A Rare Celebration, Sans Kids

Our first birthday date. I was twenty years old and, somehow, I'd gotten a second date with the most beautiful woman I'd ever met. It had to be low-key (didn't want to push too hard), but celebratory. It was her 21st birthday, but given that she didn't drink, I wasn't 21, and I was a poor college student, options were slim. Yes, believe it or not, getting a sundae at the local Lyons (a glorified Denny's) was how we made the most of this monumental turn of age. Not particularly impressive, but I somehow managed to sneak another date out of it. And, with a little more persistence (8 years or so), a marriage.

For the first 12 years of our relationship, Sumie and I ate out at least once or twice a week, particularly in Manhattan. Dates were regular and our quest for food took us all over the city. All this changed with the arrival of our oldest. Over the past six years we've had perhaps 12 dates, on our own, in total. As such, they've become quite special. With another monumental birthday coming up for Sumie, I wanted to do something memorable. Lyons was not going to cut it.

Sumie's birthday fell on a Saturday, which meant we'd actually be able to head out together sans kids. I secured the very kind participation of the grandparents (the kids were excited to have us gone, quite frankly) and then prepared a nice birthday dinner to celebrate the occasion with the whole family Friday night.

After a full Saturday watching kids and taking Mimi to Japanese school, the two of us gussied up (I can't remember the last time I wore a suit that wasn't for a wedding) and headed into San Francisco (it was Sumie's 7th time in a row, so I drove). We braved the rain, which eventually broke as we found parking around the corner from our restaurant, La Folie. Here are a few highlights from what was a relaxingly decadent, three-hour respite from regular food and real life.

The restaurant was small, relatively quiet, and understated. A perfect place for the two of us to reconnect and, perhaps, even share a few snippets of conversation that didn't involve our kids. Sumie looked fetching before a charred leek salad, stuffed with sauteed leek and mushrooms in a dressing that made you question if you'd ever be able to count calories again.

This was followed by a large octopus tentacle, tremendously tender, and lobster in a butter sauce that ensured you'd reach your daily recommended fat content for the month.

For main course, Sumie had the best duck breast we'd ever experienced. She gave me a piece off her plate and I, immediately, set aside the skin and said, "I'll save this little beauty for last." In return, I shared my ribeye with the woman across the table.

We closed out the meal with a series of candies...

...and a special dessert, complete with candle, for the birthday girl.

It was a rare, wonderful, and much deserved night out, but the best surprise was still waiting for us. As we neared home around ten, we received word that Mari had gone to sleep at her regular time, but Mimi and Kuri had just been put down. They obviously heard us opening the door, because seconds later we heard the frantic patter of small feet and were quickly smothered in hugs. Getting out just the two of us is tremendously special not only for the precious time we can spend together, but also for how well it reminds us of what we have here at home. All-in-all, I think Sumie had a wonderful birthday, and one that was a big step up from that first we shared at Lyons in Davis all those years ago. But like that one, I hope this last one leads to many more.

Working Together: Weekdays and Weekends

Life with two kids is simply busier.  If you wait for several years, as we did, between progeny, you quickly forget just how long changing diapers, unfolding strollers, and feeding a manic ball of energy that refuses to open his mouth unless you make airplane noises takes.

During the week, there's little "cushion" when it comes to time, at least for the hours between 6:30am and 9:00pm.  The kids and Mama have to leave by 7:30am for everyone to get to school and work on time, and dinner has to be on the table no later than 7:00pm for all of us to eat together before bath time.

So far, we've made it work (well, we've survived).  As somewhat of a surprise to us both, Mimi has stepped up to help make this happen.

In the morning, Mimi helps out by being the last to wake up.  This lets us feed Kuri, get him dressed, and get his clothes and milk ready for daycare.  On some morning Mimi wake up and dress herself and Kuri looks on, usually with one of Mimi's stuffed animals in his mouth.  By 7:30, it's time to put the kids in the car.

