Sometimes words just can't truly describe it...
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Funny video from Christmas
I think I already mentioned, but Kai had a blast at Christmas with all of his cousins... :)
Pictures from Habitot
 |
| The water area was awesome! Kai didn't want to leave it. He kept escaping from us and trying to run back here... |
 |
| Yay for lunch! |
 |
| Our astronaut hard at work in the control center |
 |
| Mama & astro boy |
 |
| LOVE <3 his sweet smile... |
Our 16 month-old toddler boy
Working mama?
Today Kai is 16 months. It is amazing, scary, wonderful, tiring, and everything, to watch him grow up. I have gotten calls to go back to work, but have turned them down. I'm not sure when I will go back to the classroom. It's strange that I feel this way because I never thought I'd be a stay-at-home mom or that I'd actually feel satisfied with it. I think it must have come from all the praying during pregnancy for contentment and being okay with whatever would be best for our family. There are definitely days and weeks that are hard. Especially the grouchy, fussy, whiny, sick days. Especially the days we look outside and it is raining and we are stuck! Especially the days that are sunny and beautiful, but we are sick. But, overall, I'm grateful that I get to be the one to see Kai in the morning when he is awake, alert, happy, and at his best. I get to be there and see it and I understand that it is a luxury. End of November, early December, I subbed a few days and learned how all my energy poured into that work day and when I got home, I was happy to see Kai, but I had already given away my energy to someone else. I just wanted to crash on the sofa and vegge in front of the TV. I respect the moms out there who have to work and still have something to give at the end of the day to their kids!
Baby Scarlett
During the holidays, a co-worker started posting on facebook and writing a blog about their baby girl Scarlett. At her 2 month appointment, the doctors caught that she had a growing cancerous tumor on her brain. I followed it daily and cried. When Kai and I pray at night, we'd pray for Scarlett, and her family, and the doctors. Their hardship brought about lots of prayers from many people, a miracle (her surgeries were a success!), and my own gratitude that my son can be healthy. You just never know what the future may bring or that one day you or someone you love could be diagnosed with something scary. I am still following their blog and keeping up with Scarlett's health. Scarlett's story is one of a fighter and of miracles and of their parents' love. This is their blog: brandiandchris.blogspot.com.
Change
Happy New Year! It is 2011 now. Some of my resolutions and goals for this year that I'm working on are: (1) start exercising again (so far, I've been starting a habit of going every Thursday), (2) to fight for my faith and for my friendships, to perservere with my friends when they are going through something hard, (3) to work on being a better listener. I also told Ryuta that I'd like to work on being a more inviting and welcoming person, that people feel welcomed into our lives and into our home. It's been interesting to ask other people what their resolutions are... Some responses-- "None." "I stopped making resolutions." "I don't make resolutions because if I see something that I need to do, I just do it." My brother said that if I have goals, it is best to write it down and put it in a place where you can see it. I think about this scripture:
Deuteronomy 6:6-9 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
I can be a very forgetful person and I always tell Ryuta that if he needs me to do something, he needs to write it down. I have to SEE it and read it or I forget. I've been trying to write down in my journal everyday about things I'm grateful to God for, things I need to work on, things that worry me, and also my goals so that I don't forget. Our preacher, Scott, when he talked about resolutions said that another friend told him-- "Don't make a resolution. Make it a conviction." I guess it is like what they say about dieting and weight loss. It has to be a total lifestyle change.
Kai
Over the past month, we have spent 3/4 of it, SICK! Last week, the sun was shining, Kai seemed okay and healthy... so I totally took advantage of it and went a little crazy. We went out every single day and met up with someone everyday. By Friday, Kai was sick again. :(
One sick day, I thought, "When I was a kid, what did I like about staying home and being sick?" Well, I like staying in my PJs, eating my favorite foods, being cozy on the couch, and watching TV and movies all day. So, I thought Kai would like that. Wrong. I put in 101 Dalmations (his first movie) because I thought he'd appreciate the puppies. Kai was so upset. I don't know if it was the wrong the movie or just that he had to play by himself while mama watched the movie in her PJs on the sofa!
