Looking back on this past year, I can hardly believe how much I have learned and how far we have come. Let me review:
~I went into labor a week before a scheduled c-section
~A surprise at birth when we learned that Ethan had Craniofacial Microsomia.
~A 15 day NICU stay at Evergreen Hospital.
~Including the NICU stay, 5 hospital stays including 2 surgeries at Children's Hospital.
~Countless sleepless nights.
~Wonderful medicial professionals including Pediatricians, General Surgeon, Opthomology, Ear Nose and Throat, Gastroenterologist, Plastic Surgeon, Neonatologists, Nurses, Feeding Therapist, Nutritionist, Dentist, and Hospital Social Workers at both Evergreen and Children's Hospital who were and are absolute God sent.
~Many family and friends who have prayed for Ethan and taken care of us.
I can't thank everyone enough who has supported and loved us this year. We could not have gotten through this year without this support and Bob and I are truly blessed and greatful. God certainly has had his arms around us over the last year.
Because of all that he has been through, we know that Ethan is a little fighter and we are so proud of him.
I always said I didn't want to spend a lot of money on a birthday party until the boys were old enough to appreciate it, however, I really felt like we should do a big celebration for Ethan's first birthday this year considering all that he has been through.
On his actual birthday, August 14, we had a pool party at the Mountlake Terrace Pool. This was Ethan's first time in a big pool. He wasn't really sure what to think, but was having fun looking at all the other kids in the pool with him. This party consisted of new mommy friends from Evergreen's parent baby group, family, an old friend of Bob's and his family, and friends from church and soccer. There were about 35 to 40 that showed up. After that, we had a big Chinese dinner with family thrown by Bob's parents.
~I went into labor a week before a scheduled c-section
~A surprise at birth when we learned that Ethan had Craniofacial Microsomia.
~A 15 day NICU stay at Evergreen Hospital.
~Including the NICU stay, 5 hospital stays including 2 surgeries at Children's Hospital.
~Countless sleepless nights.
~Wonderful medicial professionals including Pediatricians, General Surgeon, Opthomology, Ear Nose and Throat, Gastroenterologist, Plastic Surgeon, Neonatologists, Nurses, Feeding Therapist, Nutritionist, Dentist, and Hospital Social Workers at both Evergreen and Children's Hospital who were and are absolute God sent.
~Many family and friends who have prayed for Ethan and taken care of us.
I can't thank everyone enough who has supported and loved us this year. We could not have gotten through this year without this support and Bob and I are truly blessed and greatful. God certainly has had his arms around us over the last year.
Because of all that he has been through, we know that Ethan is a little fighter and we are so proud of him.
I always said I didn't want to spend a lot of money on a birthday party until the boys were old enough to appreciate it, however, I really felt like we should do a big celebration for Ethan's first birthday this year considering all that he has been through.
On his actual birthday, August 14, we had a pool party at the Mountlake Terrace Pool. This was Ethan's first time in a big pool. He wasn't really sure what to think, but was having fun looking at all the other kids in the pool with him. This party consisted of new mommy friends from Evergreen's parent baby group, family, an old friend of Bob's and his family, and friends from church and soccer. There were about 35 to 40 that showed up. After that, we had a big Chinese dinner with family thrown by Bob's parents.
At the Mountlake Terrace Pool. My friend Anna and her husband took some of these pics.
Ethan and Liliana.
Jessica and Nathaniel.
Ethan and Mommy with Jared and Liliana and Bryn and Riley.
My first time in the pool.
Playing with Jonathan and Daddy.
Family Picture.
Cousin Amanda with Uncle Ryan.
The Costco Cake.
My birthday outfit.On Sunday, Mom hosted a birthday party of Ethan at her house. Almost everyone on both sides of the family was able to make it, including Bob's parents, his sister, and her husband. It turned out to be a very nice and sunny day, so people were able to sit outside, eat and visit with each other. I ordered red velvet cupcakes from a friend at church who has a business making cupcakes and Ethan had his first experience eating one of those cupcakes. He was pretty unsure and careful about touching it, which really surprised us considering he usually is pretty rough and tumble with everything. Ethan also didn't seem too interested in opening presents. I would rip a little piece of the wrapping paper off and put it in front of him and he occasionally would reach out and continue ripping, but most often than not, he would look away and find something else to do. As a result, Jonathan got to open most of Ethan's presents, which he loved. Then he would ask Ethan if he could play with his toys. Ethan also spent a good chunk of time sleeping. All in all the party was great. Thank you Grandma for hosting and putting it on for him!
Sleeping during my party.
Red velvet cupcakes. Yummy!
Opening Presents.
Cupcake eating! My first one.Overall, it was a great and exhausting weekend of parties. We had a lot of fun. I wouldn't trade it for the world and I am looking forward to watching Ethan grow. He is doing so well now and has made so much progress.
We love you Ethan!
-Dina
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