(PEORIA, ILLINOIS) — What a lucky man I am.
A beautiful wife, the silliest 3-year-old son on the planet, and an adorable, sweet, and hilarious now 1-year-old daughter, Mattie Marie.
Rachel and I have been married for more than 4 years now. She’s only seen me cry two times.
1: When she walked down the aisle at our wedding. Yes, I was a mess! Rightfully so, she looked like an angel coming down to me at the front of the church.
2: When Bennett walked into the living room at our old apartment holding a book that read “How to Be a Big Brother.”
It took us a little longer to get pregnant with Mattie than it did with Bennett. A big part of the emotion that overcame me arose from the months that passed by, with no pregnancy tests. In the greater picture, our wait has nothing on the pain and hardship many couples are going through right now. I want to acknowledge that completely, and say that Rachel and I are praying for you, and are sending you all the love and good energy in your journey.
Looking back at the last year, it’s been quite eventful. A year full of blessings, but also hardships, all of which lead us to loving Mattie that much more.
Mattie was born just 2 days before Christmas, 5 days after Rachel’s due date. No signs were happening that the baby was coming, so at 40 weeks Rachel was scheduled to be induced. We were grateful to be welcomed to OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria the morning of December 23rd, and Rachel gave birth to Mattie later that day.
We were discharged from the hospital the evening of Christmas Eve, and were able to spend Christmas at home, ringing in the New Year with Rachel’s side of the family. It was a really special time.
That first month, Mattie was just along for the ride to our fast paced life, tagging along to everything Bennett wanted to do. We visited the arcade at Northwoods Mall, walked around Bass Pro Shops, and went to Elevate trampoline park to let Bennett burn off some steam indoors. January in Peoria is no joke! Mattie got her first taste of St. Louis, both Rachel and I’s hometown, as well as going to Springfield, MO for our nephew’s birthday party. Mattie enjoyed seeing all the wildlife and fishies at Wonders of Wildlife.
In February, Mattie went on her first plane ride! We headed somewhere southwest and warmer, to good ole Phoenix, Arizona. What a great trip!
I’ll write a full 2025 recap before New Year’s Day of 2026.
Our first major hardship with Mattie was in May, when she spiked a 104 fever and we had to take her to the emergency department. She was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis and had to stay in the hospital for 12 days. It was the hardest thing we ever went through, and something that will last with us forever. It was so sad to see her so sick, but I’m so thankful to the OSF medical staff for taking amazing care of our miracle baby. The doctors and nurses helped us every step of the way, and ensured she made a full recovery so that we could go home. We are forever grateful.
In her first year, Mattie has visited 7 states! Illinois, Missouri, Arizona, Florida, Tennessee, Indiana and Iowa (I need to check with Rachel to make sure I didn’t forget one, haha). She’s a great traveler, just like her brother. I think she even enjoys roller coasters more than him already! We’ll see once they’re both older.
She’s been a beach babe and a Disney princess, now we just need to get her to the Colorado mountains!
Mattie’s humor is the absolute best. She is SO funny, and she knows it, too. It’s quite the boisterous house we have; Bennett running around like crazy, singing songs, dancing, asking to wrestle or play with monster trucks. Now Mattie is crawling everywhere (and she’s FAST!) yelling all along the way.
Another great thing about Mattie is how much her and Bennett love each other. Bennett is such a great big brother, and Mattie just thinks he’s the greatest thing ever. She laughs at everything he does, and loves to spend time with him. We are looking forward to seeing their relationship grow as they both get older.
With beautiful blue eyes and a contagious smile, Mattie is a truly gorgeous baby girl. I thank God for the blessing she has been in our family’s life.
We love Mattie with everything we have. Happy birthday, sweetheart.
Matt Sheehan Official 