I don't know if it's been his teething (we're at 7 teeth now) or the sicknesses, OR that Kai is just totally sick of the same foods, but Kai doesn't want to eat his "favorite foods." Chicken has lost its appeal. His favorite veggies are okay, but he's not totally loving it. Kai's favorite foods this month have been cereal (not the baby kind) and fruit. I'm learning how to be disciplined and how to not get swayed by his crying. He can't just eat whatever he wants or he'll be starting some really bad eating habits. We have to be okay with him skipping a meal if he won't eat what is offered. It is hard. You just want to see them eat and be happy..
Kai still isn't really talking or saying words. He can sign for milk, more, all done, dog, bye-bye, and he understands eat, drink, and I think he understands what we are saying to him. Sometimes I worry and other times I just have to understand that everyone develops differently. Boys can be slower verbally. Kai IS good at puzzles and building things with his blocks. He still loves books and being read to. We've been spending more time with family and Kai is getting more comfortable having lots of different people at our house. This past weekend, my uncle was in town for his buddy Dave's birthday. The whole family got dressed up and had a surprise party for him. This was Kai's 2nd time being babysat by a non-family member. The Giffords babysat him and he (and they.. thanks, guys!) did great! Kai also really loves animals. Whenever he sees an animal, he starts tapping his leg signing "dog" and making this happy dog panting sound. Kai has been throwing more tantrums lately and I question whether he is being spoiled too much or he is just stubborn and strong-willed. But deep down, he is still my sweetheart and my gentle boy.
Okay. That's it for now. Over and out. Until next time...
Today Kai is 16 months. It is amazing, scary, wonderful, tiring, and everything, to watch him grow up. I have gotten calls to go back to work, but have turned them down. I'm not sure when I will go back to the classroom. It's strange that I feel this way because I never thought I'd be a stay-at-home mom or that I'd actually feel satisfied with it. I think it must have come from all the praying during pregnancy for contentment and being okay with whatever would be best for our family. There are definitely days and weeks that are hard. Especially the grouchy, fussy, whiny, sick days. Especially the days we look outside and it is raining and we are stuck! Especially the days that are sunny and beautiful, but we are sick. But, overall, I'm grateful that I get to be the one to see Kai in the morning when he is awake, alert, happy, and at his best. I get to be there and see it and I understand that it is a luxury. End of November, early December, I subbed a few days and learned how all my energy poured into that work day and when I got home, I was happy to see Kai, but I had already given away my energy to someone else. I just wanted to crash on the sofa and vegge in front of the TV. I respect the moms out there who have to work and still have something to give at the end of the day to their kids!
Baby Scarlett
During the holidays, a co-worker started posting on facebook and writing a blog about their baby girl Scarlett. At her 2 month appointment, the doctors caught that she had a growing cancerous tumor on her brain. I followed it daily and cried. When Kai and I pray at night, we'd pray for Scarlett, and her family, and the doctors. Their hardship brought about lots of prayers from many people, a miracle (her surgeries were a success!), and my own gratitude that my son can be healthy. You just never know what the future may bring or that one day you or someone you love could be diagnosed with something scary. I am still following their blog and keeping up with Scarlett's health. Scarlett's story is one of a fighter and of miracles and of their parents' love. This is their blog: brandiandchris.blogspot.com.
Change
Happy New Year! It is 2011 now. Some of my resolutions and goals for this year that I'm working on are: (1) start exercising again (so far, I've been starting a habit of going every Thursday), (2) to fight for my faith and for my friendships, to perservere with my friends when they are going through something hard, (3) to work on being a better listener. I also told Ryuta that I'd like to work on being a more inviting and welcoming person, that people feel welcomed into our lives and into our home. It's been interesting to ask other people what their resolutions are... Some responses-- "None." "I stopped making resolutions." "I don't make resolutions because if I see something that I need to do, I just do it." My brother said that if I have goals, it is best to write it down and put it in a place where you can see it. I think about this scripture:
Deuteronomy 6:6-9 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
I can be a very forgetful person and I always tell Ryuta that if he needs me to do something, he needs to write it down. I have to SEE it and read it or I forget. I've been trying to write down in my journal everyday about things I'm grateful to God for, things I need to work on, things that worry me, and also my goals so that I don't forget. Our preacher, Scott, when he talked about resolutions said that another friend told him-- "Don't make a resolution. Make it a conviction." I guess it is like what they say about dieting and weight loss. It has to be a total lifestyle change.
