How does this happen?

How does this...

So quickly turn into this?

Where does the time go? It seems like yesterday when on this day EIGHT years ago, Matt and I hopped in the car and headed for the hospital awaiting our second sons' arrival. It was my due date and I REFUSED to go past the date, so my Dr. planned the induction. Well it didn't take much. The Dr. broke my water at 9:20am (I was 1cm) and Ethan was born at 10:40am. Yes, all NINE POUNDS THREE OUNCES of Ethan came VERY quickly. Too quickly for an epidural to take effect. It was to say the least, the worst, most painful delivery EVER. The nurse put Ethan in my arms and the first thought that came to my mind was, "This isn't mine? He's so pasty white and looks like the Michelin man." Yes, Ethan was born with rolls and rolls of baby fat. Along with that fat came the happiest baby you'd ever meet. He was happy enough for a photo shoot at only 3 weeks old.

Ethan was also born on June 15th, his Grandma's 50th birthday and was her 5th grandchild!
Looking back at Ethan's pictures, I didn't see ANY where he wasn't smiling. He was the HAPPIEST baby EVER!



Mr. tubby blue eyes had won us over! What a cutie! Matt so fondly nicknamed him "gordo" the Spanish word for fat. Matt's song for Ethan was to the tune of the primary song My Family History and went something like this....Ethan Isaac, he's are chunky boy, he's Ethan Isaac.

Ethan hardly ever cried, unless of course he was hungry...and that was ALL.THE.TIME. I gave up on nursing when he was about 3 months old. This tub-o-love needed much, much more than his poor mommy could give. After introducing him to formula it was an instant love.

Ethan was the easiest baby...right up until he started to walk...around age 18 months. (yes, he was a late walker...and we were all VERY OK with that!) Then it was like the light switch was flicked ON and he was OFF!! You could not stop this kid! He ran EVERYWHERE! He was always getting into things, whining, crying, throwing fits, and demanding attention. His new nickname quickly became H.M. short for High Maintenance.

He's just so cute though! It was hard to be angry at that blonder than blond hair and big bright blue eyes!!!Once Ethan was about 3, all that baby fat disappeared. And we were left with SKINNY Ethan. So skinny you can see the ribs in his back skinny! I have yet to get a picture of Ethan's disappearing stomach act. Don't worry, I'll get it on camera one of these days! But he can suck in his stomach and he looks like a skeleton! I measured his waist the other day for a new belt. (He was wearing the same belt that he's worn since he was 3 years old and I thought it was time for a new one.) His waist is BARELY 19 inches. Yes, Ethan is our tall, skinny kid.

Don't let his thin physique fool you...he is PACKED with energy and WEIRDNESS TOO. (wonder where he gets that?) Ethan has always been my fun camera poser. He always comes up with the funny poses...here's a few of my faves...

Ethan has also been the child with the most illnesses. Starting off at 9 months old when he was hospitalized for Rotavirus. Poor kid lost 3 pounds in 2 days. Once they could find a vein for some fluids (in his head..so sad!) He recovered quickly. Then it was one ear infection after another...until it was finally time for tubes. Just before his 2nd birthday he had is second hospital visit to get tubes in his ears. This helped A LOT. Ethan still would get lots of colds and was always the first one to come down with any illness in our family. Then last year we took him to the hospital for his 3rd visit to get his tonsils and adenoids out.

Ethan is the best patient ever. The above picture was taken only a few minutes after waking up from surgery. Again, he'll always smile for the camera! Ethan never complained during all of his recovery. He loved having milkshakes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Since the surgery, Ethan has LOTS more energy (amazing I know) and breathes a lot better at night and while playing sports.

Speaking of sports, Ethan is a great little athlete. His just a natural at what ever he plays!



I could go on and on about Ethan, but I think you get the point. I'm just amazed at how quickly 8 years can zoom past.

Happy 8th Birthday ETHAN!!!

We LOVE YOU!