Arrivals & Departures

Well as you all know, three weeks ago, my dearest Tam left to go play good guy/bad guy in the "sandbox." Since his departure I have been trying my best to keep busy. With each day that passes it's another day closer to his return. Just like with each passing day, each new event that passes brings me closer to Tam's return.

Speaking of arrivals, our friend Heath Wilhoit was also over in the "sandbox." Well he came home after 6 long months to his anxiously awaiting wife, Rhianon. Today we had a get 2 gether at their house. It was the first time he say Dominic and man was he excited.









Last Thursday, our other friends (Regina & Joe) added an addition to their family. Like us they didn't want to know whether they were going to have a boy or a girl. At last our wait is over and Regina gave birth to a cute baby girl. Her name is Isabelle Luz Albaladejo, weighing in @ 7lbs & 5ozs (8ozs less than our Dominic) & 19 inches long. Her official birth date and time was March 16, 2006, @ 12:35pm.

Congrats you guys. Did you know you could love some one so small so much. It's a beautiful thing, somehow words can't explain it.

Next weekend our next door neighbors are having a babyshower for their daughter-in-law. They are expecting a girl. I forget the name at the moment, but will sure share when she makes her arrival. Also, the church that I attend finally caught up to us. Sunday, 3/26/06, they are going to have a shower for Dominic and I. They wanted to do give us one before Tam left, but they could never "catch" us. Well it looks like they caught up with us. Anyhow, baby's always need new things, so we'll enjoy. Well unfortunately unlike you reading the blog I have to get up early (not just because of Dominic). I have duty at the gym, one of my goals before Tam gets home is to look awesome. So for now tah tah. God bless. Tam when you read this know that we love you.

4 Months of Life

Well okay, Dominic is actually 4 months & 1 week but whose counting!?! Yesterday was Dominic's 4 month well baby check up & just like everything else, he was given a clean bill of health. With his 4 month check up that meant, you guessed it, another round of immunizations (shots for us lame folks). I lucked out and didn't have to hold him down, the gentleman that did the shots had us lay him on the table while he held is legs and gave the shots. I tried talking to Dominic to distract him, but by the time the second shot came around he put it all together. Some strange man holding my legs down & mommy trying to distract me, I'm getting shots. Then he started to cry.

To back track a little. While he was getting is temperature checked before seeing the doctor, and for all of those without children it's a rectal temp check. This little man was grinning ear to ear at the corpsman.

Oh, you guys must be wondering about his growth progress, well let's shead the light. Dominic now weighs 15lbs & 5 ozs, is 26 inches long with his head being 44cm. Yes, he still nurses, however, here's the fun part. We get to start him on baby cereal from a bowl mixed with milk or pear/apple juice. In about a week we get to introduce him to vegetables from baby food jars. Oh our little boy is growing up, let the fun begin.

Here are some cute snap shots of our little man. Hope you enjoy, take care and God bless.

Rub-a-dub-dub

Hello everyone. Just wanted to share a first with ya'll. Last Thursday was Dominic's first bath in the kitchen sink. Ok, not his first bath in the kitchen, but his first bath in the sink. When he was first brought home from the hospital, he was given sponge baths in the kitchen which he didn't like real well. After his umbilical cord fell off, during our trip to Louisiana & Florida, he showered with mom and dad. He continued to shower with us up until the time his daddy left for the "sandbox." I decided that while Tam's go, I'll give him a bath in the sink, makes it easier that way. He really loves the water and for that we have been blessed. Please enjoy the pictures.







Did I mention that he's camera shy ;-)!






He certainly loves bath time.

Day 3...

Well guys, this is my 3rd day in the sandbox and it doesn't seem to bad. I thought it would be a lot worse than expected, but things are going quite well. The living quarters are concrete structures and my work space is also concrete. The showers and bathrooms are trailers which is about 200 yards away, so it is a walks away to drop the childs off at the pool and also to smell and feel fresh. I f you want to get around here, you would have to walk. Lucky for me, everything is near by. Of course we do have vechiles to use for work. Some of the places we go to requires us to drive because it is so far away.

Work as not officially started for the new crew (which is me and other people) until 06 Mar 2006. I know when we start working, time is going to fly by. Right now not much is going on, just turn over with the old crew.

The food here is great. There are always pastries in the galley, Baskin Robins, Gatorade, soda's... and a lot more other products. I think a lot of people here might come home a little heavier than when they arrived. Me, I plan on going to the gym every chance that I get and run whenever the weather permits. I know that coming the weather is going to change inthe upcoming months. I hear that it can get up to 140 degrees F out here.

Well that is all the update that I have out here. Take care.

Tour of Duty...

Yes, it is I, Tam, the master of things, Jack of all trades, postig from an undisclosed location. Well, I have left for the "sandbox."

