Happy 4th Birthday to Matthew James

So, today is my son Matthew's fourth birthday. Four years ago, Karina and I nervously and excitedly drove to the hospital to await the birth of our firstborn. Later that day we broke into tears when we saw a little baby boy enter into the world.
As all of you who are parents know, our lives have never been the same. Whether it was late night feedings (I'll give Karina most of the credit on that), potty training (some of you remember that adventure), or watching Matt learn to walk, talk, and read, our lives have been now oriented toward caring for this gift of God. Now Matt is a big brother, and seems to be loving the role.
Here are some notes about Matt's early life:
When he was a baby, he loved looking out the window to the "outside world." His eyes would get big and he would be captivated.
He learned how to give high fives and fist-bumps at an early age. That was fun.
He absolutely hated baths. Actually, it was not so much the baths that he hates. It was getting out. He would let loose with screams when we would take him out of the tub. That was not the most fun we ever had.
He made memorable faces, including Whistler and Robo-Chomps.

On Monday we had Matt's birthday party with a few of his friends. It was nice to see Matt enjoy a birthday party. All I remember about his first birthday was that he was tired and needed a nap, and yet we all kept him up so that we could watch him try to open presents that he didn't care about. This time he got to play with friends whose names he actually knows, and open presents that he actually understands. If you know Matt, you know tht he is stoked about his art supplies and games. He is already hard at work using them up.
We are so thankful to be Matt's parents. I know that all kids are special, but Matt has such a deep place in our hearts. It is amazing to see him growing in a genuine consideration for others. It is great also to see his love for learning and his desire to be with people. Most of all, I think it is a privilege to see how he views life. Explaining the truths of the gospel to a child is wonderful, and hearing his sincere questions is stretching. It is powerful to watch him as he learns about forgiveness, love, and eternity. The other day he was talking about how we get sick because we sinned, but that one day God will make a new earth.
What an amazing gift to be such a big part of the life of another being who is created in God's image. Happy Birthday, Matt. I love being your dad.