Happy 2nd Birthday, Ethan!

Again, it was fun to have grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins here to celebrate Ethan's 2nd birthday with us! Ethan *loved* singing the birthday song, and really enjoyed all the cake, too. :)

 
 
 
 

Easter

We had a great time with all the cousins here for Easter! We had an Easter egg hunt, and Ethan really loved his dump truck basket.

 
 
 
 

Mother of Two

 

I must say, everyone had prepared me for the worst! I had nightmares about a jealous 2 year old and a constantly crying baby...but I am happy to report that it has been smooth sailing (so far!) for the Chen boys. Ethan is a precious older brother who loves to hang out with Isaac. In fact, at bedtime Ethan gets upset if Isaac can't be there for story time & usually Isaac's name is one of the first words out of Ethan's mouth in the morning. Ethan gives Isaac kisses, shows him toys, and helps me hold his bottle. Isaac smiles as soon as he hears Ethan's voice, and clearly enjoys his brother's antics very much. Looks like a match made in heaven...but I always say, so far, so good. I can be thankful for today. :)

My Mixed Race Children

This day and age, we don't ponder this very often. However, as I sat in the birth certificate office last week, the question was clearly raised for me. I made quite an entrance to the waiting room with my huge double stroller, and quickly found a seat. A pleasant young woman next to me asks, "What is he mixed with?" (looking at Ethan) I was totally taken aback by this question, but not offended. I told her my husband is Chinese and she said, "Well, he certainly looks a lot like you!" Then I was confused. But regardless, I must be aware for my children that people will ask questions like this! I need to be thinking about this issue and how to address it with them. One of my friends (a Caucasian who also married a Chinese man) sent me this link to an article which basically says that kids with a biracial identity may be psychologically better off. Enjoy!
http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1880467,00.html

Highlights of Isaac's 1st Month

Isaac had a wonderful first month...it's amazing to see how much he has grown already! We had visits from both sets of grandparents and plenty of time with the cousins. We celebrated Dennis' birthday and Chinese New Year, and really just enjoyed having our boys at home with us! (Ethan spent his first 3 weeks of life in the NICU, so it was a treat to bring Isaac straight home!!) Ethan has been a wonderful, helpful, and gentle older brother. (minus the occasional projectiles) We are so grateful that the Lord has entrusted these two little guys to us, and we hope and pray that we can raise them to be godly, fabulous men.

 
 
 
 

More photos...

 
 
 
 

Our Photo Shoot

When Isaac was just 10 days old, we had a photographer (www.jenhuntphotography.com) come to our house to take pictures! It was really fun...Ethan loved it the most, I think! I just couldn't wait to capture some images of my handsome boys. (Dennis included!)