As you have read from the previous post by Nyoka, my journey began @0545 Sunday morning, 26 Feb 2006. I'll make this as short as possible. The plane took off at around 1500 on 26 feb 2006. We made two stops before getting into Kuwait 2300 on 27 Feb2006. The next journey is into Iraq, which will take place sometime today. I am glad that we made it into Kuwait before the beginning of March... Explanation for that is, PAY. Thats all I can say about that.

My next journey is the journey home sometime in late August early September. If none of this doesn't make since, its because I have not gotten a lot of sleep. I'll just close for now and hopefully next time that I post, it'll make since. Take care of each other and I'll see you guys real soon...

Let the Countdown Begin

Just a brief update from our end. Tam is in route to the "sandbox." Muster was at 0545 this morning, but just like everything else in the military it was hurry up and wait. The bus didn't arrive until sometime after 0800. Feeling sad that he's not here to hang out with, but I take pride in knowing he's on his way out there to defend our freedom. Sweetheart, just remember that we are all here cheering you on and praying for a safe return. We love you with all of our heart and can't wait to have you back on our soil safely.

I went to see him off with every intension of taking pictures of his departure, however, like a nut I forgot the camera at home. Never fear though, Tam purchased a camera to take with him so we were able to take some pics. I just have to wait until he's able to send them to me to post. So stay tuned for pictures.

Until next time, adios.

The TIme is Near...

That's right the time is near and it is coming awfully fast. I found out this Friday morning that I would be leaving Sunday morning at around 0545. I have to meet up with my crew in the morning and draw weapons at 0600. After drawing weapons, it is off to the airfield and onto the plan. The destination is unknown. Dont know what route we're taken and franky I dont really want to know. It is better not unkowning thant knowing. I hate the anticipation.

Even though I am gone for 6-7 months, I'll still have somewhat access to the internet, so I'll try and keep every informed about my daily routine and stuff. Right now, I'm just spending time with the family. I know it is going to hard on them and I'm being strong about it. I've promised myself that I'm not going to cry. I know that the time over there is going to go by so fast that if I blink, I'll miss it. I know that I'm going to be really busy while over there. I'll have things like work, gym, movies and games to keep me busy.

Well this is the last post that I'll be doing while in the states for 6-7 months. The next post that I'll do is when I'm back in the states in late August early September. It is see you later...

Paintball Fun Day's...

Well, every month I try and play paintball with a couple of buddies from San Diego. Sometimes we play once a month nad sometimes we play twice a month. It is very rare that we play three times a month. That would be just crazy and unheard of. When we do go, it is very fun and we have a blast. Last time we went, Tony put together a group play. Meaning, it was just a group of friendly's playing. No outside players. Just friends.

I remember the time before last, boy was that crazy. Every field we played on, it seems like Tony and I got into yelling arguments with the opposing players. There was this one incident when this fat guy from the opposing side ran up and bunkered Tony and some other little guy (younger than 12 yrs old). Beginner rule is, no bunker!!! Bunker is when you shoot someone that is less than 10 feet from you. A shot like that hurts real bad. When I saw that he bunkered Tony and the little kid, I called him out and said, "Hey man, you cannot bunker!!!" I guess the fat guy took as, "Hey man lets fight!!!" The fat guy started cursing and throwing down. Then Tony told him, that I said, "No bunkering!!!" I guess the fat guy thought that Tony wanted to throw down. So the fat gug ran up to Tony and pushed him with his chest. That was a crazy mess.

Any how, it is always fun when we go, except for that fat guy incident. Overall we always have a good time when we go out . When I get back, I plan on buying myself a new paintball gun. I am due for a new one. Nyoka said that she would play next time I go out. Hopefully she'll go and enjoy. Maybe I'll buy her a gun and force her to play.

Here are some pictures of my paintball EXTRAVAGANZA!!!

Kid: Wow, you're good mister!!!

Me: Thanks little man!!! Combat school paid off.

Whose next on my @#%^ list. Oh, there you are little one!!!

5 More Years...

Well, I went and did it, I re-enlisted for another 5 years. I wanted to re-enlist for 6 years, but the Navy has a rule about High Year Tener. HYT for an E-5 is 14 years. If I would have re-enlisted for 6 years, it would have put me 15 years and 2 months. I guess they did not want to give me 2 months. I plan on making E-6 within the 5 year's.

This was a special day because Nyoka did my re-enlistment. When she re-enlisted back in March 2004, I re-enlisted her. It was quite a ride. When she was reading the oath to me and I was reciting the oath back to her. She made it difficult for me because, she would read long sentence's and it was heard for me to recite them back. I was getting a little worried that I might not be able to recite the oath back. But somehow I managed to pull through and was ablt to recite the oath back to her with no problems.

