Even to an Outsider

During worship time on Sunday Son2 leaned into his brother, looked to him, and was soothed. Our church has a greeting time after the opening worship. The worship team leader greeted our family. His immediate comment was that he noticed how my youngest prefers his brother to his parents. Sometimes that is the truth! We all see how much he admires his big brother. When we eat our meals, they sit side by side. I hope this closeness is for always.

Who Needs Toys?

I saved Son1's baby toys thinking Son2 would play for hours with the 1 year old toys. That's just not the case! He hardly touches toys because he is too busy exploring! This particular day he started by unfolding clean laundry.
Next he went fishing in his brother's back pack, pulled back the zipper, and hauled out his work folder.
The only thing I can tell you about this picture is that I am praying this means early potty training. He doesn't walk yet, but I catch him flushing!

Bringing Down the Neighborhood

We received a letter, sent certified mail, signed by an attorney, that we were in violation of the regulations set forth by our homeowner association. Technically, it was true. Our purple ground cover exceeded four inches. Anything that is not a tree cannot exceed four inches in height at the curb. Practically everyone we know receives one of these letters every few months. We all are like-minded; this Code of Perfection is a waste of our homeowner money. My neighbor received a similar certified letter with a picture dated 2006 for a violation that had been removed two years ago. She was mad. The cost of attorney fees and certified mail was a complete waste. The far more irritating point is that they do nothing about folks who keep boats in their driveways or on the street, or work trucks parked on the street. That is a much larger violation, literally. The homeowner association is so inconsistent! We are all for living in a nice neighborhood, and a reasonable homeowner association code, but that is not the way it works in our association.

Our home had to meet the Code of Perfection before the previous owners could sell it. The same ground cover was there, healthier, and more abundant, and passed the sacred Code. Then, last year, my neighbor's plants violated the sacred Code and crept over to our purple ground cover. We were told by the Inspectors of Perfection that if removed the neighbor's plants we could keep the purple ground cover. Well, now we were boring. We did what they told us to to. Our purple ground cover was four inches in most places along the street. SEE? But parts of the ground cover were a little thick. The camera is deceptive. The highest part of the ground cover was six inches. (The green shoot is a remnant of my neighbor's heliconia plant with an evil root system.)

The language in the letter was pretty intimidating. We either trimmed it, or they would fix it, at our cost. Needless to say, Hubby called Inspector Central and explained the same ground cover has been present since we moved in, and since we were last told we could keep it. Inspector said it needed to be cut anyway. Hubby hung up, armed himself with his weed whacker, and attempted to cut back our ground cover. But you can't really trim ground cover. First, we ended up with brown sticks. It looked junky. So he figured this was better. That lasted all of one day. Next we spent $230 for this little strip. Sod is SO expensive in Hawaii. Most people use grass plugs, or patches of grass that eventually grow together, or hydroseed (grass on steroids) which takes several months. But this was quick, fast, and a solution.
Now that it is done and over with, guess what? WE LOVE THE NEW GRASS!

First Dental Visit

Hubby and I knew Son1's first trip to the dentist would require one parent's full attention. The discussion became which parent was going to subject themselves, um, I mean, be so honored, to accompany our precious first born to the dentist. After a lot of persuasion up until the hour before the appointment, Hubby convinced me that I was the better choice. After all, he had gone to the last pediatrician visit. Right. And the child was an absolute angel for the doctor. But teeth are a whole different story. As passionate as I am about dental hygiene, you think I would have been jumping at the chance. But let's just say until that point Son1 didn't share my enthusiasm for clean teeth at bedtime. I thought about buying him some books about going to the dentist before his appointment to prevent any potential meltdowns at the dentist. We found one, but we had to eliminate others that started with the child not wanting to go to the dentist. Why put any ideas in his head?

My neighbor is part of an elite skin diving club in Hawaii. Another diver in the club is a well known pediatric dentist. He doesn't participate with my insurance, so only part of the visit was covered. He was worth every out-of-pocket penny we paid. I wish I would have taken more pictures of his office, but I was too nervous for the exam and teeth cleaning to slide the camera from my purse. We were first met with an entire floor to ceiling mural of an underwater ocean scene. It wasn't cartoon-ey like Nemo, or the kind you roll on the wall with adhesive. It was a painted underwater scene with giant honus (Hawaiian word for turtles) and life sized fish. Along the top of the ceiling around the entire waiting room he had art sculptures of life sized fish, two to three feet long. Then, he had these mounted fish paintings by this local artist that uses real caught fish, in all of the other empty spots on the wall. We were sitting in front of the door to the dental exam rooms. I could see through the glass window that there was a pile of jumbo stuffed sea creatures, and that as children went into their exam rooms, they got to pick a big stuffed creature to go with them. After some time, it was finally our turn. They called Son1's name, and he nearly bounded through the door to where all of the other big kids had gone. The hygienist ate up his enthusiasm. She just kept telling me how cute he was. Uh huh, she didn't know what was coming.

