THREE YEARS DOWN: AOTEAROA

We made it to THREE years of our eternal journey together. It's interesting looking back at our marriage celebration history:

Married: Kona, Hawaii LDS Temple

Honeymoon: Caribbean & Mexico Cruise

1st Anniversary: O'ahu, Hawaii
-Pregnant with Mahie

2nd Anniversary: Maui, Hawaii
-Pregnant with Evan

3rd Anniversary: Auckland, New Zealand
-Never ever pregnant again (just kidding)

I definitely have to thank James for all the above. He makes sure our little family never has to worry about anything. I am especially grateful that he was able to take time off from his busy work schedule and fly us to New Zealand. We both couldn't wait for our plane to land to see family....and to also be back in civilization! Well mostly we had our eyes on the movie theaters and BAKERIES ;)

New Zealand weather/seasons are opposite the U.S. While I saw everyone at home posting bikini worthy pictures, our family was layered up and bundled. We were warned that it was COLD, but it wasn't THAT cold for James and I. I actually enjoyed the crisp air, it was very refreshing. (Except when it came time to shower because there was no central heating.) Mahie and Evan on the other  hand HATED bundling up. They were always dry and didn't like putting on lotion. They kicked off their shoes whenever possible. I think in every picture, Evan is wearing only ONE sock!! He'll kick and kick until one wiggles free, but then doesn't bother with the other foot.

We stayed at good ole' Rangitoto Road in Papatoetoe, James' family home. It was nice to finally meet  energetic Sofia and her rosy cheeks. And it was also perfect timing because Asher was visiting too. The grandparents also flew in from Wellington to be with their grand-babies. 

MEMORIES OF OUR TRIP

1. Virgin airlines = uncomfortable. 

2. James' luggage was stolen. Somehow whenever we travel, something goes wrong with his luggage. 

3. Celebrated our sister-in-law Rose's birthday. Everyone was addicted to her cake. 

4. Cousin Asher & Mahie becoming buds, even though he's 7 and she's 2. She loved shadowing him.

5. Our kids in boots, mittens and coats. 

6. Bakery runs for meat pies, tarts, cream donuts, sausage buns.

7. Butter chicken and naan bread everyday at the mall.

8. Freezing toilet seat.

9. Gloria Jean's mint chocolate bomb everyday.

10. Attending James' old ward and meeting tons of people from his childhood.

11. Sprained my right ankle, collapsed right in front of a hobo.....but still went shopping after.

12. Finally watched Superman & World War Z.

13. Letting my kids run wild at the parks. NZ has awesome public parks.

14. Auckland Night Markets.

15. Family night with Papa playing his guitar and the kiddie's dancing.

A week just wasn't enough. But we were dead tired returning back to Apia.

Thank you to Nana and all the Aunties who filled our bags with treats, clothes and toys for the kids to bring back. I'm so grateful to have married into a close and loving family, one that totally reminds me of my own.

Happy three.

Love you James.
No really......I LOVE YOU JAMES!!!

Checking in at 7 MONTHS

He finally got up on all fours and started to crawl. Well, he has FINALLY opened up to liking the idea of crawling. He was in a walker before we left to Hawaii in March, at almost 5 1/2 months. He didn't enjoy that at all. As soon as we got back though, he's been zooming around the halls banging into everything. But still I wanted him to crawl, especially with all those studies that show "crawling" is very beneficial to children & development. At first he would "plank" and stick his butt up, and hated being left on the floor. James calls him a big Mama's boy. He really is. As soon as I walk away Evan will freak and search for me. Anyways, at 7 months he is free, independent and exploring the house. It's very funny. James and I will be watching t.v. and then look up and realize Evan has crawled under the kitchen table or down the hall. (Mahie didn't crawl until 8/9months)

Another favorite thing he enjoys above all, is pulling up on the couch and bouncing, even gnawing on the cushions. 

Nice ah the big hole on the side? Mum said the Joyce grand kiddies really left their mark on the family house :)

Can't leave out big sister Mahie, whom Evan LOVES. He gets so excited when she's close. I know he can't wait to run around with her.

-No teeth yet!! None! (Mahie had her top and bottom two at like 5 months!)