When Mama and the kids get home in the evening, Papa usually has dinner mostly prepared.  Unpredictable traffic has taught him not to finish until the family walks through the door.  In order for Mama to get changed following a long day at work, and for Papa to finish dinner, the kids play in the family room.  Kuri is partial to a box these days.  He seems to be partial to Amazon boxes, of which we have a nearly endless supply.

Mimi likes to help out her little brother as her parents are running around getting everything ready for the evening.  Here she is helping Kuri with his stacking cups.

It's rather amazing.  With us she is the embodiment of impatience, but with Chris, she's a teacher.  She really loves showing him how things work.  

After dinner, it's time for Kuri's bath (still done with a baby bath in the kitchen sink).  Mimi usually uses this for a little "me" time and heads to her table to paint, draw, or study.  

Once Kuri goes to bed, there's usually about 30 minutes to an hour for Mimi to hang out with Mama and Papa.  The other day she decided that she was on call, just like Mama.  She took a ton of calls that evening.  I was very proud of her.  She only broke down once because she was so busy.  "I can't help you right now.  This whole day has been super busy!"  Ok, Mimi.  Finish up that consult.  It's time for your bath.

When we moved into our new home we were a little uncertain if we'd ever really use the jetted soaking tub in the middle bath.  Mama and Papa will use it occasionally for soaking, but Mimi, she adores it.   After every bath with hit the jets and the slightly soapy water is transformed into a bubble wonderland.

The other day Papa built Mimi a Capsela jet boat to race through the waters.  No bubbles for this one.

Weekends, at least when Sumie isn't on call, are a bit more relaxing.  Mimi loves to help Mama bake.  Here she is getting ready to prepare a sponge cake.

This year's "Global Warming California Fall" has meant it's still more than hot enough to go swimming.  Christopher didn't take to the wading pool much at first (he doesn't like the water to be too deep), but before long, he was having a blast.  

Perhaps he came to like it because his big sister was so, um, enthusiastic about splashing.

There's often time to bang out a tune on the piano as well.  

It's very heartwarming to see my kids playing the keyboard of the piano my grandfather restored for my father - the same keyboard I learned to play when I was their age.  That reminds me.  I still need to have it tuned.

And of course, no weekend would be complete without some time that defies explanation.  Even Kuri has no idea what is going on in Mimi's head.  All he knows is that the chair isn't spinning anymore!

Although life with these two is assuredly busy, it's a good kind of busy.  I always wondered if I'd miss my free time once kids came along.  Occasionally, of course, I do miss having a quiet afternoon or a free morning, but living with these two more than makes up for that.  Who knew I'd rather spin a one year old around in a living room chair than do just about anything else.

10 Months, 2 Kids, Still Alive (If that's what you call it)

For a child who is not yet 1 year old, 10 months is a long, long time.  So much has changed since last I wrote, and yet, so much still remains the same (only with less sleep and more noise).

This morning represented a bit of a milestone for the wife and I, and so I decided it was time to revive the blog and share.  Chris has always been a good sleeper.  After 3 months, he was sleeping through the night.  This was a blessing, well received.  But, as is always the case with children, it came with a catch.  Kuri (our Japanese nickname for Chris), would sleep through the night as long as we did not enter our bedroom, the location of his crib.  We tried sneaking in for a week, but failed almost every night.  Eventually, we chose sleep and retreated to the guest bedroom.  The master bedroom, complete with full bath and walk-in closet, became the 4 month old's.

Yesterday, all that changed.  Kuri slept the whole night through in his own room and Sumie and I, well, we slept through the night in our own bed for the first time in 6 months.  It was a welcome change.

Since last I posted, Kuri has learned to sit up, clap, crawl, eat anything within reach, and smile, smile, smile.  We're very proud of our little guy.  So too are we amazed with Mimi.  She's still, um, an "individual," be she loves her little brother like no one else.

