Happy Birthday Michael!

Michael joined our family 5 years ago, July 8, 2011. I still kick myself sometimes for being in such a hurry to have him. If he had waited 3 days he would have been born on my birthday, and I was born on my dads birthday. But you can't reason with a lady who's 9 months pregnant in July!

He was born in the evening so Makayla didn't get to meet her brother until the next morning. I could hardly wait for that moment. Like we expected, it was instant love. She was a little over 2 but a mother at heart and doted on him more then we wanted her to :) . 

Michael was by far our most laid back baby. He slept, ate and was happy. Nothing much got him riled. Obviously, his personality changed somewhere along the line!

He was the only one of our children who took to strangers and was happy to let his grandparents hold him without "knowing" them. 

As long as we can remember, Michael has adored babies. He wants 100 and is continually asking when we can have another. Or twins, that would be even better because he wouldn't have to share as much. 

Side note: He was only 16 months when Emily was born. I'm freaking out a little because Ethan is now 15 months and I cannot imagine having a baby next month!

Eating, O how this child can eat! He took us on a food allergy journey that was no fun and turned up no real answers but thankfully most have resolved themselves. As long as we keep a sharp handle on the amount of gluten and sugar he eats he is manageable. 

Around this age he began to change. Mischief oozes :). 

Michael was 3 when he finally got his baby brother. He prayed for many months for this to happen- long before I has ready! 

Even though he teases and fights like crazy with his sisters, they are still great friends.

Michael and Emily, partners in crime.

Michael and Makayla manage to play and be constructive together-most of the time!

We were SO proud of him a few weeks ago when he hiked to the Lower Blue Lakes, almost 7 miles round trip. Brian carried him about 10 feet but otherwise he went the whole way. He only cried a little once on the way down but at that point I had tears of exhaustion in my eyes too!

He doesn't get to see his cousins, Logan and Dallas, very often and they are much older but they have been his "best friends" as long as I can remember. He was so excited to be with them last weekend when my family was together. They do awesome at letting him tag along!

Michael and Eldon just hanging out on a recent hike. Michael loves to be with him ( I can see why!) and moans every day when Eldon has to go to work.

These 3 decorated this fruit pizza with just a little help from me. Nakita is 6 weeks older then Michael and Emily 16 months younger and they spend hours playing together. 

We got him a remote controlled truck for his birthday. He absolutely loves it and O the giggles he makes while driving it! Grandpa Beachy's gave him money and he bought a bike bell, level, and small socket set. I often hear him up in bed playing with the socket set. His aunt Michelle and family also gave him a box of fun things-water squirter, sunglasses, tracing book, and fruit snacks.

He's mostly all boy, loud, rough and dirty, but he's also got a soft side and is usually the first to notice a baby in the room and ask to hold it. He hasn't been the easiest child to raise but we wouldn't trade for the world!