Sunday, February 27, 2011
The Things Kids Say...
So we were making cookies the other day and chibiguri, out of the blue, suddenly said 'Daddy, I wish I had two daddies!' As one might expect, I did something of a double take, and informed Amaguri that our son wants a new daddy.
After some querying, Amaguri asked chibiguri why he wanted a new daddy.
'No, Mom! I want TWO daddies!'
'Errr...why is that?'
'So that when one daddy is busy, the other daddy can hold me!'
'Ah....' It was a long sound of understanding.
So in other words, chibiguri wants multiple adults so that when one set of adults are busy, the other set can play with him! Ah, to be a five-year-old when the world is so simple.
After some querying, Amaguri asked chibiguri why he wanted a new daddy.
'No, Mom! I want TWO daddies!'
'Errr...why is that?'
'So that when one daddy is busy, the other daddy can hold me!'
'Ah....' It was a long sound of understanding.
So in other words, chibiguri wants multiple adults so that when one set of adults are busy, the other set can play with him! Ah, to be a five-year-old when the world is so simple.
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
LEGOs
chibiguri has become a major fan of LEGOs. However, not just any LEGOs - he has also developed anobsession with the 'Star Wars' movie series. This is somewhat curious since he has never seen the original movies as far as I am aware. Instead, he has discovered the 'new' trilogy focusing on Anakin Skywalker (also known as Darth Vader). So he has been busily demanding ever more difficult Star Wars models to build. To date, he has successfully assembled the following:
1. General Grievous' Starfighter
2. Droid Tri-Fighter
3. Plo-Koon's Jedi Starfighter
4. Imperial V-wing Fighter
Still on the list to (eventually) get if he retains his current interest are:
1. Ultimate Millennium Falcon
2. Star Destroyer
3. Tantive IV Blockade Runner
There are others in the Ultimate Collection as well, but we'll have to see if chibiguri's interest holds up before we go too far in this direction - they are both VERY LARGE and VERY EXPENSIVE! For now we are stayingh with the regular LEGO Star Wars sets. But chibiguri has proven to be a careful and expert builder - he does these all by himself. Once built, though, they do get played with and tend to fall apart a bit...
Next year he will be old enough for the LEGO Builders' summer camp. I think we just might send him - he really enjoys building things!
1. General Grievous' Starfighter
2. Droid Tri-Fighter
3. Plo-Koon's Jedi Starfighter
4. Imperial V-wing Fighter
Still on the list to (eventually) get if he retains his current interest are:
1. Ultimate Millennium Falcon
2. Star Destroyer
3. Tantive IV Blockade Runner
There are others in the Ultimate Collection as well, but we'll have to see if chibiguri's interest holds up before we go too far in this direction - they are both VERY LARGE and VERY EXPENSIVE! For now we are stayingh with the regular LEGO Star Wars sets. But chibiguri has proven to be a careful and expert builder - he does these all by himself. Once built, though, they do get played with and tend to fall apart a bit...
Next year he will be old enough for the LEGO Builders' summer camp. I think we just might send him - he really enjoys building things!
Labels: building, Lego, Star Wars
Sick
chibiguri has been sick for the past couple of days, and this is the first time he has really been under the weather in some time. He had a fever and has not been his usual sunny self of late. He has been unable to sleep well and has been waking at unusual hours needing water. However, when I returned home yesterday, things appeared to be getting better.
His appetite has still be somewhat less than usual, but at least he ate most of his dinner and he showed interest in wanting to play with the neighbor kids in the evening, though we did not allow that to occur - we felt that he ought to fully recover first! Hopefully he will be much improved when I get home this evening.
His appetite has still be somewhat less than usual, but at least he ate most of his dinner and he showed interest in wanting to play with the neighbor kids in the evening, though we did not allow that to occur - we felt that he ought to fully recover first! Hopefully he will be much improved when I get home this evening.
Monday, August 23, 2010
A Trip to the City
Yesterday chibiguri and I went to the the local Big City with a friend and his twin offspring henceforth known as The Princess and The Soldier. We decided to take the local commuter train instead of driving as all three of our young ones enjoy such excursions.
