Wednesday without my children

A loud thump woke me up this morning.  It was difficult to be in deep sleep especially when I have to be up early to meet my mother-in-law this morning!  I hate having this anxiety of knowing that I have to be somewhere & then I would panic because I don’t want to be late or make others wait for me.  I kept waking up every hour to check the time even though the alarm was already set for me to be up by seven.  My husband stumbled out of bed and causes a huge commotion when he tripped on our laundry basket.  I was afraid that it would wake my baby up so I jumped out of bed looking like a crazy woman!  My hair was all over the place & my mind was racing since I thought that I was late!  He turned around & asked why I was up so early.  I thought that I extremely late but when I looked up at the blurry display screen on our alarm clock, it was only 6:30…two hours before my meeting!

I went downstairs to gather my daughter up from her sleep.  It was too early to take my children with me so I left my daughter to watch her baby brother.  I arrived with plenty of time to spare & it was great because it allowed me to read my book.  I’m reading one of Amy Tan’s books while I’m able to…with some “free” moments without my children; I have to take advantage of this.  I’ve been rejuvenated & ready to take on the rest of the day!

When I finally was able to see my children again, we ended up having Pho for lunch.  It was great to see them, especially, when they were able to bond without me being with them, even for a short time.  It’s nice to see how much my baby boy adores his big sister.  It’s even better when I see how much my oldest is able to care for her baby brother without me urging her on.  Thank you to you both for allowing mommy this day to help Yai with her needs & not let mommy worry about your well being. 

Happy Father's Day

I am reminded everyday, when I look into my children’s eyes, of the beauty and love that surrounds us.  Having a father who adores every single cell in their body has really had a profound impact in my children’s lives and also mine.  I’m grateful and feel so blessed on a daily basis to have my best friend share in the joy of marriage, the miracle of parenthood, and having him completely & utterly complete my life.  My intention is not to be so over-the-top nor to seem so obsessed with him; however, finding the right words to describe my husband does not do him any justice.

Van is a wonderful father, a superb son, an awesome uncle, a loving brother and is my rock.  Van is a remarkable person who without a doubt exemplified the “perfect husband”.  He is sincere, kind, selfless, loving, patient, fair, faithful, honorable, wise, honest, courageous, humorous, confident, & truly beautiful.  

My husband is a man with very few words but he believes that a person’s action speaks louder than words.  He has a sense of humor that can only be matched by his contagious laughter.  His eyes would sparkle & his whole being would shine when he talks to & about his children.  His wisdom has grounded me & he is oh so loved. 

My husband possesses qualities that I wish for others to achieve.  I’m amazed that there is such a man that exists in this world.  My Van has made a huge difference in my life & has inspired me to be a better person every day.  I love every possible moment that I have to being with him.   He, without a doubt, is the epitome of the perfect gift.  This greatest gift that I’ve been longing for & never knew would be able attainable.  I thank my lucky star for my husband & I do wish him a Happy Father’s Day!

Wondrous Wednesday

Perfect day to stay cuddled up because it’s nice & cool in comparison to those hot, hot, hot days that we’ve had last week.

I woke up at 6:15 this morning looking for my hubby.  He was up & out of the house already & it was making my heart shivered up a bit not being able to say good-bye to him.  He came home a bit earlier last night to see Ethan and Marisa before bedtime.  He also wanted to catch up with me but I was so tired and pressed to put Ethan to bed on time.  I just didn’t want our Ethan to be tired in the morning nor be tired for school.  I really made a conscious effort to wake up early today to have some me time with my husband.  Within minutes of looking out the window & sitting down on this computer, I heard the front door open.  My heart was fluttering with excitement as I ran downstairs to greet my husband.  I was so thrilled to have a second chance to tell him how much I love & appreciate him & for him to have a great day.  I gave him a long hug & a kiss; then we walked upstairs to see Ethan in his deep sleep.  He asked why I was up so early, I told him that I just wanted to see him especially when I wasn’t able to spend any time with him last night.  We stood in our room watching our baby boy peacefully sleeping ~ we both looked at each other & smiled.  Speechless, yes, we are amazed with our boy!  We are so proud that we both have this opportunity to watch in amazement.  My husband gave me a hug that almost broke my back before heading down the stairs.  Part of me wanted him to stay a bit longer so that his son could greet him but since he has to work far today, I didn’t want to be selfish.

