Friday, not the 13th

Can't we just get better already? Daddy said that Ethan will not be going trick-or-treating since he is still not feeling well. Yes, we are jumping the gun a bit since it's not until Sunday. I said to Van that that's not fair! Ethan missed his first Halloween ~ returned home from the Fairfax Hospital's NICU and we did not want Ethan to be exposed to anything. His second Halloween, we were not feeling well then too. Marisa took Ethan around the block and returned home with a hand full of candy! This was going to be the best one for Ethan since he's able to walk really well, okay, he's able to run really well! Although Ethan doesn't care much for the candy, I just wanted him to be out there with the rest of the kids. Marisa said that she was going to take Ethan around but we'll see.

I've been trying on different costumes for Ethan but have not found THE one for Ethan. The fun part was putting different outfits on Ethan and watching him pose for pictures. I think my son is getting used to mommy taking a lot of pictures...can't help it! We found a really cute costume that may be a perfect fit for Ethan. We loved the movie "How to train your dragon" so we thought that it would be nice to find a dragon costume for Ethan. Not just that, Ethan's school mascot is a dragon too! Marisa went and got her flu shot today. Good girl! Of course the only person who still have not gotten one is daddy! I just want to make certain that my family are all protected especially with Ethan being so prone to getting sick.Ethan is feeling much better...we could tell with him bouncing off the walls. Ethan is happy to have his daddy and sister pay attention to him. What a joy to see my son better!

911, what's your emergency?

Little Ethan was quivering and could not stop shaking! His fever spiked and his little body was trying to fight off some sort of an infection. My little fighter, I was just so paralyzed seeing how much my son was suffering. My little angel did not give into this, he was being such a strong boy for his mommy even though his mommy was just aching inside.

I was awaken by Ethan's quivers at 3:30 this morning. At first, I thought that Ethan was cold because I had left the fan on when we went to bed. I brought Ethan's tiny body close to my chest and held him really tight. I thought that after five minutes of this, Ethan would just brake loose from me because my body is like an oven! Ethan continued to quiver feverishly. Not only that, Ethan clinched onto me so tight that I thought he was having a bad dream. My son just wanted for me to hold him close which was what I was doing. I had to wake daddy up to get him to hold Ethan so that I could call his pediatrician. The nurse came on the line and went through her list of questions. Ethan opened his eyes to look at me in a pleading way and my boy gave me a quick smile to let me know that he knows that he felt safe. My voice trembled as I continued to speak with the nurse but when I told her that I have to call 911 because I just did not want to take any chances with my baby. Ethan was alert but his heart beat was racing, heavy breathing, and he was still quivering!

"911, what is your emergency?" I told the voice on the receiving end that my three year old son is having labored breathing, quivering, and his heart was beating really fast! I continued to inform him that I was sick and Ethan's been sick but this is the first time for me to see him like this. Yes, Ethan was alert and responding to our voices. The gentleman's voice was really reassuring...he advised that the EMS was on their way and gave me a set of instructions to follow. If Ethan should vomit, I have to turn him to his side. I needed to go and turn on the front porch light, wait for the EMS folks and have all of Ethan's medications available.

The EMS folks said that Ethan was just trying to fight off an infection, his body was just reacting to this fever. They recommended for me to monitor Ethan because based on their examination of my baby, Ethan was not having any difficulties with his breathing and his lungs sounded clear. They said besides his upper respiratory congestion, I just have to let this fever break. Now, they said that if I still did not feel that Ethan was getting better, they said to call them back. They also recommended that if we were to take Ethan to the emergency, to take him to Loudoun Hospital rather than Fairoaks. They said that at Loudoun, their is a whole wing that's specially dedicated to pediatrics.

It's 10:45 am and my baby is resting. He got to see his daddy go to work and his sister go to school and right at 8:30, he fell asleep while I was holding him. I contacted Ethan's doctor and the nurse said that if Ethan's fever does not break by tomorrow, to bring him in. I will watch how my boy is today...but more than likely, I'll be taking my son in to see his doctor. Van said for my peace of mind, he said to take Ethan in today.

