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Growth. Here, you are pictured with your cousins on Mama's side of the family. From left to right, oldest to youngest - missing Riah. She'd be standing in between Ajah and Marley. Yeah, you missed the memo about it being a "nice photo" 😁 For Christmas, we spent at Daddy's side for the morning loading up on an "All American breakfast" feast. We then headed back home for an afternoon BBQ with Mama's side. Needless to say, it was most defitnetly a day full of eating, laughter and quality kicked back time with the fam. We spent New Years in Hastings - something totally out of the ordinary for us, as I've never had the chance to accomplish a family roadie before. It was amazing! We went to Splash Planet for the very first time and we all had a blast! Best. Family. Time. Ever!! As a Mother, I have come to the realization that there is never a time to stop learning something new. They always say 'babies don't come with a Manual', which is true - because even though you're now 7 years old, I am still constantly faced with different obstacles that I need to overcome, in order to help myself teach you properly, respectively and rightfully so. Sometimes I catch myself telling you to do certain things in an old fashioned manner. I then have to take a deep breathe and take note: You are 7. You are still young. You are still learning... Just like me. Always, still... Learning. I guess I'm just so used to the old school ways of being yelled at to do something, the old school ways of keeping the house tidy in case of unexpected guests, the old school way of worrying about what people will think if I dress a certain way. Actually, it's not such a bad thing. What I've literally just figured out is, I strive to try and keep you straightened up - using the old school and new school method. Ok, maybe more so reminders. ~ Reminding you to use your manners. ~ Reminding you if it's your mess, clean it up. ~ Reminding you that brushing your teeth shouldn't take less than 10 seconds - that's just lazy. ~ Reminding you that you've got to earn time on the Playstation - I'm not just going to let you play whenever you want. That's meant to be a reward for doing something good or just general helping out around the house. ~ Reminding you that I'm your Mother and although sometimes I may not be right, I'm not your slave. I carried you for 9 months and gave birth to you, I didn't hand in my CV to be your full time cleaner. ~ Reminding you that if you accidentally hurt somebody or their feelings, check on them to see if they're ok. Walking away because you feel bad, doesn't necessarily mean you've resolved the situation you created. It's ok to show your caring side by asking if that person is alright. No shame in that at all. ~ Reminding you that when saying Grace before a meal, your eyes are supposed to be closed and hands by your side. Your food will not run away. ~ Reminding you that helping Papa with things because he's getting on, shouldn't be a chore - you need to find it in your heart to do as you're told by him and any other elders, as this shows respect.. And also love. See? Just simple things that you should already be aware of. So yeah, what I'm basically trying to get at is don't be rude. Don't be mean. Respect my advice when I feel that I may be doing something right, in order for you to grow from it. Learn from your mistakes and do not dwell in it. I will have your back 100% even if I think it may not be your greatest choice, I will catch you if you fall. I promise. That's part of my "job" but mostly because you are my favourite human. My world revolves around you - even when you think it doesn't. I just want you to never change. I want you to live your best life. I want you to continue to show respect for people around you. I want you to genuinely keep this social and bubbly character. I want you to keep that sparkle in your eye that draws individuals to want to be around you. I want all your wishes to come true because you.. You are EVERYTHING I have ever dreamed of and more. I love you unconditionally, always and forever.. And ever! ❤ #LateNightThoughts 11•02•2018

