Illness with a child is the absolute pits… ESPECIALLY when they can’t fully communicate with you what’s wrong or hurting or uncomfortable. and ESPECIALLY when it’s something that you just have to let it run its course and nothing can really cure it. We’ve been grateful that E has been pretty healthy but sometimes, bam, a strain or virus comes along that his immune system says I WANT TO FIGHT YOU.

Oh, the weight of parenthood. But we were talking the other day… This mothering/fathering thing is also a refinement and sanctification of sorts. Are children a gift (Psalm 127:3) in and of themselves or a blessing in that they teach us and shape us and mold us all the more through various circumstances?

Tick, tock. This, too, shall pass.

Many more happy, silly, crazy days await. Soon our munchkin will be prancing around again with his usual antics and crash-and-burn energy… Hey, even gangnam style! :) Soon. Sooooon.

PS: His infatuation with bikes has intensified. Every day is a “bai-kiiie” day.
PPS: Oh and Mommy aged another year this month. :\ Uncle Dan was gracious enough to watch E while Mommy & Daddy grabbed a meal without food flying everywhere. :) Daddy bought Mommy a new car… and decided he might need one, too. Uh-oh! And the little one is soaking up car shopping. Double uh-oh!

But it’s almost September! Is it really?

The past few weeks have just been a gaggle of little things… mostly just hanging on to routine with an ever bubbly tot. Must not forget to mention: Elias has not one but two new cousins — Alexia (Lexie) and Alphaeus (Alfie). Looking forward to playing with you twinkies soon! :)

E’s latest obsessions are: dogs, bikes (he wants to ride EVERY day) and keys (and thus, cars). We got our 2nd salon haircut (bangs a bit on the short side!) and can now hold our breath for a few seconds underwater. Talking more… both in English and Chinese. Time to teach some manners as we’ve added throwing and hitting (practically everything) to our skill set…

Some other randoms… Farewell, Uncle Jong! ‘Twas nice to have you around this summer. We’ll see you when we see you. And… exciting new things happening with our church in the coming few months.

Oh, Happy Labor Day tomorrow! It’s been a weekend of both activity and rest… Play hard, crash hard. That’s our son alright. ;P

And finally, it must be shared that E can do a mean down dog. :) Daddy has coined another move that has been practiced by our flexible little “yogi” for quite some time: downward dog with ball scratch. Boys will be boys. Ask him yourself about that one. Or maybe he’ll wiki it.

Hmmm, at what age do you start calling them toddlers? Anyway, (in reference to previous post) he is now officially all over the place. ;-) This month he is jabbering away (some words + lotsa baby talk), climbing, curious about EVERYTHING, eating with a fork and spoon (messily), pushing shopping carts, riding on a bike with Daddy, etc. etc.

He loves going out, says hi and bye to strangers (mostly girls – ha!), cannot sit still, is fascinated by electronics and objects long & thin, gives hugs on demand, can understand and respond to simple commands. There are moments he is Mr. Independent and wants to do everything on his own (and will push you away!) but other times still so fragile and just wanting to be held.

Wishing we can hang on to each milestone just a little longer or freeze time but somewhat also hoping he’ll grow up just a tad faster so we can travel more. :P But we’re reminded again (and again!) to just be content in and relish today.

Some good times were had in Portland! A few snapshots are below…
See more photos and trip deets.