On September 12, 2007 I get a call "AMANDA! MY WATER BROKE! I’m headed to the hospital!!" filled with excitement I called my sister Kem at work. We rushed to Western medical center where Chanthy was about to give birth. 7 hours we were there guiding her with breathing exercises and trying to calm her down (When I myself never had experience in delivering or giving birth!) around 8:00 o'clock was the time she started pushing, Chanthy shouts, "I’m about to blow!!" Kem calms her nerves and gives her some pointers… "Stay calm breath innnnnn and breath outtt" the final contraction feels her body "Oh I think this is it!!"Huffing and puffing several attempts after the nurse shouts "I see the head!" finally a loud cry fills the room
8:38 pm on a cool autumn’s evening of September 12, 2007 Chandler Melvin Orellana-Tach was born. I didn't realize it at the time but I was going to meet someone that will change my life DRASTICALLY. I admit... I fell in love once I laid eyes on him…Seeing him for the first time brought tears to my eyes. He truly was a Gift sent from God, with His smile and sparkle in those unforgettable eyes to his round chubby cheeks and his egg shaped head I loved every inch of him from head to toe. I knew then that he was an Angel sent from up above. I couldn’t wait for him to come home from the hospital so I can show him how much love I had to offer.
As the weeks flown by, I recorded and took pictures of him I was the proudest auntie you'll ever come by! His mommy called me "The crazy auntie" because I was always there in the speed of light for him. Everything he wanted I insist on doing. I wasn't hesitant to give his mommy and daddy a break; I wanted him all to myself! Every moment I could spend with him was a joy worth having. I loved taking care of him. Giving him baths I remember how angry he would get when I would strip off his clothes and diaper but once I dipped him into the warm water he loved every bit of it! Feeding him was never a hassle he chugged that bottle in record time! I saw a little Melvin inside of him. (Laughs) When it was time for his late night feedings I asked my sister if I can take over even though I had work a couple of hours later. Cleaning his diaper was so unpredictable we never knew what lied ahead. There were plenty of times where he would "Bless us" with his super soaker like pee and poo Sometimes I'll just hold him against my chest as he fell asleep and stare at him for hours on end. His baby smell was like flowers in spring time, I loved his scent. He was always a joy to be around. Because of him now me and Chanthy are closer than ever. His 1st month birthday passes,
Halloween falls next. Chanthy tells me she’s going to take baby chandler around the block to go trick-or-treating; I was so envious I wanted to experience it with him.Afterwards I didn’t complain he brought auntie some yummy treats the next day! (Laughs) We were so ecstatic to start a new chapter in our lives with an amazing gift from God. He was everything we could imagine. He brought so much joy and love to us, He was the best thing to ever happen to my sister…All I wanted was for her to be happy. That's all that mattered to me.
November 8th 2007 the battle begins. He’s in the hands of God. With the endless amounts of love and hope I knew he could overcome what life had offered him.
Thanksgiving rolls in I visit him with endless amounts of love and prayers at hand. The power in him fighting to survive leaves me amazed. He was a fighter, a warrior, a strong soul of innocence. he had so much to give. He showed that size didn’t matter; it was the power inside to staying strong. Weeks fly by and countless hours by his side brought the family much closer. He was a soldier at war, and we fought right there beside him throughout it all. It’s December 25th 2007. "Merry Christmas Baby Chandler!" He looked so beautiful with his pooh bear Santa hat I got him, uncle Raney got him some Nike classic shoes, auntie Kem "baby’s first Christmas" photo album, mommy and daddy a lightning McLean radio having able to spend Christmas with him was the only gift anyone needed.
January 4th 2008, the proudest day of my life! The day where I was honored to be his God Mother. I couldn’t ask for anything more rewarding. Thank you Cathy and Melvin for making me the happiest person on Earth.
I never imagined such a beautiful human being would impact me in such a positive way. March 9 The battle ended. God gained another Angel.

I want to thank each and every one of you who have helped Baby Chandler and our families go through this hard time whether it is by prayer or words of encouragement. I know Baby Chandler has touch you one way or another and we appreciate all you have done and the endless amounts of love and support given to us and Baby Chandler… I want everyone to know that for the time baby chandler has been with us, he has impacted all of us in some way. Because of him my family is closer than ever, Because of him it made us grow stronger, because of him he taught us to appreciate life, because of him our family has grown into the loving individuals we are today,Because all he brought to our family was nothing but warmth and love. The moments I’ve spent with you was treasured in time… You’ll always be my Angel baby...