The hygienist introduced herself as Ms. Margie. She went through a barrage of questions, asking me about how much juice the child drinks to what kind of candy he prefers. Well, he has always preferred milk to juice, so he hardly drinks much juice. I can't stand the thought of sticky candy around my house so I just don't buy it. Besides, Hubby has me so paranoid about cockroaches on the island (they are generally a huge problem, but our paranoia keeps them away from our house) that I just don't buy candy except for special occasions. My pediatrician prescribes vitamins with fluoride since my children were six months old, and insists they are on fluoride tablets until they graduate from high school. Hawaii is one of two states that does not have fluoride in their tap water, except on military bases. This is because the opponents to fluoride insist that Hawaiian water be kept "pure". Therefore, the children in Hawaii have one of the highest rates of tooth decay in the nation. So, I covered most bases to skip Ms. Margie's prepared lecture. I looked really tense, and she asked gently if I was ok. I confessed my fear of Son1 having any cavities, and let her know that I am very passionate about clean teeth, and that I brush his teeth a second time if his insists on doing it himself the first time. I told her I felt like a failure several weeks ago when I got my second adult cavity. "Really?" she asked. No, no, no, only two cavities was not a good thing.

Ms. Margie had the dental exam down to a science. First, she assured Son1 all she was going to do was count his teeth with her pointer. To the rest of us, that is her tooth scraper with the hook on it. While she was counting, she was also looking at the grooves in his teeth. Next, she paraded out her tickly toothbrush (polisher) and buzzed it on his finger. Then she flaunted her special long straw (suction) and touched it to his hand. Finally she whipped out her polish ring and had him smell the toothpaste she was going to use, which was strawberry flavor.
Next she asked him to strut his alligator mouth so she could use her pointer, all the while giving him compliments. Now whose child was this? I sure did not recognize such a compliant child when it comes to teeth.
Afterward, Ms. Margie looked up at me sitting tensely sitting in the mommy chair. She announced she was pretty sure he didn't have any cavities, but the doctor would let me know for sure. She asked Son1 what flavor fluoride he would like, and he chose strawberry. She slapped a big Lilo and Stitch sticker on his shirt that reminded us what time he would be able to eat something. Lastly, she let him choose a prize from her prize box and he chose a little motorcycle.
The doctor came in, and Ms. Margie gave him a quick briefing on my strategies for keeping cavities away. He read his chart, checked out his teeth, and said, "Well R. I am so sorry but he has some cavities." My eyes nearly fell out of my head and rolled across the floor. He immediately realized my disappointment and laughed. "I am just kidding!"
Ms. Margie insisted the doctor take one more picture with us. Son1 screamed CHEESE at the top of him lungs and by the time I gave him a warning look for being so boisterous and tried to take the picture, here is what I ended up with:
Before we left, Son1 played with all of the fun toys one more time, with his dental samples and treasures clutched in one hand.
The best part about our visit to the dentist is his newfound enthusiasm for dental flossers and love for his pretty white teeth at bedtime.

Save the Stress and Have Some Cake

I am all for the stress free birthday parties. A little friend celebrated his birthday at a popular kid's gym. It was very similar to Son1's third birthday. Here are the reasons I love these types of parties:

1. I don't stress finding a parking spot a block away from the house where the party is held.
2. I know where to go.
3. There is a start time and an end time. That means I know going into the party when I am leaving.
4. Someone besides a frazzled mother is running the show, which means I don't feel obligated to pitch in and help whilst holding a toddler on my hip and corraling my preschooler. I don't mind helping but I am sure I am inefficient.
5. Someone is paid to entertain the children and include everyone.
6. It is organized and the adults relax.

YES I do give a very nice gift at these kind of shin digs because I know the parents are shelling out to make sure peace reigns.

Socks were mandatory for adults but optional for kids. Hubby suggested maybe children don't have foot fungus. Oh no, I corrected him. They most certainly can have foot fungus! HA! Hubby then insisted I bring socks for our children to wear! They were not going to go barefoot!

Vog on Oahu

Until we lived in Hawaii I had never heard of vog. For awhile I thought people were mispronouncing the word fog. Oh nooo, it is a very real and very hazardous condition. Vog is blended from the words "volcanic" and "smog". Sadly, the Farmers are all getting sick from vog.
Vog is created when sulfur dioxide mixes with other pollutants from an erupting volcano, in the presence of oxygen and moisture in the sunlgiht. Right now, Kilauea volcano has been erupting, and emits about two thousand tons of vog daily. Kilauea is located on the Big Island, some 240 miles away. Just today, the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park did not open until 1pm because of the dangerous vog. Sometimes vog affects our island because southern Kona winds blow and carry vog to our island. When we look outside we can see a thick brown haze in the distance. The other day I walked Son1 to school. I felt I swallowed a dust cloud! Son2 has had recurrent sinus infections since late November . My pediatrician says these are the worst cases of childhood respiratory concerns she has seen in twenty years. Faithfully, I have chased my children around with prescription medication that will reduce breathing accutenes associated with vog. My eyes are watery tonight and Hubby is using an inhaler as a precautionary measure. Son1 is in a fit of coughs and sadly, Son2 is congested again. We are praying for rain!!!!

