Truman leaves for college

We moved Truman into his dorm 17 days ago. 

Mom's first-born child graduate's high school

...and survived to tell about the day.

It begins with Mom arriving at her son's high school graduation.  

First tech job

Did I ever tell you about the time my 16 year old son got his first tech job? It was the summer of 2022 and Truman got paid to code.  

Double digits

My difficult, complex, complicated (wait...all those mean the same...see what I'm dealing with), and BRILLIANT son - turned ten two weeks ago.  I may not be able to carry Truman on my hip but I can still fit him comfortably on my lap. He's still my baby.  Babies still call mom "Mommy" at the end of "I love you". They walk around with shoelaces untied.  They still cry in your arms.  And at night, they kiss you on the lips and want 3 second hugs in which he always counts out loud...1, 2, 3.  He's very precise.  

Go Forrest, run Forrest

I came out for Truman's jog-a-thon fundraiser at school.  Being that I was a high school varsity x-country and track athlete I was anticipating this event all week.

Truman's 2nd grade Open House

"WELCOME" it's open house:

Sometimes I need a little piece of Open House to prove Truman is working his heart out.  I was proud, impressed, and asking, "is this my son???"

Baby #1 turns 4

We recently hosted 19 kids and their parents for Truman's 4th birthday. This year he wanted to invite his whole preschool class! We negotiated and slimmed the list down to his "best buddies" plus family and friends outside of school...and still 19.

It was a fun filled day at the Pierce College Farm Center where we fed animals

Mined for gemstones

Rode a tractor drawn wagon

and planted tomato seeds to take home.

The kids worked up an appetite for pizza

and banana custard filled chocolate cake with whip frosting emulating our wedding cake flavors but with a Vons price tag:

Animal visors were handed out

And kids left with pail filled party favors

Planning Truman's party was especially exhausting and draining this year mainly due to morning sickness and nausea. Carrying baby #3 at 14 weeks hasn't been easy but in the end I pulled off the party. Truman had a great time and all was worth the work for my baby #1.

First Day Jitters Again

First Day jitters set in again just thinking about the separation anxiety I was going to have to endure and the mixed emotions I'll feel when I drop Truman off at school. Waiting all Summer for school to start to have more Mommy time, Presley time, and time to complete my weekly to-do list, this day came much too soon. I couldn't sleep all night thinking about Truman's first day of school. Unfortunately, the sun rose and the First Day began:

Truman started the day off with a hearty breakfast, oatmeal and toast:


I loaded him up with plenty of fiber to avoid going #2 at school. Success...a healthy bowel movement before we left the house. David came along for the big day drop off:


So, I left him in his new Green Room with a final send off of kisses and telling him how proud I was of him. I turned my back and walked away secretly wishing to hear his little feet come running or his little voice come calling me but there was none. I shed some tears outside his class room and peaked one last time at him through the window...still happy and playing with his new toys and new friends.

I missed him all morning and couldn't wait to hear how his day went. He was in the middle of storytime when I arrived at school:

Truman finally saw me, ran into my arms, and told me he missed me so much to never leave him again. Wishful thinking, it was more liked he walked into my arms and told me, "school was so fun."

Full Set of Hair

When I was pregnant with Truman, picking out a pediatrician was one of the many preparations I made before his arrival. I'd be visiting this pediatrician every couple of weeks in Truman's first month and then every couple of months throughout his first year. Obviously, a convenient office location would make my life a little easier. But what I found out that no one told me was picking out a hairstylist was just as essential since I'd be making many trips to the salon.

Truman was not only born 7 lbs. 8 oz. and 21 inches long but he was blessed with a full mane of hair...dark, course, and spiky. Here he is at 8 weeks with his stylish mo hawk:

By 6 months of age, I hadn't found anyone to cut Truman's hair so we let Katrina, my hair dresser of like 8 years do his "First haircut":

He cried and was a bit squirmy. I decided it was time to find him a personal hair stylist of his own. I sought out a popular kids salon with toys and balloons, home movie theater, free games & cookies, and clever little haircutting chairs to ease him into making the transition. Then that hairstylist left after he grew so accustomed to German engineering:

