Matthias on your second birthday

Dear Matthias,

You are 2 today. My baby is 2. It doesn't seem possible. I thought your first birthday came fast, but your second? That arrived at lightening speed. I can't help but think back to when I was pregnant with you and how different you were from your brother and sister. I had never ending morning sickness and because they could not see you clear enough on all of the many ultra sounds, I had to have weekly stress tests the whole last trimester. Little boy, you've been giving me hell since before you were born even born, and I wouldn't change you for anything.

My beautiful, beautiful boy. You are rambunctious. You were blessed with a fire-cracker attitude and a determination that is going to get you so far. You are brave and courageous. Funny and sweet. You are so funny. I laugh every day with you. You give the best hugs and kisses. You are the best cuddle buddy. You are a miracle. My miracle.

You have such an amazing sense of wonder that never ceases to amaze me. You're like a little sponge, trying to soak up everything you can. You try so hard to keep up with your brother and sister and want to be with them every chance you get. They can make you laugh harder than I ever thought was possible.

I love watching you splash in puddles, I love seeing your eyes light up when your brother and sister get home from school. I love the sloppy kisses we give each other a hundred times a day. I love that you hold my hand when we go on walks. So much has changed in the past year. You couldn't even walk at your last birthday but now you are running everywhere you go. You know your own name and have proven every hour of every day that you know mine. For the last two years, I have watched you grow from a sweet newborn to a beautiful toddler. I know you are growing up, the new things you pick up every day are a reminder of that but today still creeped up on me.

I won't pretend that parenthood is easy or I've been anywhere near perfect, but make no mistake, being your mom is a blessed job. And every second of every day, I'm thankful that you're mine and I'm yours. Happy birthday, baby. I love you more than you will ever know.

All my love,

Mama

Winter Fun

Nana got Matthias a battery operated water spout for the bathtub so that there is always running water. Anyone with a baby/toddler - I highly recommend this! It is the best bath toy with endless amounts of entertainment. 

Matthias loves snuggles with a blanket on the couch now, if hes on  the couch - he has to have a blanket. 

James and his bff Cayden and Madeleine with her bff Addie - with their little sister Bayleigh

James and Cayden having one of their many sleepovers! 

James was scientist of the week at school. He had to present a project and do an experiment in front of his whole class without any help. He did awesome!

Sick toddler snuggles

Hard to tell but Madeleine lost her first tooth!

Middle of January, Madeleine got very sick and we took her to the children's hospital in Charlotte. Shes ok, but it was a scary few days.

Sick snuggles with Daddy.

And once she was better she lost another tooth! 

This also happened. John finally got his weimer. We names him Blitz and he fits right in with our crazy household. 

Now I have three sets of pathetic eyes looking at me when its meal time.

Morning giggles.

Love that face.

Madeleine had her first father daughter dance! She wanted to wear her Elsa dress so she was like a real princess. They had the best time! 

While they were dancing the night away, James and I snuggles and watched movies! 

John and I got a date night and he was a good sport and went painting with me! 

James played basketball for his third year in a row and they did pretty well. It was a rough start because several of the kids had never played before but by the end of the season they all really came together and finished strong. James has worked really hard on his shooting and became one of their big scorers on their team.

Matthias finally got to have some chocolate milk - and he loved it! 

We had some of our friends and their kids visit for the weekend with their kids - James was the oldest but he was so good with the little kids! 

Madeleine and her bff Addie

Matthias and his bubbles

Matthias had a great 2nd birthday with lots of love and friends. And crazy hair!