Maybe for my next re-enlistment, I'll ask Dominic to re-enlist me. I sure he'll say yes and he'll enjoy doing it.

Nyoka was such a pro at presenting my discharge and re-enlistment certificates.

A Family Affair...

Please be patient as this is my first post. Just getting my feet wet so-to-speak so I can take over during Tam's absence. Don't worry you guys, the professional will be back in 6-8 months.

Towards the end of January, we all finally got our family portaits taken. We've been wanting to do that for awhile, but one of us wond up pregnant. Ooops, guess we know who that was. Then we decided to wait to make it more of a family affair when our bundle of joy arrived. Now our circle is somewhat complete and here we are for all to see. We do hope that you enjoy. At the time the pictures were taken Dominic was 2 months & 3 weeks old, weighing 13 lbs & 7 ounces. Who knows how much he weighs now as he grows so fast.

Among the many poses we decided to take a special photo, a generation pic. This one is of three generations: Dut (Tam's father), along with Tam and our son, Dominic. Man do they look like "proud papas" or what!?!









There were only 2 solo portraits take of Dominic. Thus, picture #1, ready to "duke it out."

Last but not least picture #2. Ok, so he looks handsome in all of them, but this one's my favorite. The answer to most of ya'lls question is yes, his hair naturally stands up. But with a little help from a wonderful invention {baby lotion}. It makes him look that much more adoreable.

Getting Ready for the Sand Box...

Well, it is almost time for me to go and do my part as a Nav Corpsman. This past week, I've been checking into my unit that I'll be going with. Got all my gear that I'll needing over there. A lot of it is just junk stuff that I wont need. I'll probably jus take the essentials. Things like water canteen, sleeping bag, each unifrom, extra boots, hygiene products, soxs, underwear, and most importantly a flak jacket. I'll make sure that I wont forget that. It is a must to have over there. It could mean between life and death. My departure date is 25 Feb. It is subject to change, but I'm pretty sure that is the date that I'll be heading out. The time frame is about 6-8 months.

It'll be the end of winter and the start of spring. The summer months is not what I'll be looking forward too. I'd rather be cold than hot. I'll propbably come back 20 pounds lighter and looking like Kate Moss, HAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!

I am looking forward to this deployment. I've been waiting and wanting to go. I joined the military for this type of stuff. When it first deployment tool place in 2002, I tried volunteering myself to go, but I couldn't. I want to do my part in this war. I want to protect the lives of my fellow sailor and marines. I also want to protect my family from terrorist and protect their freedom. I fight for them and for those who believe the world should be a place without dictatorship and genocide. I am glad that I'll have a chance to fight for those who can't fight for themselves and those who are afraid to stand up for themselves. I believe in time that WE (The United States of America and our allies), can win the fight against terrrorist.

Well the time is nearing and I am very anxious to go. The sooner I leave, the sooner I can get back to my family.

Nyoka On A Quad...

At the beginning of the week, I planned a trip for Nyoka and I to go riding at Octillo Wells. I checked the weather and it was suppose to be beautiful. With high's in the 60's and sunny skies. Last time I went, Heath an I called it a day at about 1100, because the sun started to beat down on us.

We woke up about 0600 this morning and started to get ready. Eat breakfast, feed Dominic, load the bike and gear. We were out the down and on the road by 0700. The drive up was not bad, or me that is. Once we got into the winding roads and the dips, Nyoka got nauseated. I was trying hard not to laugh but I couldn't help myself. Of course she got mad at me for laughing at her. I knew in my mind that something was coming from her direction. I was right a big fist punch to my right shoulder. I told her that I wasn't laughing at her, but rather with her.

The scene was nice. The air was crisp and cold. We hit a little fog going through Lake Henshaw but made it out safe. We were about 30-45 minutes from Octillo Wells, and we were both anxious ride. Nyoka decided that she would lay down and close her eyes for the remaining of the ride to Octillo.

We finally made it there in one piece. I found a place that was easy to unload and load the quad. Got out of the truck and changed over to the riding gear. Nyoka was shocked that I had changed my pants in the wide open. I told her that I do it all the time. I like driving confortable. The riding gear really isn't made for driving for long periods of time in a confined space. Anyways. Unloaded the quad and began the riding adventure.

I took her to an open and flat field. Gave her a real quick class on riding, shifting, breaking, turning, and kick starting of the quad. She had trouble kick starting so I did it for her. The first time riding a clutch, you'll always stall it and thats what she did. After awhile. she got used to it and she was riding like a pro. Of course she never got out of first gear, but she was riding like she's been riding all her life. I am really proud of her.

Heath you shouldn't have been there. We'll have to plan a riding trip once I get back.