Despite getting a late start, we reached the train station around noon and caught the train about forty minutes later. chibiguri and his two comrades loved the train. Since it is a double-decker, of course we had to sit on the top deck, where the seats are singles instead of the doubles down below. But this provided us a little more privacy as well as better views. Not that the terrible trio took much notice of said scenery - save whehn we passed by a train going the other way! Instead they spent the majority of the trip engaged in games - pretending that we were crossing gates and 'paying' money to us for passage, climbing all over us, and pretending that the seats were mountains. The Princess and The Soldier, being a year older than chibiguri were a little better at the climbing aspects, but he held his own. And I must say he was a bit better behaved as well - he listened when Daddy told him to 'Stop'! chibiguri did enjoy the scenery somewhat - he was fascinated by the big train and loved watching the tracks and seeing the equipment. And he liked seeing trains go past the other way too. On the way home, we stopped in the bike car and he was suitably impressed by all the bicycles lined up in that cavernous space.
Once we reached The City, the kids claimed to be hungry, so we stopped at a handy Panera Bread shop. There chibiguri got a lesson in asking questions. the Princess and the Soldier wanted 'bread bowls' So of course chibiguri begged for one too - without knowing what it was! The reality proved to be disappointing, so he ended up eating much of my ham-and-swiss sandwich, while I disposed of his bread bowl. Moral of the story - if you don't know what something is - ask!
After eating, we strolled around the waterfront, enjoying the beautiful weather. We climbed on some shoreline rocks, threw some pebbles into the water, and admired the nearby ballpark. Then we went into the downtown area, where we stopped at a street festival and also rode one of ther City trams. We planned to head toward the tourist-trap area, but we left it a little late, and after standing in line for the streetcar, we realized that we ought to head back. But our adventures were not done.
Upon reaching the car, we found we had a flat tire. This was quickly and efficiently solved by my friend the Twins' dad. Throughout, the Twins were somewhat underfoot, while chibiguri remained very out of the way. I should also add that he was the best-behaved in the City - not complaining about the walking, nor did he whine for food or water (much)! he and I purchased dessert for our hosts from the local restaurant we all like. Might have goner overboard - those carrot cakes are HUGE!
The day ended with chibiguri sharing a bath with the Twins. Since I was not expecting to bathe him at their house, I did not bring any pajamas, but they were kind enough to lend us some. And chibiguri was tired as I well know - he conked out on the way home. Fortunate - he missed seeing Daddy have to drive back to the Twins' place because he left his house keys behind!
chibiguri enjoyed his day, or so he told me, and it was a good experience for both of us - I learned a lesson in packing and chibiguri learned a few things about sightseeing as well. Next time he wanted to go on one of the tours. We'll see- have to bring Amaguri though - she would enjoy it too! All in all it was a good day for all of us.
Despite getting a late start, we reached the train station around noon and caught the train about forty minutes later. chibiguri and his two comrades loved the train. Since it is a double-decker, of course we had to sit on the top deck, where the seats are singles instead of the doubles down below. But this provided us a little more privacy as well as better views. Not that the terrible trio took much notice of said scenery - save whehn we passed by a train going the other way! Instead they spent the majority of the trip engaged in games - pretending that we were crossing gates and 'paying' money to us for passage, climbing all over us, and pretending that the seats were mountains. The Princess and The Soldier, being a year older than chibiguri were a little better at the climbing aspects, but he held his own. And I must say he was a bit better behaved as well - he listened when Daddy told him to 'Stop'! chibiguri did enjoy the scenery somewhat - he was fascinated by the big train and loved watching the tracks and seeing the equipment. And he liked seeing trains go past the other way too. On the way home, we stopped in the bike car and he was suitably impressed by all the bicycles lined up in that cavernous space.
Once we reached The City, the kids claimed to be hungry, so we stopped at a handy Panera Bread shop. There chibiguri got a lesson in asking questions. the Princess and the Soldier wanted 'bread bowls' So of course chibiguri begged for one too - without knowing what it was! The reality proved to be disappointing, so he ended up eating much of my ham-and-swiss sandwich, while I disposed of his bread bowl. Moral of the story - if you don't know what something is - ask!
