February 7, 2008
Sleeping Beauty, Part 2
SiowFong stayed home with Lydia today, and Lydia’s principal activity of the day was sleeping.
For instance, Lydia slept nearly the entire morning, awakening at 9:00 AM to consume 5 ounces of milk and her weight-appropriate dose of Children’s Motrin and to have her diaper change. Her morning diaper was full because she drank 7 ounces of water overnight.
At noon, when SiowFong did Lydia’s second diaper change of the day, Lydia’s diarrhea was improved as her stool was not watery. Around that same time SiowFong showed Lydia three necklaces that were gifts to Lydia from Danyeal Jones, one of my coworkers. Each necklace is comprised of a different colored bead (green, gold, or purple to represent the colors of Mardi Gras), and Lydia enjoyed playing with her new present. Her endurance was limited as she only played with them for five minutes on the red sofa before fatigue set in again, precipitating another few hours of sleep this afternoon. She arose at 5:30 PM, just in time for her mom to give her 5 ounces of milk and some more Children’s Motrin. Then within fifteen minutes, she was snoozing again.
After I returned home, I checked her to make sure that she was easily arousable (which she was) and not dehydrated (which she was not). Around 7:30 PM, she awoke again, drank 3 ounces of water, and then became drowsy again. By 8:00 PM, we dressed her in her sleep sack and placed her in her playpen, her regular place of sleep during the night.
Lydia’s intermittent low grade fever continued, but her cough increased in frequency also. SiowFong noticed that Lydia’s throat may have been sore from the coughing since she occasionally touched her neck with her fingers. Her activity level also dropped compared to the previous day. Finally, her intake of liquids today was less than yesterday. In sum, Lydia’s illness took a slight turn for the worse today, so I will have to monitor her closely tomorrow when I am home with her.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Photos: Lydia Sick
DSC_0002Lydia is sleeping soundly on the red sofa in the living room.
She has been sleeping a lot today, snoozing an hour to two hours before reawakening.
DSC_0004A close up photo of "Sleeping Beauty"
Two key advantages of Lydia sleeping on the red sofa is since I am in the kitchen, dining room, or living room during the day, I can easily check on her and attend to her needs when she awakens.
Note: Both of these pictures were taken on February 6, 2008 between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM in the living room of our home.
Day 5 of Acute Illness: Evening
February 6, 2008
Day 5 of Acute Illness: Evening
Lydia seemed to improve this evening. For example, her energy level appeared to be increasing as she stayed awake for about two hours. She awakened around 6:00 PM, a few minutes after SiowFong arrived home. Although she did not leave the red sofa except during her meal in the high chair, Lydia did not fall back to sleep until around 8:00 PM.
Lydia’s appetite also returned somewhat tonight. SiowFong learned from the day care staff earlier this week that Lydia had been eating Ritz crackers, so SiowFong bought a box of Ritz crackers for Lydia at a local grocery store before she returned home tonight. When we placed the unopened box of Ritz crackers on the end table in the living room, Lydia’s eyes periodically glanced at them, and she later said a semi-intelligible work similar to cracker that informed us that she wanted some. She ate eight Ritz crackers and drank several ounces of water. After consuming the eight crackers, Lydia clamored for more Ritz crackers, but we did not allow her to eat any more since we were concerned that her digestive system might not tolerate a lot of food because of today’s diarrhea episode. In addition, Lydia drank several ounces of water.
Day 5 of Acute Illness: Evening
Lydia seemed to improve this evening. For example, her energy level appeared to be increasing as she stayed awake for about two hours. She awakened around 6:00 PM, a few minutes after SiowFong arrived home. Although she did not leave the red sofa except during her meal in the high chair, Lydia did not fall back to sleep until around 8:00 PM.
Lydia’s appetite also returned somewhat tonight. SiowFong learned from the day care staff earlier this week that Lydia had been eating Ritz crackers, so SiowFong bought a box of Ritz crackers for Lydia at a local grocery store before she returned home tonight. When we placed the unopened box of Ritz crackers on the end table in the living room, Lydia’s eyes periodically glanced at them, and she later said a semi-intelligible work similar to cracker that informed us that she wanted some. She ate eight Ritz crackers and drank several ounces of water. After consuming the eight crackers, Lydia clamored for more Ritz crackers, but we did not allow her to eat any more since we were concerned that her digestive system might not tolerate a lot of food because of today’s diarrhea episode. In addition, Lydia drank several ounces of water.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Photos: Christmas, Papa's Highchair
DSC_0158aLydia is hugging her beloved medium-sized Tigger the Tiger stuffed animal, the one that she calls "mama dofu" (the mama tiger in Chinese) while sitting in the high chair that her dad used when he was an infant and toddler.
This high chair, which is over four decades old, is heavy because it is made of solid wood. The phrase "they don't make them like they used to" applies to high chair because the vast majority of modern high chairs are much lighter since they are constructed from plastic.
DSC_0266Lydia is placing the small Tigger the Tiger, whom she calls the "baby dofu" (baby tiger in Chinese). During Lydia's stay at her paternal grandparents' home, Lydia used this high chair during meals and snacks.
DSC_0272Lydia is sitting contentedly in the high chair.
Note: All these pictures were taken on December 31, 2007 in the foyer of Pa and Ma Chin's home in Chesapeake, VA.
Photo note: Although the high chair resided in the dining room or living room during our stay at Pa and Ma Chin's home, I brought it out to the lobby because this area has a much cleaner background with the solid white wall so that the background does not compete for the viewer's attention in these high chair pictures.
Day 5 of Acute Illness: Afternoon
February 6, 2008
Day 5 of Acute Illness: Afternoon
With respect to a sick child, even one who has a mild acute respiratory or gastrointestinal illness, two main advantages of an ill child resting at home instead of at day care is that the home environment has flexibility and quietness that the day care does not have. These unique attributes of the home setting allow a sick child to convalesce much more effectively.
Day care settings follow age-appropriate schedules for children; as a result, in Lydia’s class, nap time starts for her between noon to 12:30 PM after lunch concludes and ends for her when she awakens, a time period that ranges from an hour and a half to three hours. The rest of her day is filled with activities, so she cannot rest during those other times. In addition, the presence of young children means that some level of noise is present in the day care environment except during nap time.
Because of her current illness, Lydia’s afternoon today was atypical; as a result, her day care would not have been able to accommodate her needs.
At noon, Lydia awakened from her slumber on the sofa and says “I want bed” to indicate that she prefers to sleep in her crib. Within a few minutes of lying in her crib, she dozes off again. At 1:15 PM, she awoke and drank 3 ounces of water. During her diaper change, her second of the day, I find watery diarrhea.
