Kai Monticello

Kai v. 2.0

2007-04-11T18:17:00.001+09:00

Kai has moved. The new home for the official Kai Blog is kaimm.wordpress.com. There is still some construction going on, but I hope you all enjoy the new look. As for this site, it will be used but less frequently, I have some ideas on how to keep this Blog still up and running, but basically the new site will be your source for the Kai Updates.

Anyway, get over to the new Blog v. 2.0, click around and let me know what you think.

Taker' Easy

Kai Want More

2007-04-02T01:42:00.000+09:00

If you want to see the rest of this post, and the rest of the other posts, just click on the "Kai want more" like below.I am in the process of editing the Kai Monticello Baby Blog Official Setup. Don't worry here I am not tinkering with any genes or anything, but I am thinking of making some changes to the website (OMG!) !!! (!!!!) Some of the possibilities include buying a domain, which i think is going to definitely happen, or just possibly moving to a more user-friendly site.

What I really want to do is make the blog easier for you all to check, and more ascetically pleasing. If there are any ideas you have, qualms with the setup as of now, or suggestions on how to make this Blog more interactive, please feel free to let me know. Also I have taken a page out of the book of Brian and decided to show the comments on the same page as whence they came. This definitely makes for a better community based blog, which is what I am shooting for. I mean if you take the time to write it, you might as well have it show up for everyone to read ("Am I wrong?!!" See Walter Sobchak).

Anyway, I am just letting you all know this is a work in progress, maybe you will sign on soon and see some big changes. I want you all to be informed so that if something looks strange it is probably just a temporary change, and if it isn't tell me to fix it up!

And yes Brian, Apple does Rock when it comes to putting websites together, it is a definite possibility that I might be joining you over there on the Made on Mac title

Kai Turns 19

2007-04-01T09:10:00.000+09:00

This weekend Kai made it to the big one, nine (in weeks of course). I can honestly say that he is changing dramatically now.

As of late he has be able to lift himself up when he is in his Magic Chair, kind of do a mini sit-up, and he is always trying to do it. Even when we place him on our new sweet couch, he still tries to sit up on his own. When we put him down on his back to play, within 5 minutes he will be facing 180 degrees in the other direction from all his squirming.

Also the other night he was playing with his toys, which are Velcroed to his chair, and wanted one so bad he ripped it clean off the pole. Basically what I am trying to say here, is that this kid is strong. I am fearing for my life when he gets mobile.

Kai has gotten a lot more receptive as well. He can hold his attention longer and likes to grab at everything, if only to check how it feels. I can tell he is trying to make sense of everything, me and Aya are just dying for a word to pop out. I am almost positive it is going to be Japanese, but if he says Mama it can be taken as bilingual (and a display of concern, not to offend either parent. I told you he was smart).

One last note, we picked up Kai's Japanese passport this week, so now if he chooses to be a double agent, he has that option. Look closely and you will see it: in one it say's Nationality: Japan, and in the other Nationality: USA. Basically we needed to have both of them, US and Nihon, when traveling cause it makes life a lot easier. We almost missed our flight to Hawaii because of passport problems, thank the lord we made it though.

I love the expression in the Japanese Passport: "It's my puppy dog face Dad!"

And the US

On the Bus Going Home

Playing on the New Couch

"I'm a ball of fun!"

What's so Funny?

2007-03-24T19:39:00.000+09:00

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."

Baby Update @ 20:07

2007-03-16T20:03:00.000+09:00

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?
--
The Dude Abides

Birthday Pics

2007-03-14T18:00:00.000+09:00

As promised, the pictures from Aya's birthday.

The Birthday Girls

What the??!?

Nicely Done

Good Friends

NES

2007-03-14T10:22:00.000+09:00

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).

Happy Birthday Mom

2007-03-09T22:47:00.000+09:00

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.

Uncle Brian

2007-03-09T09:22:00.000+09:00

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.

In the HI

2007-03-07T13:34:00.000+09:00

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?"

The 131

2007-02-23T17:24:00.000+09:00

Just a little something before we leave; I put up the pics, 131 of them, from the last couple weeks. So head on over to the slide show to give Kai a good look before he picks up his Cute Baby Tan.

The people in this photo set include: Kai (dauhhh), Mom and Dad, Nabechi and Kae (Two of Aya's close friends), Rachel (co-JET participant), and Sora-chan (co-JET Bill's daughter).

Take'er easy.

Sionara (just for a week)

2007-02-22T21:30:00.000+09:00

Well, this might be the last chance for me to put up a post, but you get to look forward to all the great pictures and good stories from our trip. Aya wants to go shopping for about 23hrs in the afternoons, as for me well, I am thinking beach, beer, bed. Okay no that is not all, there is also the WWII memorial, the beautiful scenery, and of course, my first chance to go surfing!

If there is a chance, I will throw up some pictures on the blog while we are there. Otherwise expect to hear back in about a week.

p<(*?*)>p

(In our spare time, Kai and I practiced our Lion King Impersonations as we get ready for the presentation on the Summit).

Ohiyo-gozaimus

Hawaii Here We Come

2007-02-20T13:39:00.000+09:00

Well, school is winding down for me, and Aya, Kai and I are off to the Isles of HI.