-Still huge and getting longer

-Picky eater. We've slowly started him on baby food, which I'm proud to say, I made ALL by myself. Holy cow it's a process, but just call me Mama Organic! However, even with all my yummy puree options, he still prefers to be breastfed! Geez boy!

-I'm not sure if his hair has grown. But his wide head feels like it has. Sometimes when I watch t.v., I hold him on my lap and rest my chin onto of his his head. It's so huge and solid…and comfortable, haha.

-One big ball of HEAT. Even in an a.c. room, I can feel his heat waves.

-Happiest little boy. Always smiling at everything and anything with a big gummy smile. 

-Says, "Bah Bah Bah Bah" and amuses himself. And then shrieks with excitement. And goes back to "Bah"-ing

-Loves the outdoors and watching the chickens.

-Falls asleep to Baby Einstein lullaby soundtrack. 

-7months wearing 9 months clothes

-Pulls his sister's hair.

-OBSESSED with the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse tv show

-Cracks up when I poke or nibble on his fat rolls & cries when I stop

Lately he's been a night owl, and doesn't fall asleep until midnight! Arrgh! 

Throws fits already! When I carry him back inside the house, he will cry and throw his head back until I go back outside. HOWS HIM?!!

Already showing his rascal side. No matter how squirmy he gets, or loud he cries for me when James has him....or that he still wakes up during the night to eat.....I am so grateful to have my Evie boy. 

Love you Evan!!!

Samoana

Talofa everyone, as in we are BACK in Samoa! Was Hawaii all a dream? It came and went just as fast, although by the last week I was crying into my pillow missing James, but that's another story. SO yes, we're back….but guess what? No heatstroke at all.

I'm totally loving this time of the year for Samoa. I feel like I'm back in Hawaii. We only need the ceiling fan on, but even without it we're ok. No sweating. No sauna. Even the mozzy's have taken a vacay with the heat. However, days are shorter and heavy rains pour down frequently, so I think it's safe to say we're experiencing "Winter" season. The kids and I even laid out in the front lawn an evening ago, kicking our legs up into the dreamy breeze. It was perfect. If Samoa could just be like this, lets say for the next 3 years, kasi, lua, kolu tausaga….things could POSSIBLY be just as perfect. Anyways…

Dad came back with me. Yay! Forever grateful to have wonderful parents (including awesome in-laws too). I tried very hard to pack early, but in the end where was I? Pulling an ALL nighter, stressing, shoving things last minute, sitting on my luggage and PRAYING the zipper to close. I may not have looked like a homeless woman on crack checking in at the airpot, but I sure felt like it with my dry red eyeballs & tita bun. 

I also had a lot of emotions piling up the night before, which of course for any wife….is to miss her husband. I missed James so much. Every day. Especially at night. Yes I had a lot of Instagram photo's of shopping, eating or out with the girl-frans; but I REALLY should've posted a blurry 'selfie' of me bawling my mascara out. And that's waterproof. So you're welcome Skype, because I became one of your top paying international callers!! And Chevron, not only do your employees behind the counter suck & unappealing to the eye, but your calling cards are a rip off! Separation anxiety for sure. I have total respect for military spouses undergoing those yearly deployments. You are strong, hands down. 

So yes, I did some major shopping back in Hawaii nei. It didn't help that our tax return lady hooked us up, so I was given even MORE opportunity do damage. Hahaha. But really, one of my greatest joys is to shop for my children. James thinks it's ridiculous…until he sees how much retail bang I can get for a buck. I think that even if I become a millionaire one day, I'll still search the clearance rack first. Not because I'm chang, but because hellllloooo! 

We arrived at Honolulu International with tons of heavy luggage & a huge container….& a million carry-ons that I tried to be sneaky about, that were all filled with clothes lol. According to my calculations, I should've forked out at least $500 for overage fees, etc. But, I think because I was surrounded with a lot of irrits fobs NOT BEING RACIST, but just stating my surrounding obvious…who kept arguing with the ticket takers and TSA-ers and Air Pacific employees about bringing the entire Hawaii back with them and blaming everyone but themselves…..my Dad & I tipped our porter? And Filipino Uncle TOOK CARE OF US! (we were one of the few easy-to-work-with passengers) I had my wallet ready and all I heard was, "Here are your boarding passes & you're good to go." Holy Cow, that news definitely woke my Dad & I up for 5am. Thank you Filipino Uncle, I wish I could've went back and gave you more. *BTW Traveling Tip for Parents….we ONLY do check-in with porters. Definitely saves you time & stress when traveling with young children. Especially with booked flights, you go straight to the front. ALL it costs you in return is a big mahalo smile and tip! 

