imo it's intentional, and that's why 'Dreams' has no chronology. You're not supposed to be able to follow anything. Take this for an example:
"For three years I lived with her and Maya in a small apartment a block away from Punahou, my mother's student grants supporting the three of us," he wrote.
It wasn't until recently when their joint tax return for 1973 came to light, that it was shown Lolo was also in Hawaii and the only dependant child they claimed was Maya.
Btw, this article from 2007 seems to be the one that started the 'her name was Shirley Dunham' kerfuffle.
You’re right, as always!