Tet 2026

It's the year of the Fire Horse I heard. Anyhow, we've had an amazing lunar year. Lots of ups and downs, but we made it together, as a family. That being said, we still have lots of room for growth. I wish for you another amazing year. Better than the last. You got an ear infection recently. I wish for that to be your last. I wish that you learn to swim and defend yourself. I wish that you learn to be okay losing, but still strive to win. There are lessons in losses.

(picture to come from So hopefully)

I wish for you to continue to grow physically. Get bigger and stronger and faster and smarter. I wish for you to continue to be happy, to laugh, and to love (in your own way). I can be with you forever, but I will try to get healthier too so that I can be there as long as I can. Everyone says you're growing too fast, but I just saw a picture of you from a year ago. You look the same LOL. Anyhow, I wish only good things for you. I pray against anything bad. Happy Year of the Horse con!

Happy Presidents' Day

Unfortunately, not everyone had it off...We had a good day today, but for some reason, you wanted to keep the light on in this room when we took a nap. I really wonder if the house is haunted or has spirits here that only you can sense. There's a lot of Jesus in the house, so hopefully it's good spirits if they're any around.

Anyhow, the busyness continues. Tomorrow is Tet and Wednesday is Ash. You did good at swim today for being your first time. It might have helped that it was a small group. Luke wasn't as good as you. You're definitely the winner today. Daddy is going to swim tonight too. Please be good to mommy. I'll see you when you wake up on Tet!!!

Happy Birthday

Ayla and Ally. Sorry it's not your birthday. Uncle Art's birthday is Tuesday (Tet). Anyhow, you did okay today. You are getting better. Still have some minor setbacks, but you're getting better at being comfortable when you're uncomfortable. That's good. Don't let life get under your skin.

Sorry about the bloody nose. More sorry that we don't know how it happened. But after some investigation, it might have been a scratch or fall (although we didn't hear anything and sadly the camera didn't capture anything). Tomorrow is daddy daycare and swim lessons. Hope you do well. Update: the blood stains came out, but Uncle Art said we should have kept it on there to scare people...

Happy Birthday Cousin Xavier

WWW. He's getting married. Not sure what will happen to his birthday now since it's also Valentine's Day...Thanks for making a card for mommy. I know you can do more though. Anyhow, I'm sure mommy will still appreciate it. We're going to have a long day today. I know that's not your favorite, but that's the cost of maintaining relationships and personal development.

You're supposed to get a new stripe today at Jiu Jitsu. You've also got treats for them and My Gym (but I think you're trying to skip My Gym). We also have a birthday party for Ong Ban. He always gives you money and his kids are so nice to you. I keep telling you to be nice. Some day being cute and Daddy's kid will not be enough...

Happy Birthday Uncle Han

Also, Friday the 13th....woooo (scary)... You know what's not scary? Feeding yourself. We always know you can do a lot on your own, but unfortunately, you tell yourself and us that you can't do a lot...Oh, this is kinda a random connection to yesterday's blog. Totally unintentional. Anyhow, we really need you to do more for yourself. You're a big boy now. You need to be more independent. 

Mommy and daddy can do what we can, but we want you to be better on your own. It's better for the long run. I can't wait for you to be able to wipe your own booty, but I hear that is going to be a long time from now. Anyhow, thanks for feeding yourself today. 

What You Can

Wisdom is really the best thing you can ask God for. Having resources and opportunities is nothing with the wisdom to know what to do with it. Unfortunately, it's something you have to develop for yourself :(

I don't think it's reasonable to expect anyone to sacrifice themselves or their families and friends for the greater good. To those people, good job.

After our trip to Viet Nam, I realized (along with your Uncle Mario) how truly unfair the world is. I was reminded how truly lucky we are. But I understand, that I am not one of those people who can sacrifice you, mommy, or people I love for the greater good. But I can still do what I can, which is always generally better than doing nothing. It's not much, but I was able to give something to our family in Viet Nam. It's more than just the money though, it's also the gesture. I hope you become super successful in life. I hope you make lots of money. I hope you're able to help lots of people. Do more than I could.

Health

Stay healthy. I remember when I was young, I was always told and felt that I was too skinny. Right now, we worry that you're too skinny. What I didn't know is that my weight doesn't necessarily reflect my health. Your Aunty Rain is much bigger than me, but I can promise you, she's healthier than me. 

If you stay healthy when you're young, it'll make it easier to stay healthy when you're older. I can assure you, that your metabolism will slow down a little (or a lot) when you're older and it won't be as easy to stay healthy. I feel bad we let you eat treats, but hopefully our moderation will prevent you from going overboard. Just like with money, if you do the work early, there's less work to do when you're older.