Some two weeks back, we had a couple of outings - meeting up with Sue, Yan, Wendy and Jenny. We met up with Jenny's boyfriend Bob (from US) and Wendy's colleague Andy and his wife Mandy (from UK). Andy and I have become fast friends due to both our single-minded affiliation to Liverpool Football Club.
Dinner was at TGIF (Fridays) in Queensbay. That weekend was to be Jenny's brother's wedding day - and amazingly, giving credit to the old addage that the world is small, Jenny's brother was getting married to Jo's sister Abby's old schoolmate. We had a hearty meal and hung around for drinks thereafter, enjoying mindless chat.
Waiting for our meals...
Jo, Sue, Wendy & Jenny...
The next night Jo's cousin Richard was up in Penang for a break. We met up with him along with Jinny, KH and Raphael for dinner and later for drinks at Beach Blanket Babylon. Wendy left the wedding dinner which was at the E&O Hotel a little early as she wasn't feeling too well and joined us for a short while. We ended the night early too eager for much needed rest and relaxation.
Invigorating conversations all round...
The next weekend was Ethan's school's Lantern Nite and Mini Concert. The kids have been practising hard over the last few weeks and needless to say Ethan's parents were looking forward to it too! The week before the concert, Ethan began to develop a cough and fever. We took him to the doctor and was told that he had a viral flu. Not too much we could do about that. It was a very late call on our part to decide whether he should go for his concert. He had his full-dress rehearsal on Thursday 20th September. The teachers were raving about how good he was. We had no idea what he was doing for the concert. Still, his health was paramount. In the end, by Saturday afternoon, he seemed slightly better and was active. So, we chose to bring him to school.
Given our experience during his Sports Day, Jo knew that we had to ease him into the crowd and the bustle of his class and teachers in a different setting. Ethan initially clung on to his mum and seemed very much out of it. He was still a little tired out from his coughs. I knew that we were not going to get to see him do his thing. His grandparents - my mum and Jo's parents were eagerly seated outside watching the other acts from the other classes.
Poor Ethan - still feeling a little under the weather...
Not even his sexy classmates could cheer him up...
I decided to leave Jo and Ethan alone and ventured out to do my photo taking duties. The school had organised the night well, giving everyone something to do - be it astrology or moon cake making. I was taking a video of one of the classes doing a "rabbit" dance when towards the end,I panned the camera to the waiting group of kids at the side of the stage. It was the next group up, Ethan's class "Little Swan". Imagine my utter surprise when I see none other than my son standing at the front of the line waiting to get on stage. The sheer excitement made me nearly drop the camera. Gosh, I kept on thinking that I was going to have a headache watching this video!
Start of the show, Headmaster Chow addressing the crowd...
Then the moment came. In the great scheme of things, it was 15 little children, trying to dance and act out two kiddie songs - one in English and the other in Mandarin - and at best doing a poor job at keeping in synch. But to me - right there and then - it was like I was dreaming. Months back when we were consulting with specialists about Ethan's speech delay and hearing some experts telling us he was behind other kids his age; I remember how I felt this sickening thud as my heart dropped. Some time a few months ago, I had a dream that Ethan spoke a few words to me. Well, seeing him on that stage mimicking the movements to absolute perfection, the feeling is simply undescribable. There are no words that I could string together and type into this blog which can do justice to that feeling. So, here are the photos...
The kids all in a row, ready to go...
Presenting the Little Swan Class...
Ethan getting into the groove...
Full on action....
Ready for the jump...
Taking their well-deserved bow...
Yay! Ethan all pumped up after the show!
A very proud Mummy...
The week after the concert, Ethan's school had their official photo-taking session. We haven't had the chance to see the official photos yet but the kids were all dressed to the nines. Should be a great one.
As we approach the end of the year, Ethan's time in his Playgroup class will come to an end. He will move up to Nursery next year - with new teachers, some new classmates and new challenges. Jo and I are proud of what he's achieved this year. His vocabulary has increased albeit still slowly. We have to soldier on. As difficult as it is for us, its doubly hard for Ethan. We look forward to the holidays - when we hope to enrol him for a few holiday programs, especially a music appreciation class.
So much to be thankful for and so much to anticipate. I'm off to bed now... and hopefully, I get to dream again...
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