She uses the word “outside” to communicate to me that she wants to return to the living room, so I take her there and place her back on the red sofa. When I ask her if she wants to eat, drink, read a book, and play with a puzzle, she answered “no” to all of those questions. I turned on the DVD player, and she watches the rest of the Curious George episodes for the next hour.
At 2:30 PM, she softly said, “I want roti” (roti is the Malaysian word for bread). After consuming about half a slice of oat bread and 4 more ounces of water, she softly uttered, All done”. By 3:00 PM, fatigue again overwhelmed her after I placed her back on the red sofa so that by 3:05 PM, from the dining room, I could hear that she was gently snoring again. Lydia slept for the next two and a half hours, awakening at 5:45 PM.
Day 5 of Acute Illness: Afternoon
With respect to a sick child, even one who has a mild acute respiratory or gastrointestinal illness, two main advantages of an ill child resting at home instead of at day care is that the home environment has flexibility and quietness that the day care does not have. These unique attributes of the home setting allow a sick child to convalesce much more effectively.
Day care settings follow age-appropriate schedules for children; as a result, in Lydia’s class, nap time starts for her between noon to 12:30 PM after lunch concludes and ends for her when she awakens, a time period that ranges from an hour and a half to three hours. The rest of her day is filled with activities, so she cannot rest during those other times. In addition, the presence of young children means that some level of noise is present in the day care environment except during nap time.
Because of her current illness, Lydia’s afternoon today was atypical; as a result, her day care would not have been able to accommodate her needs.
At noon, Lydia awakened from her slumber on the sofa and says “I want bed” to indicate that she prefers to sleep in her crib. Within a few minutes of lying in her crib, she dozes off again. At 1:15 PM, she awoke and drank 3 ounces of water. During her diaper change, her second of the day, I find watery diarrhea.
She uses the word “outside” to communicate to me that she wants to return to the living room, so I take her there and place her back on the red sofa. When I ask her if she wants to eat, drink, read a book, and play with a puzzle, she answered “no” to all of those questions. I turned on the DVD player, and she watches the rest of the Curious George episodes for the next hour.
At 2:30 PM, she softly said, “I want roti” (roti is the Malaysian word for bread). After consuming about half a slice of oat bread and 4 more ounces of water, she softly uttered, All done”. By 3:00 PM, fatigue again overwhelmed her after I placed her back on the red sofa so that by 3:05 PM, from the dining room, I could hear that she was gently snoring again. Lydia slept for the next two and a half hours, awakening at 5:45 PM.
Photos: Christmas, Seucs
DSC_0098Mom is helping Lydia as Lydia is opening Christmas gifts from the Seuc family.
Patsy Seuc (on the left) and Carissa, her daughter (just behind Lydia), are observing Lydia
Living room
DSC_0114Lydia is modeling a backpack.
Living room
DSC_0122With a number of hair clips on her head, a gift from the Seucs, Lydia is standing beside Carissa as Carissa is working on a drawing.
Carissa, who was adopted by Luis and Patsy Seuc from an orphanage in Wuhan, China when she was 3 years of age in 2000, is now 11 years old. That was eight years ago -- time flies!
Living room
DSC_0125Lydia is peering at the fish in the 55 gallon aquarium that Luis manages.
Corridor between front door and living room
Note: All of these pictures were taken on December 24, 2007 in the Seuc home in Chesapeake, VA.
Day 5 of Acute Illness: Morning
February 6, 2008
Day 5 of Acute Illness: Morning
Today is day 5 of Lydia’s acute illness, an affliction that began this past Saturday night. Because this is one of my regular days off from work, Lydia can peacefully convalesce at home today.
At 6:45 AM, Lydia awoke, called out “mama”, and arose from bed. While watching Sesame Street, Lydia initiated some conversation by saying a few words. To SiowFong and me, this was a sign that her condition was improving. Another indicator was her appetite as she quickly guzzled six ounces of whole milk from her bottle. This was the most milk she had consumed in one sitting during the last three days.
SiowFong and I sponge bathed her face and hands and gave her a teaspoon of Children’s Motrin suspension to prevent fever. Then I changed her diaper, which was unusually light, and I redressed her in her pajamas and sleep sack because we knew that she would be sleeping intermittently throughout the day.
By 7:45 AM, she had fallen asleep on the red sofa in the living room while watching Sesame Street. About an hour later, she opened her eyes and quietly sat on the red sofa. Although she refuses any beverage or food, she wants to watch some television, so I play a Curious George DVD for her. In another hour, fatigue overcomes her, and she sleeps again, only to reawaken about an hour later, and this cycle repeated itself during the rest of the morning.
Day 5 of Acute Illness: Morning
Today is day 5 of Lydia’s acute illness, an affliction that began this past Saturday night. Because this is one of my regular days off from work, Lydia can peacefully convalesce at home today.
At 6:45 AM, Lydia awoke, called out “mama”, and arose from bed. While watching Sesame Street, Lydia initiated some conversation by saying a few words. To SiowFong and me, this was a sign that her condition was improving. Another indicator was her appetite as she quickly guzzled six ounces of whole milk from her bottle. This was the most milk she had consumed in one sitting during the last three days.
SiowFong and I sponge bathed her face and hands and gave her a teaspoon of Children’s Motrin suspension to prevent fever. Then I changed her diaper, which was unusually light, and I redressed her in her pajamas and sleep sack because we knew that she would be sleeping intermittently throughout the day.
By 7:45 AM, she had fallen asleep on the red sofa in the living room while watching Sesame Street. About an hour later, she opened her eyes and quietly sat on the red sofa. Although she refuses any beverage or food, she wants to watch some television, so I play a Curious George DVD for her. In another hour, fatigue overcomes her, and she sleeps again, only to reawaken about an hour later, and this cycle repeated itself during the rest of the morning.
Photos: Christmas, Toys Galore 2
DSC_0080Lydia is playing with alphabet blocks.
DSC_0082More alphabet action
DSC_0087Lydia is enthralled by the snow globe.
Note: These pictures were taken on December 27, 2007 in the living room at the Pagtalunan home in Chesapeake, VA.
Exclusion Criteria for Day Care
February 5, 2008
Exclusion Criteria for Day Care
Janet, the manager at Lydia’s day care facility, called SiowFong this afternoon around 2:30 PM to notify SiowFong that SiowFong needed to bring Lydia home because Lydia was having a fever of 101.8 degrees (an axillary measurement).
