daddy-o

Ethan and Dennis have lots of fun together. I think Dennis enjoys getting his silly side out with Ethan. Yes, this is Ethan helping Daddy compose a message on his Blackberry one sunny Saturday morning. :)

"Scooter"

Dennis calls Ethan "Scooter" now because he looks like he's ready for a ride with his helmet! After a *very* rough beginning (it was too tight for the first 3 days) and several adjustments, Ethan is a happy boy who barely knows he's wearing his bright blue helmet. I knew it was going to be a difficult time for me as his mommy, but I was very unprepared for how hard it would be for him at first. I had never heard of a helmet making a baby cry like this, and it was heart-wrenching for Dennis and me to try to figure out if he just didn't like it or if it didn't fit correctly. We've gotten the expected stares and lack of eye contact, and I believe I've gotten a taste of what it's like to have a child with a disability. People just don't know what to do, and they don't know what's wrong, so they just look away. Some are great and just smile back at Ethan, which makes my day. I do believe this will be a long three months, but I'm getting used to my sweet boy in his helmet!

D-U-K-E!!!

Zonked...tired of being a happy fan!


Ethan visited Duke for the first time last weekend for Homecoming! The annual McClure family tradition of enduring a Duke football game (at least the weather is always gorgeous) continues, and Ethan cheered up all of the disgruntled fans with his very own custom-made blue devil outfit from his grandmother Mum. (also a tradition in the McClure family--we all grew up with these little blue capes, horns, and pointy tails!) He really did steal the show and was a very happy mascot.

Keep on smiling

Ethan smiles all the time--unless he is sleepy or hungry. Even then he usually just whimpers a bit. Rocky (our little fluffy white dog) provides endless entertainment for Ethan, and he even reached out to pet Rocky this week! When Rocky barks, Ethan giggles. When Rocky tries to jump between us (the dog can be a bit jealous!), Ethan thinks it is hilarious. Last week Rocky barked incessantly when I came home without Ethan--he was so confused and concerned about his little friend!