The ride over? Eeeh, what's new. Go figure, it's Air Pacific. Dad was really excited the entire way, first passport stamp and all!

And then….Faleolo Airport & into the arms of my sweetheart!!! Poor Dad was dying of heat. & Mahie just cared about showing off her mini iPad. 

I'll need to do a separate post of our week long adventures while Dad was here. We dragged him all over. Drives here are loooooong. Now he is totally "ma'a" with Apia. And just to throw it out there, my Dad, THE HAWAIIAN from Papakolea, has been to Samoa, even out to "KuA" (village outskirts) before MAJORITY of you Samoans in Laie. Bahahahaha. K, just had to rub it in, cause I know a lot of them niele on my blog. 

Samoa we are here. Was I sad to return? Or to leave Hawaii AGAIN? Not really. Laie seriously, will always be Laie. And I was always driving AWAY from that side when I was home anyways. I'll miss at times the life of luxury and convenience. But you can survive without. It's like a breath of fresh air from being glued to the tv, wearing the latest trend, small town gossip, posting your every move on Instagram, obsessive social networking. I'll miss the little things though. Waking up to my Dad in the other room, drafting his next architectural project. My Mom coming back from work and just being home, near. The occasional drop-ins from my siblings, just to visit my kolohe kids before they drive back to Kalihi. Watching the planes come in and out from Isaac and Kiana's living room. Walking to the Laie temple. Hearing Hawaiian music. Picking puakenikeni. 

I'm not homesick, it's just crazy how life turns out to be. 

My home is with my husband and children.

Mahie is a TWO YEAR-OLD

My first, my oldest...my talkative, mischievous little girl is now an energetic two year-old. How ironic that just a few hours ago, this tiny little person gave me the biggest scare of my life. Quick story:

While shopping at Nordstom Alamoana today, Kiana and I were trying to comfort a fussy Evan who woke up in the stroller, but apparently still tired. It literally took us 3 seconds to get him to knock out, and as soon as we turned around, "Umm...where's Mahie?" We calmly & patiently checked behind & near us....and then the aisles....and then we split up....and then I started to jog, run & yell MAHIE! like a crazy person. That was the longest I ever 'lost' her in a store. I frantically asked the nearest worker for help & everyone was on the hunt. Scary thoughts started to crowd my mind, and then I turned around to what seemed like a muted room. I just stood there, frozen. Absolutely no sound, as I started to feel myself believing that she was gone!

"Heavenly Father, please help me find her. I know she's here."

My lips started to tremble. I thought about my husband in Samoa. I thought about my quick desperate prayer. I thought about the exit doors and if my little one had been lured out. I thought about all those unfortunate missing person stories made into LMN movies. One by one, each worker came up empty but still searched. I turned to see Kiana's stroller appearing among the racks of clothes and slowly approached her because my emotions were about to explode. And they just about did.......little barefoot Mahie was holding her Aunty's hand!!!! I ran, scooped her up, bawled my eyes out, told her to always stay with Mommy and hugged her some more. I think she knew what was going on because all she said was, "Sorry!". Here I am the adult suppose to be watching HER, and she apologizes!

As soon as we entered Nordstrom, she kept asking me to see the sunglasses. "Glasses Momma, please. Glasses please!" To which I kept pushing off because I was always caught up doing something else. Well, I guess Mahie's patience ran out, and she set out by herself. Kiana had found her in front of a big mirror, trying on sunglasses. Just a few feet away from our original spot. Totally my fault Mahie!

By the way, looking back, the Nordstrom employees reacted very quickly in helping me to find Mahie. They even put their customers on hold and would yell out to each other what she was wearing along with her name.

