Happy 1st Birthday Matthew!!!

After much planning and preparation the big day was finally here. There were many times during the past year when even an optimist may have doubted this day would come. Terri and I were blessed by all of our friends and family who gathered to celebrate this milestone. I wish we could have photographed every one who arrived but the day was frantically busy. Between Terri and I, we managed to snap a few shots to share with you now. We were truly humbled by the amount of gifts Matthew received. Everyone's generosity was overwhelming.

Grandma Sue made a special trip from California to celebrate Matthew's 1st birthday. She said she wouldn't have missed it for the world.

Matthew's cousin Daniel arrived early and helped with the decorations. As usual he was a pleasure to have around. He thoroughly enjoyed inflating the helium baloons.

This is Jaime & Keith Costa with their handsome son Dominic. He was born premature and spent many weeks in an incubator right next to Matthew at Sunrise Hospital. Terri and I developed a close bond with Jaime & Keith and were delighted that they could come. Dominic is so big and strong now that you wouldn't believe he had been a preemie.

This is Keith's mother, Grandma Reeva. She made Matthew another choo-choo train quilt that was adorable.

Our neighbors Jaime and Rudy came to celebrate with their friends. Jaime works in the lab at Summerlin Hospital where Matthew was born.

Before the party reached its' climax, Terri gave a heart felt thank you to everyone that had been so supportive and prayerful during the past year. With that she placed Matthew's cake in front of his face. Imagine, if you will, the rousing theme from "2001 a Space Odyssey" thundering in the background as Matthew's attention was drawn to his cake...

Had it been played, the theme music would have reached a crescendo as Matthew smeared his birthday cake all over his face. I kept shouting, "That a boy" as we all cheered him on!

Abbi's daughter Jayden was feeling left out so Matthew agreed to share a piece of his cake early. Grandma Wright deftly handled both babies.

Matthew's cake was colored yellow & blue. He had so much fun digging into it that his hands turned green. Remember your Crayola color combinations? After we cleaned him up it was time to blow out the candles on our big cakes so everyone could enjoy. We were gracious enough to supply our guests with plasticware.

Matthew has been busy buying decorations for his party on Saturday. He left the food & beverage decisions up to Terri and me. We hope that everyone can stop by and help us celebrate.

Happy Birthday Matthew!!! Matthew is one year old today (at 2:38pm). What a year it has been. Terri, Matthew, and I have had quite a journey this past year. I have never been so happy, scared, sad, or shaken in my life as I have this year. Here is a brief reflection of the last year since Matthew was born.

Matthew was born on May 10th 2005. He was 8 weeks premature. Terri and I were surprised he came so soon but delighted to see him for the first time.

This picture was taken the day before we found out that Matthew had a heart defect. This was the first time I ever held my son.

Matthew's first open heart surgery was on July 28th 2005 when he was just 2 1/2 months old.

For Terri and I, the darkest days of our lives were after Matthew's surgery when the full extent of Matthew's lung damage became clear. We were told that he may need to have a tracheotomy and be sent home on a respirator for 2 years.

After spending the first 5 1/2 months in the hospital, Matthew finally came home on Sunday October 23rd, 2005. This was a truly blessed and thankful day.

Matthew's 1st Christmas.

After the shock of being told Matthew needed another open heart surgery so soon, we headed back to Stanford. Here, we kiss him before handing him over to the doctors.

Minutes after Matthew got to recovery.

Taking Matthew home From Stanford after his 2nd open heart surgery.

Today we paid a visit to Matthew's Pulmonologist Dr. Craig Nakamura. He was very pleased with Matthew's progress. He said that Matthew is maintaining good oxygen levels and should undergo an overnight study to monitor his levels as he sleeps. This will be a simple overnight study at home with a special monitor. Matthew still needs oxygen but only at night and as needed during the day to maintain his levels above 90%. Dr. Nakamura also put Matthew on a weaning schedule for some of his medications which is always music to our ears.

As always, the first step in a check-up is to obtain Matthew's weight, and measurements. Here Heather and I test Matthew's oxygen saturation levels. As at home, he continues to maintain safe levels during the day.

Dr. Nakamura is probably the busiest doctor in town. As a result, we often spend up to an hour waiting in the exam room. It can be a challenge to entertain a baby for that long away from home.

Terri never lets an opportunity pass to work with Matthew on his stomach.

Even with all her efforts, Matthew's progress at holding himself up remains slow.

Hey Mom, if you taunt me with your nose again...

...I'm gonna grab it!

Using Terri and the wall for support Matthew practiced standing.

"I smell bacon!"

This weekend we went camping with Grandma & Grandpa Wright up to Beaver, Utah. The weather was beautiful and so is the scenery. Matthew is stable enough now that Terri and I felt comfortable being more than 20 minutes away from the nearest children's hospital. Most people pack for contingencies but, with Matthew, that phrase takes on new meaning. Besides the normal "baby paraphernalia" we also had monitoring equipment, oxygen bottles, medicines, spare G-tubes, etc. packed into the truck and trailer. Thankfully there were no problems and we all had a great time.

While sitting down to breakfast, we put Matthew in his "Jeep" walker. As with most kids, Matthew started out and continues to have only one gear...Reverse. Grandpa Leroy took a break from drinking coffee to redirect Matthew's walker. Every time Matthew would back into a chair, table, or rock, Leroy would walk over and turn him around again...

...and again...

...and again. Someday Matthew will learn to put it in drive and walk forward.

Here is a view of our little spot in Beaver. Telephonically talkative Terri loves the fact that we get cel service out there.

Ever vigilant, Quixa was always within a few feet of Matthew. Quixa seems very fond of Matthew and likes to lick him on the ear which makes him giggle. The whole scene is precious.

Matthew continues the teething process. Terri felt a molar coming in which explains why Matthew is so drooly.

After the walks, ATV rides, cook-outs, and chasing Grandpa Leroy around with his Jeep, Matthew was wiped out. He slept very soundly in that clean mountain air.

Matthew and I volunteered our services to the Knights of Columbus pancake breakfast this morning at our church. As usual, he was a big hit.

Earlier this week I took Matthew for a ride in his jogging stroller. He likes to "roll" with his shades on.

This is Dr. Asadifar, the Neonatologist who cared for Matthew during the first four days of his life. Terri and I just love him. He is very devoted and truly loves children. When he first saw how Matthew had grown, he threw his hands up to his head and thanked us for bringing Matthew for a visit.