The weather folks recommend we stay inside and drink plenty of fluids. Until then Hubby and I are dispensing medicine and praying for more rain.

The Warm and Fuzzies of Fame

I have felt hugged, loved, and high fived virtually since Thursday when LOST aired. Calls came first from the East Coast, then the Midwest, and finally from the West Coast as family and friends had seen the episode I was in hours before it aired in Hawaii. It felt like my birthday!! The best part of playing up my slice of time on LOST was sharing it with so many of you! Mahalo (Hawaiian for thank you) for rising to the occasion! I watched the episode again with friends tonight, and in slow motion, saw myself across several frames. You know I had to stretch out my fame. I giggled when an email came from Rhode Island and a friend in grad school stood up and said, "My wife's friend (me) is going to kiss Sayid tonight on LOST." Now I wonder where he got that idea? Ha ha. I am ecstatic to hear we all had some fun with this and many of you used your Tivos and DVRs to see me in slow motion. I don't ever expect to give an Oscar speech, but eh hem, I would just like to take this opportunity to thank the folks at LOST, my family and friends that have made this experience so fun, and especially my husband, who made this all possible, by taking a day off from his day job just so I could have a memorable day!

Brother Bond

I never had brothers, so a brother bond was completely foreign to me until I had two little boys. Son2 follows Son1 everywhere. He admires the way he eats, the way he plays, how he turns pages of a book, and the way he uses the potty, in the most precious and sincere way. He follows him to every corner of our home and insists he be included in all activities. His big brother settles for my explanation that Son2 wants to be just like him. Well, at least the times he isn't bothered by sharing toys or wanting some privacy!!
But Son2 is perceptive. When his big brother is napping, he finds the perfect opportunity to play with some of the cars his brother has declared off limits. But that's just between us!!

The Shape of Things to Come

Tonight is the night! You are looking for me on LOST in an orange abaya. Read more about how I was an extra on the episode, The Shape of Things to Come, here. It airs tonight at 10/9 central on ABC. Sawyer would call me Wilbur. I can't believe I am admitting that. If you want to find out what Sawyer would call YOU, find out here.

Proof They Were Here

Sometimes there are little things we tend to overlook when we have company, like children drinking out of soda cans. Truthfully, he never actually drank out of a soda can. We were all doing our best to encourage Son2 to drink out of anything. The cans were always empty when he put them to his lips. But when we were alone in our home again, with just our little family it started to bug me. I thought I was just going to absolutely fall over when Hubby came up with a solution, no more soda in our house! I have tried to encourage that for years! So I must thank my in laws for pushing our home in a soda free direction!

Srping Break with Grandma T. and GG

Grandma T. and GG planned their trip to Hawaii during Son1's break from preschool. Here is a little more about the visit.

One of our favorite things to do is go to Waikiki on a Friday night and swim at the Hale Koa. We usually have dinner at Bibas, and then watch the fireworks at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Grandma T. loves to swim, so this suited her perfectly!

Now this is what I love about Hubby. He sat with Son2 and helped him with a roast beef sandwich, just so I could get in and swim, too. We had just one little problem. There was a little confusion and Grandma T. and GG did not bring a change of clothes. Thank goodness for swimsuit cover ups because the Farmer Family had plans. We were going to dinner, and were going to watch the fireworks! Let's just say they eventually came around! You know what we say when there's a problem? We just flash the shaka (hang loose sign) and blurt out, "Hang loose!"
Another day we went to the North Shore to the Turtle Bay lagoons. This is a different resort than I have previously written about, that also has lagoons open to the public. People do snorkel, and do see turtles. We did not see any that day, though. Hubby and GG sat up on the beach while Grandma T., Son1, Son2, and I swam in the ocean. Now, it just wasn't a four generation kind of a swim without GG. She thought about how her great grand kids were in the water without her. So she sprang up and decided it was time to get in.
We were kind of all over the place, so this was one of the only pictures to prove we had a four generation swim. Clicking on the picture will make us bigger.
At the beach we watched this dog be trained to retrieve a boogie board alone, over and over , far past the water break. He is a Newfoundland, and he was big! The sun started to set, and we headed home. GG and Grandma T. were tired! They relaxed at home, and gave Hubby and I a chance to have dinner out, without children! Imagine that!Another day we rode the The Hawaiian Railway in Ewa Beach. Since they were encountering some construction on the railway, the trip was only 45 minutes. We went a different route than the time we had ridden the train before. One of the engineers punched the tickets with an old fashioned railway ticket punch.
The train headed eastbound rather than ewa bound. (Ewa is pronounced eh-vah. The w in the Hawaiian language makes the "v" sound. The word means westbound.) We saw one of the original sugar cane plantations on the island. See the tree in the upper right corner? It is called a Golden Tree. The blossoms are always golden. They make me smile because they oddly remind me of Fall on the East Coast, with the vibrant and deep gold color. My favorite part of the train ride was watching the old fashioned railway switch signs that tell the trains in which direction to travel. They are original from when the Oahu Railway and Land Company used to operate the narrow gauge common carrier railroad, until 1947. They could be in full use, but are not, since the only train riding was the one we were on. At the halfway point of the trip, the engineer that was the narrator asked if anyone had celebrated a birthday recently. The entire train, consisting of several open passenger cars of people, sang Happy Birthday to Son2. GG was so proud!