I Love Peeh Sa!

Marisa's been working really hard for Ethan to say "I love Pee Sa" so when she said these words to Ethan this past weekend, Ethan repeated them so perfectly! Marisa said "mommy, you don't know how long I've been waiting for Ethan to say this!" My dear child, I know how long you've been waiting because mommy's been waiting too for Ethan to say Pee Sa. Pee Sa, in Thai, translates to Big Sister Sa. Ethan said Pee Sa with no hesitation...seems like he's always known what this meant but was just waiting for the perfect moment to surprise us! I think that he is playing with us... it was a pleasant surprise that Ethan is just too unpredictable!

Another surprise...well, I knew that it eventually happen. Ethan was at grandma's house on Sunday and decided that he was going to use the stepping stool to help him reach the range. He tried to turn on the gas burner while I stood in shock. Not really shock but just amazed that this little bunny is really sneaky! Ethan is soaking in everything and is trying things out himself! I had to stop his motion really quick otherwise he is going to think that it was okay for him to turn on the stove! When Yai returned home from the temple, Ethan continued to play in the kitchen while she was cooking dinner. I was doing the dishes so I figured Ethan couldn't have gotten into any more stuff...wrong! Ethan got into Yai's herbs and spices cabinet but Yai caught him. He of course did not let this go so he went and grabbed the stepping stool again but this time he put it right behind his grandmother. He stood on it with his head held high and then he hugged his grandmother so that she could not move. Grandma asked what was this? Ethan just giggles and continued to hold onto grandma! Did I tell you the Ethan is really sneaky? He knows how to pull onto your heart string and makes you melt like butter. All that I was able to do was respond with a smile and a laugh! Our little charmer...I guess he got this trait from his daddy!

Silly Sunday

After my struggles with a little bug, I'm so thankful that I was not consumed by it! Sunday, such a beautiful day to spend with my children. Ethan and I woke up early this morning ~we greeted each other with a wave and a smile before daddy woke up. Ethan pointed to daddy and said "daddy" then he pointed to me as said "mom" and smiled. I know how much my son loves to see us together. He asked for Sa and I told him that she was still sleeping downstairs. I asked if he wanted to go and see her. Of course he said yes! Daddy got out of bed to get ready for work. Ethan and I stayed in bed a bit longer so that Ethan could finish his milk. When Van was ready to head on downstairs, Ethan followed.

We said our good-byes to daddy. We waited for Marisa to be up so Ethan played with his toy animals while I watched a movie. Marisa woke up but Ethan was first to catch her in his sight. I didn't even know that she was awake but I saw that Ethan stopped what he was doing and just stared at Marisa. Maybe he was just surprised to see his sister up so early on the weekend! Told Marisa that we needed to go to the Thai temple in Sterling before we headed up to Yai's home. Yai was first going to be at the temple and I wanted to take my kids there to grab something to eat. Van needed to return the car to his niece in Lorton so we were going to just meet up for dinner at Yai's.

Before heading to Yai's, we stopped by Target for Ethan's milk, oatmeal, and detergent. Then Marisa asked if she could stop by Fairoaks Mall to pick up a legging from Forever 21. While Marisa went into her store, Ethan and I sat outside to enjoy the beautiful fall day. I took some silly pictures of Ethan just to highlight my perfect day with my children!
Ethan got a special treat too. His big cousin took him to play at the playground. He loves his "Ash...eee" so much! I love to see how he shines when he see her...I'm glad that the gap between their age doesn't restrict their bond. Even when Ethan wants to grow hair as long as his cousin! We still had fun just being amazed by Ethan. Bo-bo called to ask if we could wait for her to come see Ethan before heading home. Of course we just had to wait because Ethan loves to have his cousin hold him like a big teddy bear. We finally left Yai' house and my little silly bear fell asleep on our way home...great timing! I wanted Ethan to be in bed by eight and right on the dot, he was asleep. Have a wonderful dream my darling boy!

