Happy Birthday Precious Boy

Today our boy is 3! The past 3 years have flown by. They have been different than we had at one time imagined but this child has filled our lives with unspeakable joy and love. We are so very proud of you and love you beyond measure. Mommy and Daddy's special bundle

The meaning of your name: The gift of God.

You have been the greatest gift imaginable.

We are grateful every day that you were given to us.

Happy Birthday Matthew! Daddy and Mommy love you!

Matthew's 3rd Birthday Party

Today we celebrated Matthew's 3rd birthday at the park with an Elmo bouncer. It was a great afternoon and we had a wonderful time spending time with family and friends. Matthew had so much fun! We love you sweet boy and are so proud of you.

Special people in our lives.....we are blessed to know each and every one of you.

Uncles, aunties and cousins

and Grandpa!

Elmo GFCF cupcakes.....Daddy was up until 2am making sure they were perfect for you.

I can hardly believe it has been 3 years since this precious boy has entered our lives. My hope is that Matthew will someday experience the joy that he has given us. We love you!

Little Red Coupe

We wanted to get Matthew a trike for his birthday and took him to Toys-R-Us to find one. In true Matthew style....he wanted something different. He loved the Litttle Tikes car and didn't stop talking about it all afternoon. We could not even get him to sit on a bike or any other ride on toy. While Matthew took a short nap Mark ran out and picked up the car and left it outside the front door. We told Matthew we were going for a walk and had him open the door and surprised him with it. It was really sweet to see him so excited and he grinned from ear to ear. He has been riding it all day since. We don't often see Matthew expressive over a toy but his smiles made it a lot of fun for us too.

Matthew's Heros

I suppose as Matthew is approaching 3 and we are getting ready for so many changes in his program I can't help but become a little emotional when I think of Matthew's team of therapists who have become family to us over the past 18 months. We have been so fortunate to have these wonderful people in Matthew's life whose commitment to him has been what has helped him to be the incredible boy he is today. We will never forget any of you, we will always be grateful for the encouragement, support and compassion you have always shown us, and the care you have taken of our son.

Danny, Matthew's ABA therapist and best buddy

Anna, Matthew's ABA therapist and first girlfriend.

Sue (Due), our wonderful ABA supervisor

Judy (Bubby), Matthew's SLP and biggest fan-it's so mutual!

Miche', Matthew's SLP and such a sweet heart

Kelly, Matthew's social skills teacher and just "gets" him

Happiest Place on Earth......

Some may think Disneyland holds that honor but today it was Legoland! Mark and I took Matthew and he had a BLAST! It was great to see him so thoroughly enjoy himself. He loved the rides and did not want to leave at the end of the day. He was smiling, laughing and full of joy! We can't wait to take him back!

The Sumida Family

A morning at the park

Today Matthew's morning ABA session was canceled. I took him to the park for a little while and he was VERY happy. He was so cute and had so much fun. Wish we could do this everyday. I love these times.