Fails

We didn't go to Tilden Park today, but we did go to the Zoo. They didn't have a dinosaur exhibit, but they did have dinosaurs spread out throughout the park. We didn't ride the train, but we rode the merry go round, but didn't have our punch cards (we didn't buy new one, but maybe we should have).

Anyhow, that's how life is. You gotta roll with the punches and make lemonade out of lemons. I've mentioned it before and I'll say it again now, it's important to be flexible and to plan. Time and money are limited resources (as well as patience), so you need to make sure you have a plan on how to spend it and have a backup plan(s) on what to do when things don't go as originally planned. I think I'm pretty good at that. I hope you pick up that trait from me...

Sophie's Birthday

Mommy said you were strong and defended yourself today. Good job. Maybe jiu jitsu is working. I hope you don't hold resentment that we didn't have parties for your birthdays every year. We will hopefully have a big one for you next year. We always celebrate as a family, but not always outside the family. It's not that we don't care. 

Doesn't seem like you've added much to your binder of gifts. Which means that others may have to be creative because mommy and daddy will get first dibs at the options in there now. Please know, we'd give you whatever you want, but we know that's not what's best for you. Everything requires moderation. At least this will give you something to look forward to next year :)

Get Up

As you can probably tell, I'm a little behind on my post. I didn't have a great photo or idea for today, but then I had this photo from the future (tomorrow). Life is going to challenge you. It's important that you learn to lose with grace. Learn lessons. Do better next time.

I know we're throwing a lot of activities and things at you right now. It's quite the opposite of what I experienced growing up. I'd like to think that we can do better when we know better. So that's what we're trying to do as parents now. Things we didn't have growing up we want for you. We expose you to all these things in hopes of giving you the best opportunity at happiness and success in life. I apologize in advance as I don't know the results. Just know that we try.

Work Thursdays

I got free food at work today. You know what you got? Classic Uncle Marcus and Ong Ba coming through with the snacks for you.

These portions are actually pretty good. Very small. Obviously, not the healthiest snacks, but it's only a little bit and something. You have good moments of brilliance and bad moments of fail. It's definitely frustrating sometimes. I will try not to let my emotions show the disappointment. This is going to be one of our less busy weekends, unless mommy wants to go somewhere Sunday...

Date Night

For mommy and daddy. Which means, babysitter time for Vinh. You got to hang out with Ms. Sana tonight. You were much better than when we went to the wedding. Anyhow, you've been doing pretty good post not watching YouTube. Thanks.

Sorry mommy didn't want you to to go the movie with us. I heard a baby crying and the theater was empty so you probably could have gone. At least you'll always have at least one day with mommy and daddy every weekend. That's my goal at least. I don't think I can set a specific day, but we'll do our best to always have family time...

Good Job!

I wasn't sure how today was going to go. It's only noon, but I will say the morning well ok. Which is good. You didn't watch any shows and you were pretty okay with it. You even drank the oil mommy wanted you to drink. I hope you have a good day at school today and didn't poop your pants. You'll be happy we don't have to go out tonight (my cousins couldn't make time for us).

Anyhow, it was an enjoyable ride to So. We got to talk and I was able to keep you entertained. That's the real reason I let you watch. I'm sorry I had to take some work phone calls, but I'm glad you were able to be quiet once I told you to. Thanks for making it easy on everyone after the rough waking up. I know it's hard. I'll have to wake you up a little earlier next time so you can have some extra time to acclimate. 

Work, Work

I hope you don't ever feel like I work too much. There's so much I have to do in order to make sure I have time for you and mommy. I work at night and early in the morning so that I have time during the day when you're awake to be with you. Same goes for golf and swimming. I try to schedule it in order to have time with you.

I hope you don't think that I don't value our time together. Please know, that I make sacrifices in the background so that we can have time together in the foreground. That being said. I'm kinda of tired now. I finished 3 loads of laundry this evening. I'm not sure if I'll wake up before you today, but I'll try. That way I can be ready for you when you wake up. Enjoy that you don't have to go to So today. Be nice to mommy.

Sunday (But It Feels Like Saturday)

I still need to get the Tesla washed. You're so smart and cute. I'm sorry you and mommy had some rough moments today and that you got some boo boos. We need to work on both. It seems like mommy has decided that we are staying local tomorrow. Sorry if you wanted to get out :(

You ate good today at KBBQ. Sorry we didn't get you any carbs or veggies, but I'm sure you'll get plenty of that for dinner. Sorry your nap was late too, but we really wanted to make sure you got some sleep and at least you didn't have to go to church *wink, wink*. Anyhow, tomorrow is a bonus day with mommy and daddy. You're probably happy you didn't get to see Ms. Sana for babysitting. Maybe you scared her too much at My Gym today?

Good Job!!!

