Cousin Ansar

Dadi. You got to meet great people today. Hopefully you’ll get to see them sooner and more often. Thanks for being relatively good. You make us look like good parents. 

Hopefully all the snacks today won’t ruin your future and will be sufficient nutrition for today. Everyone loves you. Be nice !!!

Boba Time

Not time for a drink, but our lives being controlled by a little boy nicknamed Boba. Today I was a little late for work. Fortunately, mommy made it to work on time. It’s my fault for being to aggressive with my time management. I need to build more time in. Fortunately, mommy made it to work on time, which is more important.

I don’t know how much forcing you to be on our time will do, so mommy is still on the fence about that, but the sooner you get with the program the better. Being cute will only take you so far…

Fresh and Clean

Someday you’ll learn to clean your own stuff. Until then, I’ll make sure your clothes and bedding and room are clean for you to sleep in.

Now I just need you to sleep fast and eat better. That’s the best “thank you” that you can give me 🙏.

Mommy and Vinh

“Stay with Vinh” is what you told mommy when she told you to go to sleep tonight. You guys were yelling back and forth. It was so funny and cute to watch.

Anyhow, you can’t keep making mom yell at you. You need to be better about acting right we don’t need to raise our voice. I’d prefer you listen to us because you love us, but maybe we’ll have to use fear instead…

You = Vinh

Sometimes you say “you”, you mean “Vinh”. Anyhow, you seemed to have a good day back to school today. Maybe it’s cause I let you watch a little tv before we left? But it was the last time ok?

Right now you’re in the bath and you’re tell me, “Vinh  gội đầu himself”. I don’t think you realize that now mommy has to wash your hair. I’m assuming she also washed it yesterday. WWW.

Yelling

Does it work? I know threatening something you want works. Not sure the best way for you to understand. We don’t hit you so we have to find other ways. Grandpa and grandma used to just smack me…

I wonder what Uncle and Aunty do with Z. I’ll ask. You’re very smart. You should be able to do better. Just need to find the key to your success…

We’re Home

Almost 7 days after we left (6 days, 23 hours, 21 minutes). I hope you had a good time. No one said it, but everyone appreciates you being there. It wasn’t your trip, but your presence was essential.

You probably won’t know the difference, but you got to eat really good food this weekend too. Back to the grind now. Please adjust quickly. 🙏 

You’re So Smart

That’s why it’s frustrating sometimes when you do things that aren’t so smart. Tomorrow is the last day with your family. I hope you and they get to enjoy each others’ company.

Please behave on the ride home. Mommy isn’t the best at dealing with you. Being cute isn’t enough, sorry. It’s back to school tomorrow so please make sure you rest up too. Love you Boba.

Be Better

That should be your mantra, or at least one of your top ones. I know you’re just 2 and a half years old, but you’re very smart. You know better. And because you know better, you should be able to do better.

Even if you’re younger than other kids, it’s okay to be a good example for them. I don’t want to have to put you in any time outs this trip and I want to make sure your family and you can enjoy each others’ company.

No It’s Really Vinh and Daddy

Thanks for falling back asleep and not peeing in your pants on the short drive back from the “library”. Also sorry it’s so hot in this house, but you won’t take your shirt off. You made me wear one too…

I know most of our time together one of us is usually sleeping or getting ready for school or the gym, but those are all important parts of your development. I will try to spend more time “playing with Vinh” too.

Daddy and Me

I’m your father first. And only after being your father can I be your friend. Our relationship will be a lot easier if you can remember that and behave. 

Life is always gonna throw lemons at you. My best advice I can give you and try to determine if anything can be done. If not, accept it and move on and remember what to do or not do next time. If something can be done, then do it and move on. Don’t spend your life carrying around 🧳…

Universal Studios

Did you have a good time today? I’m sorry you didn’t get to nap too long today, but I appreciate you cooperating today for the most part. Sorry the ride were so scary, but you were very brave today.

Not sure if you ever want to come back, but I hope not. We did not enjoy it at all today. You probably would have had more fun at a park. 🛝 

Tourist Things

We’re tourists here so that’s what we will be doing this week. I know it’s a kink in your schedule that you can’t  nap in your own bed. I appreciate that you slept a little today. You need to be better behaved because it’s dangerous out there.

Remember that you don’t see this family very often in person so you really need to appreciate the time you have with them here. They appreciate their time with you.

Ayla’s Birthday 🎂

Another day, another celebration. Although, every day is a celebration of God’s blessings. We are fortunate that we have the chance to celebrate with our family and friends.

I know you’re just a baby, but I hope you’ll learn to celebrate others like you celebrate yourself. Life isn’t a zero sum game. Remember that and try to find a win-Nguyen.  

Allyson’s Birthday 🎂

Hope you had a good time today. You had 2 accidents so I assume so? Hopefully it’s not a sign of a long term regression. Daddy is gonna take some time to reset before our trip south.

I always have to remember that you didn’t choose to be here. It’s my responsibility to make sure you have the best chance at a great life, even if it kills me. Hopefully, I’ll be better for you alive. 🙏 

Happy Valentine's Day

You got more candy and treats today than you did on Halloween. Thanks for drawing a card for mom. I think she really liked it. 