We will have a week of relaxation in paradise, with our family and friends. In case you didn't hear, my parents, the Robilottos, the Fitzsimmons, and the Bodkins (Nina, aren't you and Dan engaged yet?) will all make the trip out to see Baby Kai. This will be Kai's first trip in an Airplane, and we are all keeping our fingers crossed that he enjoys it so much, he happily falls asleep.

The vacation starts Saturday the 24th and Aya and I can not wait. Kai is also looking forward to the masses just waiting to gawk over him. By this time he is used to it; every time Aya takes him out to the store the other mothers just won't let her be. All she hears is Kawaiiiiiiii (not Spanish) from all the other women.

Lastly I will leave you with some recent pictures of the little guy, man is he getting big.

Hungry

Talking

Chillaxin'

"It's a Chopper Baby"

Walkin'

Kisses from Mom

Big Boy

Dance Party US+J

2007-02-11T23:16:00.000+09:00

I hope you all enjoy this one as much as we did.

The Times, they're a Changin'

2007-02-09T11:49:00.000+09:00

From Birth to the Present, here's a little look at how Kute Kai has been chaining...

Nov. 18: Birthday! Written as 18.11.18 in Japan (Using the Japanese Emperor System for Years)

Nov. 23

Dec. 2

Dec. 9

Dec. 17

Dec. 24

Jan. 10

Jan. 15

Jan. 24

Today: Feb. 9

He sure has changed a lot. But who does he look like: Mommy or Daddy?

And I do promise that video is coming; just puting the finishing touches on it now.

Billy Jean: Part II in da works

2007-02-07T11:35:00.000+09:00

A new video is in the works, down here at the Monticello Lab. Things have been busy with school and keeping Big Baby Kai happy, so sorry about the time lapsed blogging.

I really would like to post more, but as of late there hasn't been much time to get it done. I will have a nice break from school coming up, so we all can look forward to more regular updates.

Check back soon for the Live Dance Action (no still photos here)!

Stones, Miles Stones

2007-01-31T19:37:00.000+09:00

Lately Kai has been keeping us busy with all his new moves. First off, he now knows he has hands. This is a big milestone for the little guy; we can now entertain him with toys and even things that aren't toys (but he enjoys it all the same). The most recent display of this new power is Kai wielding a plasma sword into a wizard (at least that is what I thought upon viewing this image). As you can see, he has the look of an early Muhammad Ali, or maybe a Foreman: a warrior to say the least.

The other big milestone we encountered recently was the baby-pushup. Kai busted this one out late last week, and has never looked back since. When laid on the ground, he can lift his body up and hold his (massive) noggin at a 45 degree angle.

He even was able to throw in a little Hip-check, just to show off for all the kids back home.

Going along with this growing up theme, we had to move Kai from the New Born diapers to the next size up (the 5kg max to the 4-8kg-ers). Even though Kai is probably about 6.5kgs (14.33 lbs for all you non-metric fans), he still can pack a good punch. Please read on...

Bear with me here, I've had this picture for a while and always thought of it as a forshadowing, maybe even a reckoning for the pain I caused in my early years. But after looking at this picture it's plain as day, there is a little devil in there somewhere.

Lastly, to bring us back on track, we can see the obvious angel as plain as day.

"Gifted" you surely are.

Much thanks to my wonderful wife Aya, who took a lot of the pictures you have seen recently, more to come soon.

Back in Black

2007-01-24T20:56:00.000+09:00

That fresh egg yeller is to damn rare,
but the white part is good, for slickin' down yer hair.
                 -Tom Waits

Well first off I have to apologize to all the readers out there.  Two weeks is too long to be misinformed about Kai.

I do have an excuse though, if you could be so nice to entertain the idea: we were busy > being really loving parents.  It's hard to get mad now huh?  Well there was a movie or two in there somewhere, but only after nine, when the little one was sleeping and Aya and I were exhausted (this parenting stuff is not for the weak of heart).

Anyway, Kai is bigger than life, weighing in at probably 6.3 kg, or pushing 14 EL BEES (aka lbs).  Right now we have him wearing outfits that max out for a 9mth old baby, with only an inch or two two spare (Kai is only 9 weeks old).  Needless to say, he's a big boy.

Also during the hiatus, we took a lot of pictures (151 to be exact), so I will just get right to it.  Hope you all can find in your hearts to forgive us; don't you worry, Kai-chan isn't going anywhere.

Here are some of my faviortes. The rest will be on Flickr (Sorry there was no time to label all the photos.)

Blue with a hint of Green

Directing Traffic

NASA: What's That?!?!

Yakuza

The Sleeper hold: I can't breath!

Grins

And Smiles

Thank you Nocciolinos!

Like None Other

2007-01-10T23:43:00.000+09:00

I Guess I shoulda named him, Michael J. Kai. Who knew?

Check out Billy Jean for the still pictures.

Big Baby Update

2007-01-04T19:45:00.000+09:00

A lot has happened in the past week.

First off, my brother Nick is staying with us, and we have managed to find some time to get out, and explore the city.  We celebrated his birthday on the 3rd, and went out for some drinks the night before.


Besides that things have been busy, especially with Kai.  Recently he has started to cooo and owwwwhhh  a lot more, which is so much fun to watch.  Me and him chat about what sports he will play when he is older and mom has to make sure the activities aren't to dangerous of course.  I think American football is out of the question, even though he is gonna be a big boy.