Every morning, I feed Kuri his bottle as Mama gets dressed.  After he's changed and dressed, we go in to get Big Sister.  Mimi's usually grouchy when I wake her up by myself in the morning, but if I bring Chris, she comes up from her covers with a big smile.

Weekends find me out with the kids quite often.  Between Mama's call schedule, and the need to take the kids out of the house to get it clean, Saturdays or Sundays are spent exploring Marin and Sonoma counties.  A while back we went to the Famer's Market at the Marin Civic Center.  It is awesome.  They even have remarkable organic popsicles which can turn even the cutest girl into the Joker.  Note the personality differences.  Mimi looks mischievous.  Kuri, he's laid back.  That about sums the pair up.

About a month ago I experienced a milestone in easier child transport: being able to use the child seat in a shopping cart.  Thank you, Costco, thank you for providing two.

Mimi's growing up fast, just like her little brother.  She has lots of hobbies.  Every day she draws at least 3-4 pictures for her Mama and Papa.  She also likes mechanical things.  At a children's sale we found a huge box of Capsela, a construction toy I loved as a child.  We built our first car together, which Mimi has been racing around the house for the past several days.  She's learning which capsule has the motor, and which has the gears.  

Mimi's also taken up gymnastics.  Saturday mornings now find Mimi jumping around a gym.  She's not the best tumbler in the group, but she definitely brings the most excitement.  Perhaps it's because her little brother is there to cheer her on.

Mimi also likes going for rides in Papa's new toy.  Oddly, her favorite saying is "Not too fast, Papa!"  I find this odd in that I drive slower than Mama in her VW Jetta.  Kuri's still a bit young for a ride, but I can't wait to take him out.  He loves the feel of the wind on his face, so I think he'll get a real kick out of cruising with the roof off.

Mimi already thinks she can drive.  That's also something that will have to wait.  When I asked her if she wanted me to teach her how to drive Papa's car, she surprised me.  "No," she said, "I'll just have Kuri drive me around."  Hmm, I wonder if she'll feel the same way in 12 years when she has her license.

 As a family, we have less time, but we're having more fun.  Here's a quick shot of playtime on Sunday afternoon.  Kuri's starting to use some of Mimi's old toys (which causes its own unique problems).  I was really proud of this pic.  Partially because I love my family, but mainly because I was able to take it.

 The first six attempts of the pic above ended up like this.  Yes, Mimi is still Mimi.

Very thankful to be sharing my life with these three.  I can't wait to see what the next milestone, for Mimi, Kuri, or even Sumie and me, will be.

New Baby Addition Edition

He's here. And ahead of schedule.

Friday night, around 11:00pm, Sumie and I were planning out our last weekend without baby. We'd head up to the cute downtown in Novato for some Indian food, perhaps look at some antiques, and then take Mimi to the park. Sunday would be spent in quiet anticipation and luxurious relaxation, both of us knowing that we didn't have to wake up early for work on Monday.

Plans have a way of being just that - plans. By 12:15am Saturday morning, Sumie and I were in the car, with a very groggy Mimi in the backseat, heading for San Francisco and the Labor and Delivery ward. Someone wanted to take part in our weekend.

But he wasn't going to join us right away. By 2:00am it was apparent that our little man was going to take his time, so Mimi and I trudged back to the car to finish the night's sleep up in Marin while Sumie stayed behind to sleep between the occasional contraction (she's hard core). By 7:00am Grandma had arrived and I was on my way back down the hill to the hospital.

Reunited at the hospital, Sumie and I began the waiting game. We watched our son's heartbeat on the monitor, as well as the progress of other mothers and their soon-to-be sons and daughters. We'd see them come in, we'd see them come out. Our boy, however, was methodical. He'd planned a late afternoon arrival and he'd be damned if he'd see it any other way.