After eating, we strolled around the waterfront, enjoying the beautiful weather. We climbed on some shoreline rocks, threw some pebbles into the water, and admired the nearby ballpark. Then we went into the downtown area, where we stopped at a street festival and also rode one of ther City trams. We planned to head toward the tourist-trap area, but we left it a little late, and after standing in line for the streetcar, we realized that we ought to head back. But our adventures were not done.
Upon reaching the car, we found we had a flat tire. This was quickly and efficiently solved by my friend the Twins' dad. Throughout, the Twins were somewhat underfoot, while chibiguri remained very out of the way. I should also add that he was the best-behaved in the City - not complaining about the walking, nor did he whine for food or water (much)! he and I purchased dessert for our hosts from the local restaurant we all like. Might have goner overboard - those carrot cakes are HUGE!
The day ended with chibiguri sharing a bath with the Twins. Since I was not expecting to bathe him at their house, I did not bring any pajamas, but they were kind enough to lend us some. And chibiguri was tired as I well know - he conked out on the way home. Fortunate - he missed seeing Daddy have to drive back to the Twins' place because he left his house keys behind!
chibiguri enjoyed his day, or so he told me, and it was a good experience for both of us - I learned a lesson in packing and chibiguri learned a few things about sightseeing as well. Next time he wanted to go on one of the tours. We'll see- have to bring Amaguri though - she would enjoy it too! All in all it was a good day for all of us.
Labels: sightseeing
Friday, August 20, 2010
The Jazz Musician In Training
chibiguri unexpectedly visited my monthly performance at a local pizza parlor last night. We were playing a tune when he and Amaguri walked in, and I was delighted to see him. he gave make a big smile as he and mom slid into seats not far from the stage and he patiently awaited his chance to approach the stage and give Daddy a hug.
Now, keep in mind that this particular band plays oldies. No, not the 1970s or any other similar schlock. This stuff is REALLY OLD - much of it dates to the 1920s, 1930s and occasionally we might bust out a tune from the 1950s or 1960s. But the vast majority of our repertoire was published before any of us were born. And to my surprise, chibiguri seems to enjoy it. in fact, his current favorite tunes are Bobby Darin's Splish Splash and Percy Venable's Big Butter and Egg Man. As he sat watching, i saw him slide out of his chair and come quietly to my side, where he whispered, 'Can you play Big Butter and Egg Man'? Naturally I relayed his request to our Fearless Leader, who called the tune just for chibiguri's enjoyment. I love his huge smile as he listened! He even danced a little bit in his chair, although our tempo was way too slow!
chibiguri and Amaguri went home shortly thereafter, but he didn't want to go, begging Amaguri to be allowed to stay. Now I suspect this to be more because he hates going to bed than from any sense of true enjoyment of our music, but it was still quite flattering!
Now, keep in mind that this particular band plays oldies. No, not the 1970s or any other similar schlock. This stuff is REALLY OLD - much of it dates to the 1920s, 1930s and occasionally we might bust out a tune from the 1950s or 1960s. But the vast majority of our repertoire was published before any of us were born. And to my surprise, chibiguri seems to enjoy it. in fact, his current favorite tunes are Bobby Darin's Splish Splash and Percy Venable's Big Butter and Egg Man. As he sat watching, i saw him slide out of his chair and come quietly to my side, where he whispered, 'Can you play Big Butter and Egg Man'? Naturally I relayed his request to our Fearless Leader, who called the tune just for chibiguri's enjoyment. I love his huge smile as he listened! He even danced a little bit in his chair, although our tempo was way too slow!
chibiguri and Amaguri went home shortly thereafter, but he didn't want to go, begging Amaguri to be allowed to stay. Now I suspect this to be more because he hates going to bed than from any sense of true enjoyment of our music, but it was still quite flattering!
Labels: music
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
Easter
chibiguri and I attended an Easter service at a small church in the Bay Area. I was there as a professional musician. As Amaguri was at work that day, chibiguri had to sit quietly through a service that meant nothing to him while being restricted to quiet playing and or reading.