When SiowFong arrived at Whizz Kids, she found that the staff had quarantined Lydia in Janet’s office. Also present in Janet’s office was Lydia’s blanket and sleeping mat as she napped there for about two hours. When SiowFong walked into the office, Lydia was quietly and slowly leafing through the pages of a board book, something that she had not done the previous two days, and when SiowFong touched Lydia, SiowFong knew Lydia was febrile.
Fever, however, is just one of the many criteria for excluding children from being admitted to child care settings. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, other disqualifying factors include the following:
“Illness that prevents the child from participating comfortably in program activities
Illness that results in a need for care that is greater than the staff can provide without compromising the health and safety of other children
Any of these conditions suggesting possible severe illness: fever, lethargy, irritability, persistent crying, and / or difficult breathing
Diarrhea
Vomiting 2 or more times during the previous 24 hours
Mouth sores associated with drooling
Rash with fever or behavior change
Purulent conjunctivitis (pink or red conjunctiva with white or yellow eye discharge)
Tuberculosis
Impetigo [a bacterial skin infection], until 24 hours after treatment has been started
Streptococcal pharyngitis [strep throat], until 24 hours after treatment has been started
Head lice, until after the first treatment
Scabies, until after treatment has been given
Varicella [chicken pox], until all the rash has dried and crusted (usually 6 days after onset of rash)
Pertussis [whooping cough], until 5 days of appropriate antibiotic therapy
Mumps, until 9 days after onset of swelling of the parotid gland [salivary gland near cheek]
Measles, until 4 days after onset of rash
Hepatitis A infection, until 1 week after onset of illness or jaundice”
(Source: Health in Child Care. American Academy of Pediatrics: 2005. p. 278)
Exclusion Criteria for Day Care
Janet, the manager at Lydia’s day care facility, called SiowFong this afternoon around 2:30 PM to notify SiowFong that SiowFong needed to bring Lydia home because Lydia was having a fever of 101.8 degrees (an axillary measurement).
When SiowFong arrived at Whizz Kids, she found that the staff had quarantined Lydia in Janet’s office. Also present in Janet’s office was Lydia’s blanket and sleeping mat as she napped there for about two hours. When SiowFong walked into the office, Lydia was quietly and slowly leafing through the pages of a board book, something that she had not done the previous two days, and when SiowFong touched Lydia, SiowFong knew Lydia was febrile.
Fever, however, is just one of the many criteria for excluding children from being admitted to child care settings. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, other disqualifying factors include the following:
“Illness that prevents the child from participating comfortably in program activities
Illness that results in a need for care that is greater than the staff can provide without compromising the health and safety of other children
Any of these conditions suggesting possible severe illness: fever, lethargy, irritability, persistent crying, and / or difficult breathing
Diarrhea
Vomiting 2 or more times during the previous 24 hours
Mouth sores associated with drooling
Rash with fever or behavior change
Purulent conjunctivitis (pink or red conjunctiva with white or yellow eye discharge)
Tuberculosis
Impetigo [a bacterial skin infection], until 24 hours after treatment has been started
Streptococcal pharyngitis [strep throat], until 24 hours after treatment has been started
Head lice, until after the first treatment
Scabies, until after treatment has been given
Varicella [chicken pox], until all the rash has dried and crusted (usually 6 days after onset of rash)
Pertussis [whooping cough], until 5 days of appropriate antibiotic therapy
Mumps, until 9 days after onset of swelling of the parotid gland [salivary gland near cheek]
Measles, until 4 days after onset of rash
Hepatitis A infection, until 1 week after onset of illness or jaundice”
(Source: Health in Child Care. American Academy of Pediatrics: 2005. p. 278)
Photos: Christmas, Wongs
DSC00917Wendy Wong is holding Lydia's hands.
Wendy kindly treated our entire family to a sushi dinner tonight with cooked sushi and uncooked sushi entrees.
DSC00918Wendy Wong, owner of the sushi kiosk, is holding Lydia.
Wendy and Richard, her husband, have a two and a half year old daughter whose name is Esther.
Note: These pictures were taken on December 27, 2007 at Richard's and Wendy's sushi kiosk in the Food Court at Patrick Henry Mall in Newport News, VA.
I Want My Mommy !
February 5, 2008
“I Want Mommy!”
Ever since Lydia has been sick these last few days, she has commonly said two things. The first has been “no”, Lydia’s response to many of our questions, and the second has been “I want mommy!”
Even at the tender age of two, Lydia recognizes that her mother, the one who more often demonstrates the soft side of live, is the more nurturing, comforting parent. SiowFong is the parent who is better at making Lydia feel safe and secure because of SiowFong’s warm embraces, gentle touches, and meticulous attention to detail to Lydia’s physical and emotional needs.
“The dictionary defines it [comfort] as a feeling of pleasurable ease, well-being, and contentment. But a quick review of the word’s origin uncovers a deeper meaning. We get the word comfort from the Latin com + fortis, meaning ‘to make strong’ (like a fortress).
So to comfort literally means to make someone stronger. And that’s exactly what a parent does for a child. Comfort fortifies a child’s spirit. Whenever we encourage a child with uplifting words, console her with a tender touch, relieve her sorrow with our mere presence, or support her with heartfelt praise, we make that child strong.”
(Source: Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott. The Parent You Want to Be. Zondervan: 2007. pages 126-127.)
“I Want Mommy!”
Ever since Lydia has been sick these last few days, she has commonly said two things. The first has been “no”, Lydia’s response to many of our questions, and the second has been “I want mommy!”
Even at the tender age of two, Lydia recognizes that her mother, the one who more often demonstrates the soft side of live, is the more nurturing, comforting parent. SiowFong is the parent who is better at making Lydia feel safe and secure because of SiowFong’s warm embraces, gentle touches, and meticulous attention to detail to Lydia’s physical and emotional needs.
“The dictionary defines it [comfort] as a feeling of pleasurable ease, well-being, and contentment. But a quick review of the word’s origin uncovers a deeper meaning. We get the word comfort from the Latin com + fortis, meaning ‘to make strong’ (like a fortress).
So to comfort literally means to make someone stronger. And that’s exactly what a parent does for a child. Comfort fortifies a child’s spirit. Whenever we encourage a child with uplifting words, console her with a tender touch, relieve her sorrow with our mere presence, or support her with heartfelt praise, we make that child strong.”
(Source: Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott. The Parent You Want to Be. Zondervan: 2007. pages 126-127.)
Photos: Christmas, Photos
DSC_0067Lydia's version # 1 of covering her ears
Whenever SiowFong or I ran the vacuum cleaner in our home, Lydia would cover her ears to muffle the sound.
