7 months and counting...

Since the last update, we have been busy, busy, busy! Auntie Sarah and cousin Andrew made a visit in early April.

Kai's been eating a wide variety of new foods and has been generally a very good eater (like his mama!) It's always funny to see his facial expressions the first time he tries something new. Of course, he loves the sweet fruits like apples and pears.  Whenever he eats, he says, "Mmmmmmm!!!" It's so cute.

Kai has been turning into a bit of a mama's boy, which is endearing and troublesome at the same time.  I feel so loved when he is so happy to see me and tries desperately to get to me or when we're in a room full of people, my boy only has eyes for me.  However, it's hard when I need to go to the bathroom or get a bite in the kitchen or something and oh horrors, mommy has to walk AWAY or go out of sight! Oh my! It is so traumatic.
Here's one of Kai's first attempts at standing on his own (sorta):

 Kai turned 7 months on April 26th.  He started crawling the day before on Keila's 7 month birthday and also the day of her baptism.  He has had so much fun being mobile and exploring.  He has a strange interest in the wall.  I don't know if I just think in a weird or philosophical way, but I think Kai is fascinated with the wall because it shows that there are concrete limits, there is a space that can't be passed.  He also, like any dude, loves electronics, things that are metallic or shiny. He loves cell phones and remote controls and will cross the room to get his hands on one.
Here's Kai making a funny face, "Huh?!"

The first week of May, we went on our first official BIG family vacation!! We went to Orlando, Florida!  It was great because we got to use our United miles, free car rental coupons from Ryuta's work, and mom and dad got a timeshare for all of us.  We stayed at the Marriott Grande Vista and it was soooo nice!! Thanks, mom and dad!!
Our first day there Ryuta and I thought it would cool to drive to the beach since it has been a really, really long time since we've been to the beach.  We kind of got lost and had a bit of an adventure, but finally found the beach (sounds dumb, but it's true.)  I don't know if it's because we are so used to Hawaii and our idea of a real beach is from our memories of Hawaii, but Daytona beach isn't the best beach for families with little ones.  The beach itself was nice and long and the ocean was blue and warm, but the human environment was kinda gross.  People were driving up and down the beach and cars were all parked on the beach.  We found parking and had to walk through the "Hawaiian Inn" to get access to the beach (ironic, huh?)  Lots of the people there were tattooed, unhealthy-looking smokers (yuck!) Anyways, enough of that..
Kai got to see and touch his namesake, the OCEAN, for the first time.  We put his feet in shallow water and he smiled when he saw the water moving and rushing over his toes.

On Monday, Papi, Tutu, Uncle Ryan, Auntie Sarah, Andrew, and our family went to the magic kingdom! It was really hot, really crowded, but I love Disney.. so magical :)
We're here!!

 Trying on some Mickey Mouse ears

 I feel silly like this!!!

 We went on lots of rides. It was cool to do all the fast passes plus they have a rider swap for parents who need to wait behind with the babies.  My favorite rides from the trip were Splash Mountain, Everest, Aerosmith, and Tower of Terror.

My mom made t-shirts for everyone with our names on them.  It was funny because the Disney workers would say hi to us by name.  I was like, "Hey! How'd they know that?!" and then, I'd remember that we were wearing the shirts.  When you buy a multiple-day pass at Disney World, they scan your fingerprint.  When someone said hi to us, at first, I thought that they had a radar-like machine that could tell your fingerprint and your name.  But, again, the t-shirts.  The shirts were really clever, too, in the large crowds because it was easy to find one another with our red t-shirts.
At the happiest place on earth..

On Wednesday, we all went to Animal Kingdom.  It's a humongous park with lots of lush greenery everywhere.  The two main parts of park were divided into Asia and Africa.  We went on a train to the petting zoo.  We went on the animal safari which was really cool to see animals in a natural-like environment.  This day was broken up well because we stopped twice to watch two shows, Nemo and Lion King.  It was good to get out of the heat and to just sit down and relax for a bit.  My favorite of the day, the Everest ride, is a bit like the Thunder Mountain railroad ride, but better!
In front of the "Tree of Life"...(Happy Pre-Mother's Day, mom!)

 On Friday, Ryuta and I last minute decided we'd join the gang to the Hollywood Studios park.  The people working the registers at Disney are so helpful!  The first day, I left my tickets at our room and they helped us out so we wouldn't have to go all the way back.  This day, I was planning on just buying individual tickets and the girl gave us the 3rd day rate.  Surprisingly, I had the most fun at this park.  The car show was AWESOME!  I really, really enjoyed Aerosmith because I totally didn't know what to expect. The Tower of Terror was cool, too.  At the end of the day we saw American Idol experience and Ryuta laughed at me because I said I would try it.  When we went, I realized that I probably couldn't because it was very realistic and the contestants were MUCH better performers than me. I probably would have just sang "Pants on the Ground."
The car show "Lights, Motors, Action!"