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LOLO family roadie - NYE 2017. This was Mama's first family roadie, officially - and i had to drive both ways. That's why i say "officially". We went to Hastings so we could all go to Splash Planet. All your cousins came too, even the Van girls Ajah and Sybella - absolutely loved having all my nieces and nephews altogether for this occasion! Meant the world to me, because it's never happened before. The house we stayed at had a Puppy named Hunter. We were all pretty drawn to him from the beginning, yes even ME - who doesn't really do animals. Haha! But he was a friendly pup and overprotective so it was good for us, as he'd bark at strangers if they came near the house - perfect for our family as we grew to familiarize ourselves with the new surroundings. I was just as excited at Splash Planet, that I didn't get the chance to take any photos of any of you. The only images I have are stored in my memory bank and although I can't share that with anybody else in any form, it will defitnetly not be erased from my mind. It's stored there forever. Especially the time where your older cousin Jesh took your hand to ensure he didn't lose you on the way to the Go-Karts. We (us and Uncle Moli, Khai and all your Fretton cousins) all spent New Years up there. It was a quiet one, but very memorable as we all stayed under the one roof together. On the 1st January 2018, we took a trip to Napier beach. Had a wee swim (didn't quite get right into the ocean as the waves were very rough and current was too strong), played cricket with your cousins, had heaps of water to keep hydrated and lots of snacks. We then went to Carl's Jnr for dinner on our way home. Beautiful way to end our trip. That night we watched a movie as a family and slept deeply into the night. Again, an unforgettable way of ending our trip together. Relaxed, full and my heart happy and complete. We left on the 27th December 2017 and returned on 2nd January 2018. Nice short trip, but lots of memories made. I hope you remember this trip for a long time, just as I will. 04•01•2018 #LoloRoadie ❤

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Togetherness. With Mummy and Daddy having restricted and busy work schedules, it's not very often we get to drop or pick you up from school. This is Papa's role and although you make him grumpy when you don't listen half the time, he secretly loves it! I know this, because his way of showing his love to you is by: 1) Annoying you 2) Trying to play fight with you 3) Feeding you 😒 This day though, we decided to take a spontaneously day off to finish some housework, spend time together and reflect back on the year 2017. . . Papa's day off! An awesome opportunity that also enabled us to drop AND pick you up from school - your face says it all; 'I'm tired and I'm hot, but I'm so happy Mummy and Daddy have picked me up' Lol. P.S it was your 'fluffy day' with Papa, so Mum and Dad then had to follow tradition and head straight to the local Café to make your regular order. It was a good day. #UsThreeForevz 30•11•2017

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You 🙋 My love, it's been a while since I've had the chance to update you on life thus far. Here's a cute photo of you and Dad on one of our many 'treat dates' one Saturday morning. Yes, that's a classic Daddy pose - it annoys the life out of me, but I've grown to be used to his silly photo face! SEPTEMBER 2017 💃 Dancesplash. Last year, you had a very close interest on the School Performing arts. It's a massive concert where all schools around Wellington come together to perform for all their family and friends. You went to a couple practises then stopped. I then received an email from your Teacher telling me she could tell you had a massive interest in participating, but when she asked you why you stopped going - your reply was simple: 'Because it's during lunchtime and I wanna play with my friends'. Haha! Mrs H was very supportive and encouraged you to enjoy the rest of your year and to think about joining in 2017. 2017 rolls around and you come home one day all excited about something: 'Mama! I'm doing Dancesplash this year. Are you proud of me for joining?' ME: 'Yayyyy! I'm so glad you've made up your mind. Of course I'm proud of you!' See this is where you need to know my honey, Mama is ALWAYS proud of you. You make a decision on your own, I got you. You have a vision for something you want, I got you. You make a mistake in life and learn to learn from it instead of making the same error twice? I still got you! The night of Dancesplash came and I was soo excited for you!!!! Probably more excited than yourself. You get very stage fright but love to perform, so I had a lot of mixed feelings for your show. Yaya, Papa, Aunty Ulu, Uncle Moli, your cousin Khai and Mum and Dad all came to watch you shine (haha ok cheesy as). It was one of the best performances I've ever seen you in baby! Watching you on stage fills my heart in so many ways. You move on that stage like you were born to do so! OCTOBER 2017 🎂 This year you have turned 7. Mr 7 I started calling you. You told me from about June/July that you wanted a Bowling birthday party. So, we did it! You invited 10 of your good mates from school and your cousins Caela and Cole, Jeriahley and Khai were (and always) automatic invites. Mama's work friend kindly offered to make your birthday cake and cupcakes to go with it. They tasted amazing and you loved them! The downfall - I was not present at your birthday party. As you know, I love my rugby and Mummy was part of the Wellington Reps team again this year. It just so happened the day of your party was also a weekend I had to travel for rugby. Although I was sad I couldn't be there on your party day and our team missed out on a semi-final that same weekend, I still have zero regrets! Life is all about taking risks and seeking opportunities that are thrown your way and figuring out how and what you're going to do with it. At the end of the day, Mama gained new rugby sisters during the 2017 campaign and you had a fantastic party run by your Daddy and Yaya. Win/Win right? Yes! November 2017 🌠End of year school report came thruuuuu (intentional spelling). OH. MY. GOODNESS 😱 You seriously blow my mind my fattybum! This is a "Tumblr image" of your report: Reading ✔ Writing ✔ Maths ✔ Working in a team ✔ Open to discussion about stories ✔ Yessssss Paxton, ya killed it this year!!!! I don't know what more to say because I tell you everyday that I am proud of you. All the times I ask you to write me a short story and read books, has most defitnetly paid off for the year huh? Haha! We celebrated by going to the movies to watch 'Justice League', had a yummy lunch at our fave Cafe Enigma then went home to chill out. You make me so happy to be your Mother. I gave birth to such a clever, caring and sensitive human being and I continue to count my blessings to God for allowing me to carry you in my womb and watch you grow into a beautiful young man. Continue being you because nobody else does it better! Like I said.. #IGotYou 💙 24•11•2017

