Matthew 3.0

Three years.. it has been three years since this amazing little person has entered our lives!

When people hear that Matthew's birthday is so close to Christmas, they usually respond with, "oh, poor kid!" Assuming, perhaps, that he gets a little left out amongst all the Christmas celebration. Not so, I assure you, not so. He is one of only two grandchildren on both sides of the family, after all!

I secretly LOVE having my Christmas baby. He was due on Christmas Day, but came a few days early to let us know that he wasn't going to do ANYTHING by the books. On the day we were released from the hospital, a wonderful nurse brought him to me dressed in a dark green velvet "My First Christmas" outfit and wrapped in a bright red blanket. Coming home on Christmas Eve with a brand new baby was the best gift I could ever have received.

And so, Matthew, Happy Birthday To You. All you really wanted for your birthday was a "race car cake."

Of course, your third birthday wouldn't be complete without presents! And there is no glee on earth like that of a three year old boy who is about to open birthday gifts.

If ever at a loss for what to give Matthew, remember that Boys Love Trucks. It is a rule of boyhood.

Little brothers also love trucks, and are dismayed to find out this truck isn't for sharing (at least, not yet)! This is also a day for Little Brother to discover Big Brother's generous spirit. Matthew gave him the race car from his cake. "MINE!" is giving way to compassion, at least some of the time.

Opening of Presents took some time, since every toy had to be opened and explored.

The presents received were all well loved, and included:

• A Smart Cycle from Grandma and Grandpa H.
• A wooden train set from Grandma and Grandpa L.
• Hullaballoo game from Aunt Mary Ellen and Uncle Dave.
• "Llama Llama Red Pajama" and "Llama Llama Mad at Mama" from Aunt Kristy.
• A wristwatch from Mom and Dad.
• A John Deere truck/tractor set from Mom and Dad.
• Chutes and Ladders from Mom and Dad.
• A jigsaw puzzle set from Mom and Dad.

You can see, the child doesn't lack in the birthday department, despite being so close to Christmas!

Happy Birthday, Mattman. Here's to a wonderful, fun, and crazy fourth year!