Aya recently weighed Kai and he came in at 12.75lbs or 5.8kgs, in 6 and a half weeks.  My mom told me that is what I weighed when I was probably 6 months old.  Anyway, the little guy sure has a good idea of what is going on.  Take this picture for example, there is no denying he's a smart little baby.

P.S. Thank you Nina for the wonderful bib.

The Magic Chair

2006-12-29T12:30:00.000+09:00

This chair came from on high, and descended to the mortals to ease their baby pains.

That is right this thing probably is the best invention, hands down.  Whenever we have a crying baby on our hands, we simply place him in the magic chair and gently rock him off to sleep.  It works every time, and to this day its precision still amazes me.

B.C. (Before the Chair) there were long crying episodes, sore arms, and tired parents.  Now we have a much easier time eating dinner with a peaceful baby and even watching a movie if were lucky.  All in all I think it depends on the baby. That being said, it is easy to see that Kai is a really good kid.  He is easy going, doesn't want to much, very content with some milk, and let's you know when he needs his Magic Chair.

This great piece of baby equipment was a good solid buy, and is something that we can't live without from now on.

Kai goes Golden

2006-12-26T23:04:00.001+09:00

Bath Time I
Originally uploaded by amontice.

Baby Kai loves bath time, and I love to take pictures of him in the bath.

Not only does he make the best faces, but you can even get some pretty sweet hair dos out of the tub. I think this one is best stated as, "King Cut."

Tough Guy Christmas

2006-12-25T22:45:00.001+09:00

A recent photo-shoot in the Monticello household produced some fine pictures. Fit with holiday vigor, the Boys are looking healthy and ready to wreck that Christmas turkey.

Well done Nick, Nice Form.

Merry Christmas *with baby love

2006-12-24T20:11:00.000+09:00

Merry Christmas, Happy holidays, have a happy New Year!

It's all there written on the newborn's face. Kai sends his best from Japan, and to all a good night.

Kai Kalendar

2006-12-23T23:19:00.000+09:00

For all of you out there on the Kai Calendar, you will already know this when I say it, but I am going to go ahead and say it anyway: today we are 5 weeks old!

That's right, Kai is 5wks and going strong. And in honor of the big guy's achievement, we have a live (and I do mean live here, as this video was taken this evening) video of Kai-chan giving his acceptance speech. If you listen closely you will hear him tell you, very clearly, "One: I am cuter than you," and, "Two: I am cuter than you, when you were as big as me."

The latter might be a stretch, but I think we can all agree on the former. We'll I won't keep you any longer.

Enjoy the show.

Baby Fickr: Lay Down I

2006-12-22T16:40:00.001+09:00

Lay Down I
Originally uploaded by amontice.

Check out my new pics YO! And also the additions to the Dreamy Set.

If you didn't know about the slide show, it might be an easier way for you to see all the photos.

Enjoy, more coming soon.

Squint I

2006-12-19T23:13:00.001+09:00

Squint I
Originally uploaded by amontice.

This is hot off the press from Flickr, and is just one of the many photos you can find there. From time to time I will send over a picture from Flickr so you can see the new action shots, but feel free to uuooooo and awwwwww yourself anytime.

The photos will take on the Roman Numeral System, I don't know why, I just thought it would be fun. I want to try and group them all into facial expressions, even pictures that weren't taken at the same time. That way if you are ever in need of a Kai Grimace you will know where to look. One suggestion is to search though the tags, if you are looking for something specific.

I thought squint was an appropriate title, what do you think?

Baby Abundance

2006-12-19T15:52:00.000+09:00

There is a new way to share pictures of Kai.

Besides Baby A Day There is Flickr where lots of the extra photos will show up.  I only choose the best photos for Baby A Day, but I didn't want to leave the other pictures out.  This new site, will allow you to see the other pictures I have snapped along the way, and trust me there are a lot.  It is so hard to take just one picture when I pull out the camera and I figured why not share this abundance of photos with the rest of you.

So sit back and enjoy a Slide Show. If you turn the speed up really fast its kinda like a crude video, yet i'st still fun to watch.

After this post has past, you can always get to The Flickr Photos via the link in Kai's profile to the left.

Enjoy

Baby Update

2006-12-17T12:07:00.000+09:00

Yesterday we went to the doctors for Kai's one month check up and boy has he grown.

In only 4 weeks he has gone from 3.8kg/8.5lbs to 4.9kg/10.8lbs. This has got to be some kind of Japanese Baby record; when we were at the hospital, Kai was by far the biggest kid there, out weighing all the babies in the place. His legs didn't even fit on the little table they used to measure him.

Besides his weight, he has grown from 52cm to 58cm. That is a 2in growth to 22.5in. I was talking to my parents and they said I weighed 11.4lb at 4 months; Kai is going to have that beat in no time. You can see how big Kai is in comparison to other kids, just when you lay him down next to another baby. It's funny to see, and next time I have then chance I will take a picture.

Until then I am going to go do chin-ups so I can carry Kai when he is 3 months old.

Kai hits 4 WEEKS

2006-12-15T16:01:00.000+09:00

Saturday the 16th is Kai's 4 week B-day and he has grown a lot. He always finds a new way to surprise us everyday and its been a real adventure with him.

