Learning Thai

As we were deciding on Silas' name we tried to find something that would have an easy Thai equivalent. One reason we liked Silas was because we could use the nickname "Si." (The Thai version of Silas sounds something like "See-LAAT".) So, his Thai name is ใส - pronounced "sai" with a rising tone (sounds like you're asking a question). This means "clear, bright, unclouded, pure." We have to make sure to prounounce it just right though. By slightly changing the tone and/or the length of the vowel, you can make up to 11 other Thai words with meanings as varied as intestines, fish trap, to put in, to dig for food, left-hand side, late, or sand.

We've enjoyed having a lot of visitors- team mates and Thai friends. Here are a few with Silas....

Anita from our team was kind enough to bring Mom and the girls to the hospital for their first visit. Sharon and a Thai friend also stopped by the hospital but weren't able to hold Silas as he was in the nursery recovering when they came.

It was also fun to have our Latin team mates visit us at the hospital. From left...Aida, Efrain, Nixson, Reina, Eder.

Our landlord and friend Seri, was quite taken with Silas and held him for about an hour. He kept talking about how much he liked Silas's hands. He brought us milk, the traditional gift for those recovering from a sickness/hospital stay. His son also came and checked him out telling us that Silas had long earlobes and long toes like the Buddha which indicate that he will live a long life.

Neno & Oay, a pastor and his wife from a nearby church stopped by with another church member. They approved of his Thai name and passed him all around for cuddles.

Silas meets Dan (who has now moved to Thippawan and is our neighbor!).

Khun Yai is a neighbor of ours who takes a great interest in us and our girls. She stopped by with sweet sticky rice and gave us lots of advice.....one being that I should be drinking only hot water as I recover!
Another neighbor, Nok, came over to hold him and brought us some hot yams of some type.

But of course, our favorite visitor of all is Grandmom! She has been a wonderful help around the house and especially in helping care for the girls. It's also nice to have an extra pair of hands for diapering and burping and bathing a new baby!

We are really enjoying our "month at home" although Tom has gotten back to the "real world" of teaching jobs. Silas is so precious and we all just enjoy holding and admiring him a lot!
-Candice