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White Sunday 2017.

Handsomely dressed, kauloko pronounced like Samoan is your first language and hair slicker than Mama’s fro - how proud? So dang proud!

Another year and time also closer to your birthday. Mr 7 soon. Where has the time gone?!

I always reminisce on your earlier years where I was able to carry you on one hip and still manage to do other things, whether it was cleaning up after you or getting tea ready for the fam.

Now you’re leaving Mr 6 and able to do these things with me - whether you like it or not 😉 I just can’t help but think about how tiny (sort of) you used to be, to where you are now. Your height is up to my shoulders now and I’m not that short!

Don’t fret, I still and continue to enjoy these current times with you. It’s the best part of my life. Since you’ve come into my world, there’s nothing more I love doing than just being with you.

Just so you know, you are my everything.

Always. Forever. Eternally.

#LateNightThoughts 10•10•2017

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School Photo tiiiiiiiime 📷 This is your school "portrait" for 2017. Mama got you some new gears and a fresh haircut for this day - yes, I'm THAT Mother. I reminded you only a million times beforehand, to remember to take off your jersey and take your photos in your brand new spanking t'shirt... Yup, listening is still a skill you need to work on my love. But this smile? How could I fault you for forgetting?! *melt* I'm going to collect all your Primary school photos and put them on display in our Fale for all to see. Yaya did it with Daddy's College photos and (lol), it was so funny to see the different poses and haircuts Daddy endured as a youngster! Mama is loving watching you grow. Each and every single day you surprise me with not only your words, but your actions too. Kind of assures me that I must be doing something right... Right? #YouAreMyAll ❤ 05•09•2017