Kai
Over the past month, we have spent 3/4 of it, SICK! Last week, the sun was shining, Kai seemed okay and healthy... so I totally took advantage of it and went a little crazy. We went out every single day and met up with someone everyday. By Friday, Kai was sick again. :(
One sick day, I thought, "When I was a kid, what did I like about staying home and being sick?" Well, I like staying in my PJs, eating my favorite foods, being cozy on the couch, and watching TV and movies all day. So, I thought Kai would like that. Wrong. I put in 101 Dalmations (his first movie) because I thought he'd appreciate the puppies. Kai was so upset. I don't know if it was the wrong the movie or just that he had to play by himself while mama watched the movie in her PJs on the sofa!
I don't know if it's been his teething (we're at 7 teeth now) or the sicknesses, OR that Kai is just totally sick of the same foods, but Kai doesn't want to eat his "favorite foods." Chicken has lost its appeal. His favorite veggies are okay, but he's not totally loving it. Kai's favorite foods this month have been cereal (not the baby kind) and fruit. I'm learning how to be disciplined and how to not get swayed by his crying. He can't just eat whatever he wants or he'll be starting some really bad eating habits. We have to be okay with him skipping a meal if he won't eat what is offered. It is hard. You just want to see them eat and be happy..
Kai still isn't really talking or saying words. He can sign for milk, more, all done, dog, bye-bye, and he understands eat, drink, and I think he understands what we are saying to him. Sometimes I worry and other times I just have to understand that everyone develops differently. Boys can be slower verbally. Kai IS good at puzzles and building things with his blocks. He still loves books and being read to. We've been spending more time with family and Kai is getting more comfortable having lots of different people at our house. This past weekend, my uncle was in town for his buddy Dave's birthday. The whole family got dressed up and had a surprise party for him. This was Kai's 2nd time being babysat by a non-family member. The Giffords babysat him and he (and they.. thanks, guys!) did great! Kai also really loves animals. Whenever he sees an animal, he starts tapping his leg signing "dog" and making this happy dog panting sound. Kai has been throwing more tantrums lately and I question whether he is being spoiled too much or he is just stubborn and strong-willed. But deep down, he is still my sweetheart and my gentle boy.
Okay. That's it for now. Over and out. Until next time...
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Happy holidays and goodbye 2010!
I'm noticing that as Kai is more and more mobile and active and interesting, I'm finding less and less time to grab my camera to capture it all. Here are a few snapshots of December 2010 in our lives..
Kai LOVES noodles!!!
Kai is a big fan of noodles, but spaghetti with meat sauce hands-down is the best and tastiest and funnest and messiest meal of them all.
Walking, running, playing
Our baby is no longer techinically really a baby. He is running all over the place and I'm sure if he were taller, he'd be climbing over more things, too. It's interesting to see what he learns each day or how his mind works or what he gets into. Recently, I had to move his diaper pail up onto a high stool because Kai really wanted to dig his hands into there and pull out his stinky diapers. Gross! He still really enjoys throwing things down the stairs and he's into hiding objects. For example, yesterday, he hid the remote controls in my slippers! He still likes digging around in the kitchen cupboards and throwing tupperware around the floor. I have to keep an eye out and actually move the remotes because I caught him also taking the batteries out of the remotes and sucking on the batteries. Kai hasn't really said any new words, but he's picking up the baby sign language more. He waves bye-bye more regularly. He signs "milk" and "more" all the time. At gymboree he claps and follows along during the songs. He knows just when it is parachute and bubble time and really likes to watch the gymboree teachers. Kai still really enjoys reading a lot and could read his favorites again and again. A new favorite "Brown Bear, Brown Bear"... Tutu read it to him six times in a row! And he signs "more" to read it again as soon as the story is done. On Thursdays, when the weather is not rainy, we go to the park to join the japanese moms. It is good for Kai to get out to the playground and it is also good practice for me with Japanese.
