Oh, How I Love This Boy!

Seven months ago I lamented the fact that I had to be apart from my daughter Rachel on her birthday.  That was all a ruse to distract her while I was driving down to Utah to surprise her on her big day.  Karen, Andrew, and Aunt Brenda were in on the plan, and she was genuinely shocked when I showed up at the Red Iguana to share her celebratory dinner.  Well, today is Matt's birthday, and sadly, there will be no surprise for him.  I'm at home on a Sunday night, missing my oldest son just a little more than usual.  I think it STINKS to be away from my kids on their birthdays.

I'm so grateful for Matt.  He checked in to mortality at a healthy (at least for him) nine pounds, four ounces (despite being 11 days early).  He was a big baby, but he was also a very happy baby.  He had just a bit of nighttime colic for the first month, but once he got through that phase, he was one of the most content little guys I've ever seen.  I vividly remember him sitting on his grandpa's lap for hours, content to just watch what his big sisters were up to.  He also patiently endured the "nurturing" from his older sisters.  I used to kid him that he was "fat, dumb, and happy," in other words, the perfect baby.

Fortunately, he's grown up to be fit, smart, and, best of all, still happy.  He has such a bright outlook on life that in many ways, he reminds me of Mike.  I like his energy and his goofy sense of humor.  He knows how to be silly, and thankfully, he has also learned how to be serious and focused when he needs to be.  He continues to treat me with respect (maybe because Mike would injure him if he didn't), and he has become one of my dearest friends.  It's always awesome to have him home.

I went through our picture files and found a few shots to flesh out this post.  Enjoy the trip down memory lane:

Boise River Festival Parade, circa June 2001

Enduring torture from Mom, a.k.a working in the garden.
Maybe someday one of my kids will actually enjoy this.

Fishing with the Holmsteads

I'd forgotten his cute freckles. . .

Matt becomes a deacon

He's going to kill me for posting this one.
He was one of the boys in the Sound of Music



Circa 2006- This kid wore braces for about four years.



Age 15.  Still has a few freckles. . .

Thumbs up, baby!

First day of Matt's junior year

After his senior recital--relief

Happy to see I have had some influence on him as a mother.

Right after getting ordained an elder.

Since he turns 19 today, I'm hopeful that the last picture becomes representative of what lies ahead--a mission.  I think his papers will be in the works soon so that he can leave after his second semester at BYU.  As an obedient son and at my request, he agreed to finish a year of school before taking off.

Sure do love you, Matt!  Thanks for being an awesome son!  Happy, happy, happy birthday!