24 hours

What a difference one day can make! Man-o-man, something hit me like a boat load of refugees, yes I'm making this analogy because I was one on the refugees in 1975! Not really a "boat person" but I did traveled by a boat in the middle of the night ~ crossing the mighty Mekong River into Thailand to escape communism! Although this analogy may not make any sense, it's the only thing that I can think of at the moment. Bare with me, I'm still trying to get over this bug that hit me really hard on Saturday.

Well, I started feeling something was not right with me after Ethan's Autumn festival on Friday. It was really cold while we were outside with his classmates. I started feeling really achy and my throat was hurting a bit. Water tasted funny and my head was just pounding like a jack hammer! I didn't think anything of it until it was full blown on Saturday. I was really miserable! I don't know how Ethan is able to stand being sick like this! I was feverish, my bones & joints were achy, and my head was throbbing a hundred times per minute! My throat felt like a sharp knife was scraping the back of my throat every time I swallowed. With the way that I was feeling, I just couldn't stop thinking about my Ethan and how he must have been suffering like me when he gets sick. I felt like a baby but of course it was difficult to stop being a mother to my children and a wife to my husband. But to feel the way that I was feeling and to realize that my son is such a strong guy makes me love Ethan more. I don't know how much more I can love my baby, but I do! When Ethan get sick, he still makes you laugh and smile. Ethan doesn't moan or becomes winy...Ethan continues to brighten my life with his hugs and kisses. My sweet baby boy, he doesn't stop being his wonderful self even when his body is weak. Oh I wish that I could be more like Ethan! All day, Ethan was smothering me with his hugs and kisses. I was so afraid that he would catch what ever it was that was affecting me but Ethan just kept coming. I felt that Ethan could sense that I was not feeling well so he stuck to me like glue! Ethan kept caressing my face, holding my hands, kissing my nose, hugging my legs, touching my hair, holding my face up against his, and making sure that I knew that he was right by my side! My little angel ~ how lucky am I to be chosen with this blessing?Van came home from work and gave me a massage. I took a whole lot of medications and was ready for bed. Of course, my son was right by my side holding me so that we both could fall asleep together. My little angel fell asleep in no time and I was able to close my eyes too.

What a difference a day made! Today, my body does not feel like a ton of bricks. My head doesn't have the constant throbbing and my throat, well I can eat! What ever it was that hit me really hard did not hold up against my little angel's TLC. When I woke up this morning ~ my son got up about the same time. He sat up in our bed while I was running downstairs to get his milk ~ I waved at him and he waved back. It was really cute because Ethan's spontaneous gesture made me smile and I was thinking to myself how my son is just too perfect and my life is pretty set! Ethan had hardly wiped the sleep off of his eyes, yet he was able to recognize me in the morning darkness. My sweet boy...when I returned, he just smiled at me to let me know that he was waiting for me. I love waking up and be greeted by Ethan's smiles! What more could I ask for?

Autumn moon & special time

Today, Ethan said "more" while using his index finger to prompt this word. I've been trying to get Ethan to vocalize rather than signing his words by putting my index finger to my mouth and prompting the words for Ethan. He is my little monkey bear, just doing exactly what I've been doing for him. He was trying to prompt for me to say "more"!

Last night on our way to pick daddy up from work in Crystal City, the moon was just so amazing! I heard that it's a "hunting full moon or a harvesting full moon". What ever it was , it was so bright! I took some pictures and asked Marisa to take more pictures of Ethan sitting in his car seat. We've had to adjust with having only one car to use. I guess it's a good thing that I can have my family together. I love to have my family together, be it in the car or in our home...I can't get enough of hearing Marisa and Ethan laugh and play together! Only a mother would understand how the sound of their children happiness just fills a mother's heart! We arrived around seven but daddy was not ready until close to eight. We ended up at Yai's house for a quick dinner. Van was working in Fredericksburg today so be asked his niece to use her car. I was a pretty worried that it was getting so late for my children, especially when Ethan hates to wake up so early in the morning for school. Not even that, Ethan caught a cold and his nose is a bit stuffy. My poor child, it's hard on him when he catches a cold. I have to monitor Ethan well so that this cold does not turn into an upper respiratory infection!

