Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to me. And, of course, to my mom and to all the great moms I know and love.

I was asked yesterday "what's been the most surprising thing about motherhood?" I answered "that I love it so much!" Well, it certainly helps that Kenzo is THE BEST BABY EVER! Seriously, he makes this so easy and so much fun.








Mother's Day morning at the Hagglof home! Yum...so full...great friends...lots of laughs...thanks for the amazing breakfast!












Yesterday we went to Sacramento to enjoy some warmer weather, grocery shopping at Oto's for Japanese foods, and a birthday party.

It was so nice to be in short-sleeved shirts for a change! We made a pit stop at the park and stretched our legs...

Kenzo and dad sharing a good laugh...











Later that day we went to Mieko & Nick's house in Woodland for Kiyomi's first birthday party! It was great to see everyone & to celebrate this milestone with family.











Birthday girl Kiyomi!

















Uncle Alan with Caden & Kenji...

















Seiko and sweet little Jack (14 months old). Thanks for all the hand-me-downs you guys!

















Kenzo got lots of hugs and kisses from everyone....he immediately chilled out when Auntie Yuki got hold of him!













The birthday girl had her own mini cake to devour!

Happy Boys' Day

Well, actually now it's "Children's Day" but I always remember May 5th as for the boys and March 3rd for the girls.

While I don't speak any Japanese (except when in Japan and faced with the decision of what to eat) I would like to keep some Japanese traditions alive in our home and to remind Kenzo of his strong heritage...as if his name weren't enough!








Colorful carp flags fly outside the home to celebrate the day. They symbolize a strong, powerful spirit that can fight it's way up fast-moving streams.

The carp has great strength and determination to overcome all obstacles, and it stands for courage and the ability to attain high goals. The day celebrates the healthy growth and development of young boys, and now all children.

Kenzo has a big, red carp flag in his room, and we'll hopefully get some to hang outside next year.








A gift for Kenzo from my friend's mom in Japan.

Momotaro and Kintaro (I think?)...both defeat evil demons and are two warrior dolls often displayed for the celebration.

Gads, I'm a lousy Nihon-jin ...gotta get my legends straight and at least remember the stories to tell Kenzo! Maybe next year we'll have a party with some good Japanese food & sake. OR since we're in Cali, we could do tacos and combine the party with Cinco de Mayo?!

Eight Months Old!

Eight months old....two bottom teeth....four top teeth....almost 18 pounds...

Routine errands are so interesting for Kenzo: trips to the grocery store, the post office, getting coffee at the Tahoe House, and even car rides don't put him immediately to sleep any more. Everywhere we go, Kenzo's sweet face makes people pause and smile!








It's been a long and cold winter and now into spring, but
finally....sunshine! We are definitely ready for some nice weather and spending time outside.











Kenzo out enjoying his new ride, compliments of Julie, Dannielle & Kristi. Does this mean I have to start jogging or can I just walk quickly?

Playtime

Okay, enough of being cooped up in the house - we're in need of some different stimulation!

We are doing a "Baby & Me" class in Truckee once a week, where we sing songs, play, learn about different parenting tactics and developmental stuff, and get to hang out with other mommies & babies. Kenzo is very excited about seeing his new buddies each week.







Each session ends with the babies in a circle, with the mommies waving a colorful parachute over them. Most of the babies like this, but Kenzo squeals & screeches with delight! Hard to tell if Kylie (to Kenzo's left) is happy or horrified by this...










Fully entertained by the parachute!

Springtime in Tahoe

It's been an unsettled spring for us, but we did get one nice morning at the lake. Kenzo loved moving his hands through the sand and watching all the other kiddies running around. I think we'll soon be regulars at the park.















Pretty dang cute, eh?

















York and Jordan are in Tahoe this week for some spring snowboarding at Northstar. Kenzo loves all the extra attention from his cousins!











Kenzo just laughed and laughed when Jordan held him! Future babysitter? Hmm, I guess we can hold out on Kenzo learning how to play "Call of Duty - Black Ops" for awhile!

Family Traditions

Since it's been just me, Eric & Oscar for the past decade, we have been pretty lax about starting or keeping traditions from year to year.

So let's start now for little Kenzo's sake!

Today is the final round of the 75th Masters. We've set up camp in front of the tv and had hot dogs for lunch. Nail biting rounds today!

Kenzo with Tiger making a run for the lead in the background...









Some people do not take this tournament broadcast as seriously as others..












Love sitting up by myself!

Seven Months Old!

Yep, seven months old today and sitting up all by himself!

Just groovin' along here in Tahoe: eating, playing, and exploring. Oh, and squealing, screeching, and squawking. Our quiet little baby has found his voice!

16 1/2 pounds of pure fun and cuteness...








Wow - everything is so interesting and entertaining these days!

Please note the chubby wrists finally! Kenzo has been eating like a champ, or is that a "Tsuruta?"















If you look very closely, you can see two bottom teeth. Kenzo has hardly fussed as these teeth emerged, but he makes up for that with the buckets of drool. The teeth has given his face a much more mature look!