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Happy 5th Birthday to Ethan Lawrence!

Well my first born little baby is now becoming a little boy. He is no longer a toddler -- I can not believe he is five. He was the baby that was not suppossed to survive to be born, he is a true miracle child. He amazes me each and every day. He has taught me to not take things for granted and to enjoy each and every moment. He has taught me to laugh, love, and to not take everything so serious. Every day with him is an adventure. He hasn't had it easy -- and for him, life with always be hard -- but he is one of the happiest children I have ever seen. TI love you so much Ethan -- Thank you for showing me that life won't always be perfect, but it will always be OKAY! Happy Birthday little Tito. May the next year bring nothing but happiness.

(*enjoy the photos from 1st birthday to 5th!)

Happy 2nd Birthday Theo LaRue!

Wow, can you believe it? On Friday it will have been two years since Theo was born. Time has really just flown by. Having Theo has been such an interesting experience, and has been so different than Ethan's first two years. I suppose since Theo is "neuro-typical" it is almost like having your first child. Ethan's first years were filled with Dr.'s appointments, worries, fears, and Theo's has been much more mellow. Theo and Ethan are extremely different. Theo has been much more curious, adventurous, independent, and spirited. He is such a funny, sweet, wild little boy. I cherish every day I get to spend with him, and he has made Ethan's and my life much more exciting! My little baby is definitely becoming a big boy and it seems to be happening much faster than it did the first time around. So Happy Birthday Theo!! Let's set our goal for the next year -- less ER visits if possible. :) XOXOXOX Love you, Mom.

Kid Talk -- Donate/Help a Great Cause

As most of you know Ethan has been receiving speech services now for almost a year through the Oregon Scottish Rite Clinic in Portland. He has been seen there twice a week and has made significant progress with his speech. The Scottish Rite is the only program that I am aware of that will work with your income (our insurance does not cover any of Ethan's therapies.) They are primary funded by donations of individuals -- patients fees and insurance payments only provide about 20% of the money required to operate.

This year they are experiencing severe financial difficulty, and without help, they will not be able to provide services throughout the state at their current levels.

Scottish Rite is a nonprofit organization and all donations are tax deductible. Their federal tax identification number is 93-0811823. If you are going to possibly make a charitable donation this year PLEASE consider donating to Scottish Rite. Also, if you work for a corporation they may match charitable donations.

If you can not afford to make a donation Ethan will be selling raffle tickets for $5 each, and the prize is a 1980 Mustang convertible. I will mail tickets to anyone who is interested.

This organization is very near and dear to our hearts, and to many families. If you can help, please don't hesitate!

Toddlers, Tiaras, and Taking Kids for Granted

Have any of you seen that show on TLC Toddler's and Tiara's? Well they must have been running a marathon of it this weekend because we caught a couple of the shows. The boys were really into it -- I hope because of the cute little girls. Anyhow, one Mom on the show just had my blood boiling. She had five daughters, all of which she put in pageants (against her husbands wishes -- he must be the only one in that marriage with a brain cell.) She was the meanest mother I have ever seen -- they way she spoke of one of her twin daughters made me want to come through the television and slap her. She kept saying that one twin was prettier (because she looked like mom), had a better personality, and on and on. What a horrible excuse for a mother she was. Now don't get me wrong, these parents aren't all crazy, and it isn't the pageants that I object too. At least these parents are spending quality time with their kids. However, I truly don't understand how you can like one of your own children more than another, and blast it all over national t.v. Parents like that take their children for granted. I wish I could have give her daughter a big hug. If anything it made me hold my kids tighter and love them even more for who they are -- faults and all. Please people, don't take others for granted!

Ear Tubes

Ethan will be having surgery on the 24th to have ear tubes placed in his ears. The surgery, called a myringotomy, is a tiny incision in the eardrum. Any fluid, usually thickened secretions will be removed. In most situations, a small plastic tube (a tympanostomy tube) is inserted into the eardrum to keep the middle ear aerated for a prolonged period of time. These ventilating tubes remain in place for six months to several years. Eventually, they will move out of the eardrum (extrude) and fall into the ear canal.

We have had this procedure mentioned since Ethan was about two years old. He had many repeat chronic ear infections when he was younger. Now, he had a current hearing test and is suffering some hearing loss. He also had standing fluid in both ears that we tried to clear up with antibiotics as a last ditch effort.

The audiologist compared Ethan's hearing to having headphones on. What he hears is muffled and he can't tell how loud he is. We are hoping this surgery will help with his speech as well.

The most worrisome part of the surgery is the fact that he will be put asleep by an anesthesiologist. However, he has been put under for MRI's and a CAT scan before so I am not really worried.