Today was an Autumn festival for Ethan's class. I volunteered to help set up and to work on a bean bag throwing station. It was so cold but the children appeared to have had a wonderful time. My little monkey loved the noodle station ~ he loved how it felt but more so, he loved eating them! Did I mention that Ethan loves noodles ~ all types? Ethan also loved to throw the bean bags! He's really strong and is pretty accurate in his throw! Ethan loves to throw things anyways and I've allowed for Ethan to practice on his aim ~ he is quite good if I say so myself! Maybe we can put Ethan as a pitcher on a baseball team! We finally finished at eleven so I left for Ethan to have his lunch before having to return to pick him up. We had a conference scheduled for one o'clock so I just waited to meet with his teacher.
Marisa came home at around four fifteen. We took her Homecoming dress to be measured & to have it altered. We ended up at Chuckie Cheese at Dulles Town Center for dinner. I've been wanting to bring my children there so that we could celebrate Ethan's birthday. Marisa was going to a football game but ended up not going. I was glad because I wanted for her to spend some time with me and Ethan. We went to my cousin's house to pick up my jewelry but only his daughter was home. It's been so long since we've seen them so I just wanted to drop by and say hello. We all have our lives and our children to tend to so I understand how busy life gets. I just wanted them to know that I was thinking of them and missed them!

My husband returned home from work but did not have the keys to get into the house. We rushed home and by the time we arrived, Ethan was fast asleep. I know that he'll be asking for his daddy in the morning ~ he always does that when he doesn't get to see his daddy before going to bed! All quiet on the home front...my nose is stuffy so I guess I'll be joining my son in this land of sinus congestion!

Arguably the most precious!

I am bias but arguably reasonable, sometimes! My little Ethan bear is too adorable that sometimes it's difficult to punish him. Ethan's teacher said that Ethan loves to help out with getting stuff out & putting them back. She said that he sometimes would help put things away even when they are not finished! Yes, my little helper! Ethan gets a gold star for being so assertive!

His teacher even went as far as saying that Ethan is just too cute that at times, she just shakes her head in amazement! This is just another way of saying "I can't control him so I have to let him win"! His teacher said that Ethan would say hi to everyone and doesn't hesitate to say bye-bye. She said that he does really well in following directions and knows his routine...she said that Ethan can copy any signs that he is given. She is so thrilled that Ethan is so eager to learn! She said that all of his other teachers raved about how much they could see that we've worked really hard with Ethan. Ethan's teacher said that they give me all the credit for Ethan's progress; however, the credits should be directed to my Ethan, my family, and my Heavenly Father. Without determination, dedication, patience, love, strong will, endurance, hope and faith ~ we would not have gotten this far. Ethan is like a sponge ~ soaking in all that's surrounding him. Van and I are just at awe with how well Ethan remembers things. On our first visit with his speech therapist from Children Hospital ~ she asked Ethan if he knew where his elbows were...of course I have not taught this to Ethan. so Ethan pointed to his knees (logical, I thought!)... I've only taught Ethan just simple stuff like eyes, nose, lips, teeth, head, hair, ears, tummy, butt, shoulders, knees, hands, fingers, jump, run, and so on, well maybe not too simple. When I pointed to Ethan's elbows, he immediately showed his therapist. When we left the office (10/12/2010), I asked Ethan again where his elbows were. Without a second to think, he pointed to them. Every since that day, Ethan knows! Amazing! I just love having this opportunity to witness his progress! I thanked his teacher for giving Ethan the chance to grow in a classroom environment, Ethan loves being with other kids. I told her that I am now working really hard on getting Ethan to vocalize more of his wants & needs. As his mother, I know what Ethan is trying to say but to others, his is just grunting :~)!

