What A Day...

I went to the dentist and saw Aunty Thuy there. Luckily, I didn't have anything that looked bad in my teeth. Unfortunately, they don't really know, so I'll need to try this fancy mouthwash. Then I saw this crazy bill from Ong's house so I need to figure out what's wrong. I felt bad that I might have worried Ong. Then the internet was out at home. Then I got work that I couldn't work on. So I went to play MJ.

Things started to look up. I won a little. I got a remote for the garage (with the internet out I couldn't open the garage because I gave mommy our only remote). I was able to fix the garage after a lot of work. The cameras work again. I didn't win the lottery, but I figured I should try since things were looking up. You might have a sibling soon. I have the evening free so I might be able to get some work done. Things are getting better. That's how life goes sometimes. You gotta power through the bad to get to the good. Unfortunately, sometimes it takes longer than a day. Look, now I'm caught up on blogging and it's only 8:38PM. The internet is still a little glitchy. I might need a new router...

Rafting

I didn't want to die today. I can't leave you behind on your own. Surprise! I didn't die. I also didn't get any photos as I didn't want my phone to fall in the water. Look at the good times we had when you got home today. Life can be good if you don't make it difficult. Although, I keep hearing that comfort builds weak people. So I'm not exactly sure what to do...

I hope mommy and I don't have to spank or yell at you today, but I'm not naive. I think we're experiencing the terrible 3/4 since we didn't have the terrible 2s...You'll be back to So soon. Maybe that will be good? Although I think you're finally getting used to Champions. There are some nice kids there too. Sorry you'll miss Clarissa, but at least you have Jasmine ;)

Consequences

Today, we went and bought some whooping sticks for you. I think you found too much excitement and enjoyment in it. You're supposed to avoid getting spanked...

(I can spank with my golf clubs?)

We ended up getting bunch of different sticks. Today, you didn't say good bye politely to Uncle Khanh's parents. That's not good. I think I might have to use a belt instead of a stick. Trust me, I do not want to smack you, but it seems like the only thing you respond to. Along with tossing of your toys. You repeat to me the consequences, but you still commit the violations. I don't know what else to do, but we gotta do something...

TL - That's Life

Mommy said she doesn't like IYL as much, so she wants me to use TL. With very few exceptions, mommy gets what she wants. Anyhow, I was chatting with your Aunty Rain and mentioned that "where there's a will, there's a way". Unfortunately, sometimes people lack the will. I hope everyone finds the will to do what needs/wants/can be done. I am finding my will as well.

I don't cook as often as I'd like. It could be called lazy, but it's mostly because I don't want to pack the house with random ingredients that I may only use once. That being said, I have sugar free jello (hopefully the sugar substitutes don't give me dementia) and your mom's greek yogurt, and your frozen blueberries. Look what I made. I hope it's good. I'm trying to get my physical, financial, and mental health together before I turn 50. It's only 5 years away. I want to start now to give myself time, but also to build a habit so it's easier. I hope you can use this as an example that you can do it too. I know you say you can't, but I know you can. Just gotta find your will/motivation (and I don't want to always be negative punishment)...

Artificial Intelligence (Uncle Alex Intelligence)

Maybe I should introduce you to Ara (Grok's AI name on my phone). Artificial intelligence is going to be part of your future whether you want it our not. Having moral objections like your cousins isn't going to change the fact that you're not going to be able to avoid being impacted by AI. We should probably get you use to it. We can all learn together.

I know we use AI for printing images for you, but that's only the tip of the iceberg. I pray that you don't become a victim of AI, but that's probably a risk whether or not we expose you to it. AI is definitely more patient than mommy or I can be. We just need to make sure, with all things, we keep an eye on AI and your use of it. Again, forgive our efforts for raising you how we think is best for you.

Golf Win

I know this blog is for you, but I did have a great round of golf today. I guess to piggy back off yesterday, I don't expect to be great at golf, but I still try and I enjoy my time when I'm out there. I think that's how you/we need to view your activities. While you may not be good at soccer, it allows you to interact with other kids and work on new skills. Jiu Jitsu has the side effect of teaching you discipline and some defense. Swimming, teaches you to swim. My Gym is like soccer.