It's been fun these past few weeks, and my hat is off to Aya: the woman in charge doing the majority of the baby work. She has done so much with Kai and taken care of him every step of the way. Its hard being away all day, and then sometimes doing things after work and not ending up home till 9 at night. I thank Aya for everything she has done in these past weeks, and she is the reason why Kai is growing up so healthy and strong.

ARIGATO AYA!

AISHITERU YO!

Thank God as I write this, I am finishing out my last day of School! It's winter break finally, and this will give me a chance to spend a lot more time with Aya and Kai. We got a big vacation planned of changing diapers and catching some serious ZZZs. I can't wait. Also Nick, aka the wild card, will be visiting this winter for New Years, along with spending his 19th birthday in Nihon.

I'm looking forward to the long break and the time with the fam. It's time to begin the Holiday Season.

Baby Blues

2006-12-12T15:13:00.000+09:00

Recently Kai has used his cry-tactics to the (n)the degree.

Kai has decided that crying is the way to go, making life in the Monticello house, a little tense at times. This can be expected with a new baby, crying is obiviously natural for a newborn, we just wish there was an off button for it sometimes.

No need to worry, Kai is okay and nothing bad has happened, it's just that we are now beginning to get the Real Baby Wails (Kid's Got Good Lungs, what can I say). It is difficult though, to hear your child cry sometimes and not be able to console him; but we do have a magic cure for the Baby Blues: MILK TIME. 99% of the time, this is a perfect cure, and usually that other 1% is just a diaper change away.

WaahHHHHAaaaaahhhhh :"(

Oh yeah, I forgot

2006-12-09T23:05:00.000+09:00

I forgot to tell you all about Kai's middle name. We decided to go with Marion, instead of Michael. Marion was my grandfather's name and is actually my confirmation name too. It was my first choice and I am glad we went with it.

The Biggest Baby In Japan

Kai Marion

Baby A Day

2006-12-07T09:59:00.000+09:00

Baby A Day is here! It's up and running and you will receive your Daily Baby Picture everyday, come rain, snow or typhoon.

Check out the site, and sign up to Baby A Day by Email, bookmark it [Control+D when on the page], sign onto the Baby Feed, or just do it the old fashion way: check the site every day.

It is up to you, but most of all, enjoy the beautiful baby pictures!

Taker easy,

Baby Weigh In

2006-12-07T09:24:00.000+09:00

He is a Big Baby, that is for sure.

Yesterday the Nurse from the hospital came by for a baby checkup and she found Kai to be in excellent health. He is now weighing in at 4.3kg or 9.5lbs! Baby Kai is only 2 and a half weeks old, but he can definitely pack a good punch.

We did a little more "tummy time" the other day, and I was surprised and how strong he has become. He was picking his head up no problem, and looking around; at one point he almost flipped himself back over onto his back.

Well we have a lot to look forward to in the coming months, and I am sure Baby Kai will no disappoint.

Feed Note

2006-12-05T21:32:00.000+09:00

For all the subscribers to the feed, sorry it was down there for a couple of days, but it is all fixed now and you can get all the baby goodness you need. The pictures and videos and everything else are also back on there.

For those who are wondering the feed is a simple version that uses RSS (really simple syndication) to view the blog. This makes it easier if you are searching just for the content / stories / pictures / etc.. and not to concerned with the rest of the stuff on the site. Its also helpful if you want to manage Kai along side of your other favorite websites, allowing you to check for updates and new content easily.

If you all have any questions I would be glad to help you out. Let me know.

And just to keep you informed, BabyAday is now here! Check it out! It will be up and running shortly.

Mother and Child

2006-12-03T01:20:00.000+09:00

I prestent to you The Cutest Kid . (period) This only hours after his birth; you can already see the Charm.

I can't be persuaded otherwise. I bet you'll say the same after a viewing of this:

Make a Difference

2006-12-02T18:29:00.000+09:00

December 1st was World Aids Day. Take a moment and check out Project Red. It might make the difference in some baby's life.

God Speed

Your Kids Grow up fast

2006-11-30T11:27:00.000+09:00

Not to sound cliche or like a 60 year old Dad, but as I've been watching Kai through these last 2 weeks, he has already changed dramatically.

First off he has grown about an inch or so already, and gained some more baby fat. He is definitely a strong baby, seeing as how he can pick his head up and move it around, especially when he is looking for some food. I don't know if we are not feeding him enough, or he is just a really big baby, but he sure likes to eat. I think its probably the latter of the two.

Aya has been doing a lot of feeding, and now we are supplementing. No not GNC weight gainer, just using some baby milk mix, to add to a bottle here and there when Kai doesn't seem to be full.

The other day I laid him down on his belly for some "tummy time." This action helps him strengthen up his neck muscles and relieves some of the stress on his head; but yeah, it was "tummy time" for baby Kai, and already at not even two weeks of age, this little guy (will have to stop saying little soon) picked his head up off the floor and switched it from facing right, to facing left. I was dumbfounded. I guess it was like watching one of the many new milestones, Kai will be performing in the coming months.

More Cute Baby Pictures

2006-11-29T22:57:00.000+09:00

I was able to find a couple minutes to get these pictures up. I know I promised video and I will get to that soon; but in the mean time, to keep you all informed, here is a recent baby bathing.