I know that Ethan loves to help around the house (ignore his shirt "I didn't do it"). His grandmother and his aunt always ask how am I able to have enough energy to keep up with Ethan? In Thai, they say that "Ethan is suarn" which translates to Ethan being arguably & adorably a trouble maker! At Yai's, he would try to mop the floors. He also would take all of her Tupperware out of the cabinets and rearrange them on the floor. He also loves to try and re-pot Yai's plants ~ the vacuum cleaner is always on "ready mode". Ethan loves to throw things in the trash can & loves for us to clap for him after he is finished! Ethan loves to unfold our clothes & remove everything that's in our baskets. He doesn't hesitate to take all of our can food out of the pantry to stack them up & sometimes throw them in the trash! Oh, and forget about my cooking utensils & measuring cups ~ they're gone. He loves to redecorate my desk that we've set up in the kitchen. Ethan also loves to hide his toys, books and anything else that would fit under the entertainment center or the refrigerator. I notice that he gets into this little routine when he is really tired. Of course, he will not sleep because he is so afraid that he's missing out on things. Eventually, he'll fall asleep! As I watch my son in his deep sleep, I can't stop but think of how precious these moments are...I can't wait for Ethan to wake up with his new found energy ~ just to see what else he can find to do around the house.

Random

Oh my gosh! It is so cold today and I don't have the car to go and pick Ethan up from the bus stop.My son and I were in bed so early last night. Ethan fell asleep at around seven and I followed right after. Of course, we did not wake up until 7:26 am! Yes, we've been late to school every single day this week. It's because it's so cold to get out of bed! Well, my children and I love to snuggle in bed when it's nice and cozy. Marisa, Ethan and I don't like it hot so when the weather is this nice, we like to take advantage of it.

This morning, we needed to drop Marisa off at school too. Marisa and Christina signed up for a HOPE club in school. I thought that that was a nice thing for Marisa to do. It's a volunteer club to work with local children with special needs. I'm so proud of my daughter for getting involved in our community but more so for wanting to work with special children.
My husband's been waiting for me these past few nights but I've been so tired that by the time he checks on me, I'm out like a light! I enjoy being able to talk with my husband in the evening when our children are in bed. Just getting updates on the day's events really helps us to be on the same page; however, my husband tends to have his own idea every now and then! Yes, we like to exchange ideas but my husband can be very stubborn, especially when it come to his daughter! With Ethan, he's not very concern because I have full range on him but with Marisa, he thinks that I'm too hard or too soft on her. For example, Marisa is grounded from asking us to take her places because of what she did on Columbus Day (will need to explain this later) but I was the one who asked about this Friday night's football game. It's a big game against Potomac Falls and she had asked permission since the beginning of school year. I asked if she still wanted to go...same with her homecoming. Now, Van doesn't think that we are really grounding our child if we still allow her to attend these events. I said that since we've agreed to these events way before she had gotten in trouble, it's only fair that we restrict her from future events that we have not permitted or agreed upon. It's hard because trust goes both ways. If Marisa can't trust us to keep our words, then we can't expect her to be as open with us about her feelings. I don't want us to be like other parents ~ playing these mind games. We either treat her with trust and respect or we don't. I don't like to manipulate any situation because life is too short to not be honest and upfront with our loved one. So since I've been able to ride into work with him, we've been able to discuss our ideas. I will be driving Marisa to the game and picking her up.

Ethan was in good spirit, as always when I picked him up from the bus stop. When we got home, I left him to watch his Thai videos and Toy Story videos on Youtube. My bad for doing so because Ethan made it snow in our kitchen! Yes, someone forgot to secure the cabinet where we keep our rice and Ethan decided that it was fine to play! Without hesitation, he gave me a big "cheese" so that I would not be upset with him. How could I? It was my fault for leaving him to write this blog! Never a dull moment in the Than home!

Can not wait for more random things to happen...with my children, we are always kept on our toes!

It's a wonderful life

Amazed that I am insanely blessed. I feel so overwhelmed with all of these emotions that I can not find words to describe. Is it really fair that I feel this way? I am beside myself!