So even though we know you don't exactly enjoy the activities, they're good for you (even if you're not good at them). I guess in hindsight, mommy and I turned out just fine without doing any activities growing up, but that's because we didn't have the opportunity and times were different. We believe we know better now and have the means to give you things we didn't have. I hope we're doing the right thing. I hope you forgive us for trying. Wonder when mommy is going to notice my new golf head cover...

Soccer WWW (Win, Worry, Womp)

You did not do good at soccer today. We may be wrong for being hard on you while you're on the field. However, that doesn't change the fact that you really need to do better. We really don't expect or need you to be the next Messi (or Ronaldo), but we really do need you to try and listen to your coach. We need to find a way to get you to recover quicker from your fails and disappointments. You tell us all the time that it's okay to lose, but it doesn't seem like you take your own advice.

We also need to work on your communication skills. You often yell, but I get that sometimes it's frustrating when you're not heard. You scared the coaches today when you said you "cut yourself". You told me "you're dead". You really need to be more thoughtful about what you say because words have consequences. Not sure how we're going to work with this. At least you don't saw "pee" or "poop" as much out of context anymore... 

Staying Alive

I had bloodwork done a few days ago. Today I went to the doctor to go over the results. They weren't bad, but they weren't great. That normally wouldn't concern me, but since I became your father, I've had to look at life a little differently. Even though I love a lot of people in my life, all of them should be fine without me and I'm not really responsible for them. I'm responsible for you. I hope you forgive me.

Coincidentally, the doctor is pregnant and expecting her 2nd child. I'm sorry we haven't been able to give you a sibling, but know, we're working on it and hoping the 3rd time is a charm. I will also be working on improving my health so that I can be around as long as I can (or you need/want me). 

Personal Space

Today Miss Andrea let us know that they're teaching you about personal space. I guess I was caught off guard because it's been a while since we heard anything. I'm guessing it's because the nuns aren't saying anything. I'm glad you're comfortable enough to be in Miss M's personal space, but you need to learn about respecting others' personal space.

We're not sure how to teach you, but we're going to try. It's kind of our own fault for not having boundaries with our space with you. Like all things, it's going to be different, but it's best for the long term. I'm writing this in the morning and you're not having a good morning. I keep telling you, it's okay to feel how you feel, but it's not okay to act how you act...

Mr. Independent

Your birthday just continued on. You got more presents and your own cookies. I know we spoil you. Heck, everyone spoils you. I don't know how we're going to get you to be better and independent, but we have to try. You're not going backwards, you're growing up. We can wipe your chim or brush your teeth for you much longer. I don't know how long before you can wipe your own booty.

I know you're used to having us around and helping you, but you need to learn to be more independent. I know I might be sad (I don't think so, but mommy maybe) when you finally are doing things yourself. Try to treat our help as a bonus and not a regular thing okay? Don't take things for granted.

That's Life...

Mommy doesn't like it's your life. Sorry you're not feeling well today. Can't remember the last time you passed out and it wasn't nap time. It was like 4:30PM. I probably wouldn't normally let you nap, but given your fever this morning and your arm being sore, I figured it'd be okay. Mommy can wake you up when you get home if you aren't already up. I need to work anyways and I picked you up from Champions early today so you could be home (I still need to work).

Anyhow, mommy will be home soon. You can open your last gifts from Aunty Rain. Maybe you can even have another cookie (she made you your own bag so mommy doesn't eat all yours). I'm sorry Champions doesn't have the same toys (good ones) that So has supposedly (that's why you told me you didn't want to go to Champions today). I really hope you don't get too attached to Champions and can't adjust back to So in 2 weeks. I'm also worried what's going to happen when you have to start school. Ahhh, growing pains for reals. God helps us all! 

PS, apparently you don't like marbles anymore. That was fast...

Marbles

You discovered them today, but little did you know, you often lose your marbles and it's not good.

I'm getting really tired of having to deal with your outbursts. You told the doctor today that you know a lot. I agree, you know a lot. It's because you know a lot that I know you know better than to act the way you do. You often say you can't do something or you're tired. I think, it boils down to you not having the right motivation. I tried quarters, but now I think we have to try something else. We failed as parents because we were not willing to do the difficult things early on to make our lives easier now. But if we don't do the difficult things now, your future will be in jeopardy. Like I said. We try our best as parents. Hope you turn out amazing and forgive us...