-----------------------------------------

Mahie Kauipuaonalani Fonofili Aspinall was due May 7th, 2011. But since I had developed gestational diabetes my last few weeks, they induced me around 38 weeks and out came our first baby at 10:50a.m. on April, 30th, 2011. 8 pounds, 11oz, 21inches long. Everyone at Castle Hospital went crazy about how much hair she had. She is named after my little and only sister and her Samoan great grandmother. Mahie in Hawaiian means, "Delightful".

For the first few days, she had to be kept in the Nursery on oxygen, as some DG babies have a hard time breathing. We then had to return home to TVA without her, which totally devastated me. However, by the end of that week, she was ours and we were up all night with no sleep. She was 100% formula fed, and loved her bottle and pacifier.

I always hoped for a boy to be the oldest, but I am so glad I was blessed with Mahie. I know she is going to become that awesome big sister that will gladly watch over her younger siblings. And furthermore, she is the oldest grandchild of the Kaahanui cousins. Which is a given, that she gets away with anything from her Grandpa. (Good, that way HE can pay for her wedding.)

But let's cut to the chase. This little girl drives me nuts! She is so independent and smart, that usually she gets into trouble a lot. All in innocence though. But boy do I chase her, threaten her with BIG eyes, scold her and when she REALLY pushes it......scare her with "Look roaches, ewww!" We have a special bond. I'm serious. Sometimes I wonder how this little girls knows all of my tricks!! She is also a big goofball and makes me laugh as much as I want to pull my hair out at times.

I hope to always share a special bond with my Mahie. I will always see her as not just my little baby, but the greatest teacher I could ever learn from.

I can have conversations now with my daughter. I can braid her hair into a thick long braid, almost to her waist. I can tell her to watch her baby brother, and she curls up next to him and they watch ipad movies together. I can point to almost anything/anyone and she will name it, even in her secret language. I can give her one cookie and she will ask to instead hold the entire packet. I can say "one" and she will continue to "Den". I can drive down the road and hear her shout "TEMPLE!" followed by singing, "I am a child of God....and heeee sed me heeeeeere!". I can come home hating my haircut and she will run her fingers through and say, "Ooooooh Preeeetty Momma."

I can say, "I Love you Mahie. Do you know Mommy loves you?"
And she knows, "Yes Momma. I yuv you too. And Daddy in Amoa. And Eban seeping. And Papa. And Nana. And Aunty Heeery. And Uncle. And baby Isaakt. Ummmm, all pau. Have juice now, peeeeeeeeeeease?!"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAHIE. GRAB YOUR PLASTIC PRINCESS HEELS & WE GO PARTY! jkjk

"Life in these Islands" -Kaukahi

We've been back in Hawaii for almost a week now. This mini-vacay feels like Samoa was all a dream. For reals. It was very easy for James, Mahie and I to fall back into our usual "Hawaii Habits". James with his movies, me with my shopping, and Mahie reuniting with all her old toys and especially her "Papa".

When you live in a place for soo long, sometimes you can get bored with it. That's how I was. Until we moved to Apia, CULTURE SHOCK......and now being back.....totally love/MISS my Hawaii nei! Not that I hate Samoa, because I don't think I've given it enough time to grow on me, but nothing will ever compare to home.

Our flight back (again on Air Pacific, eeh!), was packed and hot. Although Mahie is still "free", we decided as soon as the place took off, that we NEED to buy her her own seat. She is just way too long and heavy to fall asleep on us, plus with Evan's chubbiness too. I still think that Air Pacific has cool flight attendants, as one offered me two free seats at the back for Evan and I. (Earlier I decided to just stand at the back the entire flight because it seemed better than being squished with a fussy baby.) And thankfully, James and I got to sleep, hands free alongside our babies.

We froze when we got in. I liked it though. Better than being sweaty and hot.

