This weekend we crossed out two pumpkin foods off of Minami’s long list of pumpkin foods she wants to eat. Yesterday afternoon, we finally managed to get to Handel’s and this afternoon, we baked pumpkin donuts together. We’re not sure where the inspiration comes from but her list of pumpkin foods includes: pumpkin bread, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin milk, pumpkin ice cream, pumpkin cake, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin donuts, pumpkin pasta, and pumpkin juice. SHE LOVES PUMPKINS.

I’m grateful Joules seems to be recovering from his dental procedure on Friday. He had a big tooth removed, in addition to a gingival mass. Poor guy was moaning all evening but still had his appetite. This morning he felt ready for walk, albeit a very slow walk since Minami had many stops to make along the way. Once Halloween decorations went up around the neighborhood, the walks seemed to have doubled in length but not in distance travelled.

Miki continues to be super smiley and happy unless we need to change her diaper. Then the wiggles get turned up to 11 and she turns on the waterworks. She also had a taste of pumpkin ice cream yesterday. We’re getting her excited about the Fall season. She has a lot of catching up [to Minami] to do.

Tonight we sang good night to Elsa and Anna, children formerly known as Moana and Miki Akachan Pasta Bingo.

Today we celebrated Minami’s 100 days of life with a Japanese ceremony called O-Kuizome (お食い初め).  O-kuizome literally means “begin to eat” and so the ceremony is about the baby having his/her first bite of food.  On this day, we celebrate making it to 100 days in good health and we wish the baby a lifetime of abundant food.  Of course, Minami didn’t actually get to put any food in her mouth as we’re not cleared for solids just yet.  Sorry, girl! You’ll have to wait a few more months!

Minami, my wish for you is simple: I would like you to enjoy food and everything that comes with it–community, love, culture, and memories.

And my promise to you is this: I will do my best to expose you to as many flavors of the world as possible. I can’t wait for us to explore and enjoy all the good food this world has to offer. I wonder what will be your favorite.

This afternoon, we packed ourselves up and drove over to the pediatrician’s office for a three-month appointment that DID NOT EXIST! Technically, we did have an appointment that I had made but we weren’t supposed to come in. Today we learned that standard Well Baby appointments occur at 2-5 days, 1 month, 2 month, 4 month, 6 month, etc.

We arrived on time, got checked in, and were handed some papers that were for a 2-month check-up. We thought it was odd but just thought they had forgotten to give it to us at the last appointment. As soon as we made it to the exam room, the nurse started talking about the 2-month vaccines which again, we found odd. When we mentioned that we had already done them, the nurse looked confused, flipped through the charts, and said that we didn’t need to be there. So we promptly scheduled the four-month appointment and went home.  See you in a month, Doc!

Tonight Robby took on his first solo parenting mission for a few hours while I went to get my new What’s Gaby Cooking cookbook signed! Yes, in the name of equality in parenting and all, it’s not supposed to be a big deal when dad takes care of his own kid. However, when you don’t have the 95% soothing success rate of boobs at your disposal, it can be pretty daunting to be left with a 9-week old baby. Nonetheless, Robby took on the challenge with just a small amount of trepidation (as far as I could tell). About 20 minutes or so after I left, he sent me the photo below and I could relax knowing he was doing ok so far 😍

A few hours later, after a quick bite to eat at a restaurant (!!), I returned home, pizza and signed cookbook in hand.

I find it very appropriate that my first night sans baby would be to get a new cookbook. Gaby is so nice and really gave each guest her full attention. We chatted about Sarah’s upcoming wedding and surprise vacation. Which recipe will I be able to cook in 15 minute increments? I’ll let you know…

We went to our very first Mommy and Me class today! The Mommy and Me class is held at the Mother Nurture Network where we go to breastfeeding support group at least once a week. The class is limited to 10 moms and their babies so we feel super lucky to have gotten off the waitlist and into class! What makes the classes special is not only the small size but also how all the babies are just about the same age. For example, the class we’re in is for babies born in January and February.

Minami seemed very interested in the other babies. I’ve never seen her lie on her back for so long without crying or fussing. By the end of class, though, she was beyond tired and couldn’t stop crying. She fell asleep in the car and even after coming into the apartment, she proceeded to sleep another hour (in the car seat of course!). We’re excited for next week’s class. Hopefully I’ll remember more of the songs after next class.

We all hear about how exciting it is when you or your partner successfully puts the little bebe down for a nap. That sound of silence from the other room is one we all strive for. But when you finally get to experience it for yourself, it’s a whole new feeling of wonder and satisfaction. How did he do it? Is he sleeping too? How long will it last? Time just seems to slow down for a moment (or maybe it speeds up because you’re suddenly on the clock to get things done).

As a side note, we love these onesies from Hanna Andersson. They’re so easy to take on and off! We now have them in a few different colors. This combo is a little reminiscent of The Royal Tenenbaums though, don’t you think?

We’ve cleared the two month check-up. Vaccines have been administered and Minami now has the thumbs-up from her doctor to take on the world. Just no flu please. Ever. In addition to the shots, she had a chance to show the doctor her tummy time skills, her weight gain, and how long she’s gotten. When do we get to say how “tall” she’s gotten instead of how “long ” she is?

Current stats

Weight: 11 pounds 5 ounces

Length: 23 inches

Head circumference: 15.2 inches

Today we went on our first adventure to Little Tokyo. This is the farthest from home we’ve ventured on our own. I think that we can rate this trip a 10! We went to meet up with Grace, a good friend and coworker from JICC days. We encountered a little bit of traffic around USC which made me a little bit nervous but we made it! We started the visit started with a nursing session in the car in good ol’ Joe’s parking garage and then into the Ergo. Minami slept the whole time while I got to enjoy an ice coffee.  Next time we’ll be visiting the Hapa exhibit at JANM (Japanese American National Museum).

Today we took the longest car ride of Minami’s life! We traveled a whole 45 minutes to Glendale for Easter brunch with Narineh’s family. We showed up roughly 40 minutes later than we intended. Not too shabby for a morning engagement! Minami received her first Easter basket. Only Sevan and Nazeli went on the egg hunt. Maybe Minami will join them in a couple of years. Will she be walking next Easter? Hopping like a bunny?

In the evening, we had another big outing. This time we went to a restaurant, her second time this weekend. We went to Sausal in El Segundo with Sae, Grandpa Carl, Uncle Dave and Suzanne. She did great! She even got to stare at another baby. Maybe Minami was a little envious of all the hair they had.

Apparently drinking from a bottle is hard work when all you’ve experienced so far are boobies. Minami chan started working on drinking from a bottle this week and still seems to have some work to do.

That said, she’s becoming quite adept at nursing and even latched herself yesterday!

We’re also seeing a lot more smiles from her. Last night she was happy to sit in her bouncy seat while we cooked dinner.