Nyoka's Quad Riding Adventure

Pro Rider Nyoka "The Speedster" Duong

Admiring and photo with the Pro Rider!!!

San Francisco Trip...

Well, it was an exciting trip up to San Francisco. The trip all started on a late Friday night. Linh, Jan, Nyoka, Dominic and I, all meet up in Palmdale at our parents house. We started the trip around 2200 hours (10:00 p.m.) The drive was long but we made it to San Francisco in a little over 5 hours. We arrived at the Embassy Suite at a little after 0300 hours (3:00 a.m.).

Before we left, Linh checked the forecast for the Bay area and there was a storm that was to came in on Saturday. It was a fast moving storm.

Since we arrived so early in the morning, we were all exhausted and decided to sleep in. Well, I was exhausted from the driving. Dad and Jan had gotten up early that Saturday morning to have a complimentary breakfast that the hotel extends to all the guest. Dad is not much of a sleeper and Jan, well she sleep most of the drive up, so she was well rested. We all eventually got up and ready to go out the door by 1100 hours. We were heading to San Leandro to see Clark, thats just across the bay, a little south of Oakland. Saturday was pretty much wasted, but we enjoyed it.

Clark took us to eat at a Vietnamese restuarant called, 7 Beef Dish. You get served 7 different dishes of beef. Hence the name. it was really good. Oh yeah, it rained like cats and dogs that day, so outdoor activity was out of the questions. After eating lunch we headed to an indoor outlet mall.

Sunday was a better day. The girls and Dominic had a little outting and Clark, my dad and I, had a otting of our own. The girls spent a day in San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf. Nyoka, Jan, and mom went on a tour to Alcatraz, while Dominic and Linh stayed behind at the wharf. Clark took us fishing on his new boat that he had to just bought. We were fishing for strip bass. We all caught fish but they were not of legal size. Toward the end of the trip, Clark hooked a 5-6 pounder and dad reeled it in. That was pretty much it for Sunday.

Monday was the day that we were going to head back down south. But before we left, it is always a must to drive across the Golden Gate Bridge, so we did. We also stopped on the other side to take pictures of the bridge. There was also the statue of the lone sailor. Nyoka, Dominic and I had our picture taken with him.

Heath wish you were therefishing with us. I know you would have had fun fishing for strip bass. Well, we'll have to go fishing after I return from deployment. We'll also have to go riding too.

Picture's of the trip is in the gallery. Enjoy!!!

2 Month Check-Up...

Today was Dominic's two month check-up and shots. Yeap he is getting shots today. Nyoka and I guest his wieght to be aroung 12 pounds. We were almost tright. Only off by a pound. The little guy weighed in at 13 pounds. He was measured at 24 inches long and his head circumference is 44 cm. The doctor said he is in the 75th percentile. He is a growing boy.

I had bump into a lady in the elevator before Dominic's appointment and she had asked me how old he was. I told her that he is 2 months and 1 week old. She couldn't believe her eyes that he was so big for his age. She had her boy with her and said that he was 6 months old. When I had a look at her son, he was just as big as Dominic was. I guess it's all in the breast milk. Oh, it's probably also in the genes too.

After the doctor had a look at Dominic, it was time for his shots. The doc told us that he would be getting three shots today. We went back into the waiting area and waited for his name to be called. His name was finally called and we were ready. Of course I had to hold him down. The shots were not that bad. He must of cried for about 1 minute, then he stopped. I can see that he was or is a strong boy. I guess he has high tolerance for pain as well.

Well, his next check-up and shots will be in be in two months. He'll be four months old. I know I won't be there to hold him down. I just hope that Nyoka can. She just does not want to see him pain. Be strong baby, everything will be all right.

Spending Time With The Little Guy...

Well, it's been awhile since I've posted anything. Nothing is really going on. Just waiting around and getting things ready for deployment. I've just started leave. Thought I would spend time with Dominic while I can.

I am off work for next two weeks. My time, while I'm off, will be devoted to Dominic and Nyoka. I'll spend the morning and a good part of the afternoon with Dominic and the rest of the night with both Nyoka and Dominic. I love spending time with the little guy. But really, he sleeps a lot. That's ok, he is so peaceful while he is sleeping. I can just watch him and protect him. He is such an Angel. He is starting to be more alert and having more control of his head movement. He is also started to drool alittle. Smiling and grinning more. Laughing and giggling like he understands whats going on. His smile looks so cute. All you can see is his gums. Nyoka calls it a gum smile.

Well this weekend The Duong Family is taking a trip up to San Francisco and seeing the sights. It'll be Dominic's first long road trip. Hopefully it'll go well. Things on the agenda will be, Alcatraz tour on Sunday, touring San Francisco on Saturday, Fishing trip on Sunday, and more things. Don't know what, but it'll be a fun filled weekend.