WW World Cup

Today started off good. I had an excellent round of golf. I sure hope that you and I are able to spend golf together and that you enjoy it. I don't want you to just golf for me. You also did good (not great) at swimming and eating today and now you're napping. We need to wake you up soon. Sorry we couldn't see the Trans or the Phans today, but mommy wanted to enjoy the game at home.

She's probably sad that her team lost today. I hope you're nice to her. Tomorrow we go back to Champions. You had an extra day off last week. Please do good tomorrow and beyond. Only 2 more weeks left and you're back to So. I really hope you don't have a difficult transition. I know it's hard and you can't do a lot...

We Tried

Today wasn't your birthday, but I want you to know that mommy and daddy are trying hard to give you a sibling. We tried again today. Hopefully it was your birthday wish and your prayer to Duc Me today that you'll get a healthy and happy baby sibling. Fingers crossed. While, I'm totally fine with just you, I think you'll want someone to grow up with and grow old with when mommy and daddy are not around. While I don't have strong bonds with my siblings, I have some bonds. Your mommy has super bonds with hers, so I think you would probably want some too.

If not, you got plenty of cousins...Man you have a big head and lots of hair. Maybe it's time for a haircut. Or we can grow it out like the kid at Jiu Jitsu today. Sorry you missed your soccer game and were a little late to Jiu Jitsu. Hopefully, you enjoyed your time with Miss Liz and this 3rd try will be a charm. I saw this bumper sticker as I was driving today and it said "I hope something good happens to you today" Me too. Me too...Bonus picture. Sorry you can see the sticker, I didn't want to get into a car accident...

You're Finally Four

Can you believe it? You're not three anymore. I hope you had a great birthday today. I still have some more presents for you. Little stuff. Are you happy with all presents you got from our friends and family? I'm sure there's more to come. 

I also opened up a Trump Account for you. Sorry you were younger so you could get the $1000, but maybe you'll still get the $250. In any case, my goal is that you're never short of money for the things you need and have money for the things you want. I'm not sure if our quarter lessons have taught you anything about the value of money, but I hope that's something you learn. Money isn't everything, but it's a lot of things. Anyhow, I wish you a happy fourth birthday and many more birthdays to come. And less growing pains :)

Birthday Eve

Tomorrow is your birthday. Today was another day at Champions. You still don't want to go. You also didn't want a present to eat a wrap today. You told daddy "I tried it and I don't like it" when I asked you to eat the cheese your mommy packed. You're growing up. And growing more frustrating...

We had it pretty easy up until now. I think if we had made it a little harder, we'd be better off now? We'll never know. Anyhow, we can't reminisce on what could have been. We need to work on what is and how we can get to where we want to be. You're very smart. You are capable of doing better. I wish I didn't have to motivate you all the time. Just today, you were able to clean up all your toys (after I threatened to clean them into the garbage...). I hope you have another amazing year of life (and many more). I also hope it's a year of you growing better. Lord hear our prayer...

Tough Lessons

Results are often about finding the right motivation or dismotivation. We've tried hard to motivate you with positivity, but it seems like that has hit a road block. Now we have to move onto negative reinforcement. You were not super nice to Miss Sana and she brought you a birthday gift.

Now we have to start taking stuff away from you and giving you a pop. You're a smart kid. I sure hope you don't have ADHD. We need to make sure we nip the bad behavior in the bud. I told your Aunty Ari and Uncle Chris to set the expectations early. It could be painful and messy, but it makes a big difference later on. Now you have to learn the hard way. Hopefully you learn fast.

Daddy Daycare - With Bonus

You're currently napping now. Good job. Sorry you poked your own eye and tried to blame daddy. Video evidence doesn't lie. Did you have fun at the Museum today? Seems like you did. It's kind of far, not sure if it's worth being a member. Plus it so busy. I don't know how the Bonus time with daddy will go today (I think it'll be okay). I'm sorry the drive in movie is so late so we can't do that.

