Roy William Kuraoka: The First Week.

Text and photos © 2000, John or Ondine Kuraoka


Let me introduce myself. My name is Roy William Kuraoka, and I was born 29 minutes after midnight on June 5, 2000. I weighed 8 pounds 3 ounces, and was 21-1/2" long. These pictures were taken when I was just a few minutes old. I really liked the sound of Daddy's voice.



The sound of his camera's motor drive was pretty neat too. You can click on the pictures for screen-filling views. Daddy shot Ilford HP5 and Tri-X pushed to 800 (N90s, 50/1.4D) so he didn't need to use a flash even in the dim hospital light.


Here I am that afternoon, cuddled safe and snug.


And here I am, a few hours old, pondering my next move. That's my Grandma Barbara holding me. I decided it was time to see where I'll live and grow up. So, we went home.


And here's a Polaroid of us at home that very first night. My Daddy is 37, my Mommy is 32, and I'm 20 hours old in this picture. I had a tough time settling in, but somehow I knew I was safe and sound.


Did I say safe? Did I say sound? After a day or so, Mom became determined to shampoo my hair (something about "cradle cap"), and roped a reluctant Grandma Barbara into helping her do the deed. This was not what I had in mind at all. Women!


Ahhh, relief. I know this guy.


Here I am, June 9, 2000, at four days old. Wanna make something of it?


Over the weekend, my Grandma Frances came to visit.


Here I am with all the important women in my life: Grandma Frances, Grandma Barbara, and Mom. Sometimes I like to put my head back so I can see what's happening on the ceiling. I can look around pretty well, if I say so myself.


This is my Grandpa Bill. He plays the piano for me.


Here I am at exactly one week old, relaxing with the folks.

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