I'm enjoying every moment that I have with Dominic...

Picture's Are In...

I finally took time and posted links to picture albums. Check them out when you get a chance.

Thanks and hope everything is well with everybody.

May this coming New Year fill everyone's hearts with joy and self-worth.

Follow the Photo Gallery link on the right side down by the bottom.

Happy Holiday's!!!

Dominic's First Christmas...

We went home to Palmdale for Christmas this year. I was really hoping for a white Christmas but all I got was a hot Christmas. Of course this is Dominic's first Christmas for the family. It was very exciting. He had recieved a lot of gift's being that it is his first. Everything that he had ask for, he got.

He got a new crib sheet/blanket set form grandma, grandpa, and aunt Jan. Aunt Linh got him a whale shaped rattle from Tiffany's and Baby Enstein DVD's. Uncle Matt and Vanessa gave him a stuffed football that belong to Matt. It was very nice of uncle Matt to give him the football. Pappa Brad and grandma Karen gave hime a cross with his name and a superimpose boy kneeling and praying. They also got him Pooh, Tigger, and Eeyore singing Jingle Bell. I'll have to take a picture and post it later. He got my first blocks from the Pauley's. Cousin Kalen got him a Christmas reindeer outfit. Tram got him a gift card to Target and Pooh DVD set. I might be forgetting something else. Over all it was a very good year for Dominic.

Oh yeah our good friends the Davis's from sent him Pooh, My first Christmas outfit. He is wearing it and posing with the Christmas and his presents. See picture below. Joe and Regina gave him is first bath robe and slipper set. Which is very cute.

If Dominic could speak right now, he would say, "Thank you all for the wonderful gifts. I am having a wonderful year and had a wonderful first Christmas. Thank you for being part of my life."

Louisiana Trip...

Our trip to Louisana was a relaxing one. We did nothing but chill and Mimi and Pa's house. It was too cold to being visiting all the relatives. We had them come to ust this time around. We did however visited a select few. We went and visited uncle Frank, aunt Noni and cousin Chris. Uncle Frank's eye's lit up when we told him that the baby's name is Dominic. We still don't know why is eye's lit up but we've got an idea why. We also visited aunt Wanda's sister and brother-in-law, Charlet and Carl.

We meet up with Nyoka's friend Jeremy and his wife Cherish at a place called the Boardwalk. It is an outside mall type shopping center. Had lunch at a place called the San Fransisco something.

I went deer hunting with uncle Bill. Needless to say, I did not see anything. The only animal I saw that day was a Cardinal. Last time I went hunting with uncle Bill, the only thing I saw were paw prints. But on the way back to the Stonewall, I saw a Bald Eagle. So each time I went hunting I saw birds, not deer, but birds. I guess, Better luck next time.

Louisiana was a relaxing trip. It was a time of rest from the Florida trip. We hung out at the house the entire trip. Watched The Price is Right, Family Feud, Millionaire, Wheel of Fortune, and Jeopardy all week long. Every morning it was southern home cooking, eggs, bacon, biscuits, grits, potato, and venison sauages. Boy was it good!!!

Well that was pretty much our trip to Louisiana.

Nyoka, Tam, Mimi, Pa, and Dominic.
Aunt Wanda and Dominic.
Uncle Bill and Dominic.
Mimi and Dominic.
Pa and Dominic. Tam, Cherish (Jeremy's wife), Jeremy, Nyoka and Dominic inside of The Children's Place.

Florida Trip...

Visiting Florida in the winter months is awesome. It was never too hot and never too cold. It was just right. We spent 7 days in Florida. Stayed at The Raddison in Clearwater. That's about 20 minutes west of Tampa.

Seeing Aron and Christian again was wonderful. When we arrived at the airport we were supposed to go to the hotel and check in first but we decided to go and surprise Chenoa, Aron, and Chris. We drove to Lutz and surprised them at their home. When Nyoka entered into the house, Chris looked up at her and said, "Noki, what are you doing here?" I then walked in and when Chris saw me, he came to me and gave me a bid hug.

I then asked asked him if he remembers me. He noded his head and said, YES. Aron came over and gave us all hugs. Aron and Chris stayed with us at the hotel for the length of our stay. Well except for Tuesday and Sunday night. We took them to two aquariums and Chuck E. Cheese. Ate Pizza three days out of the seven days that we were there. They loved pizza.

The first aquarium we took them to was small but neat. It was of a rescue/rehab/learning center. The place was not really intended for their age. It was more suited for someone who wants to go into marine biology or something down that line. The other aquarium we took them to was the Florida Aquarium in Tampa. This one was much bigger and more suited for kids and adults of all ages.