Probably just hang out at home since you still need to eat and shower and brush and go to bed early even though you probably won't sleep early. Tomorrow will be the first day at Champions when school is in session. I'm not sure if it will be more chaotic or what to expect. I'll still feed you breakfast and pack you lunch, but we should try to leave the house by 815A in case there's traffic. Daddy has to be in the office tomorrow so I don't want to be late for that :)

Present "A"

See. I told you. You can do it. But you just don't want to. You did very good at soccer today. Almost 100% good enough. Just minus points for the time you spent picking flowers. I won't even dock you for the times you didn't get behind the line when the coach told you to. I did notice that coach was super nice to you today. I wonder why. I also notice that "Matsen" wasn't doing that well today...

Also, great job with Ms. Sana today. Although your nap was a little short. Anyhow, this just makes it more frustrating when you fail since I know success is possible. Anyhow, save some good vibes for Daddy Daycare with Bonus tomorrow okay?

You Can Do It Too...

It's just about the motivation. Look, mommy can cook. It's just about the motivation. That's why it's so frustrating when you tell me you can't do something. When in reality, it's just that you're not motivated enough to do it. That's a more accurate statement, but I guess to your developing mind, it's the same thing. It just gets old having to motivate you with negativity. It seems to be the more effective motivation.

There's a saying addition by subtraction. It seems that's what works for Vinh. Hopefully, you'll learn to be motivated by positivity again or better motivated. Although, if we took away all your stuff, the house would be a lot more organized and clean...

Nothing

Maybe it’s better if you have nothing. You did not participate at soccer today. Worse than that was that you didn’t listen to Coach when he told you where to go and what to do. We don’t expect you to be good at soccer, but we do expect you to listen and participate. 

Maybe using words and being nice is not the way to raise you. I don't know if Aunty Jeanette got lucky or if it's just you, but it's not working. So today, we're going to show you consequences. I had to spank you already. You haven't gotten to watch as much and I had to "take away Alice". This can be the end or the beginning. You can decide. You can do better...

Team Milk Tea Boba on the Road

Plans change. That's why it's important to be flexible. We had to waste a few gallons of gas instead of electricity and about an hour, but now we get to eat and spend time with your best friend Sophie. Aunty Kim is so nice to you too.

I'm not saying you need to always change your plans, but rather be flexible to change them when it makes sense. I hope we didn't buy too many cupcakes, but like with food and things for other people, it's always better to error on having too much, rather than not having enough. Just like it's better to be on time, rather than being late. Obviously, being on time and having exactly enough food would be great, but that's not the way life tends to work. Spoiler, we have too many cupcakes.

Everything

That's basically what you got or have access to. Definitely more than any kid your age could want or need. You even asked me the other day why you have so many toys. LOL. Anyhow, this is a visual reminder of what you have available to you. I didn't have any snacks growing up. Not to mention, healthy ones that are good like this. Although, I feel like food wasn't as processed when I was young as it is now.

Today you ate your hotdog, but you didn't eat the bun. I guess you don't like peaches. I wish you like more food that was good for you and ate food quicker without drama. I guess I can't have everything (or anything). I told mommy to give you less bun tomorrow. The teacher will try to encourage you to eat your food instead of the lunch snack as well. Sorry, we forgot to buy strawberries today, but we got waffle bowls for your ice cream party, although you didn't seem to like waffle bowl at ColdStone...

Noo Noo

Welp, at least we know you always eat noodles fast. Maybe we need to find a way to have you eat soup everyday? I wonder if that's bad for you. I mean, the broth can be made healthy and it's just noodles and meat. Will you eat broccoli in the soup? And you eat it so fast...

Something to think about. Uncle Dai says you can always eat free if you go to his restaurant. Just another reminder that you're very blessed to have loving and giving people in your life. He also said that you don't look like me. Which is good, because I know that your mom is better looking than me. Please eat your hotdog tomorrow okay?

Not Eating...

That's 2 days in a row you didn't eat your main dish at Champions. I'm sorry you fell yesterday, but I don't know your reason/excuse for today. You didn't even know the reason. You immediately apologized to me when I picked you up so I hope you know that it's not good that you didn't eat. I don't care about the money wasted on the premium food we get you. I care about you getting enough nutrients so you can develop into the best you.

