Ok, ok, ok, so it's been a minute since the last post but that was because: We had an impromptu trip to Portland and Seattle! Mama didn't want to spoil the surprise for our Northwest family (or bring her computer) so there have been no posts. Boy, are you guys in for a treat!

Planes, trains, and automobiles... and strollers
Mama and daddy have traveled with Kai from Oahu when he was just over a week old, to San Jose, San Diego, and now to Seattle and Portland twice. They are starting to get the hang of bringing their little bean places. This time, they had a plan! They packed super light (no diapers taking up extra space here!). They got there early, let Kai play, boarded last, gave him a nap, had snacks, activities, and Coco. They even sent a "travel stroller" and carseat to Portland! It worked so well that mama was even able to travel from Portland to Seattle alone with Kai while daddy was away on business.

Just to clarify, he was still a little monkey on the plane, but at least he was in a good mood... for the most part.

Portlandia
Mama and daddy were able to pull off their elaborate surprise thanks to Auntie Winnie, who joined us from San Jose. She picked the family up and lied, lied, lied to keep her parents at the house. It was stressful work, but we think it was worth it. :)

Kai got to spend lots of time with his mainland family. Last time we visited, it was winter and Kai couldn't really move. Even though this time he was teething had a fever almost the entire time we were in Portland, Kai enjoyed playing with everyone.

Mama had her heart stuck on going to the Portland Children's Museum with Kai. But before we could go, Kai's fever had to break. By the 4th day, we went to Urgent Care to get a clean bill of health. We were there for several hours so we had to keep entertained.

Mama only wanted to take Kai one place while we were in Portland, the Portland Children's Museum. The space was perfect for Kai to explore! He had lots of fun!

It was also an awesome place to show off his tantrum skills. Here are just a few of them:

He also took that show on the road.

We had lots of fun in Portland, but after a few days, mama and Kai traveled to Seattle to surprise some more people. (Also, we saw Uncle Kevan but mama forgot to take a picture)

Surprises in Seattle
Everyone, except one person (you know who you are), was pleasantly surprised that we showed up on their Washingtonian doorstep without notice. Luckily, that person forgave us quickly. ;P

Hint: it wasn't these two people.

We didn't get to spend a lot of time with Pop Pop, Bamma, and the rest of the family but, this time, Kai wasn't afraid of Pop Pop! Kai also got to meet all of his cousins and his Auntie Briana!

For most to the Seattle leg, mama and Kai were flyin' solo. Mama thought it was a great time to stay with Kai's sanjuma (that's his special name for his god mommy) in Redmond. He listened to lots of music, ate yummy Indian food, foraged their garden, and even went to Ananda Mela. Even though he wasn't the cuddliest of cuddlebugs with his sanjuma, he let her feed him and watch tv with him. He did, however, LOVE playing with Keya and Kavya. They were such awesome babysitters!

Daddy eventually joined us in Seattle, but not before Kai let him know he wasn't missed. When daddy walked through the door, all Kai said was, "Mama? Mama?" Guess where daddy found all his clothes?

Once daddy joined us, Kai went to the bar, played poker with the guys, and picked up an older woman.

He also learned how to go up and down slides by himself.

We had lots of fun hanging with friends and family, sightseeing, and enjoying the Northwest summer. It was an awesome little trip!

Is Kai even a baby anymore??
Mama has been asking this question a lot lately. He used to need her so much. But now Kai is becoming more and more independent. He is beginning to recognize our daily activities. He knows when he sees his blue plate, its time to eat and he runs to his chair. When it's time for bed, he gets a book says "night night" and goes in his room to sit on his bed. He "helps" with chores like getting the laundry and putting away dishes. He sings. He is a completely different person.

He's changed so much recently, it's hard for mama and daddy to keep up. They reminence about how tiny he was but love seeing grow. They finally truly understand the word bittersweet. At least one thing hasn't changed. He's still got the moves...