What's so Funny?

It was a funny day in the house, and Kai joined in on the Party.  We were just playing around (me and Kai), while Aya was in the shower.  He was really intent on trying to get the blanket I was dangling in front of his face, and loving every minute of it.  

I thought this was absolutely hysterical and kept laughing at how happy the blanket was making him.  Then out of no where, Kai lets out a huge laugh.  I didn't even realize what he was doing at first, and then after a couple times it clicked: he was laughing along with me.  

It was unreal, like Kai and I had shared a funny joke, and we both were laughing at it.  There was a mutual understanding that something was very funny, and it was an amazing connection.  This was the first time he laughed, and I wanted to catch it on video, but when I got back he had lost interest in the blanket.

Still this is a big step for the big guy, and next time he does it I will be sure to catch it on the vid.  Until then, I'll keep my eyes pealed for baby laughs.

"Ahhh...I forgot to buy the milk."

Kai want more...

Baby Update @ 20:07

Kai has been Vaccinated!  Today he received his 3 month shot to protect against the big T (aka Tuberculosis).  I wasn't able to go with Aya and Kai to the doctor's due to work, but she told me that he didn't even bat an Eye when he took the shot.  What can I say, kid's got good Jeans...I mean genes: takes after dad.  
Also we had a weigh-in this past Wednesday, and Kai-chan is on track to be the biggest Monticello yet.  Coming in 7.01kgs (15.45lbs) and measuring 62cm (2ft), we are glad to see that he has leveled off a little bit, but still a healthy sack of potatoes.  The kid is so strong, he has no problem standing up and he is only 4 months old! No crazy camera tricks here folks, that's pure brute strength.
As for Aya and I, we'll be spending the next month catching up with her friends, and saying good-bye to some of my friends, due to the end of the school year here.  This gives me some time off and we are looking forward to our visit to the onsen soon. If all goes to plan, we should be relaxing in the mountains in about a month.
One last note, Kai will be making an Audition as a Baby Model in the near future, we just need to get the pictures out.  I think he's got the gig hands down, no?
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The Dude Abides

Kai want more...

Birthday Pics

As promised, the pictures from Aya's birthday.

The Birthday Girls

What the??!?


Nicely Done


Good Friends

Kai want more...

NES

Famicom, or as you may know it in the US, the original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), has made a recent reappearance at the Monticello household. Last weekend Aya and I saw this great piece of gaming hardware on sale for about $12, so we couldn't help ourselves.

Although she looks a little different from our US version, she still plays like a true NES. We thought this would be a great way to get Kai started on the hand-eye coordination thing, we'll let you know how that turns out.

All the games here are completly different. I mean there is like hundreds of games that were only made in Japan. I was able to find Mike Tyson's Punchout, but it was a little to expensive for my taste; it actually cost more than the NES, which was redicoulus. I did have to splurge for Mario-bros, cause when we find a minute, it never hurts to play a little Super Mario 3. For all you RBI fans out there, that is actually the Japanese equvilant of it, which is called Family Star (weird I know).

Kai want more...

Happy Birthday Mom

I almost forgot (to post, come'on give me some credit) to tell you all it was Aya's Birthday today, so a big congratulations to Mom!

Thank you so much for being such a wonderful wife and mother, and a filez complianos to you. Not sure how that translates into Japanese, but i think it's something like, Omedetto!!!

Anywho, we are off to a big birthday party celebration, which is combined with a lot of the March birthday people we know here in Japan, and Grandma and co will be in charge of the big K. Madness will undoubtedly ensue!

Pictures to come.

Kai want more...

Uncle Brian

Our dear friend Brian has recently found out he has Hodgkin's disease, but that is not what shocked us. It is his amazing outlook and determined will, which impressed us most.

Brian we know you are going to kick this things arsss and the whole Monticello Family will be with you through this journey. Kai is teaching me the Buddhist prayers now, and apparently they do wonders for those whom they are bestowed upon.

Consciousness is an ice pond:
Though it is all water,
It needs the energy of the sun to melt.

I invite you all to check out his blog, so you too can be inspired by his incredible perspective.

Kai want more...

In the HI

Life was good, life was really good.

Hawaii was all that we expected, and Aya and I have decided we could live there on Kai One Place, no problem. Only thing is, we need to find some jobs first. The trip started off with Aya getting hammered (on accident) after the waitress at the restaurant switched Aya's lemonade with an alcoholic one. That was a wonderful kickoff to the trip.

Following this there was many a vist to the beach and lots of other activities which were done. Dan and I decided to kayak out to some "bird sanctuary" where no birds were located, while Maria and Nina went to the very far away islands in the distance there. Job well done ladies, Dan and I could not make it that far.

Then there was the meet up with Charlie from LOST. That was pretty cool, and he actually saved my tail, cause we were running late to the restaurant/bar (when there are famous people around everyone is happy).
Of course we can't forget the picturesque scenery all over the islands, the crystal clear water and Pearl Harbor. I decided to go swimming at "Sandy Beach" later to realize that it was actually as dangerous as everyone said it was. The 12ft swells damn near killed me, but at least I hit some serious waves while I was there.

Finally there was the great times relaxing with our family and friends, and my noteworthy discussion about Global Warming with Danny B. Apparently he hasn't seen An Inconvenient Truth, but after I send him his free copy, he promises to sport the "I'm sorry, I was wrong about Global Warming" bumper sticker on his whip. Until then, I will keep fighting the good fight.

Check out Flickr Show for all the new pictures. Lots are labeled and if you want a sweet Kai in Hawaii poster, let me know.


"Hey-ah, where's the closest toilet guy?"

Kai want more...