Last night, of course putting Ethan to bed while daddy was swinging him around was a great indication that sleep was not happening.  I’ve asked my husband to not get Ethan so wound up around bedtime but there is no stopping Ethan from playing with his daddy!  I kept nudging my husband to go & have dinner & to spend time with Marisa.  I really want us to spend more time with Marisa since she is growing up too quickly.  I know that she’s been missing her dad & wants “me” time with him too.  Ethan wanted to show daddy some of his dance moves ~ twirling, spinning on his head, wiggling his tush, somersaults (head rolls), leg extensions, and clapping.  Ethan newly discovered that if he put his head down on the floor & pushes long enough, he would flip over.  Imagine my nerves as I watched Ethan imitates the “So You Think You Can Dance” dancers.  I watched in awe as to how fast he learned or figured things out by himself.  After flipping over about ten times, Ethan had just enough of this move & then turned to twirling.  I hate having to stop Ethan because I was afraid that he would get dizzy but no…he proceeded with such grace & joy.  I was amazed that he did not fall from spinning around like a merry-go-round.  Ethan was ecstatic to find something fun to do!  I was in heaven hearing his laughter & seeing the joy that dancing has brought him.  I did not want to prevent Ethan from displaying his skills to his daddy…I knew how proud it would make my husband to see how much his son is capable of doing.  I know how proud I am of Ethan for each and every day!

By 7:15, gave Ethan time to get ready for school.  It took awhile since it was a bit cool but once Ethan got into the car, he was ready for the day!  While walking in the hallway towards his class, Ethan spread out his arms and did his twirl.  All of this with a smile on his face!   Ethan gave all of his teachers a great big hug & waved at every student that passes by.  Ethan walked into his class & took off his jacket & backpack.  He went & placed them on the pegs against the wall.  He then proceeded to the computer to play on “Bailey’s”.  I gave my baby a kiss on his head and said for him to be good, to have a great day, and that mommy loves him.  Ethan glanced up upon my face & I loved seeing the confidence in his eyes.  The look of “mommy, I’ll miss you too but I’ll be fine & for you to have a great day too”.  Marisa just said “bye mommy” as she is heading out the door for school.  I told her to have a good day & that I would see her later.  It’s going to be a wonderful Wednesday!

Not taking things for granted

Decisions, decisions, decisions.  After a long struggle, I'm glad to say that sending Ethan back to school was the right decision.  Ethan's pediatrician wanted him to stay away from school just a bit longer to help Ethan recover.  Ethan’s pulmonologist advised that it was fine to send him back since we have a few days left of school and we are taking precautions.  I know that I can’t shelter Ethan forever plus Ethan is so happy being in school with his teachers and his classmates.  Ethan’s doctors said for us to take precautions…like keeping him away from “sick folks”, washing his hands and face, changing his clothes when we come from outside, keeping him inside when it’s harsh out, and so many other items on their list.  Now, I can abide by some of the items but it’s difficult to control outside influences.

Ethan’s first day back to school ~ he was smothered by his classmates.  I know that Ethan was just as happy to see them again. 

Ethan's second day of school ~ field day and it was so hot.  It was difficult to keep him from joining his classmates in going outside to play.  We only went out to plant some flowers; however, it was way too hot to allow Ethan to stay outside much longer.  Thank goodness that we had to leave early to take grandmother places...Ethan was just as happy to see his Yai.  My son did not fuse during the seven hours that it took to get things done for Yai.  One, Ethan was so tired that he had fallen asleep and two, he had his two beautiful cousins to keep him company.