10-16-07 ~ When we were told that Ethan had tendencies of a child with Trisomy 21 or Down syndrome ~ first came confusion, then the heartbreaks. My husband and I looked at one another as we listened to the doctor's explanations. I thought that how was this possible, genetics disorder? We had our genetics screening prior to going through infertility treatment! I heard genetics, I heard mental delayed, I heard physical delayed and I heard medical complications. All that I heard were negatives and I refused to believe the doctor. I remember seeing the images of my son not being able to play soccer with his daddy nor throw and catch a baseball! I wanted to block what the doctor was saying but it was really difficult to do! The mental delayed did not hit me, just the physical delayed. I don't know why I was focusing more on the physical delays, maybe because when we were told that we were having a boy...all that I was dreaming about was the fact that Van would finally have another male to share his love and knowledge with. I had envision Ethan playing soccer, baseball, karate, run, jump and being just a boy! I knew that I have my little girl to do "girlie" stuff with and now, Van was going to have a boy to do "manly" stuff with. When I think about what was going through my head then, it's a bit silly now! Both Van and I did not know what Trisomy 21 or Down syndrome was. We did not want to believe that there were going to be limitations to our son. I did not want Ethan to not have the same opportunities as others but then I thought again that Ethan would have more of opportunities. I knew what I was capable of and I knew how much Ethan was loved. I was not going to let the fact that Ethan had an extra chromosome determine his fate. I was not going to let this genetics complication define my son.When the doctor said that Ethan was going to be tested, I assured myself that the doctor was wrong. My son was perfect. God gave Ethan to me for a reason! My husband held my hand while I cried my heartbroken cry. All that I was thinking at that moment was to please not let my son feel any pain. I asked God to let my Ethan only feel loved. Not until Ethan was brought into my recovery room did it hit me that Ethan had medical complications. My son was unable to regulate his temperature. He had to be placed in the NICU & the realization hit me like a ton of bricks! I prayed so hard to not let my son be in any pain.

When Ethan held my index finger, I knew that he felt loved. Nothing existed for that moment and I knew that my life was complete. My heart melted and I was grateful that I was giving this blessing on unconditional love! I was given the opportunity to love, nurture, teach and guide my child but it turned out that my child became my teacher. This little boy taught me to smile as if we have a secret, to laugh with no limitations, to love without restrictions, to dance to all music, to open up our hearts to all experiences, to accept & rejoice in our differences, to trust in one another that life is full of surprises, to sing with pure perfection, to jump like we were rabbits, to run like we were tigers, to pretend that we were monkeys, to yell like we were Tarzan, to blow bubbles like we were kissing, to caress so gently, to be so brave through all the rough times, to giggle without stopping, and to be the example so others can emulate! Gratitude, gratitude, gratitude!

Marisa and I were talking about the day the Ethan was born. The images, smells, sounds, feelings, and emotions are still so vivid in my mind. Marisa said that she too remember the vivid details of that day! I asked for Marisa to write them down since it's been three years that our family's been blessed with our little angel. Marisa said that day started out so weird! She said that she remembered how daddy was so stern about Ethan not being born this day. She said that she remember hearing me talk on the phone with my doctor and telling my doctor that I was unsure if my water had burst. She also said that I responded that I did not know if it was urine! We both laughed at this comment! She said that daddy drove her to school and that he was so calm and collected. She said however, that when she heard the PA system announced her name hours later, she knew right away. She said that she felt it in her stomach that her brother was going to be born! I asked for Marisa to write what she remember so that we would have her perspective on this miracle. Marisa said that she could not remember feeling anything when she arrived at the hospital. She just remember being very mad when she had to leave the delivery room because the doctor needed to confirm if Ethan was breached. Marisa said that she wanted to be in the delivery room when Ethan was born. She wanted her brother to see her first, not mommy and not daddy but for Ethan to see her! Of course, Marisa does not have to worry about her brother not seeing her. Ethan adores Marisa with all of his bones. I see how he lights up when she walks into a room. I hear him calling her if she is not next to him. He asks for his sister when she is not home. He cuddles with her every chances that he gets. She is his biggest love and she knows it! Marisa once said that "mommy, I would go to the end of this world for my brother", I believe that she would! How much more can a mother ask for?I wish that I can get my husband to write what was going through his mind too. Thank goodness that I have this in my journal and maybe one day, I'll have time to write from this passage!

Ethan's journey have just begun & what a whirlwind it's been thus far. When I lay him down to sleep, I just can't wait for him to wake up to teach me more! It warms my heart every time to see my son so strong, so happy, so loved, so curious, so willful and so healthy.