There was an outside playground that kids can go to. It was fun watching them play again.

We drove out to Homosassa Springs, which is about 1 1/2 hours north of Clearwater to visit Mary and Sam. Sam took me fishing while we were out there. It was great fun. Too bad we didn't catch anything but Pin fishes. Oh well, better luck next time.

That was pretty much of our trip out to Florida. Here are some pictures of the trip.

Two sister's loving each other at the Florida Aquarium.

Three cousin jail birds just busted out of baby prison. Consider them armed and dangerous

Chris and Aron showing us how much they love each other. Remember, they are dangerous.

We took a trip down to Saint Petersberg and visted the peir that was out there.

Florida'>http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/tokage2778/album?.dir=bcd3&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/tokage2778/my_photos">Florida Trip Dec 2005

Pearl Harbor Remembered...

I would like to take this time to remember and honor those who served and died on this day.

To the sailors and marines who fought for their lives and the lives of others, we appricate all that they did to secure our freedom.

We will do our best to fight and secure the freedom of the future generations to come.

You will always be remembered...

Baby's First Flight...

Well, Dominic took his first flying trip to Florida and Louisiana.

We first flew to Florida so that he can meet is grandma and Sam. He also got to meet is aunt Chenoa and cousins, Aron and Christian. While there in Florida, we went to two aquarium's and a Chuck E. Cheese. Of course he slept for most of the excitement. That's ok. But we got to spend time with Aron and Christian. They stayed with us at the hotel for most of our stay. We know they had a great time. They got to spen time with Dominic and they got to take cool and funny photos with him. I'll post those later. I'll tell you more about Florida.

We are know currently in Louisiana visiting Mimi and Pa, uncle Bill and Aunt Wanda and the rest of the gang. Tell is nothing toi write about it know, but I'll update it later.

Well, talk to you soon...

Happy Thanksgiving...

Well, the end of the year is just around the corner and Thanksgiving has come and gone. This yearr went by really fast. Just a mili-second blink and you have missed the whole year. Thanksgiving was good. A co-worker of mune invited my Nyoka, Dominic and myself over for Thanksgiving. There was a lot of food. She cooked a turkey of course, mac and cheese, green beans, mash potato, stufffing and a lot of other wonderful food. For dessert, she had banana pudding, peacon pie and some other pie that was real good.

Foe entertainment, we watched the new version of, "Willy Wonker, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory." I like the orginal one better than the new version. Too many changes. There were a lot of parts that were left out. It just wasn't right. Good intension from Plan B production.

The Duong Family is having Thanksgiving on Saturday the 26 November, instead of the traditional Thursday Thanksgiving day. We have invited some of our good friends. My parents and sisters are coming.

There is going to a lot of food. All of which are the traditional Thanksgiving food.

Hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. There is a lot of things that we should be thankful for. The most important one is FREEDOM. Of course freedom comes with a price...

These are the things that I am thankful for; my parents, my sisters, my wife, my son, the military men and women who are serving all around the world, the men and women who are fighting the war on terrorism, freedom of free speech, The Constitution, The Bll of Rights, Independence Day, the list goes on and on and on.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Happy 4 Year Wedding Anniversary...

Nyoka and I, just recently had our 4 year Wedding Anniversary. Itwas on, 15 November. I tried undating the blog two days ago but it was not working in my favor. But anyways. We have been together 6 years and married 4 years.

About 6 years ago I never would have thought that Nyoka and I would be together this long. Well we did better, "Marriage." I knew when I looked at her 6 years ago, that I would marry her. She was perfect. A white, blue eyed, brownish, blonde hair girl from the south. I call her my Southern Belle and Angel Baby. My life was set and I was happy.

Gift giving for wedding anniversary was always hard. Yeah I tried following the tradtional wedding gift plan, but somehow it never works out. I just try to listen for what she wants and what she needs. Of course that also sometimes doesn't work out. The next best thing is to either surprise her or get her what I think she wants or needs. In this case she remember what I had said in Wal-Mart. Todd McFarlane (Toy Creator), has this new line of Military figure that is real cool. I had mention that I liked them , and that one day I would buy them. Well she got them for me for our anniversary. I was really surprised and happy about the gift. The gift that I got for her was an Orchid plant. They're a very beautiful flower plant. Just as beautiful and graceful as Nyoka. I also got her some books that have not arrived yet. I won't say what books yet. She might read this post before they come in. I'll let you know what books next time I update the blog.

Well my Southern Belle, Happy Anniversary. I Love You with all my heart. Thank you for the wonderful gift and card. Oh yeah Thank You very much for the biggest gift of all, our son, Dominic. He is wonderful and beautiful like is mom.

