Monday, June 8, 2009

Happy Birthday Mondo!

First of all let me clarify. For those of you who don't know, Mondo is a nickname that he's had since birth, his name is Raymond. But the only ones that call him that are teachers.

I can't believe my oldest is 11 today. My smart, sensitive one that looks like me and has my personality. Its funny how much he is like me, afraid to leave mom to go to sleepovers, afraid to ride rollercoasters (ya, I was about 16 before I rode the big ones.)
Does love to rock climb, loves anything military. Its kind of scary to think about, but I think one day we will have a soldier. He can tell you anything about Pearl Harbor,he really wants to go there to visit.


Its been the roughest for him since Jax was born. He was there when his baby brother was born and even helped cut his cord. Then his brother was whisked away from him. They wouldn't let him in the nursery but there was a window he could look through. When he was transfered to PCMC's NICU however, there was no window and they wouldn't let kids in for RSV season. He was heartbroken, he would ask everyday. "Isn't there even a window?".
He continues to ask me if Jax is going to die, and he says when we die, he gets Jax. I don't really want to think that far ahead but ok.
When Jax spent 4 months in the hospital, Mondo really suffered. I got him into counseling, because he was so unhappy and even talked about hurting himself. He always seems to get the short end of the stick. Every time we are supposed to do something for him, Jax has to change the plans. Thats why we wouldn't do Jax surgery this past Friday. We went to the air show for Mondo and made sure we were home for his birthday.



My little man has had to grow up way to fast. But he is the most compasionate person I know. He can point out a downs person from far away, and he loves people with special needs or people who are different.

Happy Birthday baby!!

23 comments:

Alan Anderson said...

Happy, Happy Birthday. Your boy reminds me of mine. I hated coming home everyday from NICU to the question - is RSV season over yet? I think there should be a window for siblings - so they can at least see them and know where they are. I can't imagine going through that for four months - we only had to do a month and that was terrible.

Here's to a wonderful birthday for a super cool kid!!

Emily said...

Happy Birthday Mondo! What a sweet boy you are. We need a lot more boys like you in this world! Have a fabulous day!

Shelly Turpin said...

1st of all - Happiest Birthday!
2nd - this post broke my heart. This is all so unfair on the other kids. It's something I think about all the time with my other five kids. I wish I could fix that for them all!

Jen said...

Happy Birthday! Almost a teen already!

I can only imagine how difficult it can be for your other kids, but Mondo will grow up to be a much more caring, loving and patient person because of all he has been through. You are so lucky to have a son that is wise beyond his years!

Mama Mason-Mann said...

Happy Birthday Mondo! He sounds like a wonderful little guy! I think he and my son would be great friends! Xander is 8, but sounds similar in a lot of ways. Glad you could all be home together for his special day!

Rioux Family said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! <3

Shari said...

Happy Birthday Mondo! Boys like you are few and far between!

Heather said...

Happy,Happy Day Mondo!Even though we only got to see a little of each other,you could tell from the moment Mondo walked in,that he was a gentle soul.The oldest always bears the brunt of leading by example,compromising,growing up too fast for the sake of the others and in the case of a special needs sibling,all the more.I understand the sadness when you look at the other kids and see the profound sadness in them.The worry.But I also understand how much richer their lives will be because of the presence of these little ones in their lives.Mondo is indeed an incredible child and look to yourself and Ray for that also.You have done a terrific job!Enjoy your day together as a very blessed family.

Junior said...

Happy Birthday Mondo, hope you have a very special day, you are an awesome big brother.

Kim Rees said...

Happy Birthday Mondo! What a special young man. You can tell he really loves Jaxson! I hope that my Gwynny will grow up with the same compassion and tender personality as him. How cool to be able to celebrate your birthday at the Air Show!

Pam said...

Happy Happy Birthday Buddy!!

It's hard on these older kiddos isn't it?

Hunter has a really hard time when Rhett is away too, and his bond with Rhett is so strong.

I think you were really wise to not do Jax's surgery so that you could focus on your Mondo.

((HUGS))

Cammie Heflin said...

Happy Birthday Mondo!

Stephanie said...

Happy Birthday Mondo,Jax is soooo lucky to have such a cool big brother, you rock!!!! Have a great day!!!

Regina said...

What a great big brother!! My boys are the same way. They had to grow up real fast when Jayden was in the hospital. Happy Birthday!

The VW's said...

Happy Birthday Mondo!!! Hope your day was fun! Sounds like you are a wonderful big brother! Your family is very blessed to have you!

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday buddy! What a special big boy you have. I am sure the whole transition with Jax has been so hard, so you make sure to tell him how many people love him just like we love Jax. We are proud of him for being such a great big brother and we wish him the BEST birthday ever!

Unknown said...

Happy Happy Happy Birthday to an Awesome Big Brother!!!!

Maureen said...

Happy Happy Birthday!!!

Melissa said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET, HANDSOME MONDO!!
{{HUGS}} for being such a great brother!!!!

Stephanie said...

Happy Birthday Mondo!!!!

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday Mondo! We hope you have a day that is filled with lots of fun, laughter and great memories! You are really the worlds greatest big brother! I could learn alot from you on how to be more patient and kind! God bless and have a spectacular day!
All our Love, Megan and Keaton

ANewKindOfPerfect said...

What an amazing big brother you are! Happy, happy birthday big guy.

My Three Sons said...

Happy birthday Mondo. I hope you had a wonderful day.

I know what you mean about our older kiddos. I have had to change plans or miss events in Coltan and Cody's lives because of Carson. I hate it and I hope one day they will understand and love us even more for the sacrifices we have made.