Little Twin Stars

Naoki and I have always been disappointed that we didn't grow up close to our cousins. But it wasn't just a matter of proximity--we didn't visit often nor were we similar ages. Our hope for Teddy is that he will share tight bonds with his cousin(s) and have many fond memories of playing together.

He's already got a good start in the right direction. Naomi was born a mere 3 months ahead of him and they've already met up twice this summer! If their behavior during our family portrait session is any indication, those two will be thick as thieves and stirring up trouble in no time.



See Naomi flaunt her disdain for the entire affair, while Teddy impishly delights in her saucy behavior. What goobers.

More pix from our session can be found on Flickr.

First Taste is Free

Teddy began his career as a gourmand last week! We finally started him on solid food after a month of feeling guilty during mealtimes while he stared and drooled.

Although the session ended in tears, he actually did really well. Voluntarily opened his mouth, gummed food off of the spoon, contemplated the taste and texture, swallowed it, and opened up for another bite! Only after deciding that rice cereal sucks did he turn on the waterworks. Who could blame him?

After a couple of weeks, here are his thoughts on a few items:

• rice cereal = uninspired
• sweet potatoes = intriguing
• bananas = ambrosial!
• avocado =savory

And because I have a diagnosed case of Spreadsheet-Obsessive Disorder, I created a detailed food journal for him in Excel complete with an automated contact counter and patent-pending Fresh Checker. Booya! (If you are a fellow Type A parent who gets her jollies from data-mining and would like a copy, feel free to email me. I promise not to reveal your secret shame.)

Swingers

July 2, 2009; Maddux Park - Teddy has been practicing for this moment his whole life.

He's taken a few practice rides with the Dooleys and has been studiously observing the other children at the park for weeks. One time, he got so worked up while watching a 10-month old girl swinging back and forth that he started yelling with excitement. This little man has a powerful set of pipes, and poor startled Pasha started to cry!

Now with all eyes upon him (Mama, both Yolanda the Nannies, Pasha, Ian and Maverick) it's time to fly solo.

SWEET SUCCESS!!!

Teddy brought Naoki to the playground the next day to admire his new skills. Note the difference in technique between Mama & Daddy:

Mama stays close so that Teddy can see her and feel safe. Crouched, but ready to spring at the first sign of distress.

Daddy hangs back a little bit to give Teddy a sense of independence. Casually leaning against the post, exuding a calm sense of enjoyment.

And that pretty much sums up our parenting styles.

The Brew Crew

Independence Day meant more to us this year than ever before, now that we've realized the American Dream of homeownership. We joined the neighbors and proudly mounted a flag to the front of the house. Woodside Plaza is a very patriotic neighborhood, with more than half the homes flying flags on the various holidays. Our street almost looked like it was on a parade route with all the stars and stripes fluttering in the breeze--real Norman Rockwell stuff!

Naoki also marked the occasion by introducing his son to the Great American Past-time. They dressed up in their matching Milwaukee Brewers tees and discussed baseball, beer, and sausages. It's a guy thing.

We rounded out the weekend with back to back to back grill-outs. Tadashi and our former roommies came over for some Sixteen Spice Chicken with Cilantro-Pumpkin Seed Sauce, corn, asparagus and key lime pie. Tad made Comme Ca burgers. Dai & Emily brought homemade guacamole and salsa, as well as their new puppy Seal. He's cute! Then off to the Chancellors for a huge family-friendly barbecue, complete with bouncy castle and kiddie fireworks. Chaotic good times! And finally, we invited ourselves over to Ryan and Navisha's new condo for an all-Betty Crocker cookout. Classically delicious. And their home is really fabulous. Congratulations, you two!