Not Hansel!

I am not the witch, and he is not Hansel!

I was less than five feet away, shining the dishwasher, when he jumped in. I turned, surprised, and let out a stream of giggles.

Mother's Day

This was the BEST Mother's Day EVER. In the previous years...

2005: I picked up Burger King while Hubby supervised our carpet removal. We advertised our our first floor carpet FREE to any takers online from our three year old house, but it had to be removed by the recipients. A family came and took several hours carefully cutting our carpet and carpet pad in the dimensions of the rooms in their home with an exacto knife. Mother's Day came and went.

2006: Hubby was not in Hawaii. Our church had an enormous Mother's Day brunch outside. On the spur of the moment, a friend invited Son1 and me to a Mother's Day dinner with her family. I was so grateful not to be alone!

2007: I spent the day nursing a newborn , exhausted. I don't remember Mother's Day.

Which brings me to 2008!!!!

The night before, Hubby offered to get up with the kids on Mother's Day. I made out on the deal, for sure! Ohhh those little guys peeped their eyes open at 5:30AM. That's because I put them to bed so early the night before, but that is an entirely different blog post for later.

I slept awhile longer. My eyes popped open, and I stretched and savored my bed another few minutes, drinking in the quiet of my bedroom. This is a huge treat because Hubby leaves at 5:30 every morning. Extra minutes in bed don't usually happen for me. I headed downstairs, and Son1 ran toward me with his Mother's Day gift. He had been so patient waiting for Mother's Day. He wanted me to open his gift since Friday, when he brought it home from preschool, but I insisted he wait until Mother's Day. Secretly, I have waited three years for my first homemade Mother's Day gift, with great anticipation! The card read, "My love for you grows and grows." The folded card grew into a long stemmed flower. The teacher mounted a picture into a plastic picture frame . In case you can't tell, it's a post it note holder.I loved the box; it was so Hawaii. It was a recycled sushi container.A cookbook was slid under the pink ribbon, composed of the kids' favorite food mom cooks. This is a picture of him with a recipe for pasta below: "She puts it in a pot and cooks it really fast."Then came the gift from Hubby. He took Son1 to pick out my gift. Here is why I love it:

Since missing a member of our family, our floors aren't as clean as often. But my new third child cleans without falsely advertising he is free to good home. (You know who cost me BIG BUCKS.) This one does not bark, poop, or chew. He will not throw a fit if he is contained in a separate room when company comes. All that and he does his job!

While we were unpacking him, Son1 grabbed a filter, stood it on my head, and exclaimed, "YOU'RE THE QUEEN, MOMMY! HERE IS YOUR CROWN!" That melted me!
We went to church, and afterward, all of the ladies in the church, mothers or not, were served lunch by the men. Son1 ran toward me with a decorated Chinese take-out box. I laughed to myself....so Hawaii. Inside was a cupcake he decorated, just like Rachel's!! He is either a cupcake decorating prodigy, or someone helped steady his three year old hands!Finally, Hubby cooked a celebratory meal. My kids melt my heart, and my husband romances it!

Celebrations in May

May 1, Lei Day

Lei Day is a celebration of spring with leis and flowers.

May 5 Boys Day
With a significant Japanese population in Hawaii, the islands also celebrate Tango-no-sekku, or Boys Day. Families display carp banners outside of their homes, called koi-nobori. The largest carp represents the father and is traditionally black. This is my neighbor's flag. Usually, the smallest fish represents the youngest son. My neighbors have twin boys, so theirs are the same size. Koi (carp) demonstrate fervor, endurance, and power to swim upstream against strong currents. They are also robust, and live about 50 years in the wild, and sometimes longer in captivity. So the qualities of the koi fish are all desirable qualities for young men. (Yes, we have Girls Day. I wrote about that here.)Well those koi fish are about $45 per fish. Hubby is not a fan of flags and windsocks. I would like to get the flags eventually, but for now, we will settle for the fish kites that Son1 brings us from preschool for Boys Day.

In celebration of Boys Day we took the boys out for ice cream. It is common to give treats for Boys Day, too. I ordered Prailines and Cream. This baby sure can shovel with a teeny trial size spoon. He nearly ate half my ice cream! He was pretty serious!Son1 just wanted green ice cream. We talked him out of green tea ice cream and into Mint Chocolate Chip. Now he is usually good about sharing food with his brother when the baby's arm start flailing everywhere and his legs are a-kicking, but not today. When I asked him to share his ice cream with his brother, he didn't look up from licking, and firmly said N-O. We just raised our eyebrows at one another because that is so unlike him. Hubby had Love Potion 31 which was really, really good with white chocolate and dark chocolate shaped hearts and raspberry something, something. Mmmm!!!!

May 5-9, Teacher Appreciation Week

The first full week of May is Teacher Appreciation Week. It is a national program throughout schools. So as room mom, it is my job to coordinate the whole week. It has been eventful. The first day, all classes at our school do the same thing. We all host a Flower Shower. Each child brings in a flower, home grown or store bought, to place in a vase. Tuesday our class hosted Pamper Day, Wednesday was Breakfast and Thank You Card day, tomorrow is Macy's gift card day, and Friday the PTO is taking care of the teachers!

Here is some Boys Day kite flying action for your enjoyment!!

Peek A Boo

We laugh so hard at Son2 when he tries to play peek a boo with us. He never actually covers his eyes. Sometimes he covers his eyebrows, and sometimes he covers his cheeks, but he never actually covers his eyes. Maybe he's afraid we'll get scared he actually disappeared! HA!

Yee Haw!