I don't know how to motivate you to eat, but we're trying. I need you to eat tomorrow, not apologize. Plus you're gonna need your energy for swimming. Anyhow, I fixed the old bicycle for you. It was a lot of work. I hope you enjoy it eventually. I might have to put the training wells back on. This would have been a lot easier if we had all the right tools. Although, it probably doesn't make sense to have them since we rarely use them...

Manic Mondays

You did not do good at soccer today. Mommy was comforted by coach's wife that said Matsen wasn't good last year either. We don't know what you're going to like or enjoy, but we have to try everything. You're a smart kid, but you can't spend all your time indoors and at home, especially if it's just playing and watching shows.

It's important that you stay active. There's a small chance you might be good enough to play a sport that will help your future. Even if you don't become pro, you should develop discipline and relationships. And hopefully you won't be fat like your mommy and daddy...

Zoo-pendus

And then we ate. You ate okay, but it wasn't great. Aunty Rain wants us to support this restaurant because she likes it and wants them to stay in business. Mommy seems to like it too and they were full while we were there. That's a good sign.

We got you a train card at the zoo today so you can ride the new train next time. We also got you an ambulance that you named "Alice". You still owe me lots of quarters for your recent toys. Anyhow, I hope you enjoyed your long weekend with your family. It's back to Champions (not So) tomorrow...

Happy 250th Birthday to America!!!

I think one of the most important roles I have as a father to you is to give you the tools to be the best Vinh you can be. I don't know everything. I can't remember everything. What I can do is share with you what I do know or remember. In this case, I came across this post. I think it's very helpful and accurate.

It's funny because one of the reasons I started this blog was to leave advice for you in case I wasn't around. I remember seeing this video series on YouTube of this dad making videos of things people should know and if they didn't have a dad to ask, they could watch the video. I hope to be around for as long as you need me, but unfortunately, there are things that are outside of my control. Anyhow, on America's 250th birthday, here are something things I hope will help you as you approach your 4th birthday and beyond. Posting a little early today. Hope we have a great 4th. I ordered new inner tubes for your bike. Hope that works. Good job balance biking yesterday. Bonus photo...

July "4" th

On the 3rd...I'm sorry it was so busy and sweaty today, but the water was cold. I guess everyone is off today too (even though the State is working). It seems like you like Lake Tahoe when we got home, but you weren't super enthusiastic on the way there. 

It looks like the Tesla can make it without stopping to charge as well. Although, the use of AC could play a factor. Are you excited you don't have any activities this weekend? I'm sorry mommy is trying to fill it with other things to make up. I know you just want to stay home. Not sure if you'll have to go to church tomorrow or not, but I will stay home with you if you want. It's America's 250th birthday tomorrow you know. We need to safe our energy in order to celebrate properly. I think mommy wants to go to Bac Minh's tomorrow. At least if you go, there shouldn't be too many people there....

You Take Ages

Doesn't sound good right? Welp, it doesn't sound good when you say it to mommy and daddy either. We don't take ages, but you do. What it boils down to is time and how it's spent. When things are important to you and you want to get back to it, it seems like everything that is in your way takes too long. But when it's something you don't like, you take to long to avoid it...

Right now, you're not even four years old yet, but you're smart enough to know better. I know your emotions are still being developed and so is your intelligence, so I'll give you some grace. But life is about doing things you don't want to do as well as things you want to do. What's important is that you give both the same effort, even if it's not the same enthusiasm. Imagine if I treated being your daddy like you treat eating dinner *wink, wink*...

You're A Champion

Oops, I meant you're "at" Champions child care. You survived. It seems like you did okay and had fun. Even Clarissa from So was there. It might have been nice for you to start Edna Batey this school year so you can begin meeting lifelong friends, but mommy wanted you to stay at So for another year. We may never know which decision is better, but I hope it works out for you. I think you miss So because it's familiar. Hopefully this isn't going to mess you up by having you get used to Champions and then going back to So...

Surprise, I won't make you pay me 5 quarters for this toy, but I also won't pay you any quarters for today. I think that's still a win for you. Maybe we'll go to the store tomorrow. I think we'll have to go to Costco. I'm glad you didn't have a bad day today at daycare. Hopefully the month will go off without a hitch. *pray*