Is this bench for sitting?

Uta knows enough about contemporary art to know that not all benches are benches. Sometimes if it looks like a bench, and talks like a bench, it may very well be Art, and not a bench at all. Sitting upon the wrong thing in a gallery could be catastrophic. On a recent trip to chelsea to see some shows, Uta asked, in all earnestness, "Is this bench for sitting?" It sounded pretty funny, but I was proud of him for asking. Uta's mind is wide open, and he's got a very objective eye. He's good company to have along when looking at art. But I don't think he likes coming with me as much as I like having him with me. He's just glad when he can find a bench that is meant for sitting. To Uta, all art looks much better when you can put your feet up.

Portrait of Mama

by Uta

Singing in the bath

Sick days

Kizuki just made it through a pretty nasty sick spell. What began with a common childhood virus, fever for a few days and a head to toe speckled rash, transitioned into an 'impressive' (doctor's word choice) ear infection. For a baby that never ever cries, this earache brought her to inconsolable screaming through the night. Hands down, the worst part of being a mother is when your child hurts and there is nothing you can do to make them feel better, worse still when you haven't a clue whats wrong. She is smiling again, and we are all feeling much better.

Hats and bowties

On her first birthday

Kizuki is one year old today. She is walking and talking. Her first word was Uta. She also says 'Thank-you', 'hot', 'hi doggie', and 'bye bye'. She laughs along when others are laughing and thinks bonking foreheads together is hysterical. She also gives sweet open mouth baby kisses.

BLUE!

Uta was recently promoted from an orange belt to a blue belt. The promotion test was so intense I had to resist the urge to swoop in and rescue my boy from the brink of tears and physical collapse. Sensei explained later that he wanted Uta to feel like he really accomplished something. That he did. He is proudly wearing his blue belt day and night, and even to bed.

Japan on the block

Japan vs. Queens. No clear winner. The game ended with Uta in tears, good sized sidewalk scrapes on his right elbow, and knee. Hopefully there will be a rematch soon.