Well, all good visits must come to an end. On Grandma T. and GG's last day in Hawaii, they got to visit Son1's preschool class. Their last day in Hawaii was the first day back from Spring Break. GG was so impressed she was moved to tears. But the teachers were also impressed with her. Being a senior member of a family in Hawaii is a huge honor. So, the preschool teacher and teacher's aide asked how old GG was. They were so honored to have Son1's great grandmother in class they took our picture and offered hugs. It was a very sweet moment.

Once Son1 was home from preschool, we spent our last hours together on the North Shore. From the time we left our house to the time we got to our first stop, the Dole Plantation, the rain was pouring down. We were afraid the rain wasn't going to let up. We rode the Pineapple Express, and both boys loved the minutes on the train with GG and Grandma T.

We rounded a bend and the rain came to an abrupt stop. I looked out across the pineapple fields and saw this rainbow. If you look above it you can faintly make out the second double rainbow. One day I just may tell you why I think God made these for me. But right then, we all looked out at those rainbows in awe. We arrived at the train platform and headed for the big Dole store. Hubby met us there shortly after work.Our last stop on the North Shore was historic Haleiwa Town. This is the largest commercial center on the North Shore, with a residential population of just over 2,000. This is also where our family favorite, the Grass Skirt Grill, is located. GG loves coconut, so of course we ordered a plate of coconut shrimp. They served it with two sauces, an orange and a more spicy sauce. This is one of their specialties.

More importantly, they serve the best teriyaki cheese fries. To the Farmers, these are the best fries on the island. We just giggled and giggled watching Son2 devour these. Once he got a taste, he just couldn't help himself, probably because I have him on such a fresh diet. Mmmm, saturated fat!

Their burgers are also our favorites. By request, they also come with a half an avocado as a topping. To die for!

The owner of the Grass Skirt Grill also owns the Surf shops next door, called Strong Current. This is his Woody.

This was a great way to end the visit, with full bellies and wide smiles. The boys were sad to say goodbye to Grandma T. and GG. But we have this saying in Hawaii...A Hui Ho! Until we meet again!

New Sights in Familiar Places

When Grandma T. was here we went on a little trip to Waimea Falls.Even though I had been there a few times before I had never seen the Cannon Ball tree. That is the tree's common name!
This day the gardens seemed a little more enchanted.
Maybe it was the little creature that was running around the gardens this time.
The walk to the waterfall and back was quite a walk and so we took a little rest.
Until we saw a rooster chasing a chicken during our picnic....

Hubby took these shots. They tell you something about God, huh? He is pretty creative!

She Has To Go Now

I dropped Son1 off at preschool. He turned to his teacher and said, "My mommy has to go now. She has to go to work." My heart sang out the door. He got it! When he got home I asked him if he knew where I worked. "You work at home, on the computer." Well, some of the time!

Happy First Birthday Son2

We celebrated Son2's birthday at home, with our family. We were blessed to have GG with us, Son2's great grandmother.


By his first birthday, Son2 had two or three hair cuts. Each time we cut about one inch of his hair. His hair grows really fast! On his first birthday he was a very fast crawler and furniture cruiser.



He grabbed this car and pushed it around and said, "Roo! Roo!" That was short for "Vroom! Vroom!" Most days he wants to be just like his big brother, and favors race cars and trains.

We spent the morning at our favorite pancake paradise. Before we left, Son2 posed with his best friend. He loves Son1, and called him "A-DA!" It has since progressed to "BAH-DAH!" Could he be trying to say brother?


Son2 is relatively smaller than his older brother was at this age. He is almost 3 inches shorter, and a few pounds lighter. He eats far more than Son1 ever did, though! He put away this entire stack of blueberry pancakes. We were so proud of him! The owner loves him to pieces. She took him back in the kitchen and came back with some homemade special cookies for him.

Late in the afternoon we had a little birthday celebration at home.





GG kept trying to coax Son2 into drinking from a sippy cup. He finally took one! Soon we sang Happy Birthday. Son2 tried to reach for the candle and put it out with 2 fingers. So much for blowing it out!
He ate his cake just like that. But after awhile too much sugar hit him like a brick and only one thing could change things up. He demanded his favorite fruit, papaya.
Gifts came from near and far. Son1 and I read through the cards and helped to sort out gifts. Son2 busied himself with his birthday hat.
While Daddy and Son1 put the toys together, Son2 had me chasing after him.
He wasn't walking by his first birthday, but he cruised the stairs.
He is our little ham. He has all kinds of tricks and games he likes us to imitate. We call him Mr. Personality. He can't get enough attention from the three bigger people in the house.
This is his favorite place to sit. We find him perched here quite a bit. It is so cute to see him when his Daddy comes home. He watches his big brother rush to the front door and crawls up his Daddy's pant leg and tugs and tugs until he is picked up. How did the year go so fast?!? It was a Happy Birthday.