There’s a good photo of you at My Gym with a big Valentine balloon. But I can’t find it now. Mom has it in her blog so maybe she can show you. Your vacation begins today. I hope you have a good time so that mommy and everyone else can have a good time…

Terrible Twos?

That's what everyone tells me to worry about. I’m not sure if that’s what you’re going through now, but it sucks either way. It’s not as bad as they make it out. But it’s not a picnic either.

I’m gonna work on not being mad or yelling at you. But I’m also gonna work on being firm and not negotiating. Sorry in advance, but it’s for your own good.

No Wipe

Can you stop wiping your face? You’re making your skin so dry and might mess up your beautiful skin long term. Rosy cheeks are cool if they’re natural or if you’re sick, but not if your skin is rough and itchy.

Good job eating today. However, your peeing needs work. You need to pull your pants all the way down, scoot back and point your chim down. Okay?

AI Daddy

I hope you don’t need it, but that’s an idea I heard about on a podcast today. Hopefully I’ll be around long enough to give you all the foundation you need to develop into a wonderful human being. 

One that is helpful and will make the world a better place. Hopefully I can do that much for you. 🙏 

Peace ✌️

IIWII, IYKYK. I can’t make you eat. I know this will also pass. I just hope that it won’t affect your development in a bad way. You don’t eat enough…

But I can’t yell at you. I can only tell you calmly that it makes me very sad. I hope you learn soon that your words are your bond and when you say something, you need to do it. I can’t eat your leftovers anymore. Gogi berries taste terrible…

Super Fail Sunday

At least we tried right? Maybe third time will be a charm? 

We need to get you better gear for sure. Thanks for accepting our bribe for the 2nd attempt today.. Everyone says if we bring friends you’ll be more enthusiastic? Maybe we will have to invite someone. Will anyone work?

Baby Sister Again…

Today everything went as planned. Except Vinh didn’t take a long enough nap and daddy couldn’t find dishwasher tablets at Ong Ba’s house (also daddy didn’t get to 🏊 and we were slightly late to church). Good job.

And now you drank the water from 🛀…anyhow, hopefully The Virgin Mary hears your prayers today. You made it pretty clear. “Baby Sister” although it be easier if we had a baby brother for you, I’ll take a healthy baby girl for you. 🙏 

Lottery and Baby Sister

Today we were driving home and I asked you to ask Chua if Daddy can win the lottery. You said you did. Then you asked me where Chua was. I told you that Chua is everywhere and will protect you. Then you said you wanted a baby sister. 

So I told you to ask Chua. Then I asked you if you asked Chua for daddy. You said yes. And I asked you if you asked Chua for Baby Sister. You said yes. I hope

God answers at least one of your prayers and I’m okay if it’s for a baby sister. 🙏 

Daddy Play With Me

Does this mean that you’re aware of your loneliness now? It’s very sad for daddy to hear that if so. I will gladly play with you because you don’t have a sibling. I’m sorry that you’ll be waiting a long time and may wait forever…

Just know, you’ll never be short of love. You’ll never be alone. You may not just have a blood sibling. It’s in God’s hands now. 🙏 

Bigger Boy

Than yesterday (cause you’re growing everyday). Your mentality needs a little help though. Although there’s been so much focus on you sleeping, I’d prefer it more if you could feed yourself and eat well.

I don’t mind sleeping with you until you realize that you can and should sleep alone. Anyhow, I’m sorry about your face. I don’t know what happened, but I hope you’re okay and that it doesn’t happen again. Let’s keep working on the sleeping and eating. 🙏 

Big Boy

You’re a big boy now. It’s time to act like it. Mommy and daddy will help you.

Doctor says we need to let you feed and sleep on your own. We also need to get you away from the screen. Sorry we’ve spoiled you so far. We were lazy and soft parents. We need to be better so you can be better. Don’t hate us, cooperate with us 🙏.

Puddles and Pockets

You’re doing this new thing where you’re putting your hands in your pockets. It’s pretty cute. You’re starting to develop a personality like your uncle Peter said you would. Sometimes it can be a very frustrating personality to deal with.

Today you also hopped in the puddle in the garage on the way to daycare and the way home. As a bonus, you’re putting your mommy’s lipstick on. Why can’t you do the same with your chapstick? 😮‍💨 

Daddy Daycare: Sunday Edition

It’s not as cool cause everyone else is not working too. Well except mommy. She’ll be home soon. We had a great day today. No issues. Well except daddy having to sleep with you so you can nap longer. Small problem to have I guess. 

You may have slept too long in total, but hopefully it’s good for you. I’m gonna get up soon so you can get up too. Let’s see if the opposite happens 😂.

Road Trip

And you didn’t have an accident. 🥳 you weren’t the best behaved, but it wasn’t too bad. There’s still room for improvement. Woman

You overcame your fear of lions 🦁. You had a decent lunch. You got complimented by lots of people. You even got 🧧 from a stranger. So all in all, it was a good time. Sorry we couldn’t stay longer and you didn’t get your naps in. We need to plan better next time.