Life has kept us busy these last few months. Ryan's training here at Little Rock Air Force Base, AR is going really well. I'm so proud of him! He stays very busy and is exhausted by the time his work day is complete, yet he still manages to play hard with Matthew when he gets home! They really are a funny pair when they play -- and I don't think I'll ever get tired of hearing Matthew giggle and laugh when he and his Daddy are really having fun! It's the best part of my day!
At the beginning of April, we attended the Easter Sunrise Service at the lake here on base. It started at 6:30am, and I'm proud to say that we were there on time! It was much colder than we had expected so we ended up bundling Matthew up in my pink pashmina. The service was very uplifting and it was really special to spend the morning in the presence of God as the sun rose above the lake.
April was also a very special month for my brother, David, as he married his beautiful bride, Jennifer, on Saturday, April 10 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The wedding was just breathtaking and it was truly a ceremony centered around God. We could not have picked a better wife for David. They bring out the best in each other and we were honored to celebrate with them. 
(The Siblings: Ryan, Laura, Jennifer, David, Anna, and Steve)
(Anna, Mom, David, Dad, Laura)
(Our little family)
May also proved to be a very eventful month. On Memorial Day weekend, Matthew had a horrible allergic reaction to amoxycillin (penicillin) and broke out in a rash that spread from head to toe. The reaction caused his hands and feet to swell, his face was so swollen that his eyes could barely open, he ran a constant fever, he stopped eating and drinking, and he was basically a very miserable little boy for over a week. We made three trips to the Children's Hospital here in Little Rock, AR and received wonderful care. I couldn't have asked for better doctors to treat Matthew. Ryan and I felt so helpless as parents. You never want to see your child in pain. It's heart wrenching. Thankfully, after an IV of fluids, some medication, and lots of rest, our sweet baby made a full recovery. I praise God every day for our healthy little boy!
Our final news in this very lengthy blog post (and I promise I won't wait this long to post again...) is that Matthew had his 18 month check-up on June 24, and he weighs 30lbs. 6oz. and is 32 3/4 inches tall! He's growing so fast and we are trying to soak up every moment with him. It's exhausting to try to keep up with a toddler, but we couldn't be happier! God is SO good!