Expecting the Fourth Farmer

The Fourth Farmer recently turned the Big One! I love how LL writes letters to her kids about their birth stories. Here is a little bit before Son2's birth day and a little after his birth day.

Note: This letter is so long, I am going to give you a couple of days to read it before I post again. I loaded the pictures before I started typing. When I thought to break this into two or more posts, I decided I didn't want to move the pictures again, one by one. So take your time and pace yourself!

Dear Son2,
Father's Day 2006 I quietly slipped from bed to take a pregnancy test. I thought this would be a great surprise for your daddy, to tell him he was once again a father on Father's Day. A few minutes later I jumped back in bed. Your daddy rolled over and said, "So am I a daddy again?" I guess he was on to me. I shook my head no. We didn't have much time to be disappointed, because we had company in the house for the next couple of weeks for Daddy's family reunion that was held in Hawaii. Our house guests all left a few days before our anniversary. I am pretty sure you were a 9th anniversary baby. A couple of weeks later I found myself so unusually tired. I seemed so tired, I could hardly keep my eyes open and it was only 11:30am. Your big brother seemed to have SO much energy that particular day, and I just couldn't keep up. I popped on Sesame Street and fell into a heap on the couch. I heard the music, and I thought I only had my eyes closed for a second. The next thing I knew my eyes popped open and Jay Jay the Jet Plane was on. How could I have slept for more than an hour? I was furious with myself, a first time mom, for GASP letting your 23 month old brother watch more than an hour of TV and close my eyes. I had never done that before. Well, there had to be an answer to my exhaustion. I jumped up, grabbed the very last pregnancy test in the house, and wondered if I should open it. After all, I wasn't even late yet. It could be too early. Hastily, I tore it open, tested, and two pink lines appeared. I stared at it. I was in total shock. I told your brother Mommy was pregnant. I had to tell someone. He looked at me indifferently, and went back to playing. A few minutes later, I put Son1 down for a nap, and came up with a plan on how to tell your daddy. After nap time we ran to Wal Mart and I bought a birthday balloon. I taped the word Father's over the letters B-I-R-T-H and waited for Daddy to come home. He unlocked the front door, and Son1 ran toward him with the balloon. Happy FATHER'Sday, it read. He thanked Son1 emphatically, but he still didn't get it. "Don't you get it?!? You know, like you wanted me to be pregnant on Father's Day? Well, I AM today!" That was the beginning of the excitement, and of the exhaustion. A few days later Son1 and I were on a plane to CA. I planned to tell my parents in person that we were expecting you. They were happy and surprised! Soon we were back in Hawaii hosting friends again, and at only 5 weeks pregnant, I was so tired! This was so different than my first pregnancy. At 8 weeks we had our first sonogram, our first look at you. Then you measured only 16 millimeters, crown to rump. You were just this little white spot on the screen, and at a flashing point we could see your heart beat. My obstetrician continued to marvel at how precious this little life already was, so teeny tiny with such a strong heart beat. "Truly amazing!" she marveled. My heart was full and I felt so blessed to have the opportunity to see you on a first trimester ultrasound. I had never had a first trimester ultrasound with your brother.

The pregnancy progressed well, and I prayed you would be healthy. I couldn't keep much down for the first 17 weeks. At about week 15, Son1 caught a horrible stomach virus that lasted for 7 days, and then I caught it, too. I couldn't tell why I was so sick, anymore. Was I sick from pregnancy or was it the flu? I went online and read how a prolonged flu could be dangerous to a fetus. That night, for the first time, I felt you nuzzle to one side of my womb. I placed my hand along my belly, and I felt you, laying lengthwise, for the first time. I loved you, and knew how badly I wanted to feel better and know you were ok. Your brother and I were finally so sick, Daddy had to take off work to clean us both up, and tend to us. A few days later, the illness in our home disappeared. Still all of the bathroom time thus far had it's advantages. Your brother followed me into the bathroom most times, would place his hand on my back, and ask if I was ok. We spent so much time in the bathroom he was eventually bored with what was now becoming common for me and decided it was time he learned to use the toilet, too. I thank you for that!

I remember the very last time I was ill. I was sitting on the tile on a Sunday morning, over the bowl, when the tile beneath me started to shake. The windows rattled and the walls vibrated. Suddenly I fell into a sitting position and my body forgot I was in the midst of being sick. A humongous earthquake had rocked the Big Island 500 miles away, yet we felt the earthquake at our house.

