Dear Lincoln and Carver,

Today was Lincoln’s first day at a new preschool. I think it was emotional for the both of us. It’s a new environment, new teachers, and new language. I really hope you will soon like it. Before we left, I hugged you really tight and promised that I will pick you up soon. But I’m realizing, that we can’t make such a promise.

We woke up on Sunday and found out that a lone gunman went into a club and just shot up the whole place. This was an act of terrorism and hate. This was the largest massacre in US history. Life is fragile and fleeting.

I’m hoping that we have sound gun control policies soon. Till then, I will continue to worry about the two of you. And when you get older, the best sound advice I can give you is this: Nothing good happens after 10pm at night.

Yesterday was Lincoln’s birthday.  To celebrate, we all went together in the Tesla to downtown LA, attended Lincoln’s music class, and then enjoyed the natural history museum.  I don’t know if I have ever been there before, but it was pretty enjoyable.  Best part was that I got to go in free, and mom already had a membership so she got in free too!  And the nanny pointed out there is free coffee!  Nanny A-yi is a perfect fit for our house because she loves free stuff.  If she knew how we went down to San Diego for a couple days and spent less than $100 she’d be so impressed.  That’s right, we went to Sea World.  It was actually a lot of fun.  It’s nice having kids that give you an excuse to go back to water parks.  Can’t wait till you guys are old enough and we can start riding rollercoasters.  But none of those spinning machines, I’m too old for that.

I had Navy drill today so I didn’t get to go to Melody’s birthday party but I heard it was fun.  You’re both really lucky that you have so many opportunities, but we need to make sure that you don’t get spoiled.  Lincoln, you need to stop hitting people, I mean it.  Don’t grow up to be a brat.  The entire internet is aflame right now over a Stanford kid who did some pretty bad things to a girl… worst nightmare is that we raise a kid incorrectly.  We all want our kids to go to a school like Stanford, but what is the point if they grow up amoral?  So anyway, that’s the big test we have before us.

Anyway, I need to go and print some more Recently photo magazines out.  With the internet you need to make a big effort to actually print photos out.  In my day, that was the only way you could see a photo, if you printed it.

Oh, I should mention that Carver, you started sleeping through the night in the last week… we are so happy!  Now your brain will get to develop more.  You are already very good with your hands, very curious and grabby.  That’s great.  You are attracted to screens too, I noticed, so we’re going to have to block those.  Sorry.

Dear Lincoln,

Happy Birthday, my love. You are now two years old. You are so incredibly active and learning so much everyday, I can barely keep up. My favorite time with you is right before we put you to bed. You get dressed into your PJs, brush your teeth, and we sing songs and act silly together. Its one of these times that I hold near and dear because I know that it won’t last very long.

Today was also your last day at the Montesorri Day Care. Ms. Anita, Ms. Carla, and Ms. Dora were like your 2nd mothers. They were with you the majority of the time from 9 months to 2 years. Did you know that I did not have to trim your finger or toe nails at all during these times? I got a little teary eyed when they gave you one last hug and kiss. You actually gave it back to them as if you knew. On Monday, you will be entering a different preschool with different teachers and also a different language. We decided to enroll you into a Japanese immersion preschool. It will either be the best decision I’ve ever made, or the worst decision I’ve ever made. Only time will tell. I’m a little nervous since you won’t understand anything when I drop you off. But I know that you are more resilient than I think you are.

Your temper tantrums are getting a little bit more serious. But you’re starting to understand the difference between right and wrong and you know when you have done wrong. Time outs are working pretty well with you so far. I think part of your tantrums is that I just can’t understand you just yet. But I think we’re getting their. You’re starting to have a command of basic mandarin and english. Soon, you’ll have a command of basic Japanese, too.

I love you. Keep being you. I will fight fiercely for you to keep your innocence for another year. AND…. I promise we will go to Disneyland before you turn three.