Look how cute he is all wrapped up and ready to go. I do think directly after these pictures though, there was a golden shower or two. I am now a seasoned veteran in that area.

Baby Pictures Part 2

2006-11-26T17:00:00.000+09:00

Listen to me. I've got something important to say!

Thinking about baking something good up.

Baby Air Guitar

After the Bath

Cute Baby Faces: 1

Cute Baby Faces:2

Cute Baby Faces:3

Baby work, is hard work. Exausted after another long day.

Baby Pictures from Japan

2006-11-24T12:08:00.000+09:00

All the digital pictures from Japan are below. These pictures are generally from Nagoya, and if you want to see a trip around the country Japan in a Minute visits many great sites around the country. If you need to get back to the main page, just click the Title: KAI MONTICELLO above.

*A special thanks to the family for posting the beautiful pictures below. Thanks to everyone for making me feel at home again, at least for a while.

Baby Bath
Baby Pictures Part 2
*Quaker Sunsets
*Thanks
Kai In Perspective
First Days
New Born
Ultrasound
Nanny
Kai In Japanese
Kai Then
Kai's Clothes
Quaker Part 1
Quaker Part 2
Aya And I

More to Come...

Baby Videos from Japan

2006-11-24T12:07:00.000+09:00

This page will help you get to all the Baby Videos. If you need to get back to the main page, just click the Title above: KAI MONTICELLO.

Mother and Child
Kai Kicks
Kai Seas The Fish
Baby Travels
Pre-Baby Summer
The Birth of Videos
Jackson Tail
More Video

Kai will be making his video debut soon. Stay Tuned!

Quaker Lake: Nov 22, 2006

2006-11-24T11:36:00.000+09:00

Happy Thanksgiving From The Monticello's, Fotouhi's, Bent's And Scholder's

2006-11-24T11:33:00.000+09:00

Happy Thanksgiving

2006-11-24T11:19:00.000+09:00

Happy Thanksgiving to A.K.A. from the Monticello - Fotouhi - Bent extended family.

More of Kai

2006-11-22T12:04:00.000+09:00

Sorry I haven't gotten to update in a while; things have been rather busy, as you might imagine. Kai has been getting bigger and enjoying his first days this past week, and I have managed to get some pictures of him in action. Here he is doing what he does best: laying around.

This is the big guy with his burping towel, definitely don't want to lose that.

Just so you all can get some prospective on how big he is.

I think he might be a baller.

This baby is cute, no doubt about it. I do think he is going to take after his dad. He is starting to get some more defined facial features, including his nose and eyes; but the real test will have to be his smile.

Kai has been a very good baby so far. Immediately after eating, he is dreaming. This is makes our lives a lot easier for sure. Last night Kai spent his first night in our room, at the hospital, and he only woke up once, because he was hungry. After that it was all ZZs. Aya and I thanked our lucky stars, once again.

1st of many installments

2006-11-19T16:34:00.000+09:00

Okay so there's a lot of pictures. I will waste no time and just let Kai do the speaking for me.

Dude's finally here

2006-11-18T13:48:00.000+09:00

It is with great pleasure and a somewhat overwhelming pride that I give you, after almost 36 hours of labor, the man himself...

He came out with a vengeance on Saturday, November 18th, 2006 at 10:50AM Japan time, weighing in at 3.87 kilos (8.5 pounds) and 52cm (20.47 inches). Aya is doing great, a little tired but incredibly excited. Ant is a very proud dad, he says that Kai has more hair than he does, he'll be shaving by tomorrow. He'll be around to give us an update soon, but I thought I'd leave some pictures to hold us over.

He's finally here!
-The proudest Godfather around

later on this is what he'll look like:

Kai's first pictures

2006-11-18T13:11:00.000+09:00

Well I have tried to upload the pictures but am not successful - He is beautiful and he is very Japanesse - lots of dark hair - I will try again to copy pictures to blog Love Nanny

Kai Monticello

2006-11-18T13:04:00.000+09:00

Kai Monticello has finally arrived
November 18, 2006 at 10:50 AM
Weighing 3.87 kilo which is 8.5 lbs WOW!!!!!!!

And we're off

2006-11-16T23:11:00.000+09:00

Thursday, Nov. 16th.
11:09pm

Hello Contractions

2006-11-16T22:29:00.000+09:00

Well we think labor as actually just started now: Thursday Night, 10pm, the 16th.

Right now the contractions are 5 mins apart, and we he-he-he hweoooooo ing the heck outta Kai.

Once the contractions get to under 3mins apart, peace out boys scouts.

Wish us Luck!

My Tube

2006-11-15T22:44:00.000+09:00

My website on you tube is now in development. This is all part of getting all my websites connected and running smoothly.

In other news, Kai is no where to be found. Aya is about the size of a large mini-van, and desperately wants to be a full-on mother. We keep pushing our next doctor appointment back in an effort save some cash and time. We figure why go to the doctor today, wh we are going to be there tomorrow for the real deal.

I hope all is well out there in cyber-space, and everyone is in good health.

I can't tell you all how nerve racking it is, wait for your child (all you moms and dads know how I feel). There is nothing to do but wait it out, and we all hope it is soon.

Taker Easy.

http://www.youtube.com/kaimjapan

The Big Guy in Action

2006-11-13T22:52:00.000+09:00

What's Up Nagoya What's Up.....

