Updates - 8 months

Shun turns 8 months tomorrow. He has 2 new teeth. They definitely affected his sleep but once they popped through, it was all better. Many more to go.

He is enjoying his new found mobility, getting into everything and is happily crawling to wherever he wants. He hates to be left alone and will follow me to the kitchen or when I leave the room.

Tugs on to my legs and pulls himself up in a standing position. Grabs my bowl when I eat my lunch. Gets so distracting recently that I can`t cook or eat a decent meal until he is napping. Started to child proof our house but still can`t avoid one bump a day.

He is also getting more verbal than he was a month ago. He has even started babbling loudly in public which is embarrassing sometimes. Developed so much personality lately that makes us laugh.

Here`s a glimpse of his menu on Friday. He is eating better and I started him on dinner two weeks ago. On good days, he will finish 2/3 of his food while I eat the remaining. Loves strawberries and any sweet stuff. Eating but weight increase has been stagnant. He should be getting enough nutrition from the quantity he is eating and drinking. Blame it on my small genes.

Frozen lake

This is how frozen Lake Suwa looks like. Despite continuous warnings from the authorities, curious people still took their chances and walked over the frozen ice to experience this rare natural phenomenon.

Blissful Weekend

We had the most delightful experience at a Japanese Hotspring Inn called Seni Onsen （仙仁温泉）to celebrate my belated birthday, Takashi`s birthday, our 4th wedding anniversay and the birth of Shun.

Seni Onsen is an extremely popular inn with full bookings everyday. In fact, we heard that most guests book their rooms one year in advance.

We were lucky to get a room due to a last minute cancellation. Even luckier when we were told that they will upgrade us to the most expensive room during check-in. Wow!

The room was enormous for 2 adults and a baby. Shun was nervous of the new environment at first but got excited after familarizing and crawled all over the tatami. We changed into the yukata, rest a bit, ate some snacks and ventured the hot spring facilities while Shun was napping.


There were 2 public baths and 4 private baths. We chose one of the private baths so that we can go together as a family. That evening, it was snowing outside as we entered the mineral-rich baths. It’s one of those experiences that you definitely don’t want to miss if you ever have the opportunity. Totally rejuvenated.


From the accommodations to the food, everything was perfect. The food was not only delicious, but probably some of the most beautifully presented. We had our own room and attendant for all of the meals. They even prepared a set of mattress for Shun in the room in case he wanted to sleep during our 3 hour dinner. Its been a long time since we can stretch our legs and enjoy a good and relaxing meal.

The next morning, we took turns to soak in the public bath. Rejuvenated again. Skin felt silky after absorbing all the minerals.

Felt very hungry after our morning bath. Breakfast was very satisfying with a wide variety. Takashi had the Western set while I had the Japanese set. The kitchen even prepared vegetable porridge for Shun. Wonderful service.


After breakfast, we took a short walk around the inn. Scenery was beautiful with lots of snow. Didn`t want to leave this paradise but we had to go back to reality. We would definitely want to come back someday if we have extra cash.