New Things

Ok, I have no pictures from Christmas to post yet...I'm one of those people that never takes pictures, relying on other family members to take them and then email copies. Instead of pictures I thought I'd write a little about new things Ethan is doing. It seems he is learning something every day. These past few weeks he has:
1. Started to say "see" and "up" (in addition to his vocabulary of "mama" "dada" "uh oh" "hot")
2. Dubbed my mom "nana" (he came up with that himself...we've always referred to her as grandma)
3. Gives kisses on demand (well, that may be going a bit far...he gives kisses on request when he is in the mood)
4. Learned to open the back door, which is a bit scary. I'm starting to make sure the deadbolt is always locked!
5. Started waving bye-bye to anyone that puts on their coat.

He is an amazingly sweet little boy. I'm such a proud mom, if you can't tell :-)

Ethan's 1 Year Pictures

Ethan turned 1 on November 12th. I can't beleive a year has gone by so quickly. His pictures turned out so well!

Thanksgiving

Ethan was fascinated with little Braedon.

Alex and Ethan playing in the dishwasher.

Playing with grandpa.

Testing the baby-proof cabinets

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving this year. The immediate family was there, and Jim & Beth, Aaron, Lark & Braedon joined us as well. It was so nice to spend time with them all...and the food was good too :-).

Alex and Ethan were so cute together. They both R-E-A-L-L-Y enjoyed helping grandma with the dishwasher. Ethan was also quite taken with Braedon.

Happy Birthday Ethan

Playing with his toy from Uncle Mikey and Aunt Rachel

Ethan's reaction to cake.

Ethan's personal-sized cake.

Ethan's "real" birthday cake--actually made up of cupcakes.

We had a little family birthday party for Ethan today. He enjoyed himself and loved his presents!

First Haircut

After

During...the hair falling tickled his nose--hence the look

This is actually the first picture of the group...Ethan's initial reaction was to cry.

Ethan got his first haircut today. He wasn't too thrilled about it at first, but he did ok once he got used to the idea. He looks like such a big boy now. My little boy is growing up on me...sniff.

Update on Mike

Thanks to all who have been praying for Mike. He came through open heart surgery successfully on Thursday, October 22nd. His aortic valve was repaired (he was born with a birth defect that progressively worsened over the course of years). He came home on Monday afternoon, only 4 days after the surgery and was on the road to recovery. Unfortunately, he develop pericarditis, which is the retention of fluid and inflation of the pericardium around the heart. So, he was admitted to the hospital again on Thursday--one week after his surgery. They changed his meds and sent him back home on Saturday. Hopefully this time it's for good!

He's doing extremely well, considering what he's been through. He's pretty thin though (weighing 138 pounds).

Here's a pic taken yesterday evening of his chest. It look pretty good for 11 days post-op I think. The two slits beneath the long incision are from where his chest tubes were inserted.

Beth & Seth=Love Forever

Johanna and I waiting for the pictures to be over.

Phil, Seth's Cousin, and I walk down the aisle.

The platform...the tress have candles in them and were gorgeous when lit.

The vestibule.

The beautiful bride and Sarah...getting ready for the ceremony.

Lark, Aaron and little Braedon. He was such a sweet little guy!

All ready for the wedding to start.

Ethan wanted the petals after the wedding.

Planning something devious.

Beth is now a married woman. She was absolutely beautiful, and the wedding was amazing. Seth teared up when she came down the aisle, which was very sweet. I am so happy for my dear friend and know she is incredibly happy. Congratulations, Seth and Beth! (By the way, I stole these pics from Kurtis and Johanna, so they may look familiar :-)