Ethan's third day of school, TGIF.  After being such a good boy yesterday while helping grandma, I needed to treat Ethan with a special trip to McDonald's.  Ethan picked our table and boy, he was just as delighted to be there as I was to watch him shine.  We made it through three days of school and under harsh environment too...the classroom, the heat, the smothering, the ER, and the special trip to McDonald's.

Not taking anything for granted ~ thank goodness that my son is such a fighter!

Now that you've asked - PYO

 

Family members asked about our strawberry picking venture that we took this past Saturday.  Now, don't take this the wrong way ~ my husband's remedy to "PYO" is that it's just more convenient and time saving to run to the grocery stores.  My reasoning to take my children out to "pick-you-own" farms is to experience life outside of what they are exposed to.

 I grew up learning how to find certain fruits and vegetables that are edible in the wild.  I even learned to find certain grass that we could use to stir fried!  I've always loved being able to climb coconut trees, mango trees, lychee trees, logan trees, and fruit bearing trees that I could find growing up in Laos, Thailand and even the United States!  I just want my children to appreciate what Mother Nature has provided and also give them the opportunity to have lasting memories of being "young".  Yes, my family's trips in the fall for apples were more successful but I wanted to find that perfect strawberry.  Without a beat, we got up really early to hit the road.  Just me, Ethan and Marisa since Van were off to work.  I decided to take my children to the farm closer to our home but of course, we were three weeks late on the picking!  Although it was a nice experience and we were able to take some pictures, my husband would be correct that the stores had better selections than what I was able to pick for $1.00 at the farm.  Hey, Ethan loved it and I love it...for my teenager...she was really happy to be out of the sun and into the car with her music blasting away :~)  I have not given up...we are due to go cherry picking soon! 

Lonesome Wednesday

 Yes, we are attempting to have Ethan back in school.  The last time Ethan attended school (5/2/2011), he ended up being hospitalized!  My husband and Ethan’s grandmother are reluctant for me to send Ethan back.  For my son’s sake, I must give him all of the opportunities without the fear of him getting sick again.  Maybe I’m being unreasonable, but I know that being with other children is really a great benefit to Ethan.

Now, I’m lonely without my son.  I miss watching him jump around like a rabbit.  I miss seeing him dancing and trying to copy what he is seeing on “So you think you can dance”.  I miss him telling me “mom, eat” and calling for me every waking moments.  I miss him come up at random to kiss and hug me.  I miss how his eyes light up and his face gleams when he hears his Thai songs.  I miss him ask for his sister and his daddy every time he sits on my lap.  I miss him saying “no” when I ask him questions.  I miss putting him on the potty and watching him swings his legs back and forth.  I miss him putting the toilet paper into the commode before flushing the toilet. I miss him helping me rearrange the house even though it is not required.  I miss him taking all of the pictures that I’ve already organized to be put in the album out on the floor and looking at them one by one.  I miss him asking for a book and then attempting to read on his own.  Ethan doesn’t like it when I try to help with “pronunciations”.  Even Marisa woke up this morning an asked where her brother was.  I told her that he was in school and we both smiled at each other.  Yes, this house would not be a home without our darling Ethan!

Monday, 6/6/11 ~ while sitting in the waiting room to have Ethan’s blood drawn, he truly amazed me with his courage and genuinely sweet temper.  It took an hour sitting in the waiting room before being called.  Ethan did not fuss but rather, he entertained everyone who was waiting just as long as we did.  He was reciting his alphabet as best as he could…yes, Ethan recognizes a lot of letters such as “A, B, C, E, I, M, N, O, P, U, etc.”  He was also counting his fingers and toes…un, two, tree, four, ive, ix, nine, ten.  Of course, when I tried to correct him…he said “mommmmmm”.  My boy is feisty and did not want any help to say his ABC’s and 1,2,3’s.  During this time, Ethan was saying bye and hi to everyone who walked passed him! 

Ethan had about twelve little vials of blood drawn and he did not cry a bit.  Now, he did wiggle like a worm because he was held against his will but he made mommy really proud with how well he handled himself!

One more hour before Ethan is home.  I just can’t wait to see my pure joy and hold my perfect boy in my arms!