One of Chika’s bridesmaids was getting married, and amazingly the bride and groom had met through Chika’s at her London farewell party (2 more matches and straight into heaven right?).

It was a simple plan — a quick hop over from Berlin to Paris, which actually went according to plan for the first 28 hours until Chika amazingly caught a cold Saturday evening (we were joking how she got so sick the last time we went to Paris — is there a curse?!).  But we pulled it together and got on the plane.

We didn’t get to do everything we would have like, but did manage to get in a few shopping, eating, and visits in the short time we were there.

1. Visiting Benoit, Giovanna, Stella, Luna, and Gaia

While Chika shopped, I took Kai to see his fellow NYC descendants (at least indirectly).  I think Luna will be one of Kai’s favorite babysitters some day.

2. Bakery run.

I think I found a new favorite here in Paris, Du Pain et Des Idees.  Just classic and awesome a the same time.

3. The main event — Remy and Mariko’s wedding.

So we got a little lost on the way to the location, which was Remy and Mariko’s new apartment.  So when we finally arrived, we were a bit disoriented to begin with.  But in the courtyard hidden on some average street near Republic, they had found the most amazing apartment (apparently designed by a gay couple who couldn’t resolve their differences and ended up selling the newly finished place).  And it was a perfect affair with a great friend/chef preparing a wonderful eats and of course tasty French champagne.

Yes, it’s been a long time and a lot has happened, but we will come back to that later.  Today Kai turned 9 months.  And the changes are happening faster every day now.  Lots of crawling, a few new syllables, and our little Magellan has left no stone (or anything else for that matter) of our apartment unturned.  Thanks for a wonderful 9 months Kai.

Some scenes captured today from some of Kai’s local partners in crime.

So what happens when you bring together 3 generations of Wolfsons and put them into a house in Miami for a week?  You eat a lot, get some beach and pool time in, do some shopping and in general have a good time.  Yes some conflicts can arise, but overall it was a very special and wonderful opportunity to enjoy the newest generation every day — I even got my niece Sydney to stop saying no and allow me to spin on my shoulders. In addition, we got to go to our friend Andrea and Sarah’s wedding in Miami which was wonderful.

I know it’s only been a week back, but I already feel like I need my next vacation…

Kai had his first NYC playdate at the Central Park. We got lunches at Whilefoods for mommies, brought organic baby foods for babies, sat in the sun, and enjoyed lovely afternoon.

It rained a night before, so couldn’t use my favorite blanket just gifted from our family friend. Next time, I should bring a waterproof mattress to go under.

The park was filled with other NY moms. Of course, I didn’t forget to check out their fashions :). Getting new ideas? Sure!

The contrast between the start of 2010 and 2011 is representative of our own transformations.  NYE 2010 was spent skiing in France with 20+ friends in a rented chalet, with huge dinner, drinking, dancing, etc.  2011 was spent off in another continent in a sea town on the West coast of Japan.  A small cozy dinner at Chika’s aunt and uncle’s house and later a trip to the temple.

The temple ritual focuses on ringing the ceremonial bell around midnight, and its meaning is about letting go of our wants and desires, 108 to be exact.  Kai had finally gone to sleep around 11pm, so Chika decided to stay home with him while I went with Yukie, Megumi, and the uncle’s family to the temple.

After queuing and ringing the bell, we went into the temple for a quick trip into the sanctuary, followed by a traditional bowl of noodle soup.  We sat in the communal area around the fire, enjoying hot soup, some sake, and interesting company.  The monk of the temple came over for a nice chat.  As he seemed quite young, I am sure we will meet again for many more New Years in the future.

In reflection, it is has been a great year for us to grow as a family, in many ways.  Both Chika and I have had fantastic adventures travelling and enjoying many things around the world.  But now the center of our universe is changed with Kai.  We will not completely stop travelling or exploring, but will do it as part of Kai’s growing experiences as well.  He is fortunate to have loving families and rich traditions from both East and West to start experiencing early on in his life.  And Chika and I will now focus on enjoying the ride alongside him.  So begins 2011.

Although a bit dark, you can at least hear the bell ringing here.