You showed that meanie who's who's. You did good today except you didn't smile. I guess you're all business. Thanks. I know you didn't want to do it, but you made a lot of people happy and relieved today. It was a rough going to start the evening with Ms. Sana, but it seems like you warmed us after all. I'm sorry she made you sleep, but that's because we asked her to.

I think we're done with weddings for a while. We can all relax now. This might be your only chance to be a ring bearer, but you probably don't care. Anyhow, we're going go have a fun family weekend. You even get to spend Monday with mommy and me. #teamboba

Practice Makes Perfect

I sure hope you bring your A game tomorrow. Don't worry about that mean Aunty. Just remember that you're doing this for Aunty Nhi Hoa. Tomorrow you're going to do amazing. I just know it. I'm not sure what's going on with you and mommy, but I hope you guys can find a way to have more positive moments than negative ones. 

I know you both love each other, but the way you guys fight isn't fun to witness. I think you need to work on your communication skills and also need to be better about not doing things you know you're not supposed to do (i.e. spitting or saying "poop" out of context). You're a very smart cookie. I know you can do better...

Dramatic

You? Mommy? Both? Kids really say the darnedest things. You whined today when we went to get a haircut. I don't like that. We need to have a talk about this. You can't react that way. You've gotten a haircut before. It was easy peasy. Just like your shower/bath today, you didn't cry at all when I shampooed your hair. So we know how good you can be and do things...

You're going to be the ring bearer Saturday. We have practice tomorrow. You need to be on your best behavior. We don't want you ruining their ceremony. It might be cute to you or some people, but I'd rather not have that happen. We're going to need to pep talk you before and practice.

 

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...

Diners

We got to try a new spot today. I don't think mommy was happy that I let you watch. She's be more happy if you ate faster...Anyhow, we head on another Team Boba adventure tomorrow. You get to see your cousins in Maryland. I don't think you've ever met them in person before. Fun times. I'm sorry we won't be able to stay longer or do more. Mommy says we can come back, but I don't think that's gonna happen for a while...

Let's make the most of our 2 full days there (although 1 day is the wedding). So try to have lots of fun and be good on Friday okay? Man, I hope you don't regress again at So too much when you get back. Not sure what's happening the last two drop offs, but you were not happy. We need to talk...

Drive Time

That's what your Uncle Eric likes to do. We had lunch today. We got to catch up and have some good food. We drove around for quite a while. We even passed by mom's work place and your old daycare. But I had to tell Uncle Eric that I needed to go back to work...

In life, it's not about the number of people in your circle or how big your circle is. It's about the quality of your members. Also, life is a cookie jar. You have to refill the cookies occasionally or there won't be any cookies for anyone if all we do is take...

Mondays...

Look who has a case of the Mondays (or the Mommy)...Some days you wake up crying for mommy. See the tears on the pillow? But Tayo fixes that pretty quickly. Anyhow, I'm sorry we didn't win the lottery so mommy has to work early on Mondays and Wednesdays and random other days. Thanks for waking up early though. I was able to drop you off and get to work on time without rushing (I even had time for a potty break).

Now mommy and you are struggling to eat your dinner and you keep asking for me. I guess you only want her when she's not around. WWW for mommy. TL (That's Life is mommy's saying). I bought you some mochi ice cream today. I hope you like it. I don't think you ate that much at the restaurant, so now I'm wondering...

Fish On!

I mean, Happy Mother's Day to your mommy...Did you have fun today? Sure seems that way. Sorry it was so warm. Glad I dressed you in a t-shirt. Today was only made possible because of you. So thank you for making your mom a mommy. She really does love you even though she la you a lot...

It's going to be a fast next few weeks. We have so much going on. It was nice to be able to have an easy day today. Sorry that you were not happy at church this morning. At least you got a donut (and donate to church causes). Anyhow, good nap. Ate okay. I think you're finally asleep. I have to get you up early tomorrow if you don't wake up on your own. Wonder if you hate Mondays like everyone else does...

Mother's Day Eve

You got (2) Mother's Days this year. One today and one tomorrow. You're soooo lucky!!!! I didn't get any photos of you in the pool (because you were rarely in the pool), but look at mommy's statute (tattoo). Isn't it super tute? I'm super excited to be able to print and make my own tattoos for you. I just created a back tattoo for you.

Not sure how big to make it, but now I know how to do it. Anyhow, we really need to work on the whining and the tantrums. I know you don't know how to process your feelings yet, but there's got to be some improvement. You live an easy life, I really wish you knew that and could appreciate it. You're very fortunate...

TGI MF

Play hard, work hard. Balance. Moderation. Blah, blah, blah...As a parent, I want to shield you from all the bad stuff and only expose you to the good stuff. Unfortunately, that's not realistic, it's not healthy, and it's not possible. Which is why you should really accept that life is about give and take. If you happen to get it all, that's great, but remember that getting half is pretty good.

