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!)


 
 
 
 

Welcome, Isaac James!

On January 14 at 12:13pm, our family gained another boy! (6 lb 4oz and 20 in) I am officially WAY outnumbered...even Rocky (our dog) is a male. :) Dennis says I'll be eating steak forever. Isaac means "he will laugh" or "laughter", and we hope and pray that we have another happy boy! (so far, so good...he is a very docile babe) His middle name, James, is in honor of Dennis' paternal grandfather. Ethan is adjusting well to his baby brother, and can't wait until they can play together! Of course things are different and we are still adjusting to this new addition, but he has already brought joy, tears, and much love to our lives. Enjoy the pictures of the family!

 
 
 
 

...and Christmas too!

 

 
The men!
 
 

Since we won't be together at Christmas this year, we decided to spend an evening exchanging gifts over Thanksgiving. Ethan's favorite toy was Chloe's doll stroller (don't worry, we didn't come home with it!) and he spent most of the evening tooling around the house with it.

Chen Thanksgiving

 
 
 

Thankfully, I was able to make it up to Michigan for the Chen Thanksgiving this year! (I'm getting very close to my no travel window with the pregnancy) We combined our efforts to create a yummy meal--Ethan was a big fan. It was nice to have the Lam family back in Michigan so we could hang out with them. Kirsten and Chloe were great babysitters!