Habits I didn't know I picked up from Samoa:
-Saw the front door open and sprinted to close it yelling, "the mosquitoes!!!" (but then, YAY, no Mozzy's)
-A witto fly came inside and I quickly backhanded it against the wall. LOL. Flies are wayyy quicker in Samoa, like I use a fly spray because I have to sprint after them. So I didn't even expect to get it, haha. I was both proud and grossed out.
-Thinking James was driving on the wrong side of the road. Also, being VERY attentive of EVERY car on the road. Drivers in Samoa are crazy. Now that we're back, I'm like, "Can this car get out of the way?!" or "James, just pass them who cares". hahaha
-And the Kids: they HATE their carseats. Screamed all the way home. You don't use them in Samoa. For REAL. As long as they're in the backseat, the Samoan police don't care. And even if they did, you'd just pay them off with five tala. And at least I have my kids sitting with me in the back, because you'd freak seeing people drive with newborns on their laps. *But before we GO THERE, remember people drive like that here in Laie too!

Sadly, James was only here a week. I need to rush through this part, before I start getting all emotional because I freekin' miss him. James got to see all the movies he missed out on in Samoa. Plus it gave him a nice break before heading back to working 24/7. We kept commenting on the unlimited luxuries we used to take for granted here: free wi-fi, HD cable, healthy food varieties, the weather! The kids went everywhere with us, until our last night, we went on a date! Whaaaaat? JUST US! Honestly, it felt weird. Like that, "I'm missing/forgot something" feeling. It took me a while to stop worrying about our kids and then also worrying if my parents were able to handle them incase they cried. We were suppose to head out to Waikiki, but only made it to Kaneohe for dinner. It really was nice being alone together. I think that's what probably made it harder for me to part with James. But anyways, before I get choked up, we got a lot of shopping done (not just for me!), we celebrated easter together, hung out with our kids, and took Evan to his check up together.

Easter 2013

Isaac, Mahie & Evan

So the kids and I are here in civilization for a month and James is back to his roots where he belongs, haha, jk. I have the worst cold ever, so meeting up with friends is put on hold because I'm so tired. But hey, I'm back with no car & a ghetto "go-phone" from Target.......holllllaaaaa!

The Throw Down!

Let's just say that this past weekend showed how great a leader and father James is. I'm glad I didn't have to fill the shoes he needed to, in order for things run smoothly & honestly. Even though I can still be a Negative Nancy at times for living here, I am reminded by little situations like this weekend (& others) that our family was needed here for various purposes. And to be honest, it's still taking me time to adjust, even accept, responsibilities asked of us. I could go into a play-by-play about an emotional meltdown I had today, but I'll save it since Hawaii is nearby. SO near. 

So last week was drama. It pathetically found us, as in the business we manage…….and like the smart people we are, things were taken cared of, allowing us to recover Saturday, Sunday and welcoming a fresh new week. *FYI- Dumb people, will always be dumb. Not necessarily uneducated, but just NO common sense or integrity. As you can see, James is the one with compassion & I'm the one still rolling my eyes!

Friday, after the huge "throw down", we got ready & relaxed at our first Pesega Lima (5th) Ward party. It was at the gym located on Pesega High's campus. James made a yummy crab salad. Yes, VERY yummy. James is pretty cocky when it comes to cooking & anything in the kitchen, even washing dishes, but he really is a good cook. He can throw things together and it'll taste awesome. Ya, it's kind of annoying, especially since he sounds like a "know-it-all" as he cooks. hahaha. For me, I like my recipes & I stick with them. Anyways, his was one of the few dishes that was devoured, sauce and all. Good job hun! Mind you, the sister serving our crab salad was calling it coleslaw. hahaha.

I got to perform with some of my relief society sisters. It felt wonderful to dance again. I think I was OVERLY excited when I was invited & learned the dance as soon as they taught it to me. It was my first time performing a Cook Island dance. We were even called up for a hana hou. Mahie got really excited when she saw me on stage & tried to copy us, it was cute. 

Saturday, was very relaxing. Although James had to wake up for a 6 a.m client, we all were able to get sufficient rest and put in quality time to deep clean our home. I am very particular when it comes to cleaning. I'm not an OCD freak nor do I always have a spotless house, but I do get grossed out when people don't clean things properly. I almost had a heart attack  the first time we arrived and I saw our house girl wipe the table, counter & floor messes up…and then use the same rag thing to wash our dishes. Pua'i!! Blah! Anyways, I'm proud that I have made a few adjustments here and there, making it a little homier for our time spent in the family house. I still have a lot of projects in mind to keep me occupied while I roast in the Samoa heat, but I seriously can't wait to stop by Ross to bring things back. 