However, he performed wonderfully! Not only was he exquisitely well-behaved throughout the service, he entered into the Easter spirit by playing with my fellow bandmate's young grandson at the post-service party. And he made friends with our gregarious tubist, whose assistance in keeping him occupied was invaluable. In fact, he turned out to be the star of the show and I received a vast number of compliments from a variety of people on how good he was throughout. This despite his own comment of 'Daddy, it was boring', delivered to me in private after the dispersal of the congregation. I commiserated with him, but was privately so pleased and proud of him I had to congratulate him.
However, his day was not complete. After the completion of the service, we drove up to my sister's house, where there was an Easter party planned with chibiguri and his young cousin, who shall be called Curly herein. The weather was less than friendly and so outdoor play was regrettably prohibited. However, chibiguri engaged in indoor Easter egg hunting and once again proved himself to be a superb Big Brother as he guided your Curly around and showed him how to find eggs. Subsequently, he helped Curly learn to dunk a (mini) basketball and in general did a wonderful job.
chibiguri has long showed himself to be very mature for his age and Easter was no exception. Well done, chibiguri!
However, he performed wonderfully! Not only was he exquisitely well-behaved throughout the service, he entered into the Easter spirit by playing with my fellow bandmate's young grandson at the post-service party. And he made friends with our gregarious tubist, whose assistance in keeping him occupied was invaluable. In fact, he turned out to be the star of the show and I received a vast number of compliments from a variety of people on how good he was throughout. This despite his own comment of 'Daddy, it was boring', delivered to me in private after the dispersal of the congregation. I commiserated with him, but was privately so pleased and proud of him I had to congratulate him.
However, his day was not complete. After the completion of the service, we drove up to my sister's house, where there was an Easter party planned with chibiguri and his young cousin, who shall be called Curly herein. The weather was less than friendly and so outdoor play was regrettably prohibited. However, chibiguri engaged in indoor Easter egg hunting and once again proved himself to be a superb Big Brother as he guided your Curly around and showed him how to find eggs. Subsequently, he helped Curly learn to dunk a (mini) basketball and in general did a wonderful job.
chibiguri has long showed himself to be very mature for his age and Easter was no exception. Well done, chibiguri!
Labels: big brother, Easter
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Hunger
These days, chibiguri always seems to be hungry. It is not enough to feed him a full dinner - he needs some post-dinner 'snacks' as well. Today, for example, we went to a local sushi restaurant. Not only did chibiguri finish an entire bowl of udon, he also ate most of a plate of karaage (chicken) as well. Then, upon returning home, he consumed at least two mikans in addition!
However, it turns out there is a reason for his constant hunger - he's growing! He measured over an inch taller this month than when we measured him last month. So in about a month, he has grown over an inch! I am nolonger surprised at these requests for food, even though I am well aware that at least part of his food-request routine is predicated upon the idea to postpone baths, tooth brushing and bed as long as possible!
However, it turns out there is a reason for his constant hunger - he's growing! He measured over an inch taller this month than when we measured him last month. So in about a month, he has grown over an inch! I am nolonger surprised at these requests for food, even though I am well aware that at least part of his food-request routine is predicated upon the idea to postpone baths, tooth brushing and bed as long as possible!
Friday, December 04, 2009
Thanksgiving
This year's Thanksgiving festivities were somewhat different from the past couple of years in that Amaguri was once again working and Auntie J was enjoying a well-deserved vacation at a luxurious spa with her husband Uncle D. So chibiguri and I were somewhat at a loss as to what we would do since the last two years, we have joined Auntie J to cook together.
Fortunately, a musically inclined friend of mine stepped into the breach adn invited us to hsi place for Thanksgiving. Since two of chibiguri's closest friends (a pair of twins with whom he often plays) were also scheduled to attend, I gratefully accepted. After Amaguri had checked in with the twins' mother and verified that yes, they did intend to be there!
Upon entering the house, we laid eyes on the twins playing 'jump down the stairs into a pile of cushions' with my friend's youngest son. But chibiguri was as usual very shy and would not be parted from me, despite his friends importuning him to join in the 'fun'. I meanwhile was introduced to the other guests and engaged in vareied repartee on a broad range of topics. in addition, I surveyed the collection of edibles - three turkeys and a vast array of side dishes! Buyt chibiguri would not be separated. In fact, he refused to be seated with his friends and instead insisted upon being seated beside me, somewhat upsetting the table settings. But things were rearranged and gradually he became accustomed to the many strangers.
