Birthday

Shuma turned three earlier this month. The actual day was rather low-key, as it was a weekday and Hideaki was away, all he got was a big Thomas balloon and a "Happy Birthday!". But as soon as we were all together again we had a little party. (Big birthday parties with lots of friends/classmates are not normally done here.) First he woke up to find the living room all decorated, then he saw the pile of presents (it looks kind of obscenely large- and it doesn't even include the presents from his grandparents, which arrived later- but it's mostly books and practical stuff).

Then we went out for a sushi brunch. He had his own plate of ikura (salmon roe) for the very first time- until now he's just stolen ours (of course he still stole ours this).

We stopped at a park on the way home and Shuma did some climbing for a while before becoming fascinated by an old lady who was sitting watching her grandkids play while smoking and blowing bubbles. She might also have been drunk. He just stared and stared until she offered her bubble wand and then we spent the next four hours (or what felt like it) blowing bubbles and playing with her grandkids.

Below is Shuma's "Infinity!" pose- you know, where Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story says "To Infinity-- And Beyond!" before flying away. Except that Shuma can only say "Infidi!" and is not a great flyer.

Then back home for cake. This little thing started out beautiful but got a little jostled on the way home from the bakery, and then further damaged from a tussle over the candle. See the bite mark? Shuma did a great job blowing it out by himself, but then he grabbed it and took a bite. Lord knows why he thought it was edible, but he soon realized it wasn't and he spat it out. And then while I was cutting the cake I guess I was too slow because he took another bite. Lord knows why he thought it would taste better on the second try.

 

This is a very typical Japanese cake, by the way. It's called "strawberry shortcake" or "decoration cake" and is very popular for birthdays and Christmas and consists roughly of 95% whipped cream, 1% cake, and 4% strawberries. Shuma enjoyed it much more than he did the candle.

And on to the presents. He wasn't just excited, he was literally bouncing off the walls.

And furniture. I swear, he did this move where he jumped on the sofa, did a headstand and tumbled off move about a dozen times. His favourite presents seemed to be a garbage truck that makes an ungodly loud noise (why couldn't they mention that on the box) and a pack of alphabet fridge magnets. He is really into his ABC's now so spends a long time reading the fridge each day. They also double as chew toys, and every single one now has bite marks on it. I thought he outgrew his biting stage when he was an infant, but I guess not. The kid is three going on zero.

Comments

[illahee]

in his defense, that candle does look pretty tasty!

[Amy]

That's what I thought- the first bite. No excuse for the second!

[lil]

the candle does look tasty, I love that he bites things now LOL, my 3 year old bites her nails if that's of any consolation! How odd the old lady smoking and possibly drinking. Suppose if you get your grandkids dumped on you every day ....(probably the case?)

my 3 year olds favorite food is ikura too. Always steals it from her dad and also doesn't like to have her "own".

[Amy]

Yeah, I try not to judge smoking parents/grandparents too harshly. I do hope she wasn't actually drunk, but who knows. You're right, Japanese grandparents often take on a lot of childcare and it can't be easy. I figured that whatever the family's story, at least those kids get plenty of time at the park. Oh, and I recently found out that ikura is a good source of vitamin D, so I think I'll encourage him to eat it.

[Jackie]

I finally stumbled on your blog again after several years, and I'm amazed at the changes in your life! The last time I was here it was mostly a food blog, and you weren't even pregnant let alone with a 3 year old child. Congratulations! Time really flies, doesn't it. Your son is adorable and looks like he'll grow up to be quite the heart-breaker. I think he's quite lucky to have a mother who can teach him how to appreciate good food. I wish you and your cute family all the best! :)

[crella]

Happy birthday, Shuma-kun!