Things really took off around 3:30 or so and by 4:00, on the dot, Christopher Yoshinobu Kemp made his appearance. At 6lbs 9ozs he was light, but also a lanky 21inches.  He immediately took to his Mama, who, somehow, looked as fresh and bright as ever despite being up for nearly 36 hours and undergoing labor.

I, however, despite a shower that morning, was not nearly so photogenic.  Kuri (our nickname for Christopher) thankfully didn't mind.

Later that evening I headed back up to Marin (my third trip that Saturday) to fetch Mimi and Grandma. Mimi had been an amazing girl for Grandma all day. We were all so proud of her. And we were even more proud when she smiled at her little brother for the first time.

We were both a little worried about how Mimi would respond, but on the whole, she's really taken to him.

Grandma also got some time in with Kuri. From what I've heard of my own behavior as an infant, he was a welcome change to hold.

By the end of the evening, Mimi was beginning to have a few second thoughts about this new addition to the family. As someone who is used to being the absolute center of attention, regardless of the venue, I think Mimi handled it pretty well. She's still adjusting here at home (that's a future post, for sure), but she always has a smile for her little brother. It's Mama and Papa she's a little annoyed with, I think.

Unlike his big sister, Kuri has so far been a quiet crier and a consistent sleeper. 9 times out of 10, if you look for Kuri, you'll find him like this.

During the day, he really loves his rocker.

But at night, he's attached to Mama. We're still working on our sleep schedules (Kuri's not a big fan of sleeping away from Mama, particularly at night), but we're getting there.

We don't know what the future will hold for this new addition to our family, but we are certain that we're glad he's finally here.

Exploratorium! Perhaps the Best Museum on Earth!

Several weeks ago we headed to arguably the best museum in San Francisco, if not the world: the miraculous Exploratorium.

For those who have never been, it's a bit hard to explain.  Imagine that warehouse at the end of Raiders of the Lost Arc filled not with crates, but with rows upon rows of interactive, home-grown experiments exploring the world around us, the world of science.

As a kid, I couldn't get enough of it and since arriving in SF I'd been contemplating when would be the best time to take my little girl.  I wanted her to love it just like me.  So, several weekends ago, despite the risk that she might be a bit young and the hands-on world of science might be a bit much, we bit the bullet and headed out for a bit of experimental mischief.

Mimi loved it.  Loved it.  She was just old enough to toddle through the exhibits and just wise enough to know when something out of the ordinary, surprising, or perplexing was happening.  Many of the exhibits were old favorites, too, which made it even better for Mimi's Papa to share them with her.  

We marveled at the rope that shot gracefully into the air like a stream of water...

 ...and wondered just how you could make a tiny tornado in a box. 

We played with magnets and washers...

...and found the scaled chair that was just right for each of us.  

 Mimi even took some time out to play some tunes. 

Of course, Mimi had her favorite exhibits.  As any parent of a toddler could guess, the bubbles were one of them.

But there were some surprises.  Amidst all the mind-blowing marvels, Mimi was entranced by a pair of big-headed goldfish.  15 minutes went by before we were finally able to pry her away.  

The exhibit that surprised her most, though, was one of my favorites when I was a kid.  In the picture below you'll see Mimi and Sumie sitting in a blue, concave shell.  I'm sitting in a similar one on the other side of the Exploratorium, taking the picture.  The shells focus sound so well that you can have a conversation at normal speaking levels all the way across the building.  

Mimi wasn't quite sure what to make of it until she heard her Papa, who was miles away, talking to her as if he were right there.  She squealed.  She giggled.  She said, "Hey!  Papa!"  She knew what was happening shouldn't be happening and it fascinated her.  That's the first step to loving science, I think.

We eventually made our way out of the museum and finished up our day with a stroll around the Palace of Fine Arts grounds.  

Mimi had a wonderful time out at the Exploratorium.  And her Papa?  Well, he made sure they'll be back.  He couldn't help but get a membership.