Tahoe
My parents have this timeshare in Maui that they have NEVER used. We have benefited from their ownership by using their timeshare points to go to Tahoe. This year we planned a trip with the thought of taking Kai to see the snow for the first time. Ryuta was an avid snowboarder and went 7 times one winter. Since Kai's been born, he hasn't gone in 2 years. Our original plan was to go to Tahoe with my parents and the Fukudas. The babies could experience the snow and my parents could babysit one day while we hit the slopes. Well, the weather report for the weekend sounded pretty horrible with an incoming snowstorm. We decided to leave Kai home because we just couldn't see getting stuck on the roads and have a screaming kid in the back. It ended up being a weekend getaway just the two of us... and it was wonderful! It was just a pair of warm, waterproof gloves and a ski mask away from perfect. We borrowed mom's landcruiser and had no problems at all getting there or back and actually talked the whole way roundtrip! (Usually one of us sleeps while the other drives.) We got to hang out, eat lots of carbs and junk, sleep, go to Heavenly, gamble. It was great!
Christmas
Does your family have any holiday traditions? Our family has been creating new ones. Last year, my grandpa and his wife came to stay with us from Las Vegas. Also, last Christmas Eve, we went to my aunt's house for crab. Last year on the 26th, Jenn and the girls came up from SD and everyone hung out and exchanged gifts. Due to the success and general merriment, we all decided to go for a repeat of last year. Grandpa and Lynn came again. We went down to San Jose for Christmas Eve for crab. On the 26th, the girls came up from SD. A new one we tried this year was sukiyaki for Christmas dinner. Ryuta was commenting on how he wasn't the biggest fan of American holiday foods (turkey, mashed potato, etc.), so we thought having a little japanese feast might be a neat idea to try. Ryuta went to Mitsuwa market and prepared the whole Christmas dinner. It was yappari very oishii!!! Of course, we spent the whole week of Grandpa's visit playing Wii everyday. I'm trying to get Kai back to his normal life after the holidays. We stayed up later than usual (although Kai woke up earlier than usual, too. not a good combination.) Anytime someone grabs the TV remote or appears to.. he grabs the Wii controllers and bends down and grabs the Wii fit board from under the sofa. He stands on the Wii fit board with the Wii controller and looks at us like, "ok, I'm ready!" He played the penguin slide game on Wii fit by just standing on one side of the board. The iceburg just tilted to one side and the penguin kept sliding to the left, but Kai caught 33 fish! He was pretty amazed, too. Although I have to teach him that Wii is NOT a normal part of our everyday life. Only when Grandpa is here. The two things I've really enjoyed during the holidays this year was: (1) watching Kai watch and run around and scream happily while he chased after all his older cousins (I thought a lot about Ryan, Sarah, and especially Andrew..and wished they were here) and (2) watching Kai try to open his gifts. It was definitely a lot more interesting than last year when he just lied there and stared at the ceiling.
It's strange to think that 2011 marks not only a new year, but a new decade. We will be spending New Year's Eve at home with friends, good food, and games. We hope your holiday season is safe, warm, and memorable!
Kai LOVES noodles!!!
Kai is a big fan of noodles, but spaghetti with meat sauce hands-down is the best and tastiest and funnest and messiest meal of them all.
 |
| Yummmmmm!!!!!!!!!! |
 | |
| Meat sauce leave-in hair conditioner |
Walking, running, playing
Our baby is no longer techinically really a baby. He is running all over the place and I'm sure if he were taller, he'd be climbing over more things, too. It's interesting to see what he learns each day or how his mind works or what he gets into. Recently, I had to move his diaper pail up onto a high stool because Kai really wanted to dig his hands into there and pull out his stinky diapers. Gross! He still really enjoys throwing things down the stairs and he's into hiding objects. For example, yesterday, he hid the remote controls in my slippers! He still likes digging around in the kitchen cupboards and throwing tupperware around the floor. I have to keep an eye out and actually move the remotes because I caught him also taking the batteries out of the remotes and sucking on the batteries. Kai hasn't really said any new words, but he's picking up the baby sign language more. He waves bye-bye more regularly. He signs "milk" and "more" all the time. At gymboree he claps and follows along during the songs. He knows just when it is parachute and bubble time and really likes to watch the gymboree teachers. Kai still really enjoys reading a lot and could read his favorites again and again. A new favorite "Brown Bear, Brown Bear"... Tutu read it to him six times in a row! And he signs "more" to read it again as soon as the story is done. On Thursdays, when the weather is not rainy, we go to the park to join the japanese moms. It is good for Kai to get out to the playground and it is also good practice for me with Japanese.