Early Sunday morning, in the wee dark mosquito filled hours of night……I heard the happiest voice talking loudly as if no one was asleep. Mum arrived from Auckland!!! With boxes of New Zealand cookies, chocolates, lollies, clothes for the kids and things for the business. The fun definitely had arrived and I couldn't be any more relieved, excited, overjoyed! I love my husband and my babies, but sometimes a woman just needs another woman to talk to. 

Evan wearing 9-12 months clothes from Aunty Sharon in NZ

(He just made 5 months)

Mum's energetic spirit has filled our home once again and I can't believe she has been gone a month and a half/almost two months. I remember James and I dreading the day Mum would leave us alone here in Samoa, and now here we are almost 100% locals, hahaha. Almost. I made a joke to Mum when she walked in saying, "You smell really nice!! What are you wearing?"   Mum: "Oh, nothing, I didn't put anything special on. It's just me."   Me: "Oh, that's right…….I forgot how nice NORMAL smelled like". Maybe because it was 1 in the morning & we're delirious…..or that I've lived here in Samoa for almost 3 months, you know, smelling trash burning outside, sweaty people, mosquito punk smoke……..so I can make jokes like that & laugh, because we both laughed so hard. Just incase someone out there gets offended. I don't care. 

Mum has been a big help. I even got to relax baby-free, laundry-free, dinner-free, dishes-free, Aleipata kid-free, lol, watching all my Pretty Little Liars dvds…..and we even bullied James into driving us to "Kua" (not sure of the spelling), the "boonies" of Samoa where all the gorgeous beach resorts are. We are totally burnt. No where, not even the beaches back home in Hawaii can beat the crystal clear water & white sandy beaches here. 

.….now to spend as much time as we can with "Nana" before this week is over. Tomorrow I plan to FORCE Mum to bake her yummy brownies!!

Teepee or Grass Shack

{*Not a post about us in Samoa, hahaha}

Culturally, my childhood was confusing at times. Ok, not so much confusing, but I was born with two separate cultural worlds. My siblings and I were raised in Laie, Hawaii all our lives. And the ONLY Hawaiian/Navajo's, for quite a while. In fact, most people didn't even know what a "Navajo" or "Native American" or "American Indian" was, especially if they were Polynesian. 

The Hawaiian comes from my Father's side, with a little part Chinese, German, etc. mixed in, raised in Papakolea. So you CAN'T argue he ain't Hawaiian. He meets the Hawaiian Homes blood quantity requirement, but us kids don't. THAT'S BECAUSE…my Mother is Navajo or "Dine", FULL BLOODED. From little Sawmill, Arizona. (Middle of Navajo Reservation) 

So this is just from my perspective & feelings, not sure how my siblings felt or feel. 

Anyways, I grew up in Hawaii, raised as a Hawaii kid with black rubbah slippahs, dancing hula, always at the beach. I KNEW I was Hawaiian because I felt Hawaiian. Of course I was also told I was Navajo too, and a few times a place called "the reservation" and "Window Rock, Arizona" where my Navajo Grandma Yazzie lived was mentioned a few times. And then every so often old albums were pulled out showing kodak portraits of red/orange deserts & canyons, recalling foggy memories of once-in-a-while trips we took to Dinehtah (Navajoland). 

Around our home I'd stare at exotic looking sand art tiles, southwestern pottery designs, and daydream as I secretly played with my mother's delicate turquoise jewelry. I always enjoyed my fish, poi & rice but was equally thrilled when Mom made fry bread or Navajo tortillas (don't know how to write the Navajo name). As a child "Navajo" seemed faraway. That changed as I grew up.

We made trips to the Navajo Reservation when we were older and I visited many other Native American reservations. I embraced its beauty with a mature mind, finally understanding all of my once foggy memories. Not replacing my Hawaiian childhood but adding to and thus completing my unique culture. My siblings and I are pretty unique. You can't get more 'NATIVE" than us. 

Just a few responses I've gotten from people trying to make sense of me saying I'm Hawaiian & Navajo:

Being Hawaiian:

-"Oh, there's still Hawaiians alive?"

-"Are you sure you're not Filipino?"

-"Soo, basically Asian?"