 Kai's view of the trip

 One of the ongoing jokes during our trip was Ryuta's explanation of a meal at Chili's.  He said that we could get a great meal for $10.  The only thing was that.... it wasn't that good... or it wasn't really, really that good.  I know what he means, but we were giving him a hard time.  The last night of our trip, we ate at... Chili's!
Ryuta with his beloved Chili's menu

Thanks for a great first family vacation!!!

6 months... where did the time go?!

A good friend told me that God made all babies to be cute and precious and that everyone would just love to look at them.  In this way, they would always be protected in cases of danger.
There are so many wonderful things about babies... especially our Kai! Kai wakes up with a smile and an excitement for the day.  It is so cute when we hear him stirring in his crib and go in to look at him or to get him up for the day.  As soon as he sees us coming, he starts dancing and kicking his legs wildly with this big, excited smile on his face.  I have so much to learn from him about waking up with such a joy and zest for life! Did we all start off that way?
Also, babies are so quick to forgive.  I might leave the room and Kai will get lonely and sad.  I might not notice right away that his diaper is full..Or, I might not always give him what he wants.. but once you show him a little love, Kai forgets that he was ever sad or angry.  
Anways, happy 6 month birthday, Noah Kai! :) It is amazing that 6 months has passed already. Seriously. Where did the time go?  Wasn't it just yesterday I was stuck to my bed and Kai was sleeping more than awake... Kai was just barely fitting in the preemie onesies and was teeny tiny...
So, since the last update, we got our JC Penny pictures and Kai is just too cute for words. 
I love, love, love his smile!

 In the beginning of March, Kai went on his first airplane ride! Ryan and Sarah were going on a cruise with their friends and mom was going to babysit Andrew.  She had extra miles and so, we got to go, too!  Kai did really well on the plane and didn't need to nurse on take-off or landing.  He either slept or just contently sat on my lap.  Lots of the people said that he was so good and quiet and didn't even notice that he was there. I don't really have pics to show b/c Ryuta took our camera to Japan to take pictures of Mt. Fuji and I don't really get how to get pictures off of my parents' computer.  So, you'll just have to read about our trip or come over to see pics on my parents' computer or just scroll down to look at the next pics..
Houston was nice.  I wished that Ryan and Sarah's ship didn't get delayed on coming back to port.  We didn't get to spend that much time with them, but the time that we had was good.  I really enjoy their company more and more every time I see them and was disappointed that our visit with THEM was short.  That week, mom and I were a bit of team with the two boys.  She mostly looked after Andrew and I stayed with Kai.  Since mom goes out there pretty frequently, I think Andrew felt really comfortable and familiar with her.  He would play with me for a bit, but then, if he'd notice that she was gone, he'd go over to her room to look for her.  It was definitely manageable with the two of us, but I don't know how you moms of 2+ kid do it?! My mom said that you never get to go to the bathroom or take a shower in peace or without interruption. I don't know how it is possible to have toddlers or kids running around with a baby.  But, I do see how having a sibling is a very good thing. Andrew and Kai are both the first kids and as of now, the only kids in their households.  So, for now, they don't need to learn to share and they have no need for peers because this is the only life so far that they know.  They only need their moms and dads and their food and to be entertained with their own things and toys and clothes and need their sleep.  I saw on the trip how hard it might be for me, but also, made me think a lot about Kai and our family.  Kai will have a younger sibling to take care of and protect and play with.  He will learn how to share.  He will learn how to interact and communicate.  He will learn how to share his clothes (if we have a boy), his toys, his attention.  I also think that if we have another child and when that child gets older, it MIGHT possibly be easier because they can run around and play with Kai and I don't have to worry about the baby being trampled on and fallen on by a toddler.  Anways, those were my thoughts as I watched the two boys.  Andrew is getting much bigger and he is just like his parents-- tall and skinny! I am hoping that Andrew and Kai will be able to see each other as they grow up and to be friends.
Actually, I figured out how to post these from the pics on mom and dad's computer:

 This past month, Kai has learned how to roll onto his stomach.  He's actually really good at it, but he hasn't yet quite mastered the art of rolling back.  The first few days he was really frustrated because he would roll onto his stomach and then he'd be "stuck."  It was hard when he'd roll onto his tummy at night. Ryuta would have to go in and check and roll him back.
Kai is getting stronger and bigger everyday. He loves jumping in his jumper and playing with all the gadgets on it.  He is getting better at sitting up and it is so cute to see him topple face-down (on the bed.)
We took Kai on a walk and tried out the baby bucket swings at the playground. He loved it! (especially when we made the rollercoaster sound effects.. wheeee!!!!)

Kai also started eating baby food.  We made a first attempt with rice cereal mixed with formula, but he totally hated it! He was intrigued by the colorful, plastic spoon and wanted to chew on it.  When he realized that there was stuff on it that when in his mouth and it tasted like formula... gggrrroossss! He was not havin' it.  We tried again the week after with expressed milk and he gobbled it down.  This week he'll be trying his first veggie. I'm thinking peas, but we'll see if I can figure out how to make mashed zuccini or mashed green beans.
Yummm...