Upper left: Marine Recon. Upper right: Navy Seal

Bottom: Marine Sniper

Asian style Orchid set-up.

Weekend Trip Update...

The trip up to Palmdale was good. We hit traffic but it was not to backed-up. Of course you always run into the drivers who should not be on the road behind the wheel. Anyways. Like I said the trip home was good.

As always my dad was very excited to us, especially his grandson, I don't blame him. I am always excited when I come home from work. I hug and kiss Nyoka, then I ask, when is Dominic? What kind of things did he do today. Sometimes I wished that I did take off of work. I am just rambling on about nothing. I bet you would like to know who Dominic meet this weekend, RIGHT!!!

Well, he saw grandpa, of course. The Bishoff finally saw him this weekend. Karen was very, very, very excitied to see and hold Dominic. She held him for a good while, then Matt wanted in on holding Dominic. Vanessa also got to hold Dominic as well. They were all very excited to hold him. Dominic was glad that he got to meet The Bishoff's. The only person that did not get to hold him was Brad. I'm sure that he is very sad and hurt that he did not get to hold Dominic. Well Brad, you'll hold him next month around Christmas time.

Matt and Wendy came by to see Dominic. Raul cam by to see him as well.

My uncle, his wife and my grandparents came up to see him. Dominic is my grandparents first great grandson. They were pretty excited to meet and see him. He slao meet my parents old time family friends The Pham family. Well just Tram and her mom came up.

I guess I have not told you how the drive went. Well, it went well. He cried for about 1 minute, just because he was hungry. Nyoka feeed him won the road. After his feeding, he was out like a bulb. He did the same thing on the way home. So he onyl cried or woke up when it was feeding time. Well, that's how the trip home was like.

Proud grandparents.

Vanessa and Matt enjoying Dominic's presense. They were both very excited to meet him. Nyoka and I are blessed to have Dominic surrounded by good people.

Karen's excited and over joyous of meeting Dominic for the first time. Sorry, Brad, Dominic well be back by Christmas time.

First Time Traveling...

Today we are preparing to travel with Dominic to Palmdale. Palmdale is where my parents and the Bishoff lives. He will be meeting a lot of the family this weekend. everyone is coming to Palmdale to see the new edition into the Duong Family. Everybody is excited. I know the Bishoff's are exciting about Dominic.

Nyoka was telling me the other day how DOminic like riding in the car. She said that he was smiling and looking around like he enjoyeed the ride. he'll probably sleep like a baby all the way up. It is a 1 1/2-2 hour drive. I'll tell you all about it when we get back on Sunday.

Here are some funny pictures of Dominic. I can see that he'll make people laugh. He might grow up to be a comedian somedy.

Yeah, I'm relaxing don't cha know. "Relax"

This is what he does all day. He yawn's until is heart is content. He is already taking after is "Daddy." My little boy is just like me.

Finally Home...

Today was the day of the departure of Nyoka and Dominic from the hospital. Waiting anxiouslly at home were my parents and two sisters. This will be of course my parents first grandson and my sisters first nephew.

As Nyoka, Dominic and I drove up the driveway and into the garage, the first person I saw was my father. As I looked into the house I saw my father leap from the sofa and holler, what seems to be, "They are home! Come see our grandson/nephew!"

Jan, My sister, his aunt, holding Dominic as he enters into the house hold and meets The Duong Family.

As Nyoka and I were walking around the ward, there were a lot of quotes/phrases painted on the wall. We both looked and stop to read this quote as it pertains to Dominic. We can't wait to see what he will bring into the world. We both know he will do great things.

Here is Rhianon holding Dominic. Heath, sorry about you not being the first Wilhoit to hold Dominic.

Our first family photo together. Taken at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton Maternity Infant Ward. (Nyoka, Dominic, and Tam)

WeHadABabyItsABoy...

Nyoka and I checked into the hospital yesterday at 0730. She then got induced at around 0800-0830. Her mid-wife broke her bag of water at around 1600-1630. The contractions started to worsen. Nyoka is a superstar, she scream and cried in pain and agony till her last breath. She finally got pain relief at around 2200. we both got some shut eye at she had gotten her pain relief.

Nyoka was disappointed in herself for awhile, because she had no progress. But soon after she got her pain relief, she progressed.

At around 0400 this morning, she was ready to push. Her mid-wife had gone home after her shift yesterday, but had informed the oncoming shift to call her as soon as Nyoka was ready to push the baby out. The mid-wife was called and she showed up at around 0530.

So day begins with athe birth of Dominic at 0823 this morning. He weighed 7 lbs 13 oz and 19 inches long.

Here's Dominic!!!

Of course this is Nyoka before the induction and pain therapy.

This is after the Delivery of our son.

Happy Halloween...