I work early in the morning, late at night, on weekends and holidays and vacations, but it allows me the freedom to go golfing before work. I don't have to mark all my time off. I get to drop you off and pick you up from daycare and when So is closed, I get to open the doors to Daddy Daycare for you. I wish I could have it all, but I'm learning to be okay with what I got. Make juice out of whatever life throws at you son.

Happy Mother's Day

Better early than late right? I think you suffer from my ability not to be able to hold in good stuff because you want to share so much. It's a pretty hilarious card. I'm surprised that you wanted to draw more and I had to stop you. There was only so much space...

Without you, Mommy couldn't be a great mom and I couldn't be a dad. Thank you. I'm sorry I had to smack you, but I hope it works. Have to nip the issues in the bud if possible. Don't forget to wish mommy a happy Mother's Day Sunday okay? Maybe we'll go somewhere for Mommy's Day...

Seis De Mayo

We still didn't have tacos...But someone had chocolates from Uncle Tony. You're doing good, but you can do better. I really hate repeating myself and I think it sucks that mommy has to because she won't smack you. I'm gonna start smacking you rather than repeating myself. I find it funny that Ong and Ba don't like me smacking you, but I'm sure they had no problem smacking me. I recall getting smacked when I stole gum from the grocery store...

I firmly believe that you owe me nothing. It's my responsibility to give you the best life possible and that I owe you. However, I also believe that I only owe you enough to get you started on the life path that is better than my own. I can't take care of you forever. And I'm sure I can't teach you forever. I hope more of the good stuff sticks sooner than later. But I also realize that it's also about me being a good example. I'll work on that. #betterman

Cinco De Mayo

And we didn't have any tacos today. I'm also very tired, but I can't go to sleep yet. I have to wait for you and the laundry. I feel like I get tired around 8PM, but I have to stick it out because you don't sleep until 10PM and I have things I need to do. Nice photo. I don't recognize this truck. Mommy donated a lot of toys today. We also saw a little frog today too. And no you can step on living things...

I hope that you keep your compassion as you get older. The world has a way of sometimes stealing innocence and joy. While the negative things you say may reflect how you feel, you need to find a way to regulate your emotions better. I'll try to be a good example for you. Emotional intelligence is something I can emphasize the importance of to you. You control your emotions, don't let them control you or others control them for you...

Another WWW

At least you woke up early. Unfortunately, you did not have a good transition back to daycare. You actually cried when we got there. WWW. Uncle Tony got you chocolate from Ireland. I can't tell the difference, but it means more chocolate for you. Hope you poop good.

Hopefully, it's a one day and back to the routine for you. Sucks that we're going back to the East Coast in a few weeks. Sorry that it couldn't be a redeye so you're probably gonna be tired. At least we get back earlier on Sunday so you have some time before you have to sleep. Wonder what we can do to make these transitions/returns to reality better for you...

Long Day

It was one for everyone. I got home at 10PM and was up since 5AM. You got home after 1AM and yet you still woke up on time Monday (spoiler alert). You had a safe trip with mommy. I hope she wasn't trying to hide any failures. I have more faith and less stress when you travel alone with Mommy now. Not sure if you want to travel with just Team Matcha Boba, but you can...

Hope you have a great day tomorrow. I'm not gonna hold my breath because it's always a challenge the day after...

Saturday

The group only played one round today. Daddy, Uncle Kevin and Uncle Mario decided to play two rounds. It was the cheapest rounds of the weekend. Glad we played even though I didn't play well. Hopefully, I'll always believe that bad golfing is better than not golfing. The rest of the guys got massages and I heard they were expensive, so golf was a good option. Plus we still got home in time in order to make food for our Awards Dinner.

Uncle Vuong, won the trophy this year. Daddy was not near winning. However, I did find motivation to do better in the future. Golf is a sport you really can't be lazy if you want to score well. I tried for a long time to be lazy, now I need to be serious. I guess that's a good lesson for life. Take things you find important seriously in life. Otherwise, they weren't that important. I need to take my weight and health more seriously....

Buffalo Bound

Great job!!! Hopefully you didn’t annoy anyone. But you’re so cute so maybe it’s okay. I heard you made lots of friends at the airport. I forgot to ask mommy if you ate good, but I see you had another lounge experience and made it safely to Buffalo. 

Sorry that it’s gonna be a long day Sunday and you have to spend time when your frenemies. Hopefully they don’t make fun of you and call you names again. I wish you knew what I know now that it’s okay to not be popular or cool. As long as you’re happy with yourself and you’re not hurting anyone, you’re good. It’s too bad some people don’t like to see people like that happy so it’s important that you learn to defend yourself. #JJ 👊