 Happy 6 month birthday, Noah Kai!

February Firsts

Kai is 5 months today!  This has been a big month for Kai.  At the start of the month, he was babysat for the first time.  Tutu was planning for months Papi's big surprise 60th bday bash on Saturday the 6th at the Newark Hilton followed by surprise "honeymoon" to Maui.  Auntie Nadia came over weekly to "practice" taking care of Kai and getting acquainted with her little nephew.  My biggest worry for the night was that he wouldn't take the bottle and that our night would get cut short.  However, all was well and Tio Sergio was a very attentive and caring babysitter.  Nadia said that Sergio was so worried that Kai would somehow choke in his sleep and so, he slept on the floor next to his crib.
 Here is Kai with his auntie:

That weekend, we had lots of visitors for the big party and also, for Super Bowl Sunday 44.  Kai had a blast with his ヒおじちゃん(Great Grandpa.)
Here they are at Elephant Bar having lunch together:

 

On the 11th, Kai met his japanese "grandma" for the first time.  She didn't want to be called おばあちゃん because it sounded "too old." Instead, she is "Grandma."  We had a great time with her. Ryuta took time off from work and we got to hang out and show Kai some of the sights.

Here is Kai waiting for his grandma to show up:

Finally! 

 

Tutu had been giving her grandson a hard time (almost since birth) about possibly looking like a girl. We loved his hair very much and thought he looked quite おしゃれ and stylin' like a little rock star, surfer boy. At times it was a bit unruly and crazy and long, but we decided to finally try giving him a haircut. In my mind, it was just going to be a little trim.  We had the two grandmas entertaining him, papi and I taking pictures, and daddy cutting.

Here is the BEFORE shot of our little Elvis:

 

DURING:

  

AFTER: 

So clean cut and happy (or at least Tutu is happy now..) 

On Valentine's Day, "Grandma" watched Kai while we went out for a nice dinner just the two of us.  Ryuta was really sweet with roses and a HUGE card. My shoulders have been aching for months (seriously) and I got treated to a massage.  Then we went to this sushi place.  I was so glad to have some relaxation and some time alone to spend with Ryuta. :)

On President's Day, we went with Tutu and "Grandma" to Napa.  It was Kai's first time to Napa and we all had a great time.  We started with a casual lunch in Yountville, then wine tasting at Grngich, and then, sparkling wine/champagne at this really cool, scenic spot called Domaine Carneros.

 

That week, we went into SF to do some exploring and to apply for Kai's 1st japanese passport.  

Kai took his first studio pics at JC Penny.  We got some coupons, but man, are those expensive! The lady there was really nice, really good with Kai, and took great pics.  It was so tempting to want to buy all of them b/c the pictures were so cute!  I'll post them later when we get them next week.

"Grandma" was here for 10 days and we had a great time spending it with her.  Next year, Kai will probably get to see the rest of the Sanui clan, like his grandpas, "evil G," and Miho obachan and Seigou ojichan.

Life at 4 months

This month has been rainy and cold, so Kai and I have been "bonding" indoors.  He does a lot of squealing to catch my attention or talking to himself.

We try to read a book, sing songs, watch a little youtube Sesame Street, veg out, stare at ourselves in the mirror between naps and feedings.  Kai went to his 4 month well check-up at 17 weeks and his weight went up from the 75th percentile to the 77th percentile and his height from the 15th to the 40th!! He just keeps growing and growing!Look at our little snuggly teddy bear...


One of Kai's new hobbies is shoving as many fingers in his mouth as he can.  So far the record is 3 fingers and 1 thumb.

Something that takes up part of my week is laundry.  I'm glad that we bought LOTS of burp rags and that my son is spoiled with lots of clothing options because he is a SPITTER-UPPER.  Otherwise, I'd probably have to do his wash daily.  Most of his laundry is due to spit-up.
Look what I found in the wash...

Life is good.  I have to remember everyday to be really grateful for what I have.  Little Noah Kai is a beautiful, joyful, healthy boy and Ryuta is so playful and affectionate with him.  Some days I miss teaching and I miss the respect and pride in saying "I'm a teacher." I get reminders from old co-workers that I can always go back to teaching, but I will never get this time back with my son.  I have to cherish these moments.  Kai is growing and changing so quickly even in these few months.

Baby Talk video

Kai has been a lot more expressive. Mostly when he lays on the ground, he "talks to himself." It's quite cute to hear his voice since he is generally a quiet, content, little fellow..

Playing peek-a-boo video :)

This past month, Kai has been a lot more interactive, alert, and aware of his surroundings/people around him. It has been fun playing games and singing songs. Some of his favorites are patty-cake, "I'm a Little Teapot" with Tutu, and peek-a-boo. He is smiling and laughing and trying to "talk."

Here is Kai playing peek-a-boo with mommy... (Please disregard the annoying voice of mommy!)

Mama's boy for sure!

I found some pics of me when I was a baby. I was a September baby, too... See the resemblance? :)