Riki's first Omatsuri (May 17th-20th, 2007)

There is a very traditional festival here in the downtown area in Tokyo every year in May. It's my first experience to join the festival. Mommy let me wear the traditional Happi and Hachimaki (tied around my head). We really enjoyed the festival very much. Mommy and I participated in the dashi and we got lots of snacks, drinks n juices. This is a rare Japanese tradition and hope that in the future, Nai2 and Ye2 in Indonesia can have the chance to see the festival. Love, Riki

First Visit to Ueno Zoo on May 18, 2007

Mommy brought me to Ueno Zoo with mommy's friends n their kids. I couldn't understand much about the animals, though, but I had the chance to see Rinrin Panda, lion, tiger, Gorilla n peacock. Pls bring me to the zoo again with Daddy the next time I get bigger, Mommy. Luv, Riki

My first time to drink juice

Aunt Yukiko has given us plenty of strawberries today. Daddy and Mommy has prepared for me strawberry juice. I think it tastes good cause I seem to enjoy drinking it. Thank you Mommy and Daddy for making the juice and thank you aunt Yukiko for the strawberries.

Love, Riki

My First Immunization (May 8th, 2007)

I have my first BCG shot on May 8th, 2007.　Mommy brought me to Taito-ku health center to have the shot. There are many babies like me at the health center. My weight and height were also taken there. Mommy was very surprised that I looked so much bigger compared to other babies. I weigh 8.3 kg and 63.8cm tall now. Thank you Mommy for taking good care of me always. I didn't cry as much as the other kid, and the nurse gave me a compliment for that :).

Love, Riki

Daddy's Birthday (May 9th, 2007)

It's Daddy's first birthday with me. Mommy and I wish for Daddy's good health and happiness always. Mommy has prepared 100pcs of gyoza for Daddy's birthday since it's Daddy's favorite food. It took mommy almost half day to prepare the materials today, but I'm sure Daddy will enjoy the food. お誕生日おめでとうパパ。

Riki's Hatsuzekku and Okuizome

Riki celebrated his first ceremony for Hatsuzekku and Okuizome here in Japan. May 5th is a children's day in Japan and is a day especially for the boy. It's a tradition here in Japan to get a warrior's helmet for their baby boy. By doing this, the family is hoping that their baby boys can grow up strong just like a warrior. We can choose the warrior which we like and get his helmet. We chose a warrior which is named Date Masamune. This helmet will be displayed throughout May and can only be displayed once a year. As for okuizome, it's a tradition when baby is encouraged to start eating normal food. This is usually celebrated when the baby is 100 days or 120 days. Since we have a party for the Hatsuzekku, we have the ceremony for Okuizome at the same time as well. It's good to celebrate all these ceremonies with the family here in Japan. We're very grateful to God that Riki has been growing well and he's been surrounded with so many nieces and nephews here in Japan.