Ethan will be turning two in July, but we are pretty sure he is already in his Terrible Twos phase. He has learned to say “No!” with enthusiasm. Regardless, he is still a joy to be around. No matter how frustrated I get with him, he seems to redeem himself by saying or doing something totally funny, and all is forgiven.

We just took him to the zoo. He loved it. It's his second time there and I think he appreciated more this time around. The weather was perfect and we were with family and friends. What more can one ask for??

Ethan On the Move

Ethan recently mastered the skill of walking. He is loving his independence and freedom. My husband and I are trying to kid-proof the house once again. This time for a walking kid.

It's been a lot of work, but also a lot of fun. We recently took 2 trips with Ethan–one to Washington D.C. and one to San Francisco. Ethan loved the wide open-spaces at the Holocaust Museum we visited in D.C. He also loved just trecking all over the airport and going up to complete strangers and saying "Hi" in is oh-so-adorable voice. You'd have to hate kids and puppies to not respond.

I am so envious that Ethan is able to be so free. It makes me miss being a kid. If adults went up to complete strangers and said "Hi" to their face, we would be thought of as complete lunatics.

Well, I just wanted to add a post keep you updated on Ethan.

Say Cheese!!

On August 19th, Ethan will be officially one year and a month old. He had a very nice birthday celebration. We have been fortunate enough to be blessed with such wonderful family and friends. I always think Ethan is the luckiest child in the world and he doesn't even know it. But he will some day.

When he was only a month old, Ethan had (we counted) over 2000 photos taken of him. Now that he is a year-old, I have lost track of the number. We have also moved onto “high def” videos now. My husband wants to capture EVERY minute of Ethan's life on video. Even when his dad records Ethan having a “moment” worth capturing, Brent would say “did you get that on high def??” That is the word of the year now. Everything is “high def” this or “high def” that.

But honestly, I am very grateful that Brent has taken on video duty. I have about enough energy just keeping up with Ethan and taking care of the household, that I am glad someone else is willing to take on that task.

Which brings me to my point—it is soooo important that we document our kid’s life or life in general. Granted, Brent and I are both visual people. He is an Illustrator and I am a Graphic Designer. But doesn’t everyone love pictures?? I love rummaging through old family photos or just photos in general. I often catch myself, as I'm cleaning or organizing, stop in mid-cleaning to look at photos I've come across. As a matter of fact, I find that I've stopped cleaning for a good half-an-hour or so because I can’t stop looking and laughing or daydreaming about that one moment in time that was captured on film (as they call it in the old days).

So consider this a reminder that no matter how busy our lives get, no matter how crazy work is and how hectic our schedules can be—STOP—take a moment and capture those special and not so special moments on film or video or cell phone. You’ll be glad you did. Time does go by soooo fast.

Here are some of Ethan in just the last year. Wow!! He sure has changed a lot. I'm so glad we have these images to treasure.

Evian Roller Babies

This YouTube video is hilarious and a must-see for parents and non-parents alike—extremely funny and well executed.

Check it out:



Enjoy.

Oh, the Joy of Toys

Since Ethan recently had his first birthday, he got quite a treasure of toys. (So much for my de-cluttering efforts…) As I was shopping for his birthday present, I found that over half the toys were interactive, with lights glowing, horns blowing and every childlike voice coming out of them that you can think of—cute at first, but sure to make you want to toss it to the bottom of the toy chest soon enough.

Brent and I had read that it's much better to get toys that are not interactive for him to play with. These will help him develop better and learn more. Ethan seems to like both types luckily.

What has your experience been and what do you think??

Also, I was against the idea of ever letting Ethan play with any sort of toy guns. Is it wrong to deprive him of acting out "cowboys and indians" or is that "cops and robbers" nowadays??

Watching Television

Last night we let Ethan watch a “Baby Einstein” video for the first time. He seemed a little interested, but not as interested as I thought he would be. I heard these videos are like crack for babies. In a way I was glad. I am not sure about how much television to let him watch at his age and in the next few years. I told myself that I didn't want him to watch a lot of television at a young age. But I can see how tempting it would be to plop him in front of the TV so I can get some stuff done.

So my question is how much TV is too much TV??

Also, at what age is a good age to let them start watching??

Let me know your thoughts.

Thanks.

Losing My Religion…

This song keeps running through my head this morning, so it inspired me to add a new post to my blog. It begs me to think about Ethan and His religion. Does he have one yet?? Are children born religious or is religion what we as parents decide to instill in our children. What do you think??

I didn't grow up being religious coming from a 3rd generation Chinese family. I remember asking my parents if they believed in God and the response I would get is “I believe in my own two hands.” I can see their point. Both my parents have worked tirelessly all their lives to provide for us and have what they have. Although, my belief is that they Must have had some help from above.

Brent was raised Catholic. I believe in God and consider myself to be a Christian. Brent thinks I am not religious, but more Spiritual. This leads me to ask "What religion will Ethan be?” Brent's response is usually “He'll be what he'll be.” — which leaves me wondering still. Aren't we the ones that will influence what his religious beliefs will be?? So do we start going to church when he's old enough to know?? We don't go religiously now (no pun intended). Do we baptize him?? (That is Catholic, right??)

In the end of the day, I respect most religions, except ones having to do will killing people (and animals) and I try to live my life being a good person and always striving to do the right thing—not that I always succeed. I do have to thank Brent, though, because he has taught me how to be a better person.