Simple works in progress...: My Taumei

barnaby

Before Taumei was born, Jim and I had discussed names but we hadn't picked one out until we both saw him. He did have a womb name (as all our children did) 'Barnaby'. Yes, Jim came up with it of course!

I thought that name was hideous. Never heard of it before, and it reminded me of a seafood place called 'Barnacle Bill' that had closed down. I'm pretty sure that's what it was called.
My boy is named after my mothers' older brother Uncle Taumei Matuauto. It also happens to be my brothers' name (Taumei Donovan) too, but we called him Uncle Donny.

unko kaumei

I'm told the name Taumei comes from my Grandpa Pu'eomanu Matuauto fathers' side. I heard it may even be Tongan. I don't really know much more will have to get my mom to tell me the origin of the name again. As for the meaning I don't think it has one.
Uncle Taumei was born with I think down syndrome. I don't really know and I could be completely wrong but living in Samoa his whole life, I'm not sure if he was ever officially diagnosed. Doubt it. He was the sweetest and James and I immediately had a soft spot for him when we got to know him in 2004. Uncle Taumei loved balloons, he was forever 3 years old lol. When you asked "fia lou tausaga?"(How old are you?) without hesitation he would respond "tolu"(three). He loved Car rides. Jim and I would always try to take him to get bread in the mornings. He used to sit and play his ukelele and sing songs. I used to find it fascinating that he would call his nieces his sisters' names so I would ask him (in my limited Samoan language lol) "whats my name?" He would respond 'Pauline'. He did know one niece very well and that was 'Kui' lol My cousin Tui.

So my Taumei is the sweetest boy I know. As a babe he was very easy. Maybe that was because from the first day I brought him home he slept with Grandma every night till he was over one! lol If not Grandma it was aunty Nee-ya! The joys of living with family.

Taumei was placid, he still is. He is very easy going and chilled. He's very literal, and very much a mamas boy. :) He has been around girls, girls, girls his whole life from his grandma, aunties and many girl cousins! He had a love for the Wiggles from a very young age and TV! Taumei is the first grandchild on my side so was very much spoilt with love! ok, and maybe with things!

He did alot of travelling in his first three years. He went to Samoa twice with us (Sept 2007, Sept 2009) and once with his Grandma & Pa in May 2009 just before Kalena was born. Also in Feb 09' (yes before he went to Samoa with grandma) he went to Malaysia where he was page boy for uncle Dan and aunty Lalithas wedding. We went to Kuala Lumpur and Penang. He's been to Queensland a few times with Grandma and Pa to see Josh and Taliyah and Sydney, Canberra and Adelaide. He went to Auckland, New Zealand in 2008 and celebrated his 2nd birthday there.

Can you tell he was the only child? lol because after 2009 the travelling stopped lol well slowed down alot. He has been very fortunate to travel around with his Grandma and Pa. At the moment he tells us he wants to be a pilot, as well as a firefighter and chef. :)

Today, Taumei is the sweetest big brother anyone could ever ask for, I look at him and I wish I had a big brother! lol He is so good to his kid sister who is err very 'assertive'... you would think she was the oldest. He has his moments though where his patience can run thin, he is emotional, definitely wears his heart on his sleeve. He's loyal (especially to his mother ;) just ask his father!), thrives on responsibility, enjoys singing and I think he's actually pretty good (like me :P) anyone who knows me, would know that I don't sing I'm the token piano player.
He isn't what I would call the 'Sportiest' person "yet". He loves golf, and has tried basketball and Tennis. Lately he has asked to pick up Tennis again so we'll see how he goes!
He is very tall for his age and has always looked a year older in size because he is tall and lanky. Skinny (like me, again... lol) Taumei is very literal, when you tell him something it better be fact, otherwise good luck telling him something different. I must admit I probably have the most sway on him. He has a great memory (which has gotten me and his father into trouble on more then one occasion).

He loves his sister and is always thinking of her and looking out for her. He is a really proud big brother to Pu'eomanu. He was really excited when we told him we were having another baby last year. He wanted a brother and when we told him he might have another sister we had tears. So we decided, well I decided we wouldn't find out if baby was a boy or girl. After about a month though Taumei came to me and said "mum I decided that I would still be happy if baby was a girl." Taumei is very loving especially towards me, he is always giving me kisses on my cheek. I often hear 'I love you mum.' Aww! Just a glimpse of the sweetness of this little boy. He definitely is a piece of my heart. Mum loves you son! Contrary to what his father believes I do love my other two children as equally as I do him. :)

Jan 27th 2012, Dads' Graduation Ceremony

Early 2011 - These two have always loved sleeping together!

Taumei(4months) with dad in 2007

2007 in the car

Ts Nanny lol 1st day out in the city w/ aunty Irra

2006 - Dedication day with Aunty Fee cousin Maddy & Lulu 10months

He started the trend in our family with ze Dummy!

At nans surprise 60th Birthday party!

Beautiful quilt made by Aunty Helen ( Jims dads' brothers' wife) They came to Samoa for our wedding she, made it out of material she bought in Samoa! It's Absolutely beautiful!