-"But if you can't speak your language, how are you Hawaiian?"

-"You're not really Hawaiian because King Kamehameha was Samoan"

-"Don't Hawaiians wear tons of gold bracelets?"

-"Why don't you surf?"

Being Navajo:

"What's a Navaho?"

-"Ohhhh, like Pocahontas?!!"

-stranger waves hand in circular motion and says in a deep voice 'Howww'

-"where's your feather?"

-"Wingapo"

-"Do you guys always wear feathers?"

-"Oh, I'm a little part-Cherokee too"

-"Do you live in teepees?"

-"You must be rich off of casinos"

-"So you're like the bad Lamanites in the scriptures that were cursed."

People/family in Hawaii asked if people/my family in Arizona lived in teepees. People/family in Arizona asked if people/my family in Hawaii lived in grass huts. Go figure. 

Things to point out, because I can!

*Other Polynesian cultures always made fun of Hawaiian culture: chanting, hula, making up words, fighting for our land….AND YET these NON-Hawaiians are the ones giving their newborns HAWAIIAN middles names!!!! Wtf?! 

*The Pinterest/Hipster obsession of wearing a full-feathered headdress like they fashionable. No, you look dumb! Or stringing feathers in your hair & wearing tribal prints on Instagram, eeeh!

*Hallowen costumes: "Be a Hawaiian, wear a coconut bra & grass skirt kit" or "Be an indian, feather & facial paint kit". Ummm, you're turning someone's culture into a Party City costume.

*Kahuku High & their arm chops & hand over mouth "wah wah wah". I'm at fault for this too because I'm an alumni. But I was always like, my Mom, grandparent don't do this. Only "Indians" in Hollywood & Disney do. 

No, I'm not mad. lol. I'm not trying to be politically correct on anything, nor a marching sovereign-ist, activist, or negative Nancy. This was just my random blog thought for the day. Yes times have changed. Yes things have modernized. Yes even my own cultures are not perfect. Yes even people of my cultures are ignorant. Yes I'm gorgeous. hahaha, got you. 

So it's either hula girl or Pocahontas. Whatevs, I may not be fluent in any of my languages, or culturally knowledgable…but those before me were & remind me that I'm American. (Not getting so Patriotic).

Anyways, just think what my kids will go through. At least they will be greatly funded in college scholarships. And I'll randomly end with that. SHABOOYAH! 

FYI {There are over 4,000 Native American tribes; only 513 of which are still 'recognized' by the US Government. The Navajo Nation is the largest Native American tribe in the United States 300,000+ members, with also the largest owned land area.} ....someone asked

4 MONTHS EVAN

Little "Evie" is now Mr. 4 MONTHS! 

I know we Mama's say this a lot, but these past months have flown by. I'm a little guilty though. I promised I wouldn't be one of those parents that noted/photographed every milestone for their oldest child and then gives the second the shaft. And I have! I blame our move and it being too hot here to function at times. I'm kidding, but here's to documenting every second of Evan's life too! I promise Son, one day you'll find this blog & feel just as important as your bossy older sister. 

Okay, let's start with his BIG head. He has a HUGE WIDE head. Not soo much "Hey, Arnold football" width, but its pretty wide and round. That's definitely not my genes. I don't remember Mahie having a huge head, not that I'm fearing he's abnormal. I love it, it makes him even more chubby & yummier to cuddle with. Well, his fat head isn't as bald anymore. It's covered with hair, its just that his strands are so thin. And they fall out! My poor baby sheds hahaha. The thickest and longest parts are on his sides, so if you run water through, they stick up like two horns. 

instagram baby horns, just like "Sulley"

I think my kids are going to be very tall. *FINGERS CROSSED. Both Mahie and Evan are very long babies. When I nurse him, it feels like he's wrapping around my body. Currently he is about 27/28 inches long. Not sure about his weight, but James says he's heavy & can barely hold him for 10 minutes. I guess I'm just used to carrying him throughout the day because this kid WILL NOT go down. He will cry so loud if he sees you walking away.

