Kokochi

明けましておめでとうございます。

2006 was an amazing year of transformation. Both Dav and I, Kats and Waka, and Tesla have all settled comfortably into our new family. I'm sure 2007 will be full of growth and many more changes. May you all have a great 2007 year of the boar!!

Videos of Tesla

I'm not able to upload videos to Kokochi via my new phone yet, so I've posted them to YouTube. First is Tesla staring at butterflies for the first time at the Museum of Natural History. Second is Daddy dancing with Tesla in the apartment we were staying at in NYC. Third is Tesla in her stroller being entertained by Dav with a bug toy while we waited for dinner in a restaurant.

Blankie

My dear friend Raven - and Tesla's auntie : ) - made and sent this cutie blankie for my baby. Isn't it the sweetest? I love the gentle colors. The white side has cute hippos stitched in as well as the beautiful Telsa letterings, and the back has a cute hello kitty motif. I love it. Tesla is just beginning to notice things, and liking colorful fluffy stuff. This is perfect. Kats likes it too, but I won't let him sleep on it. Thank you, darling Raven!!

SF -> NY -> SF

Back home! Here are a few "city" scenes that I delayed uploading. I kept trying to capture the excitement I felt for the urban hustle and bustle of NYC, but these pics aren't adequate. I suppose I'm a city girl through and through. I loved the noises, the smells, the endless buildings, masses of people. I know that sounds horrible to some, but to me, imagining all that was going on at any given point was like a fantasy. I was born in NYC, but don't know it at all. And coming from Japan, my understanding of USA is only the west coast culture. I think it would be rather important that I spend some time getting to know this completely other side. Maybe one day we'll have a chance. I'd like that for Tesla too. For now we're back home in SF. Tesla seems relieved to be home too. Back with her toys, back with the cats, back in our family bed. It was a fun vacation! Lots of simple strolling around, eating, and just enjoying the city. It was a bit difficult, especially near the end, with Tesla getting so fidgety. We didn't feel comfortable just going anywhere. I suspect this is our route for the next year or so as she increasingly will show her tastes and opinion about what we do. Not being able to hop around the city, visit bars at night, or spend long leisurely dinners didn't bother me too much, however. In exchange, I had moments of, "wow, we're a family unit" when walking about which warmed me immensely.

Last stroll before flying home

Hot apple cider from the farmer's market at Union Square. Delicious.

Kathy from ASIJ

I wasn't sure we'd have the time to actually meet, but last minute, Kathy and I got in touch! We went to ASIJ, and ran cross-country together. She basically grew up in Japan, has been living in NY for quite some time, and is getting ready to move to Kenya soon! Last time I saw her was in Tokyo before I moved to SF to be with Dav. Luckily, Kathy was able to come over where are staying so our screaming banshee could settle down for some sleep. We ordered in Indian food and caught up. She's one of those friends whom I don't get to see often, but when we do it's all good. She remembered my love for chocolate and brought a delicious box for dessert. Thanks! We are so gonna visit her in Kenya!

MOMA

For our last full day in NYC, we headed to MOMA. New building...but frankly, it was a bit too crowded to appreciate. The art was fantastic though. I really enjoyed getting to see famous works and items that inspired me. Dav has some pics here. However, Tesla has been rather fussy in public these past few days. Especially in restaurants, she would start screaming about even though she was fed and clean. Could be teething, constipation, or just over-stimulation from being so darn curious and looking at everything. Whatever it is, she put on a few nice screaming shows in MOMA, echoing throughout the hallways. If she was in the stroller, we'd put her in the ergo and I'd try and hide in a corner, singing a lullaby in vain hopes that she would conk out. Oh well. Still totally worth it.

Du pain, de l'eau et du vin

A solid start to Christmas dinner in the neighborhood.

A stroll

In Central Park. It was quite a nice walk. Great trees, lots of other strollers, beautiful scenery with the building scape peeking through. I'd love to go back in spring or fall. I can tell that the park is key to balancing out the urban bustle.

Festive!

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