Son1 never rode a pony until a friend's pony party. He refused a pony riding opportunity in California last summer, and big surprise, insisted on a train ride, instead. On our island we pass horse ranches on the drive to the North Shore and Windward side of the island. This time, seeing a pony up close and personal through his three year old eyes was a real kick in the pants! Son1 was raring to go and ready to ride! This little video clip shows what happens when ponies ride up into a suburban Oahu neighborhood!



Son1 was so eager to ride the pony that he was oblivious to the pushing kids and anxious parents. He patiently waited his turn and was content to walk alongside the pony while other kids rode. Oh to be a child and look past it all! I definitely could have taken a lesson. I was quiet but took note of the disorganization. Shame on me! I did feel a little vindicated when the female handler told the other parents and children the NEXT child to ride was Son1 and that they all had to wait their turn. She even made another dad take his daughter off the pony and let Son1 on. I know I shouldn't have been smiling on the inside, but I am sinful and need Jesus. I was BEAMING. He rode the ponies a few times and shouted , "Giddy Up! Yee haw!" This time he rode Fire, a male pony. Other times he rode Pua, the female pony. Pua means flower in Hawaiian.After some time, the handlers declared pony brushing time. I am sure this was to give the ponies a little break. These ponies are from the Philippines. They have a colored marking that travels down their back all the way to the tip of their tail hair.
Now here is a little problem with preschoolers being so close to the ground, and having a relaxed male pony. This pony had talent. The kids cracked up watching him show his parts and then retract them over and over. No matter how much the handlers and parents pleaded for them to stand up, they were too busy enjoying the show. I happened to take a picture of my child watching, but they all watched.All of the "paniolos" (Hawaiian word for cowboys).
Son2 was also an invited guest. In Hawaii people often offer to hold your baby. I had to get over my germaphobiness since living here, and my tendency to quarantine my small infants. When anyone sees a mother struggling with a baby it is common to offer help. I don't worry so much now with Son2 getting older. But here is where I caught Son2.

On top of the bounce house

Mounted on a pony

Here is my Hawaiian paniolo being guided by the handler and another mother.

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!

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!!

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!

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.

Easter in Hawaii

We had a good amount of Easter celebration in Hawaii. And you know what I love about Hawaii? There is none of this PC stuff about not celebrating Christian holidays. Hawaii is a pretty spiritual place in general, so faith is a common practice. However, Hawaii is the third most unchurched state in the union, with less than ten percent of folks attending a Bible believing church. Given all of this, no one blinks an eye about celebrating Christian holidays in the work place or in public. I love it! Plus, you can talk about your faith and people do not absolutely flip out, because that just wouldn't be showing aloha. People are willing to listen, even if they don't agree.

So, the first part of the Easter celebration started with goody bags at school. In celebration of Easter, the kids exchange little cellophane bags with treats with every kid in the class. Think Easter basket in a bag. That meant tons of Easter candy. And good candy, too. One other thing about Hawaii. You give good stuff or it is goes noticed! No, there was no Jesus in the bag. But it was in celebration of Easter, not "Welcome Spring."Next, we were invited to an Easter egg hunt up the street. Now this is what I mean. This is truly local style, and I loved it. We were invited to an Easter party. This was not a Just For Christians kind of a thing, even though the party was focused on Jesus and His resurrection. There were about fifty kids there, and they were broken up by age group. Son1 was in the under 5 group. It started out that kids no older than three went first to collect Easter eggs with treats. I got funny looks because Son1 is tall and in the youngest group. He was taller than some of the 4 and 5 year olds. I explained he wouldn't be 4 until August, and he was a real three year old. After his group started, then the 4 and 5 year olds ran and picked up the eggs. There were two bounce houses that were each about 2 stories tall going around back. Then, there were Christian Easter crafts offered in the garage and in the driveway under the easy up tent. (That is a heavy duty tarp to all of you on the mainland. They are called easy ups here.) Also, a Christian drama skit was performed. Delicious local food was prepared for everyone there. Later that day we went to another Easter party for Hubby's work. Son2 had his first cotton candy. He chomped it right down. There was an Easter egg hunt, bounce houses, egg coloring, and several other keiki (Hawaiian word for children) activities. We did concede and torture our children by asking them to sit with the Easter bunny. They hated him, and I can see why. He is scary looking, isn't he?

Easter Sunday we went to church. Brunch was served local style. Buffets here are described as served local style. Now, I learned from a group of local friends early on that when you serve local style in Hawaii you always have too much food or it is considered rude not to have enough. Also, you should have enough left over if people want to take some food home. Well, the brunch line was several tables long and then four tables of desserts, pastries, and fruits. This brunch at our church is one of my favorite Easter in Hawaii memories. We are sitting under an easy up tent. The boys were dressed in matching shirts, and people commented on how cute they were. Something I have learned with having boys is that they too can be cute! I am wearing a green top that matches the stripe in their shirt. This goes back to us dressing like a team! It was special to have GG join us. She enjoyed watching Hubby play the bongos for worship, too.

The end of our Easter story is that everyone in our family was really sick. We didn't stay after church for the children's program, with the empty Easter egg hunt, praying for those that don't know Jesus yet, decorating shirts for children in Uganda, or getting the real Easter candy with the craft project. Nope! The boys were both on prescription medicine. We spent the rest of the afternoon at home sleeping.

GG is here!

Monday night GG flew in from Phoenix just to see her great grandsons in Hawaii. She is Hubby's grandmother, but her five great grandchildren call her GG, short for Great Grandma. She jumped right in with my two boys. She loves reading Son1 tons of stories, and he insists on sitting on top of her.
She treated us to a train ride on the Pineapple Express and we fed the carp at the Do