Living room of Pa and Ma Chin's home in Chesapeake, VA
December 22, 2007
DSC_0070Lydia's version # 2 of covering her ears
Photo Note: Kids' expressions can change so quickly, so shooting a series of shots often yields interesting results. Sandy Puc, an acclaimed children's photographer based in Littleton, Colorado, makes it her mission to capture these transient, but special moments since her children's portraiture business is aptly called "Expressions Photography".
Living room of Pa and Ma Chin's home in Chesapeake, VA
December 22, 2007
DSC_0193Look at how serious dear Lydia is in this image.
Living room of Luis, Patsy, and Carissa Seuc's home in Chesapeake, VA
December 25, 2007
Sleeping Beauty
February 4, 2008
Sleeping Beauty
Three pretty reliable indicators of a child’s state of health include level of activity, pattern of eating, and amount of sleep. Deviations from the normal in any of those three areas may be signs of an acute illness. If aberrancies occur in all three areas, then the child is sick.
Over the last two days, those three areas have dramatically changed for Lydia. For instance, her level of activity has plummeted. She has not played with her soft toys nor any of the other puzzles or toys on the coffee table in the living room. Her usual enthusiastic interest in looking at books and having books read to her has also declined. Her appetite has also withered. Finally, the amount of time that she has been sleeping has increased.
This afternoon illustrated the extent of Lydia’s fatigue. After SiowFong picked her up from day care at 11:00 AM, which was just two and a half hours after I dropped her off at day care, they returned home for lunch. Despite drinking only a fraction of her milk at breakfast today, Lydia ate very little at lunch.
Although Lydia’s appetite was weak, her desire to sleep was strong. She fell asleep in her crib at 1:00 PM and finally awoke at 5:45 PM for a total of 4 hours and 45 minutes, the longest afternoon nap she has had in the last 12 months!
Sleeping Beauty
Three pretty reliable indicators of a child’s state of health include level of activity, pattern of eating, and amount of sleep. Deviations from the normal in any of those three areas may be signs of an acute illness. If aberrancies occur in all three areas, then the child is sick.
Over the last two days, those three areas have dramatically changed for Lydia. For instance, her level of activity has plummeted. She has not played with her soft toys nor any of the other puzzles or toys on the coffee table in the living room. Her usual enthusiastic interest in looking at books and having books read to her has also declined. Her appetite has also withered. Finally, the amount of time that she has been sleeping has increased.
This afternoon illustrated the extent of Lydia’s fatigue. After SiowFong picked her up from day care at 11:00 AM, which was just two and a half hours after I dropped her off at day care, they returned home for lunch. Despite drinking only a fraction of her milk at breakfast today, Lydia ate very little at lunch.
Although Lydia’s appetite was weak, her desire to sleep was strong. She fell asleep in her crib at 1:00 PM and finally awoke at 5:45 PM for a total of 4 hours and 45 minutes, the longest afternoon nap she has had in the last 12 months!
Photos: Christmas, Toys Galore 1
DSC_0076Lydia is playing with cars and a stop light.
During her four visits to the Pagtalunan home over the Christmas holidays,
Lydia enjoyed playing with lots of new toys. Of all the homes that Lydia has visited, this one has the most toys, far exceeding any other cache that she has previously encountered.
Since mom # 2 takes care of her two grandsons, Gabriel (4 years of age) and Kristian (15 months of age), on weekdays at her home while their parents work, the house has plenty of toys, books, and puzzles to keep them occupied.
Sun room
December 27, 2007
DSC_0116Lydia has a gardener's kneeling pad in her right hand and a large red car in her left hand.
Informal dining room
December 27, 2007
DSC_0197Lydia is putting some plastic balls on this toy.
Sun room
December 29, 2007
DSC_0236Another new toy!
Living room
December 29, 2007
Note: All these pictures were taken at the Pagtalunan home in Chesapeake, VA.
Germs and Day Care
February 4, 2008
Germs and Day Care
Lydia’s current acute illness has fortunately been the only one for which she has had to miss days at day care since she enrolled in September 2007. Compared to the average child who attends day care regularly, Lydia so far has been fortunate in that she has not been sick that often.
“Many infectious agents are transmitted in the child care environment. Young children are dependent on others to manage their body fluids, secretions, and excretions, and these are the primary vehicles for transmission of infectious agents. Hands and toys easily become contaminated with infectious agents, and children inoculate themselves by repeatedly placing their hands and toys to their nose and mouth. Spread of infection is efficient because of proximity. By virtue of their age, children are highly susceptible to infection.
These illnesses are usually most contagious during early symptomatic periods of disease or even before the development of clinical symptoms. Copious respiratory secretions, coughing, and diarrhea facilitate transmission of agents that colonize the child’s respiratory or gastrointestinal tract. . .as well as agents that cause acute illness.
Child care providers have many demands on their attention and often, limited training and resources to carry out measures that promote a healthy environment.
Children who are younger than 3 years and who attend day care are at 2 to 3.5 times greater risk of infection than are children who receive care at home. This excessive risk is documented for upper respiratory and diarrheal illnesses, otitis media [middle ear infection], hepatitis A infection, invasive bacterial infections, herpes simples virus infection, VZV [chickenpox] infection, and CMV [cytomegalovirus] infection. Children attending large child car facilities (centers) have the highest risk of infection, presumably because they are exposed to a large number of children. . .More hours attending child care also is associated with a higher risk of some infections.”
(Source: Health in Child Care. American Academy of Pediatrics: 2005. p. 269.)
Germs and Day Care
Lydia’s current acute illness has fortunately been the only one for which she has had to miss days at day care since she enrolled in September 2007. Compared to the average child who attends day care regularly, Lydia so far has been fortunate in that she has not been sick that often.
“Many infectious agents are transmitted in the child care environment. Young children are dependent on others to manage their body fluids, secretions, and excretions, and these are the primary vehicles for transmission of infectious agents. Hands and toys easily become contaminated with infectious agents, and children inoculate themselves by repeatedly placing their hands and toys to their nose and mouth. Spread of infection is efficient because of proximity. By virtue of their age, children are highly susceptible to infection.
These illnesses are usually most contagious during early symptomatic periods of disease or even before the development of clinical symptoms. Copious respiratory secretions, coughing, and diarrhea facilitate transmission of agents that colonize the child’s respiratory or gastrointestinal tract. . .as well as agents that cause acute illness.
Child care providers have many demands on their attention and often, limited training and resources to carry out measures that promote a healthy environment.
