Identity

I'm a wife, daughter, mother and friend. I was a teacher, student and a child before. When people on the street ask what I do, I reply I am a domestic engineer. Not only because it sounds "cooler" than I chase kids and dogs all day and consider myself ahead of the game if I manage a shower before 2pm, but I suffered through two semesters of college physics and did earn a bachelor of science degree afterall. ;)Domestic biologist just doesn't have the same ring you know? And besides the Georgia Tech fight song told me I was "a helluva engineer" - I just happen to agree.
How do I describe my boys in public? William - spirited (it's sounds nicer than unruly and wild), car fanatic, cuddle bug, and lover of nature (ok - mainly bugs, puppies and cats, but he really loves all nature including puddles). Matthew - drooler (as evident by the constant bib changes and chin wiping I do - gotta love molars right), strong, future MLB pitcher, and a snuggle worm. No mention of crappy kidneys?? Why not? It is a part of who he is!
Yes, it has shaped him into the person he is and the person he will become, but I already mentioned that when I listed strong. Matthew is not a diseased kidney, he has a diseased kidney...well two actually, but who's counting huh? Matthew is not on hemodialysis, he goes to hemodialysis...like someone else goes for a check up. His are just more frequent. My son does not have scars, he has battle wounds from a long and courageous fight - that he is WINNING! nanny-nanny-boo-boo. (never said I was a good sport!) He's my baby, and like his older brother, will remain my baby long after he brings his first baby home!
I thought I would share a few pictures that make up Matthew. Everyone who meets him knows how smiley, friendly and super easy going he is - but these will give you a look at his personality too, from my point of view.



He LOVES his brother. He will crawl to the opposite side of the house just to be near him. Climbing up in his lap and touching him, cuddling him. Luckily his big brother is easy going too and handles it with lots of smiles and a few sighs.




He's a ham, a charmer and I believe he would have Hollywood on speed dial if I didn't loathe the industry out there. He's got big blue eyes, a big goofy grin and a bigger heart than I could ever imagine on one so young. He's on the lookout for fun and funny. Mr laughs a lot is his nickname.




He's beautiful, all parts of him...natural and medical necessity. He's curious, an explorer. Matthew views obstacles as just another road to good times ahead. He's defies logic and is an outlier of statistics. He's my son and in my eyes he is perfect. Always will be - whether his kidneys work or not. :)