Kokochi

Aila signs "more"

We went to the restaurant the other day. Aila looks so big on the other side of the table. She signed "motto" (more) in sign language. So cute. This gal is catching on quick!

Caterpillar art

Remember those tiles we painted for the Rosa Parks garden mosaic? 

We plastered them on a wall, so now they are permanently there. Was a nice afternoon art project. I feel grateful for the parents who put it together. Apparently the next project is a butterfly on another wall. 

Happy garden it is!

Thank you, Nikola Tesla

This says it all. We are very proud of Tesla's name. It will be fun to explain to Tesla who she is named after, and why we chose her name. 

Excellent presentation : )  I keep thinking Edison = doucebag now.

4 years ago today...

Dav gets old photos emailed to him from a service called Memolane.  He forwarded today's, and in there was this one cute photo of tiny Tesla helping daddy make Mother's Day breakfast for me, 4 years ago. So cute.

Tesla finishes kindergarten in 2 weeks. She reads now, is independent, and is a great big sister. Aila turns 1 in just a few weeks. She walks, giggles, and does peek-a-boo to us. 

I am completely smitten by my family.

Batteries at work

My mouse needed new batteries. I discovered this is where I drop them off and pick up new rechargable batteries at work. Made me smile.

Sent from my iPhone

First Ride

We spent the afternoon at a family celebration for Dav's cousin's graduation.  Super mama of 3 who just finished her degree in special ed. all before the age of 30. 

I can't describe how special it is for both Dav and I, who grew up in small families, to have Tesla, and now Aila, grow up with this giant, warm, and loving family clan in the Bay Area that we are a part of. Among the adults, there must have been 15 kids and babies (from family and friends). For Aila, this was pretty much her first experience being surounded by so many kids and babies. She thrived! 

And, she got to ride her first wheels.

  

   

Aila is still rather new to the Callaghan clan. She is close to Gran Marie, but is just getting to know everyone else (got held by quite a few smitten folks today). Telsa, on the other hand, is totally at home with the Callaghans. Here she is with her best bud cousins. I love that they truly are growing up together. Tonight, Maria-Rose is spending the night chez nous.

 

My happy spot

When I see this, I am happy and content.

Aila walking!

JBBP Rosa Parks at Sakura Festival

Today we marched in the Sakura Festival parade. Well, Tesla marched as a student of JBBP Rosa Parks, and Dav, me and Aila tagged along.

Now I get what parades are about. I genuinely was inspired by all who showed up to support Rosa Parks and be part of the spirit. I was proud too, to walk as a parent with a child in this amazing program that has a lot of history and is so integral to the Japantown community. During the festival, both Dav and I volunteered to pop popcorn and man the booth to sell popcorn. Although it was a lot of work, we were able to get to know parents more than before. I now feel more connected to the community, and am just incredibly proud of the hardwork and warmth I see.

Aila love love

I know I need to get back on track updating about Aila's progress. I treasure what I have recorded for Tesla, and want as much as I can for Aila. Must do, but overall, I am simply enjoying her every moment, every movement, every grin. 

She is very active now, constanty twisting out of my arms, or crawling/grabbing towards me. One happy energetic girl, I must say. Tesla plays with her, which is more like rough-housing, but Aila keeps up, giggling. I totally melt to see these 2 sisters roll around on the floor, clearly enjoying each other. So neat to watch, and I love that for Aila, Tesla has always been there for her. I love that they are sisters, but are so different not just because they are individuals, but because I see how different it is to be the older or younger one. I was the younger one, and had no clue what it was like to be an older sibling. I am watching it unfold.

The best way to capture little Ms. Wiggly Worm is by video. Aila's pride is climbing stairs. She loves sneaking away when she can to get to the top.

A moment I put her in the open dishwasher (clean) so I could get time to cook (then of course I ended up wanting to video her)

Miss Happy Walker

And this might make you a bit dizzy, but is the best. I copied her jumpy movements and got her belly laughing.

 And some portraits from a Sunday walk, thanks to the Regenbogens.

 

 I have a quirky family : )

And my current favs. I love love my smiley, giggly, squirmy, squeezy Aila. Enjoy the gummy smile while it lasts. 2 teeth are coming in!