Children who are younger than 3 years and who attend day care are at 2 to 3.5 times greater risk of infection than are children who receive care at home. This excessive risk is documented for upper respiratory and diarrheal illnesses, otitis media [middle ear infection], hepatitis A infection, invasive bacterial infections, herpes simples virus infection, VZV [chickenpox] infection, and CMV [cytomegalovirus] infection. Children attending large child car facilities (centers) have the highest risk of infection, presumably because they are exposed to a large number of children. . .More hours attending child care also is associated with a higher risk of some infections.”
(Source: Health in Child Care. American Academy of Pediatrics: 2005. p. 269.)
Photos: Christmas, Mini Sofa
DSC_0076aLydia is enjoying her time on the mini sofa.
She has always relished sitting on chairs that are built for infants and toddlers.
Mom # 2 (Ma Pagtalunan), Gabriel's and Kristian's paternal grandmother, bought this mini sofa in 2003 when Gabriel was born. The mini sofa can be folded out so that an infant or toddler can lie on it.
December 27, 2007
DSC_0150Lydia is holding an Elmo soft toy as she sits on the mini sofa.
December 27, 2007
DSC_0155Lydia is playing with Gabriel's LeapFrog electronic educational video game.
December 27, 2007
DSC_0215When we returned two days later for a special dinner that mom # 2 had cooked, Lydia returned to one of her favorite toys at the Pagtalunan home, the mini sofa.
December 29, 2007
Photo note: This series of photos results from "working the image", a term used by photographers to describe taking a number of images of the same subject but varying the way that subject is seen (by using different lenses, by taking pictures from different angles, and / or by taking pictures of different parts of the subject.) With respect to people pictures, one advantage of "working the image" is that it can result in a collection of publishable photos that can be made into a photo collage.
Note: All of these pictures were taken in the living room of the Pagtalunan home in Chesapeake, VA.
No Means No
February 4, 2008
No Means No
Ever since Lydia became ill two days ago, she has frequently used the word “no” to communicate with us because her illness has made her uncomfortable, fatigued, and irritable. Language does not seem to make a difference in her response. SiowFong and I often initially ask something of Lydia in Chinese (SiowFong uses Mandarin, and I use Cantonese), to which she responds “no”. Then we ask the same question in English, and we receive the same response from her.
Our typical questions include the following ones:
Do you want some water to drink?
Do you want some milk to drink?
Do you want some food to eat? (We specify certain foods, but Lydia’s response is the same – “no”.)
Do you want to go to sleep?
Do you want to be held?
Do you want me to wipe your nose?
Do you want me to read you a book?
Do you want to play with a puzzle?
Do you want to watch a DVD?
SiowFong correctly pointed out to me that “when Lydia says no, she means no.”
No Means No
Ever since Lydia became ill two days ago, she has frequently used the word “no” to communicate with us because her illness has made her uncomfortable, fatigued, and irritable. Language does not seem to make a difference in her response. SiowFong and I often initially ask something of Lydia in Chinese (SiowFong uses Mandarin, and I use Cantonese), to which she responds “no”. Then we ask the same question in English, and we receive the same response from her.
Our typical questions include the following ones:
Do you want some water to drink?
Do you want some milk to drink?
Do you want some food to eat? (We specify certain foods, but Lydia’s response is the same – “no”.)
Do you want to go to sleep?
Do you want to be held?
Do you want me to wipe your nose?
Do you want me to read you a book?
Do you want to play with a puzzle?
Do you want to watch a DVD?
SiowFong correctly pointed out to me that “when Lydia says no, she means no.”
Photos: Christmas, Mckenneys
DSC00939Everyone is paying attention to what Lydia is doing at the end of the table.
(foreground half of the table, left to right): Joanie, Dew, Marie, empty chair (where SiowFong, who took this picture, sat)
(background half of the table, left to right): Diane, Latrelle (Dew's mom), Tom, Pa Chin, Ma Chin
(end of table): Lydia
An annual tradition when SiowFong and I return to southeastern Virginia is to meet with the McKenneys for lunch at a local restaurant, such as Fire Mountain Grill, an American buffet restaurant in Suffolk, VA. I have known Dew McKenney since 1992 when we trained together. Later I had the privilege of working with Dew.
DSC00962Somebody said something that elicited a lot of laughs!
Fire Mountain Grill
DSC00967After lunch, Lydia sat in Joanie's lap while Joanie read to her.
Fire Mountain Grill
DSC00974Joanie, Dew's niece, carrying Lydia in the Belk department store with SiowFong nearby.
Note: These pictures were taken on December 29, 2007 in Suffolk, VA.
Day 2 of Acute Illness
February 3, 2008
Day 2 of Acute Illness
SiowFong and Lydia missed church today because of Lydia’s sickness. Lydia’s morning began with her usual routine, including milk, morning ablutions, diaper change, and clothing change. She played in the living room with her normal amount of enthusiasm after breakfast. At 11:00 AM, she ate a lot of noodles that her mother cooked for her.
In the early afternoon, she napped about two hours, which was shorter than what SiowFong and I predicted because of her being sick. Before Super Bowl XLII began, she sat on the red sofa in the living room and ate some potato chips with her mom. That would be her last meal of the day as she later declined supper and her pre-bedtime snack (which is usually yogurt or milk). Again she retired early tonight, around 7:30 PM.
Day 2 of Acute Illness
SiowFong and Lydia missed church today because of Lydia’s sickness. Lydia’s morning began with her usual routine, including milk, morning ablutions, diaper change, and clothing change. She played in the living room with her normal amount of enthusiasm after breakfast. At 11:00 AM, she ate a lot of noodles that her mother cooked for her.
In the early afternoon, she napped about two hours, which was shorter than what SiowFong and I predicted because of her being sick. Before Super Bowl XLII began, she sat on the red sofa in the living room and ate some potato chips with her mom. That would be her last meal of the day as she later declined supper and her pre-bedtime snack (which is usually yogurt or milk). Again she retired early tonight, around 7:30 PM.
Photos: Christmas, Hometown Buffet
DSC00924With a chopstick in her hands, Lydia is ready for lunch.
Chinese buffet restaurants are much more common than regular Chinese restaurants in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, and Hometown Buffet just opened its doors a few weeks ago. Richard and Wendy Wong, our friends who operate the sushi kiosk in the food court at Patrick Henry Mall in Newport News, Virginia, recommended this eatery to us.
DSC00926Mom is back with food!
Whenever we eat at a buffet restaurant, SiowFong collects food for herself and Lydia
while I watch Lydia at the table. Then I leave to get my food.
DSC00929Lydia loves Chinese food, just like Pa and Ma Chin. This makes sense given the fact that since she was born in China, she is a China girl.
Note: All of these pictures were taken on December 28, 2007 during lunch at the Hometown Buffet restaurant in Newport News, VA.
