Nathan, My Little Hero
Through this entire ordeal with Justin we have not forgotten about our firstborn, Nathan. He was given to us to always make us laugh. We are continually amazed by his humor and intelligence. Justin’s surgery unfortunately fell on Nathan’s second birthday, so we did not have the opportunity to spend it with him. His aunts and uncles, however, made it a day to remember by taking him to the Aquarium of the Pacific (because he loooooves fish and sea animals) and to play miniature golf (to hone his Tiger Woods skills) with his cousins. If you’ve ever met Nathan you know that he is really something else. And, yes, he still has an obsession with balls, which I will never fully understand. His bossiness is also really starting to bloom and he is definitely learning to take charge. At the miniature golf range, he allowed his uncle to show him only once on how to play. After that, he told his uncle, “I know how, I show you”. Then, he’d pick up the ball, bring it closer to the hole, and putt it in. His uncle was pleasantly surprised on how coordinated Nathan was. Ahhh…my little Nathan. I’m so proud of you.
August 15th, 2007 at 11:15 am
I was golfing with him
August 15th, 2007 at 11:15 am
it was super fun
:D 
:D
August 16th, 2007 at 1:01 am
Hi Loi and Jennifer,
What a great blog! Your little hero Nathan is a beautiful soul and I am not surprised at all to learn that he is already a “take charge guy” and a confident leader….look who he has as parents! He is a darling son and baby Justin is lucky to have him as his big brother.
Love,
Tammy
August 16th, 2007 at 12:32 pm
Happy late birthday Nathan!
I’m like putty in his little hands when he says my name (which is difficult for most adults). In his sweet little voice he likes to take charge of whatever game (usually involving a ball) we’re playing. I can’t wait to meet Justin who already looks like his big brother.
I admire how strong your family is staying during this hard time. Thinking of you and wishing you all the best.
Love, Johnna
August 16th, 2007 at 7:05 pm
Dear Loi & Jennifer,
My name is Marsha Hansen. I was the General Manager of the Crowne Plaza Resort in Garden Grove & the Doubletree Hotel Santa Ana. I received a call today from Tori at the Doubletree who told me about your precious little Justin.
Our son, Logan, was born on February 25, 2004 with Congenital Heart Disease. His condition, Double Outlet Right Ventricle required three surgeries to correct. His first surgery was the Modified BT Shunt at CHOC when he was 2 days old. By the way…it was the day before his older sister’s 3rd birthday…much like Nathan! Logan’s second surgery (the Glenn) was also at CHOC when he was 8 months old. His third and final surgery Ithe Fontan) took place last October when he was 2 1/2 years old. It was done by Dr. Starnes at CHLA.
Today, Logan is a wonderful, “normal” little 3 1/2 year old boy. He recently started gymnastics, swimming lessons and preschool for a few hours each week. There were times during the last 3 years (when he was laying in his hospital bed full of chest drainage tubes, IVs in his neck, head and it seems like everywhere else, when they left his chest open for days after his first surgery, when he was on oxygen 24/7 for the first 8 months of his life, when they had to put him on the ECMO at CHOC because he was so sick, etc) that we thought we would never make it to this point.
We know exactly what you are going through. The highs and lows, the tears and uncertain future, etc. I cried as I read your entries as it brought me back to those first days…just wanting to hold my baby boy and hear him make a noise. I understand the thoughts you are having and the emotional turmoil you have.
I just want you to know that with lots of prayers and family support, you are going to be okay. I would love for you to meet Logan. He is an amazing little boy. I remember being in the Cardiologist office after his first surgery and wondering if any of the older kids there had been through what Logan had. I just wanted to see an older child who had made it. I will be happy to bring Logan to you so you can meet him. I would be happy to talk with you about it…sometimes that helps.
Our prayers are with you, your family and especially, Baby Justin,
Marsha Hansen
The Hansen Family
Dave, Marsha, Hailey, Logan, Keely & Kiley
August 17th, 2007 at 8:01 am
Happy belated Birthday, Nathan…Jeff and Chase are ready to play catch with you when you are and golf! I can’t wait to see you in t-ball! You’re going to be great!
Love.
Aunty Ngocy, Jeff, & Chase plus Aunties Quyen & Tiffany, & Uncle Hung.
August 17th, 2007 at 12:48 pm
I wonder who Nathan gets his bossiness from? Loi?? JUST KIDDING!
Nathan is such a sweet little boy. I enjoyed so much being able to meet him and Jennifer when we were out in Irvine in April. I cannot wait to come out again and meet your little miracle Justin.
August 17th, 2007 at 12:52 pm
I always wanted a big brother. Justin is so lucky to have such a fine one. Happy birthday, Nathan!