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Paxton and Uncle Ben bond 👴👶 July 6th 2017, God gained another Angel. As you know, Uncle Ben was very sick. Even when he lost a lot of weight, coughed endlessly, fell asleep in mid-sentences around us; he still managed to have the strength to tell us 'Don't worry about me. I'm fine'. Mama received a call from Aunty Ulu that Thursday morning. I knew it was almost time, just based on the tone of your Aunty's voice. It wasn't good, but I had to hold it together for my dear cousin. I left work almost immediately, picked up Papa and we headed straight out to Jville! Upon arrival, I noticed the Faife'au (Minister/Pastor) in the room with Uncle Ben and the family. It was then I realised Uncle Ben had passed. One of the saddest times of my life. I then started to reflect on the previous weekend. You, Papa and I were one of the lucky ones. Mama ended up having a BYE (no rugby) wknd so I decided we'd pop in for a visit... Not knowing it would be the last time we would engage on a conversation with our beloved Uncle Ben. He was fit as a fiddle that day. No signs of weakness whatsoever, but then again - even throughout his sickness and numerous treatments, he never once showed any sign of it! That was the kind of man he was. Selfless, quiet, loving, caring and oh so strong! One of the strongest men I know! Paxton, you've had the opportunity to make a lot of memories with Uncle Ben. I really do hope you remember and carry those with you as you get older. Treasure them as you wish, because this is a prime example of pure love. You may not have had much time with him in your short 6 years on this Earth, but a bond that you two shared takes a lifetime to create, build and trust. Rest in forever love Uncle Ben 🏉❤ 27•07•2017

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Mannequin Challenge Winner. You were sick and tired of following Mummy around while she squeezed in a bit of shopping for herself for once. So you found a way to entertain . . . Well, yourself and every random person walking past the shop! ... You light up my life my baby 💡😁 #YouCompleteMe 01•07•2017

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Rippa Rugby 2017 🎽🏃

This year we’ve tried out Rippa Rugby for you. So far, so good.

On this weekend, Mama forgot to set her alarm so we were running late to your game. Soon as we arrived, you geared up and ran straight onto the pitch!

By the end of your game, I had counted 4 “rips” that you made. Seriously, I was so proud I started clapping aloud for you, alone! See the thing is, your very first game - you literally ran around the park chasing bodies and trying your very best to make some rips. Unsuccessfully, we came away with 0 rips. Not that it phased you at all. Mama asked you after your game what you thought of your first attempt at this new sport and you replied, “it was cool and I had heaps of fun”. Bless!

That is all Mum and Dad have been trying to figure out. What sport or Hobbie makes you wanna go back for more - success!

When you were just 3years old, we started off with T-Ball. We thought for sure this would be “the one” sport because: 1] Daddy played Softball as a youngin’ and from what I’ve heard, he was actually quite very good at it and 2] Yaya was the Coach!

… About 2-3 trainings and 1 game into it, we found out it just wasn’t for you, for another two reasons: 1] You only liked to bat (like Mama when it comes to Samoan ‘Kilikiti’ (Samoan Cricket) and 2] You just wanted to hang with your Yaya and you thought you’d get all her attention.

When you turned 5years old and started Primary School, you told us you were interested in playing Soccer (😴😅). So of course, as the supportive Parents that we are, we signed you up! Got you registered, you were placed in a team with a couple of kids from your school, got your gears sorted and off we went - early Saturday morning Soccer Parents at the park yelling our heads off for you to kick the ball down the right end… Ok Ok, only Mama yelled. Daddy was embarrassed most times. Fast forward about 5 games down (more than T-Ball and so close…) but then you lost interest in that sport too. Your words exactly: “Umm i just don’t like it anymore”.

Now that you’re currently 6 and a half years old, you were excited at the thought of playing Rippa Rugby when I insisted on giving it a go! Even better, you play alongside your cousin Sina. You two are so funny when you play, because even though there are several other team mates in the team - you guys only really pass to each other.

Which brings me to this amazing little picture perfect moment… You made 4 rips and received the 'Player of the day’ award from your Coach. Like Mama wasn’t already proud of your rips, you had to go ahead and melt my heart even more huh? Yup, I was THAT Mother grinning from ear to ear!

I’m so proud of how far you’ve come with this sport me love. I know I say it all the time, but you cannot take any of these moments away from me - I’m just always on your side… Forever!