Day 1 of Acute Illness
February 2, 2008
Day 1 of Acute Illness
According to pediatricians, children are not merely little adults. One general difference between adults and children is the speed in which symptoms occur when common acute infections strike. Adults, who have mature immune systems and an abundance of reserve in various organ systems, tend to develop symptoms slowly. On the other hand, children, particularly young children, succumb much easier to such infections and demonstrate symptoms much quicker than adults.
An example of that difference occurred this evening. Lydia was behaving, eating, and drinking normally today until about 6:00 PM when she refused to eat dinner. At first SiowFong and I were not concerned since Lydia had ingested a full bowl of congee (rice porridge) at 4:30 PM after awakening from her afternoon nap. We surmised that she was still full from her late afternoon meal and therefore not interested in any more food.
The picture became much clearer an hour later when SiowFong was getting ready to give Lydia her daily bath. During those preparations, SiowFong observed that Lydia was shaking like a leaf because she was experiencing chills. Then both of us realized that Lydia’s lack of appetite at supper was caused by illness instead of satiety.
Day 1 of Acute Illness
According to pediatricians, children are not merely little adults. One general difference between adults and children is the speed in which symptoms occur when common acute infections strike. Adults, who have mature immune systems and an abundance of reserve in various organ systems, tend to develop symptoms slowly. On the other hand, children, particularly young children, succumb much easier to such infections and demonstrate symptoms much quicker than adults.
An example of that difference occurred this evening. Lydia was behaving, eating, and drinking normally today until about 6:00 PM when she refused to eat dinner. At first SiowFong and I were not concerned since Lydia had ingested a full bowl of congee (rice porridge) at 4:30 PM after awakening from her afternoon nap. We surmised that she was still full from her late afternoon meal and therefore not interested in any more food.
The picture became much clearer an hour later when SiowFong was getting ready to give Lydia her daily bath. During those preparations, SiowFong observed that Lydia was shaking like a leaf because she was experiencing chills. Then both of us realized that Lydia’s lack of appetite at supper was caused by illness instead of satiety.
Photos: Christmas, Gabriel Pagtalunan
DSC_0092Lydia is fascinated as she watches Gabriel, who is four years of age, play with a LeapFrog video game, one of the many electronic educational toys on the market today.
Living room
DSC_0107Lydia and Gabriel are both holding onto a gardener's yellow kneeling pad.
Sun room (also called a Florida room)
DSC_0142Lydia is trying to play the LeapFrog video game that mom # 2 (Gabriel's paternal grandmother) gave to him as her Christmas gift.
Living room
Note: All of these pictures were taken on December 27, 2007 at the Pagtalunan home in Chesapeake, Virginia.
Enter Lydia, Exit Kakadu
February 2, 2008
Enter Lydia, Exit Kakadu
Kakadu, SiowFong’s hand-tamed, green parakeet, has been a part of her life for over eleven years. Although SiowFong had three other parakeets during that time period, including Madu , Puji, and Leura, she enjoyed Kakadu, a gentle, beautiful bird.
Over a week ago, SiowFong learned from Julie Song, a coworker, that May, her daughter, had been requesting a bird as a pet. SiowFong then asked Julie if she would be interested in adopting Kakadu, and Julie responded positively. Last weekend, SiowFong took some pictures of Kakadu and emailed them to Julie. After looking at Kakadu’s photos, Julie replied the next day that her family would love to welcome Kakadu into their home.
The only reason why SiowFong even thought about putting Kakadu up for adoption was that ever since Lydia came into our lives, SiowFong has had little time for Kakadu outside of meeting his basic needs (food, water, and a clean cage). In the pre-Lydia days, SiowFong would always remember to give Kakadu his spray millet treat after she returned home from work. In the last year, however, Kakadu sometimes went days without this treat. In addition, in the pre-Lydia days, SiowFong brought Kakadu out of the cage a few times a week so that he could fly around in the kitchen, living room, and dining room. In 2007, Kakadu was lucky if he received one flight session each a week. When Tony, SiowFong’s second oldest of three brothers who has an outdoor aviary with eight birds of his own in Melbourne, Australia, visited us last August, Kakadu received more attention from Tony in those few days than we had given Kakadu in a month.
Over the last year, Lydia’s involvement with Kakadu has been limited. When SiowFong feeds Kakadu his millet, she will ask Lydia to help. Lydia assists by taking the jar of spray millet out of the cabinet and handing it to her mom so that her mom can give Kakadu a piece of his special treat. Despite hearing Kakadu’s name often over the last twelve months, Lydia just began saying his name correctly yesterday. When Lydia learned earlier this week from her mom that Kakadu would have a new home today, Lydia began saying and waving “bye bye” to Kakadu.
Today was his last day as a permanent member of our household. At 11:00 AM, John (her husband), and May arrived to transport Kakadu to his new home. Although SiowFong is sad that Kakadu is leaving our home, she is glad that she is giving him to a family whom she knows will take good care of him. We will see Kakadu again when the Songs go out of town for longer than a week since SiowFong volunteered to bird sit Kakadu for those occasions.
Enter Lydia, Exit Kakadu
Kakadu, SiowFong’s hand-tamed, green parakeet, has been a part of her life for over eleven years. Although SiowFong had three other parakeets during that time period, including Madu , Puji, and Leura, she enjoyed Kakadu, a gentle, beautiful bird.
Over a week ago, SiowFong learned from Julie Song, a coworker, that May, her daughter, had been requesting a bird as a pet. SiowFong then asked Julie if she would be interested in adopting Kakadu, and Julie responded positively. Last weekend, SiowFong took some pictures of Kakadu and emailed them to Julie. After looking at Kakadu’s photos, Julie replied the next day that her family would love to welcome Kakadu into their home.
The only reason why SiowFong even thought about putting Kakadu up for adoption was that ever since Lydia came into our lives, SiowFong has had little time for Kakadu outside of meeting his basic needs (food, water, and a clean cage). In the pre-Lydia days, SiowFong would always remember to give Kakadu his spray millet treat after she returned home from work. In the last year, however, Kakadu sometimes went days without this treat. In addition, in the pre-Lydia days, SiowFong brought Kakadu out of the cage a few times a week so that he could fly around in the kitchen, living room, and dining room. In 2007, Kakadu was lucky if he received one flight session each a week. When Tony, SiowFong’s second oldest of three brothers who has an outdoor aviary with eight birds of his own in Melbourne, Australia, visited us last August, Kakadu received more attention from Tony in those few days than we had given Kakadu in a month.
