Happy Birthday Matthew!!!

Matthew is ONE!!!

Wow! I can not believe it has been a year since we jumped head first into this crazy roller coaster ride we have been on.

One year ago today we welcomed Matthew into this world, He made one quick cry before they intubated him. That was the last time I heard him cry for a month. I got a very quick peek at my baby boy before the wheeled him up to the NICU. That is when he started the fight for his life. He was a fighter from the beginning.

4 weeks intubated (on and off)
3 surgeries
2 (too) many meds and IV's to count
1 Thankful Mommy

26 days before I held you for the first time
59 days total spent in the NICU

This is just a short summary of your stay.

Thanks to all the amazing Staff at St Al's our little boy is here with us today.

This last year has been an emotional, eye opening, rewarding, and adventurous to say the least. Not only were we learning to deal with a medically fragile child, we decided to make a huge move as well. I am not quite sure what we were really thinking, but we did it and are living it now.

Matthew has taught me the true meaning of a fighter. I can not imagine going through half of what he did and still be a happy person. I am positive I would be cranky as hell. He is the most loving, happy baby I know. ( not that I know a ton of babies) He has every right to be unhappy as I am sure he can not feel good all the time, but that never seems to matter. He gets a bit fussy at times, but what baby doesn't. He can bring a smile to my face in the darkest of times. He has shown me that I have strength that I didn't know existed inside me. I thank GOD everyday for my amazing little boy.

Matthew-
Mommy loves you more then you will ever know. You have brought such joy to our family and having you has made our family complete. You are a true miracle in every possible way. We never thought we could have you, and you surprised all of us. You came out fighting and you continue to do so. You are the happiest baby, you think your big brother is the best thing ever, and that just melts my heart to see the two of you together. I was not sure throughout my pregnancy if we would see the day you got to interact with your big brother and I am forever greatful that you did. I am looking forward to the man you will become. I know in my heart that you will do something amazing and you will make us so proud. You can do anything you put your mind and heart into. We Love you so much baby boy. Happy First Birthday. I hope to make it extra special for you. I just wish you could eat cake or ice cream to help out with that. We will make it our biggest goal for the following year to get you eating and to be able to walk.
I love you with all my heart,
Mommy

Happy 1st Birthday Matthew!!!