I will keep everyone posted on how the procedure goes!

Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum

http://www.sprucegoose.org/

We headed down to the museums this weekend again on Sunday. We just love it there. For anyone who hasn't visited, it is a great place to go. There is an amazing playground for the kids, good food, and so many cool things to see in the museums. To top it off, the place is always immaculate and the volunteers and workers couldn't be nicer. It is just a fun destination. If you are looking for an affordable trip, definitely check it out!

Littlest Hereos Project

We had the honor of meeting Deyla Huss (http://www.deylahussphotography.com/)

this weekend through the Littlest Hereos Project. (http://littlestheroesproject.org/Littlest_Heroes_Project/Home.html)

The Littlest Heroes Project is a non-profit based organization founded in January 2008, made up of professional photographers nationwide that provide free photo sessions to our nations Littlest Heroes. This is our way of giving back and taking a stand for these children who sometimes feel forgotten because of their illnesses. We are here to let them know that they are heroes to many, and to share their inspirational stories and photos with the world.

I actually heard about this organization through the microcephaly support group we belong to online. I had signed up Ethan over a year ago, and finally heard back last month. I got to choose any photographer in our area that was on the list. I looked at all of their websites and thought Deyla's work was the best and the most fitting for our family. (Boy was I right!) Within a week she had already contacted me and set up a time for the shoot. We had an absolute blast with her. The boys, in their usual true form, had fun throwing rocks at her, hitting her with sticks, and just being their wild selves! It was awesome. Best of all, the pictures turned out beautiful. I couldn't be more thrilled.

And yes, you read correctly, Deyla did this all for FREE! She donated her time, talent, and amazing ability to us and to Ethan, just out of the kindness of her heart. What a fantastic thing to do with your talent.

If you or anyone you know are in the Portland area and need a photographer I would give Deyla my utmost recommendation. Not only is she a fabulous photographer, but she is a fabulous person.

Check out her website and blog!

Fun with Friends

Having fun at the park with friends.

The weather this week has been gorgeous and we have really been enjoying it!

Baby Birds

We have a few new additions to our household. Four little robins have hatched on our porch. Seeing the boys watch the birds has been hysterical. It is a daily routine now, and Theo cries every time the Mama bird flies away. We don't have any pets yet, but my kids are obsessed with animals. They love both their Grandma's dogs, Tiki the cat, and even Auntie Erin's bird Coco! Ethan and Theo have been checking the nest every morning since the Mom Robin built it to see if there were eggs, or if they had hatched yet. Now the babies are getting rather big, and I think they will be leaving the nest soon. They really got big quickly! I think the boys will be sad to see them go (but I won't miss all the poop on my porch or the Mom dive bombing all our guests!) I think it might be time to get a pet for this Chaquette household!

***SIDE NOTE*** Scratch that last sentence. We rented Marley & Me this weekend. Now I never want a pet!! I couldn't handle any more emotional stress!

Microcephaly Video

The following is a link to a video on youtube about children with microcephaly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIlsP-ds5tM

Happy Mother's Day

Just wanted to say Happy Mother's day to everyone who has been blessed to be a Mother. Especially those Mom's with children with special needs. You truly have the hardest job on earth, but yet, the most rewarding.

Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival

We took the boys to Woodburn to the Tulip Festival today. The were definitely more interested in the hay bales and slides then the tulips!

My Boys being Boys

Pretty sure this is how things get broken in the house!

Oregon tracks special ed students after high school

Oregon tracks special ed students after high school:
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/04/oregon_tracks_special_ed_stude.html

Interesting article from the Oregonian. I think all parents of special needs children wonder what the future holds.

Special Olympics fights use of word 'retard'

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29981699/?gt1=43001

This is a great article, and very fitting. I too, have been guilty of saying something is "retarded." It was common slang while we were growing up. Now, though, I make a very serious conscious effort to not use the word. It hits a little too close to home. I still remember the first doctors appointment I went to for Ethan and typed below the line reason for visit were the words "mental retardation." It absolutely broke my heart. I hope others will read this article and try to make more of an effort, or think about the people they might hurt. You never know who you are affecting.

Back from Montana

Well we are back from our week long trek to Montana. We had a great time. The kids were in good health and great spirits this trip, so it made for a much nicer visit. It was so great to see my family and my girlfriends (who I realize I so dearly miss!) My sisters kids seemed to have shot up the past six months and are growing up too quickly! Ethan and Theo had a good time playing with their cousins, hanging with their Grandma, and being shuttled around all over town. They both did great in the car. Overall, it was a very nice visit. Going home after not being there for nearly a year and a half is strange, but it reminds me what I love about Montana.

