Yes, we're still alive...

I haven't had much to blog about. We finally finished out backyard.....exhale. It took so long because when we decided to start was also when mother nature decided to give us 15 million gallons of rain. And yes, I did measure and yes, it was 15 million gallons. But "supposedly" (and I quote TJ) "it saved us over $2,000." Anyway it felt so good to know that we did it ourselves! And also thanks to a few good friends, and family members who came to help. I've never seen TJ do so much manual labor in the six years I've known him. So it was a shock to me when all the sprinklers worked like they were supposed to. Oh, and I have to brag that he even built me some garden boxes. Yay! So yes, now I have a garden and it's not much but I love it. It's so exciting when you get your first tomato bloom. It's like giving birth, but not as cool and not nearly as painful. (All you gardeners and mothers will agree.)

Hmm, next subject: Can I just say that I think Kyson is so smart. Yeah, I know, I know, every parent says that and now it's MY turn. Since he's been born, he's been around English and Vietnamese so I thought that it would take him a while to talk (since that's what I had heard.) But he has grown so much this year. He is able to say 3-4 word sentences now and I'm so proud of my son. Also, he's at the age where he just copies everything we say. And yes, TJ does teach him to say naughty things. He made him say "peanuts" and to our surprise he said it correctly with the 't' and all. TJ was disappointed ;) Here are the things he can say: (Sorry for the long list, it's mostly for my journal).

English:I want/ I don't want: go, outside, milk, water, eat, shoes, bike, pop pop (grandpa), binky, blanky, Henri (but he says honey), apple (for April and apple), Vi, Breanne (bre-nan), trey, momma, daddy, most of the neighbor kids (jacob, aneesha, aaron), car, book, shoot (his watergun which he loves), hot, cold, Jesus, chocolate, hand, hat, night-night, no, yes, uh-huh, chips, cookie,

Vietnamese: grandma, don't hit (we taught him this because my mom likes to tease him), we have a tradition that we always have to fold our arms and greet the elders when you come or leave and Kyson can do that now too.

Spanish: Adios (it's so freakin adorable hearing Spanish from an Asian baby)!!

Other things he knows: sounds of: cow, horse, dog, kitty, truck, car, location of: eyes, ear, nose, tongue, mouth, ears, belly button, hands (he always says 'hand' when he wants to hold my hand which i love!), feet, shirt, pants, diaper

Sign language: more, milk, hat, shoes, eat

It's just amazing how much they understand. Kyson has become my little maid around the house. Actually I heard that it's good to give your toddler little chores so they get that sense of accomplishment and success. Kyson knows to put garbage in the trash can, clothes in the hamper, shoes in his closet, and toys (well they pretty go anywhere in his room). And what's even better is that he can understand in two languages!! I'm such an awesome mom. LOL.

Kyson loves the neighborhood kids. One of our good friends live two houses down and Kyson always goes there and knocks on the door in search of Isaiah and Isabelle. He loves Isabelle but she doesn't like him at all. He always tries to kiss her but she rejects him all the time so he usually ends up kissing her back. It's adorable. Kyson also always stands on our back porch and will yell "jacob, jacob, aneesha, aneesha" so he can play with them.

Wow, this has been an intensely long post. It's just amazing how smart children are! Man, can you tell I adore this kid or what?