Over the last year, Lydia’s involvement with Kakadu has been limited. When SiowFong feeds Kakadu his millet, she will ask Lydia to help. Lydia assists by taking the jar of spray millet out of the cabinet and handing it to her mom so that her mom can give Kakadu a piece of his special treat. Despite hearing Kakadu’s name often over the last twelve months, Lydia just began saying his name correctly yesterday. When Lydia learned earlier this week from her mom that Kakadu would have a new home today, Lydia began saying and waving “bye bye” to Kakadu.
Today was his last day as a permanent member of our household. At 11:00 AM, John (her husband), and May arrived to transport Kakadu to his new home. Although SiowFong is sad that Kakadu is leaving our home, she is glad that she is giving him to a family whom she knows will take good care of him. We will see Kakadu again when the Songs go out of town for longer than a week since SiowFong volunteered to bird sit Kakadu for those occasions.
Photos: Christmas, Cousin 2
DSC_0172Fei Hung (Lydia's cousin who is six months older than she who is in the foreground) is observing as his mother, Virginia, is reading a book to Lydia
Living room of Pa and Ma Chin's home in Chesapeake, VA
December 23, 2007
DSC_0174Lydia and Fei Hung are sitting together on a beanbag
Sun room at the Pagtalunan home in Chesapeake, VA
December 25, 2007
DSC_0178Both Lydia and Fei Hung are looking at something
Sun room of Pagtalunan home in Chesapeake, VA
December 25, 2007
English, Chinese, Spanish: A Comparison
February 2, 2008
English, Chinese, Spanish: A Comparison
“If you don’t use it, you lose it” applies to many things in life. This adage perhaps best illustrates the challenges of language learning. The frequency of exposure and use is the key determinant of language learning success.
SiowFong and I noticed that because Lydia’s exposure to English comes from many sources, including day care, television (e.g. Sesame Street, Curious George), parents (SiowFong and I often talk to each other in English even though we mostly speak to Lydia in different Chinese dialects), church, and other people, she not only understands English well but also speaks it the most.
With respect to Chinese, Lydia understands Mandarin by hearing SiowFong speak it to her and Cantonese by hearing me speak it to her, and she occasionally speaks a word, phrase, or sentence in these languages but not nearly as often as English. Because SiowFong and I do not communicate with each other in a common Chinese dialect, Lydia is not exposed to our interactions with each other in a foreign language, so her language development in Chinese is slower here than it is with English.
With respect to Spanish, Lydia understands a number of words, mostly nouns, but she rarely speaks this language because her exposure to this language is less than with the others. Although SiowFong and I can teach her individual words from picture books, we do not know enough Spanish to be able to speak in phrases or simple sentences to her. Fortunately Silvia is coming to our home twice a month to play with and to read to Lydia in Spanish this year. Silvia arrived today at 9:30 AM, and Lydia was excited to see her. For the next hour and a half, they were together in the living room.
English, Chinese, Spanish: A Comparison
“If you don’t use it, you lose it” applies to many things in life. This adage perhaps best illustrates the challenges of language learning. The frequency of exposure and use is the key determinant of language learning success.
SiowFong and I noticed that because Lydia’s exposure to English comes from many sources, including day care, television (e.g. Sesame Street, Curious George), parents (SiowFong and I often talk to each other in English even though we mostly speak to Lydia in different Chinese dialects), church, and other people, she not only understands English well but also speaks it the most.
With respect to Chinese, Lydia understands Mandarin by hearing SiowFong speak it to her and Cantonese by hearing me speak it to her, and she occasionally speaks a word, phrase, or sentence in these languages but not nearly as often as English. Because SiowFong and I do not communicate with each other in a common Chinese dialect, Lydia is not exposed to our interactions with each other in a foreign language, so her language development in Chinese is slower here than it is with English.
With respect to Spanish, Lydia understands a number of words, mostly nouns, but she rarely speaks this language because her exposure to this language is less than with the others. Although SiowFong and I can teach her individual words from picture books, we do not know enough Spanish to be able to speak in phrases or simple sentences to her. Fortunately Silvia is coming to our home twice a month to play with and to read to Lydia in Spanish this year. Silvia arrived today at 9:30 AM, and Lydia was excited to see her. For the next hour and a half, they were together in the living room.
Photos: Christmas, Chins' First Sushi
DSC00911Lydia is sampling some of the cooked sushi from Richard and Wendy Wong's restaurant.
DSC00912Yummy!
DSC00916(left to right): Dad, Pa Chin, Ma Chin, and Lydia are enjoying their dinner.
Note: SiowFong took these pictures on December 27, 2007 in the Food Court at Patrick Henry Mall in Newport News, Virginia.
Play Date with Kyvin
February 1, 2008
Play Date with Kyvin
In the last three months, Lydia has experienced a number of local play dates involving just one or two other children. This trend began late last November with a visit to Daniela Tejada’s home. Following that was a fun experience at the Children’s Museum of Seattle with Evelyn and Samuel Chen. Last month was a visit to Eden Poon’s home, and today meant a play date with Kyvin Kaing-Li at his home.
We arrived at 9:30 AM. Lydia joined Kyvin, who was actively playing with large foam letters in the dining room, which has been converted into a Kyvin’s play room. Then they focused their attention on some of the other toys in the room, including the wooden puzzles and the Duplos and the small Duplo table.
After Kyvin and Lydia played for about an hour, Mr. Li brought out string cheese for them as a late morning snack, something that they both enjoyed. Then they returned to playing, but now they moved to the living room, where they played with larger objects, including a toy cart, a large Fisher Price cube with a revolving circular platform onto which they placed smaller cubes, and Kyvin’s chair.
For the most part, Kyvin and Lydia played well together. Occasionally they tried to grab the same toy. Because of Lydia’s exposure to the toddler class in day care (11 other children and Lydia is the smallest member of that class), Lydia’s competitive instincts reemerged today. I distinctly remember one instance when Lydia held a small plastic Fisher Price cube in one hand and used her other her hand in a sweeping motion to prevent Kyvin from getting it as she quickly walked away from him. Lydia’s actions were similar to an offensive player in American football stiff arming a defensive player in order to avoid being tackled. (SiowFong and I must continue to reinforce the concept of sharing to Lydia.)
At noon, we enjoyed a tasty lunch, macaroni with fried eggs and mixed vegetables. By 12:30 PM, Kyvin was ready for his afternoon nap, and we were ready to return home after a nice outing at Kyvin’s home.
Play Date with Kyvin
In the last three months, Lydia has experienced a number of local play dates involving just one or two other children. This trend began late last November with a visit to Daniela Tejada’s home. Following that was a fun experience at the Children’s Museum of Seattle with Evelyn and Samuel Chen. Last month was a visit to Eden Poon’s home, and today meant a play date with Kyvin Kaing-Li at his home.