Oh My - BIG 3!

Three years ago around this time (7:49 am), Van rushed me to Fairfax Hospital. Van assured me that Ethan was not going to come this day. He knew how scared I was especially when I was only 32 weeks along. With all of his reassurance, Ethan had another thing in mind. My boy did not care that he was still too young to grace up with his presence. By 6:03 pm on Tuesday, October 16, 2007 ~ my angel arrived into this world with so much love to spread to my family and to our friends. I will retell this story at another time!
But today ~ my son is three! What a huge stride for my little monkey bear or so I should say my Ethan bear. I am so overwhelmed by the life that I've been privy to. Overwhelmed in a wonderful way, of course. Without my children, I don't know how life would be like. It was two days ago when Van and I were talking about living forever. If only this is possible! I told him that although my life has so many struggles and challenges ~ being able to continue to watch and learn from my children was all that I am asking. Life is a great blessing ~ I'm thankful that I get to share with my children and my husband!

Marisa keeps up on our toes. She's a teenager and boy I wish that we have an instruction manual! Thank goodness that she knows that we love and trust her. We always want our daughter to be free to come to us. We've told her time and time again that we are always on her side.

Ethan keeps up on our toes too. He is so busy and curious about everything. He was so silly last night while we were trying to put him to bed. We were a little more lenient on him since it was not a school night. Van made Ethan's bottle for him ~ these past few days, Ethan doesn't want his milk during the day as much so when he is ready for bed, I'm more than happy to give him milk. We first gave Ethan four ounces, then he asked for more. Van gave him another two but when Ethan was finished, he asked for more. I realized that by Ethan's fourth request, he was just playing with us. Ethan wanted daddy to turn on the lights so that he could continue to play! My, my, my...by the time I figured this out ~ we all were laughing just because my son is silly! This was Ethan's first time to drink ten ounces of milk in one sitting!

I can't wait for more to come...what a big difference between my son being one and now being three! I will write more on the next post...I have to go and finish preparing for his party. Finished baking yesterday, and now I have to go and prep the steak, spring roll, sticky rice, and so on.

Why is Ethan different?

It's been about a week since I've updated my blog. Gosh, days just passes us by too quickly! Been preparing for my baby's 3rd birthday...and I just want to savor every moments possible especially when time just seems to fly!Ethan, Marisa, and I went apple picking with some friends this past Saturday. What a perfect day it was to be out and about. It would of been icing on the cake if my husband was able to join us; however, work is really hard to come by right now so we have to take advantage of it. Saturday was so hectic for me but everything seem to just fall into place! Drove Van to work since his truck is inoperable, again! Marisa slept in with Ethan until I returned home at around 10 o'clock. We were running a little late because we were waiting on Amanda and Ashley. They both decided that it was way too early to join us so we left.

The drive to Winchester was so beautiful despite the speed limit! Marisa and I joked about how we could run faster than the speed limits...yeah right, in my dreams! Marisa could probably run faster than 15 miles per hour but for me...it's way beyond my time! We drove through small towns that limited our speed to 35, 25, 15 , then 50. We also saw a whole bunch of bikers enjoying their drive too. My husband's dream is to own one of the Harley Davidson's but for now, it's only a dream. Marisa and I commented on how all bikers seems to know one another. Every time they passes one another, they would wave. So unlike us regular car drivers...if we wave at other drivers, bet that they would think that we gave them a horrible sign! What this world really need is more bikers or more Ethan!