Everyone insisted you were a girl because I was so sick, but in my gut I knew you were a boy. You were so active! Your brother was, too, and I thought it was impossible to have a more active baby than him. But you proved me wrong with your kicks, waves, and somersaults. I loved every minute of your rolling, handstands, and cartwheels. I would sit your father in front of me, and invite him to watch the Belly Show. I was confident you were a healthy baby boy.

I really didn't have too many particular cravings until the last trimester. I craved fresh pineapple. Then specific restaurants would satisfy you and me. We loved the Grass Skirt Grill in Haleiwa Town on the North Shore. We started going every Sunday until I delivered you, and we would feast on teriyaki cheese fries and those juicy half pound avocado burgers with a slice of pineapple. We also loved Sandy's Cafe near our house for breakfast on Saturday mornings, and we would dine on stuffed strawberry french toast. At Teddy's Bigger Burgers in Kailua and Hawaii Kai, we would chow down on a bacon cheeseburger that was too big to hold, along with some fries, and usually a pineapple or peanut butter shake. I felt no guilt, since I somehow only gained 25 lbs with you. It must have been because I was so sick the first half of the pregnancy.

Your arrival came closer and closer. A month before your arrival, friends from your brother's Baby Hui surprised me with a girls night shower at Bravo's restaurant. I finally met my match with Italian food. It did not really sit well with me, and my tummy started to cramp. I was afraid to admit to anyone at the table that I feared this was the beginning of labor. Boy, was I wrong. It was the beginning of indigestion. HA! I was honored with a lei, and it was cut. Traditionally in Hawaii, pregnant women do not wear uncut leis or even necklaces. Anything around the neck is a bad omen that an umbilical cord could be caught around the neck.

It started to really hit me you were really coming, and we were a bit unprepared. We set things into motion, and soon your daddy and brother got to setting up your crib, stocking the nursery, and I started washing the clothes you would wear. We installed your car seat into the van, and your brother made sure no one forgot that was where you would sit.

In the next weeks we were honored again by a tea shower from a good friend from church. Everything was so delicious and beautiful. In true Hawaiian style she packed much of the extra food for us to take home afterward.

DP made one of your favorite crib blankets, to this day. We laid you on this blanket for your birth announcement photo.
Nine days before you made your arrival I had just a couple of things on my checklist I wanted to accomplish. One was a hike to Makapu'u Lighthouse. Some of my local friends had the same reaction. Was I trying to go into labor? Actually, no. I just wanted to try this hike before you arrived. We had lived in Hawaii nearly two years, and I had never been on this hike. We had just come from a doctor's visit, and your daddy had the day off.
We hiked the 2 mile steep paved trail. Some parts were straight up hill. The day was so clear and beautiful. It was admittedly hot island weather, with the sun beating down on the black asphalt. There was no shade and there were no restrooms.We were able to see the entire coastline of Molokai. We saw pods of humpback whales in the Molokai Channel and then also behind me here, at the top of the trail. In the background is a small island called Rabbit Island, because it resembles a rabbit. It was a hike your daddy and I will never forget. And just to absolutely coronet the blessed event, we stopped at Teddy's for burgers, fries, and a shake on the way home. You and I both slept well that night!

Grandma B. arrived the next day. She had come to take care of your brother and help the new Farmer Four for five weeks. Seven days later I went to the doctor. She checked me, and I was dilated to almost 2 centimeters when I left the office. She thought I might have you in a week. But late that evening dull pains began in my spine. They were the pains of back labor. I had been through back labor, and only back labor, once before, and it was intense. I knew you might come sooner than a week, so I started laundry and cleaning. At nearly midnight I fell into bed. I remember mumbling to your father that if I just fell asleep maybe the pain would subside. Then again, maybe tonight was the night.

About 2:30am I woke with a start and a scream. Labor pains were strong in my spine. Your father sprang up and asked me if I was sure. I started to cry. The pain was coming stronger and stronger. I insisted that this couldn't be it. Besides, we hadn't totally settled on your first name, yet. We had your middle name, meaning Blessed Companion, because your big brother wanted a little brother so badly. He was blessed with three different big brother books, and he thought of you, relentlessly. Your first name we were sort of settled on, but we didn't have the spelling down. So your dad started to write out several different spellings. The pain became more and more intense, and I couldn't focus on the names. Your daddy decided time was running out, and we had to go. I started to cry again, and told him I wasn't ready. By now it was 3:30am. He pulled out a suitcase and had one word for me: PACK! I slid off the bed, and started putting the little pile of things I had arranged into the suitcase. Your daddy got himself ready to go, and in the meantime, I slid back into bed, praying the pain would stop, and somehow it seemed to dissipate. Daddy came into the room, and the sight of his readiness and not my own threw me into another fit of tears. I remember getting on all fours on the bed, praying the pain in my spine would stop. Daddy said we were leaving, and again, I told him I just wasn't ready. The time was creeping past 4am, and soon, rush hour into Honolulu would start. Finally, I left some final instructions for Grandma B. I woke her, and told her the time had come. We were on our way to the hospital, finally at 4:30am.