We arrived at 9:30 AM. Lydia joined Kyvin, who was actively playing with large foam letters in the dining room, which has been converted into a Kyvin’s play room. Then they focused their attention on some of the other toys in the room, including the wooden puzzles and the Duplos and the small Duplo table.
After Kyvin and Lydia played for about an hour, Mr. Li brought out string cheese for them as a late morning snack, something that they both enjoyed. Then they returned to playing, but now they moved to the living room, where they played with larger objects, including a toy cart, a large Fisher Price cube with a revolving circular platform onto which they placed smaller cubes, and Kyvin’s chair.
For the most part, Kyvin and Lydia played well together. Occasionally they tried to grab the same toy. Because of Lydia’s exposure to the toddler class in day care (11 other children and Lydia is the smallest member of that class), Lydia’s competitive instincts reemerged today. I distinctly remember one instance when Lydia held a small plastic Fisher Price cube in one hand and used her other her hand in a sweeping motion to prevent Kyvin from getting it as she quickly walked away from him. Lydia’s actions were similar to an offensive player in American football stiff arming a defensive player in order to avoid being tackled. (SiowFong and I must continue to reinforce the concept of sharing to Lydia.)
At noon, we enjoyed a tasty lunch, macaroni with fried eggs and mixed vegetables. By 12:30 PM, Kyvin was ready for his afternoon nap, and we were ready to return home after a nice outing at Kyvin’s home.
Photos: Children's Museum of Seattle
DSC00850(left to right): Lydia, Evelyn Chen, and Samuel Chen are sitting in a tent.
DSC00852Samuel, Evelyn, and Lydia are attired in bat costumes.
DSC00857Jenny Chen is supervising Lydia, Evelyn, and Samuel in a play area.
One benefit of taking young children to a local children's museum is seeing the fun that
they have as they play with the interactive toys and exhibits, learning something in the process.
DSC00872Lydia is trying to grab a piece of fruit in the grocery store.
DSC00879
Lydia is operating a crane.
DSC00882
DSC00879Lydia is operating a crane.
DSC00882Lydia is playing with a machine that is teaching her about money.
DSC00885 
DSC00887
DSC00885Jenny Chen, mother of Evelyn and Samuel, is helping Lydia with the money education machine.
DSC00887Jenny Chen is explaining something to Samuel, Lydia, and Evelyn while James Chen observes.
Note: These pictures were taken on December 19, 2007 at the Children's Museum in Seattle, WA.
Photo Note: All these pictures were taken with the Sony HDR-SR1 camcorder without the use of any flash.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Ayla Bramblett
January 31, 2008
Ayla Bramblett
SiowFong and I recognized long ago that Lydia has a sharp memory. One recent reminder of that fact is that Lydia is constantly requesting that we pray for “je je”, Ayla Bramblett (the 34-month old adopted Chinese girl who has retinoblastoma). SiowFong informed Lydia and me this week that Ayla is losing large patches of her hair because of the side effects from the chemotherapy.
As I have been thinking about Ayla Bramblett this week, a song entitled “He’s My Son” comes to my mind, especially since we have been praying not only for Ayla but also her parents. Written and sung by Mark Schultz, the song’s inspiration was described as follows: “On May 22, 1998, my friend John Baird’s 14-year old son was diagnosed with leukemia. I wrote this song during the middle of their year-long battle. I wanted this song to capture the pleading heart of a father dealing with his son’s illness.”
“He’s My Son”
I’m down on my knees again tonight
I’m hoping this prayer will turn out right
See there is a boy that needs your help
I’ve done all that I can do myself
His mother is tired
I’m sure you can understand
Each night as he sleeps
She goes in to hold his hand
And she tries not to cray
As the tears fill her eyes
Chorus: Can you hear me?
Am I getting through tonight?
Can you see him?
Can you make him feel all right?
If you can hear me
Let me take his place somehow
See, he’s not just anyone
He’s my son
Sometimes late at night I watch him sleep
I dream of the boy he’d like to be
I try to be strong and see him through
But God who he needs right now is You
Let him grow old
Live life without this fear
What would I be
Living without him here
He’s so tired and he’s scared
Let him know that You’re there
Chorus
Can you hear me?
Can you see him?
Please don’t leave him
He’s my son
(Source: Mark Schultz, “He’s My Son”, Mark Schultz Music / BMI, copyright 2000)
Ayla Bramblett
SiowFong and I recognized long ago that Lydia has a sharp memory. One recent reminder of that fact is that Lydia is constantly requesting that we pray for “je je”, Ayla Bramblett (the 34-month old adopted Chinese girl who has retinoblastoma). SiowFong informed Lydia and me this week that Ayla is losing large patches of her hair because of the side effects from the chemotherapy.
As I have been thinking about Ayla Bramblett this week, a song entitled “He’s My Son” comes to my mind, especially since we have been praying not only for Ayla but also her parents. Written and sung by Mark Schultz, the song’s inspiration was described as follows: “On May 22, 1998, my friend John Baird’s 14-year old son was diagnosed with leukemia. I wrote this song during the middle of their year-long battle. I wanted this song to capture the pleading heart of a father dealing with his son’s illness.”
“He’s My Son”
I’m down on my knees again tonight
I’m hoping this prayer will turn out right
See there is a boy that needs your help
I’ve done all that I can do myself
His mother is tired
I’m sure you can understand
Each night as he sleeps
She goes in to hold his hand
And she tries not to cray
As the tears fill her eyes
Chorus: Can you hear me?
Am I getting through tonight?
Can you see him?
Can you make him feel all right?
If you can hear me
Let me take his place somehow
See, he’s not just anyone
He’s my son
Sometimes late at night I watch him sleep
I dream of the boy he’d like to be
I try to be strong and see him through
But God who he needs right now is You
Let him grow old
Live life without this fear
What would I be
Living without him here
He’s so tired and he’s scared
Let him know that You’re there
Chorus
Can you hear me?
Can you see him?
Please don’t leave him
He’s my son
(Source: Mark Schultz, “He’s My Son”, Mark Schultz Music / BMI, copyright 2000)
Photos: Snow, Where Are My Feet ?
DSC_0152The first thing that Lydia did when she was walking in the snow was to look down constantly at the snow. This is the first time that she has not been able to see her legs while walking.
DSC_0154Lydia is wondering, "Where are my feet?"
DSC_0184The snow is almost knee deep for Lydia.
Note: SiowFong took all of these pictures on January 28, 2008 outside our home.
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