Happy Halloween to all. Here are pumpkins that Nyoka and I carved the day before Halloween. It was not the same carving these pumpkins without our favorite nephews, Aron and Christian. Last year when they were here, we carved pumpkins with them. They each picked out a pattern and they both help Nyoka and I gut the pumpkins and carve them. We had a blast. It took awhile for them to stick their hands in the pumpkin to gut out the seeds and the slimy insides.

Oh yeah on a side note, Nyoka is still pregnant. So no Halloween baby. Enjoy these pumpkin faces. Have fun Treat 'O' Treating.

This year I made pumpkin seed treats with the seeds. Did not have a chance to eat them. I plan on eating them tomorrow afternoon. I'll let you know how it taste.

Halloween fun, gutting and carving pumpkins.

Skull face, Nyoka carved this one.

Funny picture, Nyoka gutting and I am stabbing the pumpkin to death!!!

Haunted House, I carved this one.

Back From The Field...

Well it was a rough and exciting 6 days in the field. Went out to the field last Saturday, 22 Oct 2005, and returned, 27 Oct 2005. We set-up about 16 Base-Ex tents and 13 GP tents. The GP tents was more challenging because they were bigger. The GP were used to house the troops. The Base-Ex were used as medical spaces. Saturday was set-up. It went well into the night. It was tough setting up the GP tent up in the dark but we managed. There were generators running and we had light but it was still a challenge. The Base-Ex was set up first, so that we could recieve casualties. The GP's was not that important. Patient somes first.

As a Preventive Medicine Tech, I did not do much out there. Our job is to go out to the site and assess it before any troops are moved. I was not included in that evolution. My other job is to lay out where the berthing was to be, where the latrine goes, and where the Base-Ex tent were to be set-up. These are just a few of my responsibilities.

Overall, being out in the field was an enjoyment for me. Eating 3 MRE's (Meals Ready to Eat) a day was great. Leaned a lot and was grateful for a lot of things while I was out there.

Overall it was great training. Now I am ready to go over there and do my job...

Getting Ready For Deployment...

Well its been one full week of MATEX Training with 1st FSSG, (Force Service Support Group), and I mean 1 FULL WEEK. That's including Saturday and Sunday. Tomorrow starts our field protion of the training. I do believe we are going to spend and about 4-5 days in the field. We'll basically set up a field triage, like the one you see in M.A.S.H.

A lot of useful training this past week. Topics from set up camp, to basic field carrries and combat carries. Weapons familiarization on both the M9, 9mm Bretta, and the M16 A4 rifle. Mount and dismount of a 7 Ton tactical truck. Triage and load patients who are wound in combat. Really exciting and cool training.

Well that's just a little bit of the training that we got in garrison. I'll update on the field taining when i get back next week.

Oh, this is just a bit off subject, but Nyoka's due date is next eweek. Can't wait... Really excited and anixous...

8 Months In...

It is almost time for the baby's arrival. As new and upcoming parents, Nyoka and I, we're very anxious and ecited for the baby's arrival. Nyoka is only two weeks away from the due date. The last week of the month I'll be out in the field training. She'll be able to reach. Don't worry, I'll never miss my baby's arrival. I'll drop whatever I am doing and rush to the hospital. The baby is moving a lot more lately and it's not just kicking, it is rolling and stretching. I know there is little room in there to stretch, but when the baby stretches, it looks like its going to rip out of Nyoka's belly. Sometime when the baby stretches, Nyoka's belly would look like the shape of a peanut. Nyoka and I try to guess what body part we are feeling. Sometime it feels like a thigh or a feet or a hand and sometimes it feels like the butt. It is very amazing. We are so blessed with this wonderful wonder and experience.

I hoping she is like a week late, that way I know for sure that I'll be there for the delivery. Well, we'll keep everyone posted with the coming of the baby.

I love to craddle him/her!

It's mine to craddle the baby!!

Where The Little One Sleeps...

We finally found a crib that we both like. The one place that we would never have looked, the Marine Corps Exchange. We were just looking for more baby stuff. When out of no where, the crib just jumped out at us and said, "BUY ME!!!" It is made from real hard wood, not that cheap particle baord material. The crib is solid, sturdy and is natural finish. We were both very excited.

I picked up the crib on a Sunday while Nyoka attended church. Brought it home and that Sunday night we put it together. The following week we purchased a mattress and bed sheets. Of course it is the Classic Winnie the Pooh bed set. Now the baby's room is complete.

Nyoka bought Classic Winnie the Pooh plush Winnie, and Eeorye. She wants to get Tigger and Piglet.

Now we're just waiting for the occupant that will be sleeping in the crib. This crib is a 4 in 1. It turns into a day bed and toddler bed and something else. This will be useful for many years.