We pulled into the emergency entrance, and I just couldn't talk the pain was so intense. Daddy told the security guard to let me in, and he took one look at me and found me a wheelchair. I had my driver's license and insurance cards pinched in between my fingers. The nurse checking me in was a young male. He asked me if I needed to push. I am sure my face was scrunched in pain. "NO! I JUST NEED MY EPIDURAL!" He finished checking me in, and soon another nurse led me through a series of hallways and elevators to the Queen Emma tower at Queen's Hospital. Finally I ended up on the tenth floor, in labor and delivery. The nurses checked me in, and I started to cry when they asked me to get into a gown. I was so worried your Daddy wouldn't know where to find me. A nurse assured me that they would find him, if he didn't find me. Some ten minutes later, your daddy walked into the room, with a smile on his face, my things, and a list of spellings for your name.

The nurses asked Daddy if he would like a bed. Now this is the thing about Hawaii. Having a baby is a huge blessing in a family, and both parents to be are treated so well. They wheeled in a twin sized bed for your daddy with a heated blanket and a big fluffy pillow. So right there, in labor and delivery, your father was able to get some good sleep while I got my good epidural. The anesthesiologist walked in a little before 7am. My labor was progressing, but that meant progressive pain. He asked what I would like, and quickly he administered the epidural. I was worried he was too efficient, and a little red eyed, perhaps at the end of his shift. After he left, I asked the nurses. "Oh, he is the man you want to give you an epidural." They were so right. That epidural was so beautiful. I felt nothing, and I slept. The nurses checked the contraction monitor. They kept asking if I could feel my contractions. They were two minutes long and two minutes apart. They nearly made a 3 sided box on the tape, the contractions were so intense. No, no, no. Nothing. Labor from then on out was the most peaceful experience. My labor slowed and I didn't care. Six hours later, my doctor gave me the ok to push, and in 2 pushes, you arrived. Your daddy was so proud at how easily you were delivered!

You weighed in at 7lbs 15 oz. Your skin was pink and healthy, and you pretty much needed a hair cut when you were born! You came out crying, but as soon as you were swaddled and warm, you were peaceful.

Your delivery was so fast, I couldn't believe I was holding you in my arms so soon! Your daddy and I held and examined you for a long time.

Soon we were moved to the post partum unit where we received such kokua (Hawaiian word for care) and aloha (love). I was so shocked. The nurses babied us all three days, and were surpised the times I was out of bed. Daddy followed you for your first bath, and stayed with us until we were settled for the night. We were a little worried about your brother, so Daddy went home that night, and you and I stayed in the hospital together. He would come back the next day with your brother. That night and the next night, you proved right away you loved your awake time. The nurses picked up on this right away, and one taped a geometric black and white pattern to your plastic crib. You loved it, and spent time swatting at it.

The next day your big brother and Grandma B. came to meet you. Your big brother fell in love the minute he met you. He was fascinated by your features, and still is, one year later. He brought us some cookies from The Cookie Corner, and Daddy brought me a delicious lemon grass sandwich.
Daddy knew I wanted to take pictures this day. So he is in his super formal dress for Hawaii, a long sleeved shirt. The next day it was time to be dismissed from the hospital. We had one little problem. You refused to go shi shi (local word for pee) after your circumcision. So we were stuck. I was discharged and you were not. After what seemed forever, I finally let a nurse cup feed you an ounce of formula, and Daddy and I left to grab a quick bite. We came back to the tenth floor, and you had done your duty! We were on our way home!
At home we received lots of love in the mail, including beautiful baskets of flowers from church and Daddy's work. Meals came from church friends and Baby Hui friends. Presents arrived from near and far, and excitement at your arrival filled our home.

Your big brother was so proud of you! He kissed you, loved you, and talked to you every chance he got.Nursing took some a little time. We got the hang of it, but you were a champ at spitting up.Daddy marveled at you each day. He would examine your tiny features, and admire you. Grandma B. was such a huge help. She even stayed a few extra weeks when Daddy had a surprise business trip. She swaddled you, and for awhile, she seemed to be the only one that could swaddle you right. There was this one red microfleece blankie that our friends from Kansas sent, that you took to for the first few months of your life. When you were swaddled in that blankie, you dropped into a deep sleep like clockwork.

Some days I wondered if you would ever reach ten pounds. Your weight gain was a little slow in the beginning. The next thing I knew, WOW you were putting on weight faster than I could change your clothes!

You came into our lives, and we were changed forever. You melted our hearts with your smiles, your endless smiles. We all had such expectations for your arrival and addition to our lives, and you exceeded them. We love you far more than we ever could have imagined. Life changed for the better, and the love in our family grew. We prayed for you before you came to be, as you were being formed in the womb, and after you arrived. Your daddy and I continue to pray for you at night, and your brother does, too. We love you so much!