Nov. 13th* (Japan)

2006-11-13T07:30:00.000+09:00

So Aya's due date has come and gone, and so has my prediction. It is now up to Kai to decide when he is going to come; Aya thinks it is going to be this Wednesday, and I hope she is right. We really want the birth to be this week, but we just have to wait and see. One thing is for sure, it is going to be very soon.

So for now, just wish Aya luck as she gets ready to do this. I will keep you all up to date as best I can.

Taker Easy

These Guys Are Good

2006-11-11T19:07:00.000+09:00

Jon Stweart and Steven Colbert at the Emmys

2006-11-11T00:09:00.000+09:00

From now on, if you got something to say ,and you need to say it, just click e-mail Kai and its going straight to the big guy himself.

Taker Easy

Discovery Channel Features

2006-11-07T20:00:00.000+09:00

This is a must listen for those interested in how the world is changing rapidly: politically, economically, religiously.

Contains:

US vs. EU
Bush vs. Them
9/11 and 11/9 (the European nine eleven).

Why Does Eurpoe Hate Us?

Finding ways to past the time

2006-11-06T22:48:00.000+09:00

AS you can see below, there are lots of posts that really have nothing to do with Kai.

That is because WE ARE REALLY ANXIOUS, so I am just finding things of interest to share here, and adding to the blog, while we sit and wait, and wait and wait, for something to happen.

We hope something happenes soon, otherwise the blog might end up being about someone else's baby soon.

Taker Easy

Kai Abides to long.

P.S. Rogan if you see this, send me an email or holla back. I tried calling you last weekend, but don't know if you have your e-mail address still. I'm gonna try and call some time again.

2006-11-06T22:47:00.000+09:00

Monte Carlo Millions

One of the Sickest hands I have seen.

The Tiger Woods of Poker,
Playing for $1M.

2006-11-05T22:49:00.000+09:00

Pete Shwetty

Just in time for the Holiday Season

2006-11-05T17:42:00.000+09:00

Aquarium Blues

Flying Dolphins, Mullets and Sushi.

Check it out.

False Alarm

2006-11-05T10:56:00.000+09:00

So yesterday at 4pm JST, we had a little scare.

We thought that maybe Aya was going into labor; it turns out that we were mistaken, and when we got to the hospital they said, we probably still have at least a week left.

Aya was sikeddd to hear that, SOOOOO pumped!

Needless to say, Aya is ready to get Kai out and into the world, but I am still really impressed with her, and how well she is handeling everything.

Today we decided to take advantage of our (very possibly) last weekend without a baby, and go to the aquarium. That was a good time; got to see the dolphins fly. Then we went to our favorite cheap sushi restaurant, Sushiro, just to get the full ocean experince.

The little sea inside her belly was makin waves all day.

Pictures coming soon.

Japan In A Minute

2006-10-29T10:15:00.000+09:00

These are some of the pics. of my travels across Japan. I do apologize that some of the pictures are low quality, due to the fact that they were taken with my old cell phone.

The first set of opening pictures are from Tokyo, when I was there last Feb.

Shikoku is one of the five main Islands of Japan; I traveled there last summer with some friends and went rafting. We also climbed a 100m (not Kilometer as I had up previously; sorry) peak with lots of temples a long the way.

Hazu Bekkan was a hot spring that Aya and visiteded last winter. While we were out there we got to see a local festival.

Cherry Blossom viewing is very big here, and last April we all went out to the parks and chilled with the locals and crashed their parties.

And Finally due to resent request (yes I do take requests) I placed in some pictures of the Travels of The Binghamtonians who all made the long trip out to see me. These include the Wedding photos, cause that surely was a Trip.

Enjoy

News Update: Friday, Oct. 27th; 8:21pm JST

2006-10-27T20:21:00.000+09:00

Alright I just found a quick easy way to post things, so hopefully this will make it easier for me to get things up on this here blog guy.

Just so you all know, when me and Aya wen to the doctor on wed. everything was normal, and on schedule. Kai is weighing in at a nice 6.5lbs. They are beginning to think that she will go the full 40wks and end up having Kai sometime around Nov. 9th. That is great news, but Aya didn't really want to hear it, cause right now she is about ready to PIIZZZZopppppp.
Anyway, I am going to be working on this here Picture vid. of places I have visited in Nihon.

                     Peace Out

Going to the Doctor

2006-10-25T14:45:00.000+09:00

We are going to the Doctor today, and tomorrow will be 38 weeks. I will let you guys know how everything goes, and put up the new ultra-sound pic if we get one.

Also I am planning on putting up a video with pics from the places I have visted around Japan. This, thanks to Danny B, who mistook Little Italy for Nagoya.

I got to thinking and thought that most of you probably haven't seen any of my Japan Pics. So that's in the works, stay tuned.

