Bradymania and Kel-Bel

Kelly and I have known each other for about eight years, but really got to be close friends about six+ years ago when we were both going through our Matthew Pregnancies together. She is such a sweet, loving friend, and we always spend our entire conversations cracking each other up. We've been there for each other for the ups and downs of life, and as time goes on, our friendship gets stronger and stronger.

Unfortunately for me (but a very good thing for her family), they moved to Ohio about four years ago. Kelly and I catch up on the phone about once a week, but we rarely see each other.

Fortunately for me, our home was a convenient mid-way stop for her family as they travel to the Outer Banks this week.

Our Matthew was born just four days before Their Matthew. When I got home from the hospital, I had a message on my machine asking where was I and was I in the hospital and to CALL HER BACK! So I did. And their answering machine picked up. So, I left a message asking where was she and was she in the hospital and to CALL ME BACK! And, yes, of course, as it turns out, she was too busy having Their Matthew to wait by the phone for my calls.

Thankfully, our friendship was able to survive that transgression.

Our boys had "playdates" (if you want to call them that) those first couple of years before they moved to Ohio, but of course, neither boy remembers that. Our Matthew has been looking forward to Their Matthew coming all week. They both love the "Cars" movie and are big time into vehicles. It's a playdate match made in heaven. They hit it off immediately and the cars came tumbling out (sounds like a song...). After years of interventions from a very, very early age, Their Matthew was diagnosed with autism at the age of two. Kelly and Jason have been such A*M*A*Z*I*N*G parents for Matthew. God surely did make just the perfect choice in giving Matthew to them. Kelly and Jason have really advocated for his services in a way that I have never seen parents do before (and have I seen some parents!). Kel and Jason were never rude, but they were able to make Matthew's case heard in a way that gained tremendous therapeutic and financial results. He has had phenomenal therapy in Ohio - very costly therapy - that will make the difference in Matthew being able to start school in a regular classroom. And down the road, to Matthew being a "functional" (don't like that word...) adult. I'm so proud of the gains that Matthew has been able to make. He is adorable and loving and smart and FUN.

And I'm super proud of my girl and her hubbers. They are fabulous, tireless parents.

And besides all that, what's not to love about a girl who also adores "America's Next Top Model" and "The Office"? Especially if she is going to especially admire my stunningly clean carpet...