After dinner, the other kids repaired to the living room and commenced their adventurous flights down the stairs. At last, chibiguri decided that maybe this WAS OK, and he somewhat shyly indicated that he would like to try too. Once was enough. As he arose from the cushion pile, his eyes shining, he immediately launched himself back toward the apex of the stairs and only remonstration on our behalf convinced him that it was someone else's turn first! For the remainder of the night, he was intimately involved with the fun and games begin carried out by the kids while I partook of the discussion amongst the adults.
When it was time to go home, he hung back and insisted on remaining - only the threat of forcible removal persuaded him that it was time to go home. Turkey, pies, jumping down stairs - I think the evening was a tremendous success. I can only hope our antics did not wear out our welcome!
Fortunately, a musically inclined friend of mine stepped into the breach adn invited us to hsi place for Thanksgiving. Since two of chibiguri's closest friends (a pair of twins with whom he often plays) were also scheduled to attend, I gratefully accepted. After Amaguri had checked in with the twins' mother and verified that yes, they did intend to be there!
Upon entering the house, we laid eyes on the twins playing 'jump down the stairs into a pile of cushions' with my friend's youngest son. But chibiguri was as usual very shy and would not be parted from me, despite his friends importuning him to join in the 'fun'. I meanwhile was introduced to the other guests and engaged in vareied repartee on a broad range of topics. in addition, I surveyed the collection of edibles - three turkeys and a vast array of side dishes! Buyt chibiguri would not be separated. In fact, he refused to be seated with his friends and instead insisted upon being seated beside me, somewhat upsetting the table settings. But things were rearranged and gradually he became accustomed to the many strangers.
After dinner, the other kids repaired to the living room and commenced their adventurous flights down the stairs. At last, chibiguri decided that maybe this WAS OK, and he somewhat shyly indicated that he would like to try too. Once was enough. As he arose from the cushion pile, his eyes shining, he immediately launched himself back toward the apex of the stairs and only remonstration on our behalf convinced him that it was someone else's turn first! For the remainder of the night, he was intimately involved with the fun and games begin carried out by the kids while I partook of the discussion amongst the adults.
When it was time to go home, he hung back and insisted on remaining - only the threat of forcible removal persuaded him that it was time to go home. Turkey, pies, jumping down stairs - I think the evening was a tremendous success. I can only hope our antics did not wear out our welcome!
Labels: food, thanksgiving
Swimming
chibiguri has been taking swimming lessons for some time - usually at a public swimming facility not far from our house. However, we recently have begun trying a different school due to scheduling issues. The new place uses warmer water, but as usual, chibiguri took some time to warm up to the new place!
Amaguri told me that on his entrance into the new facility, he was extrememly amaenbo and would not leave Amaguri to go into the water. This prompted the instructor to ask if he was shy. On receiving Amaguri's affirmative, she allowed chibiguri to go at his own pace. First one foot went in, then he scuttled back to Momma. Then he would return to the water's edge, where the other foot would go in. Just a touch, and then it was back to Home base. This continued for some time before he was confident enough to immerse his entire body into the water. However, once in, he was soon enjoying himself immensely. We have discovered that he thoroughly enjoys activities such as swimming, and other physical activities. So Amaguri was unsurprised to find that by the end of the session he had completely adjusted to his new environment. Hopefully this continues!
Amaguri told me that on his entrance into the new facility, he was extrememly amaenbo and would not leave Amaguri to go into the water. This prompted the instructor to ask if he was shy. On receiving Amaguri's affirmative, she allowed chibiguri to go at his own pace. First one foot went in, then he scuttled back to Momma. Then he would return to the water's edge, where the other foot would go in. Just a touch, and then it was back to Home base. This continued for some time before he was confident enough to immerse his entire body into the water. However, once in, he was soon enjoying himself immensely. We have discovered that he thoroughly enjoys activities such as swimming, and other physical activities. So Amaguri was unsurprised to find that by the end of the session he had completely adjusted to his new environment. Hopefully this continues!
Labels: swimming
