Message for Daddy

Since you are far away and I do not talk quite yet on the phone, I thought that this would be a great way, dad, to tell you how I feel about you. Thanks dad, for all you're doing for me.

I think that this picture speaks for itself. Tam, no matter where you are or what your doing, remember the "little guy" here at home loves you very much. Hope all is going well.

Close your eyes and imagine me trying to give you a hug w/my little arms. I love you, daddy.

Your son, Dominic Loc Luciano Duong ("Buddy")

Thumb Sucker

Well as you can tell we have a thumb sucker amongst us ladies and gentleman. If you haven't guessed it's our precious "Baby D." That's right he's a regular. Not only does he suck his thumb, but he's been busy doing other things too. Let's share shall we.

After his last check up the pediatritian told us to start him on baby foods. So far he likes squash & baby cereal mixed with 100% pear juice. He has tried baby carrots, but doesn't seem to like them as much (he normally finishes a jar in two sittings, but with the carrots he takes 4). Tomorrow we'll be trying him on sweet potatoes.

Oh, he is now rolling from his back to his tummy and he's soooo adoreable when he does it. Last night he scooted for the first time, and it wasn't no short distance.

He's truly like his father in everyway. Well I will close this BLOG for now. I'd like to get some rest before tomorrow. Please enjoy the pics. Take care and may God bless.

Can I get a thumb? Anyone?

Busted! Now they know I actually like playing with this contraption.

Just chilling with his grandma!

Day 25...

Well ladies and gentlemen, this is day 25 for me out here in the sand box. Not much happening out here. But lately we've been recieving casualties left and right. The PMT's are designated as litter bearer's. Meaning when the casualties come in, we grab a litter and carry the casualties inside to the trauma room where doctors and corpsman can work on them. There are times when I stay behind and do my duties as a corpsman. Yep, I still remember how to start IV and and putting on leads. I still remember my corpsman training.

Lately we've been busy with incoming casualties. Just watch Fox news or CNN news. The majority of the casualties come to us. Just the other day lab activated the walking blood bank. That's when different units who have specific blood type come in and donate blood. Lab needed AB pos, so HM1 Anchia volunteer to donate blood. He said he is AB pos. I had the pleasure of sticking HM1 Anchia.

Things are good out here. Sleeping well at night and waking up at the usual time. Chow is awesome out here. For breakfast, i usually have three hard boiled eggs, cereal, fruit and waffle's or french toast. For lunch the DFAC had a varitey of foods. Rice, grilled cheese, bbq ribs, buffalo wings, fried chicken a lot of other food. It is too much to list. For dessert, there's ice. Baskin Robin 31 flavor's. Of course they dont have all the flavor's but they have the ones that count. I usually don't do dinner. But on Sunday's they have lobster and steak dinner. Last Sunday, we went to DFAC two for dinner. They had karaoke night. It was the first time that they had it. Hopefully, they'll have it every night.

That's all that has been going on. Well there are always something going on, but it is hush, hush. Until next time... Peace!!!

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."