Happy Birthday Matthew and Eli

Can you believe it, half of our family has birthdays today!?! We're celebrating my wonderful husband's 28th birthday, AND Eli's 1st birthday! What an exciting day!

When I realized last year that Eli was likely going to be born on Matthew's birthday, I felt a little bad about stealing his thunder. Matthew however, loves sharing his birthday with Eli and thinks that it's really special.

Matthew,

Happy Birthday Sweetie! I just want you to know that I love you so much and appreciate everything that you do for our family. You are the best husband and a wonderful father; we are very lucky to have you in our lives! I hope that you have a fantastic day today. You deserve it!

Eli,

Happy Birthday Big Boy!! I can't believe that you are ONE year old today. You have changed so much in the past year and have grown up so quickly! We want you to know that you are a light in our lives and we love you so much!

Some of the things that you are doing now are: Walking holding onto things, saying a few words: Mama, Dada, Eli ( pronounced L-I), you play peek-a-boo, and you are learning to play toys with your brother. Your favorite thing to do is be held by Mommy!

The funniest thing that you do is eat EVERYTHING in sight! We haven't found a single thing that you don't like. You really made me laugh today when you ate all of the black olives off of my baked potato! You are such a special little boy and we love you so much!!

We are so proud of you, and we are excited to see what the future holds for you! Even though you're a "Big Boy" today, I want you to know that you're still my little baby-Today and Always!

I have to say I feel like the luckiest person alive today. How blessed I am to be able to celebrate two such special lives today. How blessed I am to count these two special lives as members of MY family! I sure do love these boys!

Stay tuned later for the "Year by Bear" photos!