 |
| What adventure is out there today, mom?! |
 |
| making a mess/"playing" |
 |
| at the Japanese moms' group with Keila and Auntie Katie |
 |
| running around semi-naked... so much fun! |
Tahoe
My parents have this timeshare in Maui that they have NEVER used. We have benefited from their ownership by using their timeshare points to go to Tahoe. This year we planned a trip with the thought of taking Kai to see the snow for the first time. Ryuta was an avid snowboarder and went 7 times one winter. Since Kai's been born, he hasn't gone in 2 years. Our original plan was to go to Tahoe with my parents and the Fukudas. The babies could experience the snow and my parents could babysit one day while we hit the slopes. Well, the weather report for the weekend sounded pretty horrible with an incoming snowstorm. We decided to leave Kai home because we just couldn't see getting stuck on the roads and have a screaming kid in the back. It ended up being a weekend getaway just the two of us... and it was wonderful! It was just a pair of warm, waterproof gloves and a ski mask away from perfect. We borrowed mom's landcruiser and had no problems at all getting there or back and actually talked the whole way roundtrip! (Usually one of us sleeps while the other drives.) We got to hang out, eat lots of carbs and junk, sleep, go to Heavenly, gamble. It was great!
 |
| at the top of mountain... freeeezzing!!! |
 |
| at the casino... Ryuta got -$60 and I got +$4 in roulette. |
Does your family have any holiday traditions? Our family has been creating new ones. Last year, my grandpa and his wife came to stay with us from Las Vegas. Also, last Christmas Eve, we went to my aunt's house for crab. Last year on the 26th, Jenn and the girls came up from SD and everyone hung out and exchanged gifts. Due to the success and general merriment, we all decided to go for a repeat of last year. Grandpa and Lynn came again. We went down to San Jose for Christmas Eve for crab. On the 26th, the girls came up from SD. A new one we tried this year was sukiyaki for Christmas dinner. Ryuta was commenting on how he wasn't the biggest fan of American holiday foods (turkey, mashed potato, etc.), so we thought having a little japanese feast might be a neat idea to try. Ryuta went to Mitsuwa market and prepared the whole Christmas dinner. It was yappari very oishii!!! Of course, we spent the whole week of Grandpa's visit playing Wii everyday. I'm trying to get Kai back to his normal life after the holidays. We stayed up later than usual (although Kai woke up earlier than usual, too. not a good combination.) Anytime someone grabs the TV remote or appears to.. he grabs the Wii controllers and bends down and grabs the Wii fit board from under the sofa. He stands on the Wii fit board with the Wii controller and looks at us like, "ok, I'm ready!" He played the penguin slide game on Wii fit by just standing on one side of the board. The iceburg just tilted to one side and the penguin kept sliding to the left, but Kai caught 33 fish! He was pretty amazed, too. Although I have to teach him that Wii is NOT a normal part of our everyday life. Only when Grandpa is here. The two things I've really enjoyed during the holidays this year was: (1) watching Kai watch and run around and scream happily while he chased after all his older cousins (I thought a lot about Ryan, Sarah, and especially Andrew..and wished they were here) and (2) watching Kai try to open his gifts. It was definitely a lot more interesting than last year when he just lied there and stared at the ceiling.
 |
| San Jose Christmas in the Park |
 |
| Jenn & I with our kiddies |
 |
| singing for the 1st time in the choir for the Christmas service.. |
 |
| Joy to the World! |
 |
| handsome Sanui men :) |
 | |
| Christmas with Grandpa |
 |
| our 2010 Christmas card |
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
the not-so-sneaky non-eater
I do have to say that IN GENERAL Kai is a little piggy wiggy eater. He LOVES his food.. especially meat, broccoli, peas, grapes, cheese, bread, noodles, bananas, crackers, etc.
But, when he just isn't quite feelin' it or is full or whatever the reason, he thinks he's real sly with some of his moves to stop eating. Little guy just needs to learn how to tell he is done. Sometimes he throws his food and sometimes he....
But, when he just isn't quite feelin' it or is full or whatever the reason, he thinks he's real sly with some of his moves to stop eating. Little guy just needs to learn how to tell he is done. Sometimes he throws his food and sometimes he....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)