Happy Halloween

Kai Prepares for Omiyamairi

Kai received a special gift from his Jiji and Baba to prepare for Omiyamairi, a ceremony here where newborn babies are brought to a shrine for the first time to be introduced to the gods and are given a special blessing for good health. The ceremony is typically performed when the babies turn a month old but since my parents will be coming in less than a week my in-laws wanted to wait to share the experience with them.

His miyamairi-gi (baby kimono) is absolutely gorgeous. This picture in no way does it justice but Kai's little expression is just so cute I couldn't resist posting it. We wanted to wait for the actual ceremony to really photograph it. Traditionally children are brought back to the shrine for another blessing where they will wear their same kimonos again at age 3, 5 and 7.



He also received his first pair of fancy shoes. Although I'm sure he'll be fitting into them in no time, since he seems to be getting bigger and bigger everyday, their way to precious to ever allow him to wear them. You can't tell from the picture but each of the shoes has a little sliver plate, one with his name and the other with his birthday.

Laziness at its Best

A Day in the Park

The Many Faces of Kai

Kai's developing quite a little personality. Some of his expressions are just hilarious. It's funny how he looks like a completely different baby with each new expression. Naoto and I can see a different family member in each photo.