Finally, I came across Carmen through referrals on a Mommy blog. Truman has built a great rapport with Carmen these last 2 years. He may not offer all the bells & whistles and fancy sports car chairs like the last kids salon. But what's important is Truman loves getting his haircut and always looks forward to see Carmen on his apt days. Now and then Carmen will spike his hair just like how he looked at 8 weeks old:

Big Boy Birthday

Truman just had his 3rd birthday at Pacific Park on the sunny Santa Monica Pier. It was a perfect party day on the ocean surrounded by family and close friends. He had a blast. I was so impressed how brave he was going on all the big boy rides some more than once. It's definitely been what I call "Big Boy" year. Here are some examples:

You're such a big boy drinking from a big boy cup and using a big boy fork and spoon.
You're such a big boy sleeping in a big boy bed.

You're such a big boy taking a shower like a big boy.

You're such a big boy using the big boy potty.

You're such a big boy getting a big boy haircut.

You're such a big boy eating in a big boy chair now.

The latest big boy video, "You're such a big boy swimming by yourself with big boy floaties."

We topped off the birthday weekend at Benihana where Truman had his first big boy teppanyaki birthday dinner..."You're such a big boy for using big boy chopsticks".

Happy Birthday my love...I'm so proud of you for all your big boy accomplishments.

Just Like Daddy

I was surprised to hear that David actually reads my blogs at work during his free time and no time. I'm sure hearing my voice through my words and seeing pictures of Truman and Presley is a comfort to his stressful day, a reminder why he works 30 miles away, and gives much reason to make it home for dinner. So, I dedicate this blog to you my Honey for taking time out to read this today, tomorrow, or whenever you get a chance at work.

   

I love this picture I took of you and Truman at your office. It is a glimpse into the future of the kind of man I know Truman will grow up to be: an independent thinker, strong-willed, responsible, and accountable. He will have a fiery heart full of passion for his beliefs, values and views on the world. I know all this to be true because I see how much he is and wants to be just like Daddy.

It's too early to sense if Presley will have more of me or you in him but looks likes he takes after me in having a good sense of fashion for stripes:

This is all I have time to write for today. I hear both your boys waking up. I love you and can't wait to see you home for dinner. I'm making your favorite: schnitzel.

Homeschooling

When I look at Truman and Presley, I see how big they are growing. Time is flying by and I must remember to slow down so that everything I say and do, counts and matters to them. I strive to create environments where they can acknowledge and take advantage of all the resources out there to help them become intelligent, well-rounded, and sophisticated little people. While Truman is only in preschool and Presley has only just started babbling, homeschooling in Reseda is already in. Take a look at how many academic subjects they have already been exposed to. Dying and decorating eggs for Easter touched upon both art and science:

    The educational outing at Kidspace Museum provided much exploration and discovery. We packed lunches and took time out to eat by their streaming waterfall:

   

By making a pepperoni and mushroom handmade pizza, I introduced the Math of measurement and ingredient interaction:

  We even touched upon physics and gravity when Presley got his first lesson in Yo-Yo'ing:

   Among many wishes for my children, by exposing them to a world of beauty and endless possibilities, my all-encompassing wish is they will dream big...to be and do anything their hearts desire. I am here to support your over-the-top ideas, encourage your world-wind adventures, and nurture your unexplained talents - I love you, Mommy.

Churros and Ferris Wheels

We spent Saturday night down at Santa Monica Pier. Truman was excited to see the mini carnival of games and rides especially the bright neon lit ferris wheel.

Birthday Cake Rule

We are sweets-lovers, chocolate-lovers, cake-lovers...This is why a Hui birthday is never passed without birthday cake. This year, we spent my birthday in Carlsbad so David and I could take Truman to Legoland.

Not much to our surprise, Truman was restless and wired by dinner and after thrown one to many pieces of penne on the floor we decided it was time to vacate the restaurant. So, instead of birthday cake for dessert, we settled for fresh baked chocolate chip cookies offered in the hotel lobby. When we got back to L.A., David surprised me with a cake he picked up on his way home from work. Truman helped me blow out candles and we even let him have a sliver before bed.

So, my little cake-lovers, stay sweet & adorable and never, never forget birthday cake in our family!