Father Fail

I'm sorry that I'm not a great cook like all the other daddies you see around. I'm not picky about what I cook and I guess I never really took the time or interest to learn how to cook. It's something that I regret, like not knowing how to swim. Fortunately, at this age, your tastebuds don't care too much. Even when we take you to fancy restaurants, you're not that interested in the food...

Aunty Rain told me that her son, Dom, is interested in learning to cook a steak. The picture looks better than it tastes probably. Maybe we can learn to cook together. I can't swim and we can't really learn to swim together. Anyhow, don't think I don't feel bad about this failure. I think, if time permits, I will learn to be better, but right now, the only time I have is work, chores, and Vinh/Mommy...

"Parents try our best, we pray our kids will forgive us."

Doctor Vinh

You're not a doctor, yet...but we went to the doctor today. Sometimes I think mommy worries too much, but I guess it's better to error not the side of safety. There's nothing the doctor can check and he didn't see any worrying signs. We just need you to stay hydrated and eat more vegetables. Good job eating the green beans today and pooping when you got home. Sorry it was pebbles...

I hope it's not true that Eli doesn't like or play with you. But it's also possible that he's only nice to me. It was funny that you said he doesn't love you and Jasmine loves you. Sometimes you are very funny. Kids really do say the darnedest things...

You Can Do It

By which, I mean that you can come back from vacation (time away from So) and not regress. Maybe it's because you came from an earlier time zone. Maybe it's because I gave you a pep talk last night? Maybe it's because you woke up and had to go poop. Who knows, but it's possible.

You were even first to So today and we didn't even have to rush. Mommy said you were good when she picked you up too. I'm sorry you have a doctor's appointment tomorrow, but sometimes we just gotta do what mommy says so she'll feel better even if we don't get it. At least it's only costing us a little time and money. Both of which are mine. You're probably happy to not have to go to So early. I might have to feed you breakfast and then take you to So later...

 

Home At Last

I tried to get you out of church, but mommy really wanted you to go, so much so that she went to mass twice today. It wasn't your best mass attendance, but I'll get you a pass since you just got off a 5 hour plane ride straight to the church. Thanks for eating decent at dinner. Again, I hate letting you watch, but it helps get the results we want.

It's back to So tomorrow. If history has been any indicator, we're in for some drama. I will see if we can get you to bed sooner. Have a pep talk. Whatever we can do to make tomorrow a normal (not sad) day for your at daycare. Please work with us. It looks like we have a doctor's appointment for you Tuesday. Sorry...

Mr. and Mrs. Olon (Xavier and Sally)

Today was the big day. Aren't you so cute in your suit? Thanks for eating a little and dancing (albeit, Aunty Tuyen had to scare you). I feel bad sometimes that I let you watch the phone, but it's a balancing act with getting results and having the best intentions.

We'll need to work on your frisbee throws. Also, closing your eyes doesn't mean people can't see you. It just means that you can't see them. We have a long day tomorrow as well. Sorry you couldn't get more sleep tonight. We're not just wedding guests, we're also the wedding crew. Maybe it's good that you'll get to be home for Aunty Nhi Hoa's wedding...(after the ceremony that you're part of)

Finley, But Not Finley

This little girl reminded me of Fin Fin Chop. She has the same smile too. Fortunately, you seem to get a long with her and she with you. I hope you find lots of fun and new friends while you're here. I think there are some great options and people here for you. It's up to you to make the most of it.

Unfortunately, we've learned that it's difficult to force you to do things. You seem to play alone around other kids a lot. Hopefully that changes too. There's no point of us trying to get you a baby sibling if you're just going to ignore her now is there? Hopefully, we can do that for you. And hopefully you don't have a combative relationship with them like the kids we saw on the plane. 

Willow Pond Circle

Yes, I know that's where you want to be. It is so true that you're the "rich" kids I saw growing up. You just don't know that and aren't able to appreciate it. Look at the face of apathy towards traveling and eating good food and see people and places? I would jump to eat this, but we have to force and bribe you. WWW.

Anyhow, we're headed to Maryland. Yours and mommy's first time there. I hope you guys have an awesome time. It sucks that we're only there for a short period of time and that we're missing the rehearsal dinner, but it's the best your mommy would do. She said we'll come back. Hopefully, sooner than later. Your mom's list of people and places we need to go is growing faster than we can check things off. TL...