With much love and aloha,

Mommy

The "End" of the Easter Tale

We had some sickies on Easter. The kids were both on prescriptions, one for congestion, and the other for a sinus infection. There was one more "end" to the day. Son1 and GG both were constipated. What those two had or had not been eating the last day or so, I had really not paid close attention. But I had a great answer for their problems. In the past, Asian pears have worked amazingly well for Son1. So I sat these two outside for some fresh air, relaxation, and hopefully a natural laxative.

Asian pears resemble an apple, and are golden in color. They crunch like an apple, but do not soften like other pear varieties. They are juicy and sweet, but not too sweet. They are Son1's favorite fruit, and were my potty training friends.

In between cutting pears, I looked down to find Son2 on an Easter hunt of his own.

Because I'm Not Just ANYbody!

Last week I had Hubby's wheels because he had the kids and needed the car seats in my car. On my list of stops was a particular store to get part of a present for Charis. (I am sure her mother must think I have forgotten her, but truly not!) The store is located at a popular shopping area in Honolulu, with one of the most poorly designed parking garages. I pulled into the mouth of the garage, and gaped up at the fading black letters: WARNING SIX FOOT CLEARANCE. I tried to imagine I was six feet tall (hard to imagine since I am 5'1"). Would that make me taller than Hubby's car? My own car makes it in a seven foot clearance. What could I do now? I could back up, or I could chance it. I pulled into the garage and heard something between a CHINK! and a PING! Some part of his car made contact with the cement over head. Ohh this was bad. Now I had the option to park in a tight space, or head down to the basement, or farther overhead. Through the grate of the parking garage, the basement looked empty, so I headed down again. CHINK! PING! Double OH NO! I barely made it into the lower level of the garage and suddenly felt claustrophobic and hit the panic button. I needed to get out of here. Hubby was going to kill me.

Down at the other opening of the garage, I saw an exit and the ceiling of the garage must have been an extra two or three feet higher. Perfect. This was my way out. I pulled down to the end of the garage, and came face to face with a single chain link and three groundskeepers. They told me I should try to get out the way I came in, since this was just for groundskeepers. Fine. I swept into a large three point turn, and drove up to the way I entered the basement level. Gingerly I pulled the first third of the vehicle up the hill. Claustrophobia set in again. I pulled the emergency brake, jumped out, stared at the opening, and again stared at the vehicle. How had I slid down into the basement? How in the world was it possible for me to fit on the decline but not on the incline? I did not want to find out. Moreover, I did not want Hubby to have to find out! I popped the emergency brake, hit reverse, listened to the annoying back up sensor,and charged back to the other end of the garage. I begged the groundskeepers to let me out, but they said I had to check with the boss. He was just pulling away. I pulled my car right up to the chain link, threw the vehicle in Park, and tried hopelessly to find the head groundskeeper to unlock the chain.

A bicycle security guy rode up on his bike toward me. He asked me what was the problem. I explained there was no way I was going to get this vehicle up to the next level without scraping the top of the roof rack. Never mind I had already done it twice. He asked me how in the world I had driven over the single chain link that was two feet in the air, where we were standing. Didn't I get that was to keep people out? I rolled my eyes. Hubby's car doesn't have that much muscle. It's no Knight Rider. It doesn't fly. No, no, no. The vehicle fit on the way down. I had driven into the basement. I just couldn't get myself back up, even though I already tried. Young bicycle boy eyed the car, then eyed me. "Well, how about if we both try again?" Was he for real? I am insured on the car, I am married to the owner, and I had already potentially damaged the car. One way to get myself into deeper trouble was to let his little testosterone, muscle man self get behind the wheel and prove what I already knew. It wasn't going to fit. "No," I said sternly. He didn't like that. I am not saying every security guy is like this, but you give some people a bicycle, a helmet, and a walkie talkie and they think they have got you. So then, he started to interrogate me.

"What were you thinking driving down here?" he shot at me. Did he think I was really going to answer his rhetorical question? There was no need to answer. I dismissed his question. "What does it matter why I came down here? The point is I am down here now, and there is only one way for me to get out. The groundskeepers said I could get out. All I needed to do was ask the boss. I am NOT driving this car up the ramp when I know I am not going to make it." He didn't look at me, but pinched the speaker on his shoulder, explained the situation to someone across air waves, and asked if I could be let out. The person on the other end patched back that yes, I could be let through. To my surprise, he dug into his pocket, pulled out a key, and unlocked the pad lock. Why had he made this so difficult, I wondered silently.

But bicycle boy wasn't going to let this go. Nooo. "You know, we just don't do this for anybody." So I took one look at him and said, "Well, I'm not just ANYbody. I am the LOST star!" He turned and looked at me slowly. "You're the LOST star?" I informed him I was going to be on April 24. He glared at me, and in a mocking voice said, "LOST, what's that?" My last words were, "Yeah, whatever," as I climbed behind the wheel. I drove off, parked in an outdoor space, completed my shopping, and headed home.
A few minutes after I arrived, Hubby asked me how I liked driving his car. "I don't," I answered a little too quickly. He raised his e