More to come,

Sooner than Later, I am sure.

~~~
~~
~
Taker Easy

How Aya and I rocked out the Summer

2006-10-22T17:34:00.000+09:00

So because I am having so much fun making these videos, I fast-tracked this next one.
I think I finally got the hang of it. The last one had some noticeable mistakes, but thats alright, I am willing to learn.
I can't wait for the videos of Kai, they are going to be a lot of fun to play with.

So this is my attempt to sum up the Summer. Aya and I know it was a sweet time; I hope you enjoyed it as well.

~トニー
(Tony)
I hope the Japanese comes though there, otherwise it's going to look like question marks and 0s.

ALAS I have Figured Out Videos!

2006-10-22T01:18:00.000+09:00

Here it is, the First of Many.

Enjoy, I stayed up late figuring this all out, wanted to start off on the right foot.

One thing I couldn't figure out was how to cut the music short, but hey its Jimmy Smith, you don't wanna stop listening to this guy.

Taker Easy

2006-10-21T22:46:00.000+09:00

Brids Do Do The MoonWalk

I thought this was great and just had to show it to you all.

From Nanny Monticello

2006-10-20T07:12:00.000+09:00

There is no doubt in my mind and eyes - Kai is adorable - he has Aya's eyes and Anthony's smile
He is going to be very tall - that is the Paternal influence - We Monticello's are quite tall compared to other Westerners. It appears Kai might have black hair - a maternal influence but he most definitely has his father's Roman nose
Whomever he resembles - he is dearly loved and anxoiusly awaited.

New Specs on Kai

2006-10-19T12:14:00.000+09:00

Well He is getting big. The picture to your left is a recent ultrasound of Kai, and in it you can just make out his face (his mouth in the center and those two black spots to the right are his eyes). Kinda Crazy.

Today marks 37 weeks in Aya's pregnancy. Kai has grown to be around 2.5kg (estimated weight) which is about 5 pounds. I am pretty sure this is small for US standards but in Japan, it's right on track. Also now, from crown to toes Kai is around 47cm - 50cm: around 20 inches for all you non-metric fans. And a spec chart wouldn't be complete without the baby's head diameter, right? Coming in at a whopping 87mm, or 3.4" which is about the size of your palm; so he's got that going for him, which is nice.

From here on out, the baby can gain up to a pound every week, and grow larger in size as well. Aya and I just went to the doctors yesterday and we met up with another couple who we befriend along the journey. She was there with her husband and was just about to go into labor. We wished her luck as Aya peered into what the eminent future held.

Then later on that day, Aya received a phone call from her good friend who is also pregnant, and had a rlatively same due date. She was calling just to say hi and that her son was born!!!!! Ha, I think Aya is ready to get'er done, and now its just a matter of waiting and being patient.

As in the poker game, you don't wanna push with K,8 off. I'm pretty sure Aya is waiting for Aces; then we're just gonna get it in with the best of it, and take'er down.

Hello contractions, hello baby. We can only hope it goes that fast.

Obaachan aka Grandma

2006-10-17T20:43:00.000+09:00

In other news Obaachan decided to try her hand in backup vocals for the hit band Foreigner.

Here she can be seen singing one of the bands best ballads: Hot Blooded.

Love you mom; sorry I had to, the picture was to good not to be up here. With any luck you have already e-mailed your friends to check out the wonderful site.

~Anthony

Kai in Nihon

2006-10-14T14:58:00.000+09:00

Also I want to show you all Kai's name written in Japanese. The first picture here is something I wrote on a postcard in a Calligraphy class I visited at my school.

The second picture is a plaque that I made in the calligraphy class. The writing is dug out a little, and then I painted it in with an appropriate blue ocean color. I'll put up a couple pics of this so you can see how it's a kind of 3D plaque.

This is Kai in Nihon
Ni-hon (Japan)
Kai (Sea)
NihonKai (The Japanese Sea)

Lost of Pics to show

2006-10-14T13:29:00.000+09:00

Okay,

So I have some more cute baby clothes to show you, and I also have some pictures of Aya from 35 and a half weeks: taken today, Oct. 14th.

Some mittens for Kai

A towel/changing cloth for Kai

Wow look how big he is! Just moments before he was kicking like a mad-man.

He is gonna be a Charmer.

More in next post.

Choto mate (Just a minute).

While we Wait

2006-10-12T11:33:00.000+09:00

Now that we have all the baby clothes we could need, Aya has decided to spruce them up a little. When Kai is born we are going to need some clothes to use at the hospital, and those clothes need to be appropriately labeled. Instead of the regular permanent marker label, Aya decided to opt for the 100x cuter label: stitching the name.

These things are absolutely adorable and are sure to make anyone say, "Awwwwwwwwwwwwww, baby baby baby boyyyyyyy"

They also are wonderful cause they give us something to imagine Kai wearing; it's almost like he's here.

It's a Girl!

2006-10-12T11:17:00.000+09:00

I would just like to say Congratulations to Erin and Peter Buckley as they welcome into the world a newborn daughter: Mary Frances "Molly" Buckley . Brian your sister and Pete must be overjoyed, and I am so happy everything went well.

Aya and I want them to know that, Yes, Kai will take baby Buckley out on a date; he will even wear a shirt and tie. We aren't promising a relationship, but I bet it will be interesting to hear about the night out. I'll be sure to tell Kai some good one liners.

Congrats again to Erin and Pete, I can't wait to see this beautiful baby.

More Autumn Pics From QL

2006-10-12T00:02:00.000+09:00

No baby ￥E T

2006-10-11T14:38:00.000+09:00

Ok, so it's 3:15 Eastern Japanese Time, and Aya has not given birth yet.

This is good, so we only have 7 days left and then it will be completely safe for Kai to be born. I do have a question for all you out there, and I am going to take a poll here. What name do you like better:

