Matthew Jared turns 1 tomorrow!

Matthew's smile will light up a room in seconds! He has come so far since he was born. Looking at him now you would never believe he had such a rough start. He is such a happy guy and has such a special personality. He never fails to amaze us!

He got a new baby brother. He doesn't mind him too much, as long as he still gets attention.

He had his first taste of rabbit! (Yes it is a real rabbit!)

He got to meet his big sister Kenna!

He crawls all over!

His first taste of ice cream!

He can't wait until Daddy takes him hunting!

He LOVES his dog, Kitty!

Maya giving Matthew kisses!

They were so happy to be home with their big brother Luke!

When they were in the hospital they put these funny hats on them.

Their first picture together. It was also the first time Mommy got to hold them both at the same time!

They finally let Mommy hold Matthew... well kind of. I couldn't actually touch him, but we made do anyway!

Matthew on the day he was born. He sure didn't like all those tubes!

A year ago today was the day I went into the hospital for preterm labor. After several attempts to stop my labor, Maya Michelle and Matthew Jared were born the next day weighing in just under 5 pounds. It is hard to believe how small Matthew was when he was born. For the first 2 days of his life he had to be sedated and we weren't able to hold him. After several doses of a drug that was suppose to close the hole in his heart and several days he improved dramaticly. His story is special for so many reasons, but most of all because he is a twin. We use to joke in the NICU that Matthew would some day be a Husker football player and Maya would be a cheerleader! One year later Matthew size and personality makes us wonder if he won't be! And I am sure Maya will be cheering him on from heaven!