright, so we moved to a better location.

Here we are at the park:

Sometimes the park can be tiring!

After Grandma left the kids needed some roughing up and wrestle time with Daddy. So what better time to do it than right before bed! We were in the process of getting P.J.'s on when Daddy started wrestle-mania. There are two things the kids love: 1) wrestling with Daddy and 2) being naked. They were so wound up and sweaty that they needed a bath and some serious book-reading and song-singing by Mommy to calm down.

The kids ended up winning.

So back to Matthew's 4th Birthday. The day started out typical with Matt and I leaving for work and the sitter coming over to teach letters and trade shoes and bounce on the couch cushions.

Later we had a playdate with Matthew's friend, Jude. Of course the cushions come off for that fun, too. I happened to pull the camera out right when Matthew got a papercut on his new coloring book and this is all I captured from their playtime together. "It's my birthday, I can cry if I want to, cry if I want to..."

Jude brought him his first Lego set and he loved it! I had fun putting it together for him.
And then we opened presents. The anticipation of opening the presents was too much to handle and we had to grab our leg to hold on. He was so excited about all of the great toys, movies, pajama's, writing/coloring things, Spiderman guys and clothes (Daddy loved the green and white striped long-sleeved Lacoste shirt the most! You can see it in the box under the "Bee Movie"). Natalie did pretty good at watching him open presents and trying to stay away from the new toys. Matthew was on guard trying to protect his new toys from his destructive sister.

One of his favorites was the Incredible Hulk punching gloves that make noises and grunts when you hit something. Natalie's reaction to hearing the gruff voice was worth a picture, too.

To finish up a great day we had friends over for dinner and Spiderman Cake. Matthew waited a day and a half to eat that cake. He was so excited! When we all sang to him he just couldn't hold in his elation and giggled through the whole song.

Thanks everyone for making Matthew's Day so special with your thoughts, phone calls, cards, presents and just being together. We love you all!