This guy LOVES to eat. He still feeds like a newborn and sometimes I'm like, "Can I have a break to replenish my supply?" However when 9pm hits, he's out like a lightbulb until the next morning. Lately though he's been waking twice to "snack nurse" lol, really short feeding sessions to which his eyes roll back and off to deep sleep he goes. They say babies go through a growth spurt at 4 months, so maybe thats why. Sadly (for us & ME mostly) he has DENIED+REFUSED the pacifier. I guess there are highs and lows. Mahie loved her pacifier & it was hell when we forgot it at home or misplaced it. But it kept her calm, situated and put her straight to sleep. Before she turned one we decided to wean her off & that sucked for three days. Maybe it's because she was formula fed and Evan is breastfed. Correction: he USED to take it right to the day we moved here. But we stopped for a while after we kept catching our "house girls" dropping it and not washing, or holding the mouth part in between their fingers, etc; no matter how many times we scolded them. Consequently he caught a bad & fussy case of oral thrush from those germs, which annoyingly passed to me. I was in blistering pain for half a month, on medication & forced to pump for a baby that hates bottles. SO that pain = me pissed off = NO ONE touches Evan without washing their hands. He then never went back to a pacifier. I guess I'm the pacifier now. LOL. Get over it if you feel uncomfortable right now. I really don't mind if we used a pacifier or not. I say parents should do whatever gives them peace of mind. 

He is still pretty light. Not as white as his cousin Sofia, but way lighter than Mahie or the Joyce's kids. After holding him, a pink imprint of your hand will be on his skin. His cheeks will turn red even with sunscreen & being in the shade. Mahie on the other hand gets no sunburn, runs around IN THE SUN, however her face stays white and her body black!

I'm pretty sure he is size 3 diapers, but they don't go by that here. They go by kg's & i'm too lazy to check the packaging. Diapers are such a rip off here. I'm glad we only just ran out of our Costco supply we bought. Still going strong with the wipes. 

Things that I feel have come early:

-A month and a half ago he started biting. He only has full gums, so I blew off the idea of him teething. Too early? Well that gum biting has only increased and I fear a tooth may break through soon. His middle front feels firm. Please no! This is my first time exclusively breastfeeding, so I don't know what to expect, something similar to "Ouch!" He chews & sucks his hands and fingers non stop. If you get too close to his mouth, he will quickly turn and chomp at you. It's kinda scary if you don't back off quick enough, haha. 

-He also has a strong grip and midsection. Again, last month I was playing with him on the couch. As I held his hands in mine, he literally pulled and sat up….and then stood up (of course leaning on my hands). He beat Mahie at this stage. Now at 4 months, when you hold his hands as he is laying down, he automatically will sit and stand. It's so weird and cute. And then give you a full gum smile as if he's proud of his trick. 

(a typical day)

-He has also been rolling and wiggling backwards. Yup, he fell twice. Once off a low couch onto carpet and sadly once off a bed. He isn't safe anywhere, since he was surrounded with pillows and then sleeping in the MIDDLE of the bed. He's a wiggle worm. And silent too. FYI not safe on the ground either because Mahie will sit on him and watch Mulan. He's ok, don't worry. He giggles when Mahie inflicts pain on him, ummm yah?

Other than that, he is a big healthy boy. Very happy and smiley. His gum smile melts my heart. I love laying him in my lap and making all sort of noises to get him to coo or giggle. He is also VERY ticklish. Any fat you squeeze, he laughs. He gets really happy when he sees Mahie, even if she ignores him or tries to roll him and says, "MOVE!". Oh and remember that solid grip I mentioned earlier, well Mahie has finally gotten a taste of her own medicine. Lately, Evan has been able to snatch her hair when she leans in and WILL NOT LET GO. I'm such a bad Mom, because I just let him pull her hair. And it's hilarious seeing her panic and struggle to pry his fingers open. Once free, she wastes no time to tattle-tale, "Eban….hair. MINE hair. Pull hair. Ouch". She then will wait/expect me to scold Evan. After which she will say, "Aua Eban. Niiiiiiice" aka "No Evan, be nice!". I then will have to send her away or she will try to pluck off one of his precious hairs. I must be an awesome Stay-at-home Mom, cause look, I can translate baby talk, eh.

And Big Sister Mahie is making 23 months soon to be my big TWO YEAR-OLD!

Love you Evie my chunky boy. Countdown to Hawaii!