We finally arrived at our friend's home & thank goodness that we were first to arrived. I've tried to teach my children to always try to be early or on time...to be considerate of others. I told my children that it's not nice to have others wait for you especially when they were so generous to invite us in the first place. It's hard sometime because one can not predict any future events...like having to stop to get gas because daddy did not fill up the tank for mommy!
While waiting on the last group of folks to arrive, we just hung around and watched the children play. A little boy approached me and asked why Ethan was different. Now, I don't know if he had asked this question because his cousin is also named Ethan. Maybe he thought that my Ethan was different from his Ethan and that he was waiting on his Ethan. I think that he was way too young to know that Ethan has an extra chromosome. I don't think that this little boy would understand what Trisomy 21 or Down Syndrome is so I just said to him "of course Ethan is different because he is such a good boy & Ethan loves to play & share with others." I continued to say that Ethan is special to us because of his laughter & that his smiles seems to take all the bad stuff away...the little boy looked at me as he continued to run away to play. I pulled Ethan into my arms & held on him so tightly. Now Ethan had no idea why I was holding onto him so firmly but he reciprocated my advances with his warm hugs & gave up his famous giggles (see Ethan's giggles on YOUTUBE). I should have been more prepared or maybe I was just jumping the gun. Shame on me for thinking like an adult...but shame on me more to assume that this little question was just more than a child's curiosity. Oh to be so honest and so innocent ~ too bad that this world experiences have taught me to be so cautious! For all it could have been was that this little boy had no idea what I was saying nor did he imply anything that was not kosher. Yes, I was thinking like an adult rather than a child.I guess Van and I are very different to other parents when it comes to raising our children. We are teaching & encouraging Marisa and Ethan to be different from others, to love one another, to know that they always have choices, to know that we are always on their side, to know that they are the world to us, to know that we love them so unconditionally, to not get consumed over what other people are saying, to have high expectation but also be realistic, to know that we believe in them, to have courage, to have strong morals, to have strong will, to have resolve, to be willing to fight for what they believe in, to know that we have their best interest at heart, to know that they always come first to us, to have high self esteem, to not conform to society's standards, to not give up and to always try their best, to speak their minds, to stand out, to be special, to be unique, to be a leader, to be a teacher to others, to set a good example, to be kind, to be that diamond in the rough, to be the best that they have the potential to be, to just BE who our Heavenly Father have intended them to be. Now just because Ethan has an extra chromosome, this genetic condition does not define who he is. Ethan is definitely more that the extra chromosome number 21! If you have the opportunity to meet my son, you will know that Ethan is the sunshine...

The day that Ethan was born, he proved to us what strong will he has. He was determined to be our little boy and was such a fighter. Ethan was unable to regulate his temperature, had difficulties breathing on his own, was unable to drink milk, had holes in his heart, and had to be in the NICU but never once did he showed that he was suffering. He glazed into our eyes and held onto our fingers in order to reassure us that he was going to be just fine. We knew that Ethan was especially chosen to be with us. In Ethan's three precious years that he's made our lives so complete, Ethan has taught us compassion, unconditional love, pure innocence, whole hearted bliss. Ethan has reminded me to not take life for granted and to enjoy every single moments.

There were times where I felt like I was having an out of body experience when I watched my son in awe. Ethan is so smart, caring, giving, and my little angel on earth! He loves to laugh, he loves to dance, he loves to sing, he loves to be with his sister, he loves his daddy, he loves his mommy, he loves his sister, he loves his grandmothers, he loves his aunts, he loves his cousins, he loves the sky, he loves trees, he loves birds, he loves playgrounds, he loves his noodles, he loves for us to read to him, he loves to touch our hair, he loves to give us kisses, he loves to imitate, he loves to jump, he loves to run, he loves to watch Thai movies & music videos, he loves Thai music, he loves Marisa's music, he loves to take his shoes & socks off, he loves to take off his clothes, he loves to tease up by taunting us to run after him, he loves to climb, he loves to jump off our couches ~ belly flop on the floor, he loves to sleep, he loves to cuddle, he loves to hear praises, he loves to clap for anything that he has accomplished (putting his shoes away, putting his bottle away, putting his books away, getting daddy his shoes, giving kisses when we asked him, etc.), he loves to see what others are doing, he loves to be with others, he loves to say hi, he loves to say bye-bye, he loves to call for his daddy, he loves to call for his mom, he loves to call for his Sa Sa, he loves to talk on the phone, he loves to take pictures, he loves to love. If this is different, then yes, my son is different. My daughter said that she would go to the end of the world for Ethan and you know what? I know that Ethan would do the same for his sister and for everyone else with no hesitations and with a big smile on his face too!