Big Boy

When I looked at Theo's photos this evening, which were all taken this past week, in preparation for this blog post, one thing that readily struck me is how quickly he seemed to have grown over the past few years. It seems like it was only yesterday when we were changing his diapers. Now, he can engage us, and even his grandmother on the phone, in relatively long (English) conversations, even if the topics only revolve around his toys, the games he has been playing, or the places he has visited.

When I began this blog, I chose the subtitle "What is it like to be a miracle in the making?" I'm sure that, by this time, you already know.


Theo walking around in Akihabara (Tokyo's famous electric town) with ... who else but his Daddy B!


This photo was taken just this afternoon by Mommy D. Click on the photo for a larger view and see how tall our little Theo has grown.

Shinagawa Aquarium

First of all, let me begin by saying that if the appearance of this post looks different from what you're used to, the reason is simply this: there has been a problem with the server that hosts all the photos in this blog. Simply put, I can upload the files but I cannot access them online. That's the reason why this post, which should have been uploaded yesterday, is being done so today. This time, I'm using Blogger to host the photos, hence, the slight difference in appearance.

Now, let me begin.

For some time already, I had promised to bring Theo to Shinagawa Aquarium but it was only last Saturday when I had the time. Moreover, the weather was just perfect. Prior to that, every now and then, he would say, "Daddy, let's go to Shinagawa Aquarium." So when we did go last Saturday, he was all fired up. (Mommy D stayed home to do some chores.) Some photos below (you may click on the photos for a larger view).


Theo gamely poses in front of the sign that marks the entrance to the aquarium.


Those colorful fishes were really very stimulating for him.


Theo points to a huge stingray inside the water tunnel.


This fat, spotted seal with its chinky eyes was a unique sight for him.


There was a touching pool there and that starfish on his hand gave him a weird sensation, which he liked, surprisingly!


This was taken just outside of the aquarium, where a picturesque bridge straddles atop an artificial lake.

Two weeks ago, Theo's class had a school trip to a nearby park and the moms were required to tag along. Mommy D, with her trusty camera on hand, snapped these photos.


Theo shows a plant to his classmates.


If you ask Theo who among his classmates he likes, he'd say this cute girl's name. Starting out early, huh?


Theo poses with some of his other classmates. They're much bigger than him because they're at least a few months older. Aren't they all so cute?

Golden Week

It's called Golden Week because it's a series of national holidays that come one after the other. For this year, it was four days in a row, including Saturday and Sunday. It's Tuesday morning today and I'm just at home posting this blog while Mommy D and Theo are still fast asleep (it's already 9:30 a.m.!). Anyway...


This shot was taken late last week just before Theo left for school. I'm posting it here because it seems to exemplify Theo's attitude at the kindergarten. The teacher told Mommy D that he is now very attentive and follows instructions very well. We believe that he's starting to enjoy school a lot.


I took this photo last Sunday when Theo and I went to a nearby park while Mommy D was at a flea market. This park is somewhere in Shinagawa.


Last Saturday, we went to Ueno Zoo again together with Jing and Myra Villareal (artist and scientist, respectively) and their lovely daughter Andrea. In this shot, you can see Theo and Andrea riding a tiger statue. That's Myra's hand supporting Theo while Mommy D is taking the shot. Despite walking almost all day, Theo didn't seem to tire. It meant that he really enjoyed that day!