#AlwaysAndForever

⚾-⚽-🏉=🏆🎉

10•06•2017

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Daddy Inspo. Fairly recently, Daddy entered a competition at work called "The Biggest Loser". It's a weight loss competition for those keen to get fit and active and accomplish great things, such as: • Dropping the weight and embracing a new and healthy lifestyle • Learning to portion your food intake • Having fun and smashing goals This programme took place for 8 weeks straight. . . And guess who won?! . . . Your Daddy 👏😊 A total weight loss of 25kgs. I know. What. An. Awesome. Effort. This picture here is the end result of literally blood, sweat and tears. Daddy did it! You probably don't care right now, but when you're old enough to read this - you will understand how SUPER proud I am of your Father. He was determined right from the get go and was disciplined throughout. For that, he is Mama's secret inspiration. 16 • 01 • 2017 - 13 • 03 • 2017 When Daddy became the 2017 Biggest Loser 💪 #👀❤U

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Writing 📝✏ Lately, you've really gotten into your writing and drawing. Almost every morning, you instantly have a thought to put something down on paper - luckily Mum and Dad did a bit of purging and have now set your little corner station into categories; - Green box for paper - Blue box for stickers - Yellow box has your pencil cases and arts n crafts stuff in it. ~ Easy access for you 😊 You wrote this little sentence on Good Friday over the Easter weekend. You showed me first thing in the morning and I was not shocked to be quite frank - I was in awe of how far you've come with your writing especially, spelling! Woop 🎉 You are learning to say difficult words slowly, make the sound of each letter and really really trying. I'm so incredibly proud of all the new things you're continuing to learn... And rave about! #IHeartYou 27•04•2017

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#LikeDaddyGotMummy 😘

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Paxton - Currently... Right at this moment of time, you love to do the following: • Read books (since forever) • Colouring in (day & night) • Spelling (you are such a try-er) • Pronouncing long, difficult words (totally my child 😉) • Being vocal about your feelings (again, you ARE my child) In the mornings, Mummy and Daddy will wake up to you in the lounge leaning over your little baby table, TV on, but your head is down and concentrating on your drawing or writing. Spelling. You are always wanting to challenge yourself. You will check the word, pronounce it then say it aloud slow enough to make the sound of each letter, which then helps you to spell the word.. I'm not gonna lie, sometimes you get it wrong. That's the whole point of learning and the best thing about you is - you love to learn! You continue to learn each word until you've aced it completely! When you want to start something, you really get into it! The sight of seeing you engage in something you seem so interested in, is so breath taking... Literally. Sometimes I catch myself just standing in the background in awe with such a creation that I can be proud of bringing into this world, and that is a little human being. You're my little human Bubbi. A couple of years ago, you said to me you wanted to be a Dentist. Recently, you said you wanted to be a Baker in a bakery (so you could eat the food in the kitchen)... I wonder what's next on your list - interior designs maybe? A writer or illustrator? Who knows. We'll leave that part up to the grown up Paxton - who can take his time coming into the picture because right now... Now, Mummy is trying to enjoy every moment she gets with 6year old Paxton 💙 #SlowDownStopGrowing 29•03•2017

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"Be with someone who wants to invest in you, learn from you, see you win, support your visions and falls in love with you daily."

- Unknown

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#KeepLaughing

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Mummy & Daddy time 👩👨 Just a little moment when we snuck out of home to enjoy each others company with a hot chocolate and green tea. We always take you out at every opportunity to spoil you, treat you but most of all; reward you. This time however, was a late night and spur of the moment for Mum and Dad so we decided since you were already in bed, we'd end our night off away from home and in a tiny little city café. You and I go on mini dates all the time anyway 😄🙊 #EvenWhenItsJustMumAndDad #WeStillTalkingAboutYou #WeHeartYouForever xx

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Duck Feeding at its finest. In this picture, you have just turned 1 years old. We took you to Aotea Lagoon in Aunty Bubu's hood. We went walkies, played on the playground and fed some ducks. Then of course, you got hungry too and fed yourself! I'm so glad I captured this exact moment because it makes me relive this memory everytime I look at it. So much joy and happiness is what I feel when you are near. I love you always my baby 💙 #MemoryLane 02•03•2017