Just Because

Dear Khoa & An,

It has been so long since Mommy has written to my two favorite people in the world. Life is busy with work and taking care of two kids, so I have decided that I will try to make entries during my lunch breaks at work so that later on, we all can have something to reflect upon and treasure. I don't know whether I will be able to commit to the task, but I will try my best.

My dear Khoa, today is your second day back at Stratford after a week long of Spring Break. You had so much fun during your week off. We went fishing at a lake in Pleasanton one day, to the Emma Prusch park where you and I spend a lot of time on the slide and tractor pretending. You have so much fun with the pretend game and were just so happy. I love to see you happy - it makes all these hard work so worth it.  Our family also went tidepooling at Moss Beach in Half Moon Bay where you and your sisters had so much fun looking for the sea creatures and playing with sand.  You two were not very patient so we didn't get to see many animals, but you both love playing in the sand, jumping up and down, playing with dump trucks and tractors. Being near the ocean made us all happy and uplifted, so we will try to make more beach trips.  We also practiced bicycling on some days; you were so excited and went so fast the training wheels felt apart. I wish I could spend all the days playing with you and seeing your infectious and beautiful smiles on your handsome face.  Lately, you like to call yourself "Anh Hai Minh Khoa Spiderman Nam Windlifter". It is the most awesome name ever - it tells us exactly what your favorites things in the world (spiderman, airplane). The Nam part is because you are convinced you are already five years old. 

We had a rough night with your first day back at school. You cried a lot and didn't want to go to sleep even though you were so tired (you had decided to resist nap at school). It pains Mom and Dad to see you so overtired, and we keep praying that this nap resistance stage will be over soon and our happy son will be returning to us.  When you throw tantrums, you cry a lot and won't listen to anything we say, so we just try to listen to your crying until you calm down and realize what's happening. 

My beautiful An: you are ever so much more inquisitive and opinionated. You know exactly what's going on around you and have an opinion about everything. We cannot fool you with anything.  If there was ever a strong-willed child, you would rank on the top list. Once you form a decision, there is nothing that can convince you otherwise. You just had a rough week with a viral infection/cold and an eye infection. You went to four different doctors all within one week, so often that you don't get intimidated at the doctor's office anymore. You follow exactly what the doctor asks you to do and don't even give a tiny cry. We also celebrated Mommy's birthday where you and Anh Hai had so much blowing the candles and cutting cakes.  Lately, you really love your monkey blanket. You remain so very picky at what you will eat (and eat very very little). You remain a very good sleeper (napping for three hours with Mommy and taking about 10 hours sleep at night). You still love to breastfeed even though I have been trying to get you to stop. I think it is your immediate source of comfort. You love bac Mai more than anyone in this world and I am so happy that you do. She loves you so much and both Mommy and Daddy are so glad we have found such a wonderful person to take care of you.  You also have developed a love of book which I am very happy about. I don't have as much time to read to you as I did with your brother.

I will go now. Hugs and kisses to my beautiful angels. I love you very much and think about you every single moment.

Mommy