Now Jesse is gone for work for another week, and both boys are coming down with colds. Ethan is still on Spring Break, so this will all make for a very long week for me!

Thank you to all my amazing friends and family for taking the time to visit. It was great!

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

National Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month takes place in March.

This observance reminds us to recognize people with disabilities as valuable, contributing members of our communities.

Being included, especially for children Ethan's age is so important.

Inclusion is about living full lives and about living together as a community. You can make a difference by inviting people with disabilities to participate in your community activities and civic organizations, or by giving a gift of time or money to support people with disabilities.
Invite someone else be a part of your community rather than apart from it.

Future Hockey Players

I think we have a couple of future hockey goons on our hands!

I Spoke To Soon

Both boys have been sick for the last two weeks. Ethan had a double ear infection and cold and Theo has a cold and some serious respiratory issues. Thankfully they both seem to be getting better. I just want this cold season to end!!

Life...

Not much is new in the Chaquette household -- and that is just how we like it. Dare I say it... both kids are feeling great -- no one is sick! I hope I didn't just jinx us. We are headed to Seattle this weekend to celebrate Papa's birthday. I am looking forward to seeing the fam and hopefully Forest and Erica. Things around here are super busy. Jesse is furiously studying for his training. He will be gone for a week in March and a week in April. (Not looking forward to those two weeks at all!) All the shifting at work has kept him on his toes and he is working harder than ever. I am finally planning a trip home to Montana. We are heading to Helena the last week of March. I can't wait. It has been well over a year since we were home last (Theo was only month old!) and I am excited to hang out with all my friends and family. Erica and Amber are flying in so we can have a fun filled girls weekend with Jennifer -- it has been nearly four years since we were last together. That is much too long indeed. On another note, we found a great preschool for next year -- Tualatin Valley Co-op http://www.tualatinvalleypreschool.org/index.htm and we are on the wait list for the morning class. Jesse and I both really liked it and the parents that were there running the open house seemed comfortable with Ethan's special needs. I hope it works out. Other than that, the boys are wild as ever and keeping me busy. I can't wait for the weather to get nicer so they can just run free outside!!

Theo Karaoke with Beyonce

I tried to capture this on video the best I could. Lately, whenever Theo hears the Beyonce song that goes "if you like it then you should have put a ring on it" he will sing along with the "uh uh oh" part. It is hilarious considering he doesn't even talk yet really. Pretty funny.

Pneumonia, Preschool, and some other P's

It has been a bit since I last blogged. The boys had croup a couple of weeks ago. Theo's breathing was severely affected so we had to put him on a third daily steroid. Ethan never really got better and after going back to the doctor two more times was diagnosed with pneumonia. They both are feeling better now, there are some lingering coughs, but for the most part are back to normal. It was hard staying home and just trying to rest.

I have begun the search for a preschool for Ethan next year. After attending his IFSP meeting on Tuesday (sort of like a parent teacher conference) we have decided that it would be in his best interest to attend a "typical" preschool next year, as well as continue with his private speech therapy. While I agree, and think it is a nice thought, I am not sure how we are going to pay for everything.

Also, on the preschool front, I never knew that preschools were a.) so competitive, and b.) so expensive. I guess February is the usual month that the preschools do their open houses and registrations. One preschool I called is already full for next year. It is crazy. Then when I mention Ethan is special needs and has some developmental delays the person on the other end of the phone usually gets quiet. Some schools have yet to even return my calls.

Anyhow, it is just another adventure in the life of Ethan I suppose. I am going to go to an open house on Saturday for one school, and am anxiously awaiting March 5th for the open house for another. I will keep everyone posted on how it comes along!

Lettuce Wraps

These pictures just made me laugh. We had lettuce wraps for dinner the other night. I think Ethan got bored watching us eat them.

And I Wonder Why My Child Had Stiches...

Future Rockstars

The boys love rocking out with the guitars -- and Ethan will rarely leave the house without those sunglasses lately. He even wore them to the zoo when it was pouring rain. Pretty hilarious.

The Old and The New

I am sure anyone who has more than one child can relate -- you get this sentimental feeling when you see your second baby doing the same things that your first did. It is bittersweet to know these memories won't be made again by a third! Thought everyone might like to reminice with some old photos.

Relaxing...

Well the holidays are over and we are just back to relaxing and being on our usual schedule. The boys are enjoying their new bean bag chairs! Theo had his stiches removed on Monday. Hope we don't have to make anymore emergency room visits in the near future. We are enjoying the warm weather, but we are sick of the rain! Hope everyone is doing great!