Week 52 Update!

We are ridiculously behind on updating this blog. Thanks to those of you who give us grief. We deserve it, and you've motivated us. Lindsay is on her second semester as a college freshman, Lauren is working many hours at the nursing home, and we are all cheering on the Vikings today. Yesterday was Matthew's 1st birthday. Starting with the 22nd, we began the "remember one year ago today?..." and enjoyed reflecting back on those moments, and how much life has changed. Yes, even I (Kristi) am happy to recount the details of our little guy's entry into the world. What a privilege I was given! Hundreds of pictures document his growth from the moment we knew I was pregnant. Matthew is blessed to be loved and cherished by our family and friends. He had a wonderful party yesterday with about 30 people celebrating his special day. Jeff made our traditional Crazy Cake and Matthew dug right in. He wasn't as messy as predicted, but a bath was still in order. Some updates...he started walking just after Thanksgiving and hasn't slowed down since. He jabbers a lot, likes to scare us by shouting "HAA or HEE" but his words are still mama and dad (the latter pronounced dat or da-ta). Matthew loves attention from his sisters, they still get bigger smiles than we do, and thinks all kids are his friends. He plays "So Big" and for peek-a-boo if he doesn't have a blanket he puts his hands over his ears. :) He's moved up to the "Infant 3" room at daycare and eats at a little table with paper plates, washes his hands at the sink, and is drinking milk (organic of course) with sippy cups. No more formula, that's $23 a week in savings! Matthew naps 2 hours each day, and at daycare sleeps on a little cot. He loves throwing balls, and if you put the ball in his left hand, he switches to his right and throws it. I'm not sure when you can determine handedness, but I think he's a righty. We started swimming lessons at the Y, and he blows bubbles even in the bathtub. He gives hugs by laying his head sideways on us, and his stuffed animals get plenty of hugs too. I could go on, but I'm sure you just want to see some updated pictures! Thanks for your patience, enjoy!