After 11 years of making childish nengajo (new year's postcards) with stamps and ink, I finally have myself a real live model to make picture postcards with. Naturally I went all out and dressed Shuma up as next year's zodiac animal, the rabbit (with big thanks to Mila's Daydreams for the inspiration). But what exactly is going on with the yellow circle, mallet and bucket-like thing?
The yellow circle is the moon and the mallet and bucket are a kine and usu, which are a large mortar and pestle used for making mochi (sticky rice paste). And what does a rabbit have to do with the moon and mochi-making? Well, a mochi-making rabbit is what the Japanese see when they look at the moon, that's what.
For most of the photo session Shuma refused to hold the kine, which is only fair considering he's only just learned how to hold things.
Or he just wanted to eat it.
But I got enough snaps of him holding it to make choosing just one a tough decision. Stay tuned to see the finished product!
This is the BESTEST photo for 2010! Wow Shuma is changing careers already? Maybe elf's pay is in Euros and Yen is a much better currency for 2011 :) Happy New Year to your family. I am looking forward to reading your post on the New Year dishes this year.
Posted by: Pei | 2011.01.01 at 01:38 AM
Okay, as soon as I saw the first pic, I squealed, "It's mochitsuki!!!!!"
Nothing should ever be this cute.
Ever.
This defies the bounds of reason with its adorable cuteness. :D
I'm actually jealous of you for having a newborn that you can do this to. I want one, I say!
I do hope you'll share your final choice.
Posted by: beritbunny | 2011.01.01 at 03:35 AM
Heehehe TOO CUTE!!
Posted by: Ria | 2011.01.01 at 11:36 AM
Too too too cute. What a fantastic idea.
Posted by: Gaijinwife | 2011.01.02 at 03:00 PM
These photos are absolutely precious! Your child is a real cutie.
Posted by: jhheart | 2011.01.06 at 08:40 AM
Hello,
just a long-time reader coming out to say hi and happy new year! I'm expecting my first child in July and can't wait to find all sorts of cute clothes to dress him/her up in! I was wondering, where did you get the bunny ear cap Shuma is wearing? I live in Singapore, and my sister will be going to Tokyo for a holiday soon. If the shop you got the bunny cap from is somewhere accessible I'm gonna get her to buy it for me! :)
Congratulations! I'm afraid you can't buy a cap like that anywhere, because it's just a modified pair of baby tights! I'm glad you like it though. Hope your sister has a great trip! -Amy
Posted by: sylvy | 2011.01.09 at 10:47 PM
Haha, CUTE and great idea! Thanks so much for replying! :)
Posted by: sylvy | 2011.01.11 at 11:50 PM
I happened onto your blog,and saw some similar interests of one of my friends, thought you might enjoy her blog as well. She is a few years ahead of you in raising her kids, but I really think you will like. Enjoy!
http://www.scrumpdillyump.com/blog/
Posted by: Jayne | 2011.01.17 at 08:02 AM