(1) Kai Michael Monticello
(2) Kai Marion Monticello
(3) Kai TheTank Monticello

(4) Others?
I am having a hard time deciding between the first three. Michael is my middle name, as all of you know, and I think it sounds good. Marion is my Grandfather's name and is my confirmation name; it was my first choice, but it was for his first name. And then there's TheTank, but I am worried this one might get misunderstood; very tough decisions here.

Missing Quaker Lake

2006-10-09T22:32:00.000+09:00

Pictures of our beloved lake - October 8, 2006

10 days??!?!!!?

2006-10-09T14:52:00.000+09:00

Doctor: kakikmimkamicmkyoushokiakmiyatokatatyukat
Tony: Yeaaaaaaaah your gonna have to put that in laymen's terms for me Sensei.
Doctor: I hope Aya can keep the baby for 10 more days. Bye-bye.
Tony: ?!
-Did he just say 10 days?
Aya: Yes. He said he hopes I can keep the baby for 10 more days, I thin..
Tony: 10 days!!!! Wooohhha , we gotta due date in five weeks. (et.alt. Baby Pains).
-I thought the baby would be born then, and not 4 weeks before the due date?! (et.alt Baby Pains).

Well I guess it is sooner than we all thought, at least that's how it feels for me and Aya. You guys might get to see the baby pictures sooner than we all imagined.

Aya and I were a little surprised about what the doctor said; the baby is very active now, and it is possible he will be born soon, but like any pregnancy, it's hard to tell when exactly the baby will be born. It is still very possible that the baby will come around 11.9.06, but it is also now possible that we could see Kai next week: like I said in the last post, before we went to the doctor this morning. I had no idea how timely my words were.....I guess me and Aya were still anticipating a November baby, and never thought October was really possible. Well as we all know, anything's possible.

Anyway, with an early arrival, Kai would be a Libra 9.23~10.22, instead of a Scorpio 10.23~11.22. I did a little reading about these two zodiac signs and they seem like polar opposites. Allow myself to introduce the Libra vs. Scorpio battle.

Libra:
The only inanimate sign of the zodiac, all the others representing either humans or animals. Libra is the seventh sign of the Zodiac and associated with justice. Individuals born under this sign are thought to have elegance, charm and good taste, are naturally kind, very gentle, and lovers of beauty, harmony (both in music and social living) and the pleasures that these bring.

And then there is the Scorpio:
The eighth sign of the Zodiac and associated with intensity and power. Individuals born under this sign are thought to have a complex, emotional, analytical, focused, determined, hypnotic, and self-contained character.

Is he gonna be a Poet or a Maniac: in the poker game of life? I am not a expert on these things, and haven't paid too much attention to them really. But when you got a baby due, I guess you can't help to be anxious so you start to look for signs in the stars.

Don't be afraid to write anything up here, that is why I created this, to start convos and share ideas.

I don't know, maybe before 10.25 is a good thing, and if he is anything like his parents, he probably will be born then.

Stay Tuned

~Anthony & Aya

Baby Pains

2006-10-09T09:06:00.000+09:00

Okay so we had to go to the doctor last night because Aya was in a lot of pain. She has recently been having pains in her abdomen and the doc gave her some meds to control it, but last night it got worse. We went to the hospital and they did some tests on her and checked her out, and they said everything was alright, but it just shows us that the time is near. I think after 36weeks which is this Thursday, the baby can be born at anytime. Usually the due date is 40wks but its not uncommon to get a child in between 36~42wks.

So we are going to the hospital today, just to double check; we need to talk to the doctor cause he wasn't there last night, we only saw some hospital staff. I will let you guys know the official report when we get back, and for all you out there betting on November in that baby pool, don't be discouraged, I am sure he is coming Nov.11.

On that note, I we are outtieee......

("_") Y

A Poem For Kai

2006-10-08T16:44:00.000+09:00

You have your mother's eyes,
and your father's smile.

You could move the world,
without moving a finger.

You are me,
and you
are within me.

Through your birth, I have become life;
though your life you have bestowed family.

We created you,
you have now
recreated us.

--AMM

5 weeks left

2006-10-08T11:38:00.000+09:00

Welcome
All

I am going to try and make this the official Kai Monticello blog. If you ever want to check up about what me and Aya are doing, or how Kai is, see some new pictures, or something else, come to this website: kaimm.blogspot.com and you can get all the action you want. I really am going to try and keep this site up to date, but just so you guys can help me, you have also been e-mailed an inviation to sign up on this site, therefore you can put up your own posts, and questions, and pictures, etc.

Hopefully this will work out alright, but that is yet to be seen. I have faith and to show you how big 5 weeks is I am going to put up a pic of the baby. Things are getting busy, and we are getting really excited and anxious for Kai to be here. Aya is more than ready to have the baby, she is looking forward to pregnancy being over; I can see why, it's tough work. Recently she has had trouble sleeping and getting around, seeing as to how big she is getting. We recently went shopping for everything we could need for a newborn and a mom, so I think we have all the goods: diapers (check), baby soap (check), Pa-dukes (check).

We'll I just wanted to inform you all of how things are going here, if you have any comments, please feel free to post, if you don't know how, all you have to do is create a user name. The rest should be really easy. I hope all is well.

Taker Easy,

Tony

a.k.a. Dad