Good news! - Week 30

I think I turned on the "ready" light to feed you! You will desire to drink this for at least 1 year :).

Papa's edit: BUT ONLY 1 YEAR!...none of this:

Rice Baby - Week 30

So little Koguma, technically you are still enjoying your second trip to Japan. The first one, at new year's, well you were smaller than an onigiri. Now look at you, nearly the size of a butternut squash. You're really starting to grow eh?

You're definitely going to have Japan in your soul. At the very heart of Japan is food (shopping is  a close second). At the heart of that is rice. The staple of every Japanese meal.

I noticed on our flight in to Tokyo, that the rice fields were newly flooded, signaling the start of the planting season. From 10,000 feet above, they look like panes of glass in mosaic-like geometric patterns. The area around Narita Airport (below) is littered with fields.

You'll be joining us in August, which is also pertinent to the rice theme. The rice will be mature and many fields will be harvested starting in August. And as much as I hate to admit, the rice we grow in the States pales in comparison to Japanese rice. Your mama started craving rice some time ago which means you got your first taste.

Lately though, you seem to not be as hungry as before. Keep eating though, you'll need your strength for the upcoming journey. A couple more months to go, then the daily anticipation can start. As if it didn't start 6 months ago.

Mom's hunch proves right? - Week 29

After me and papa came to Japan, suddenly you became bigger and bigger.
So I  feel tired and my legs cramp at night easier.
Maybe because your uncle (my brother, Jun) said so? I feel like you are coming out earlier than the due date.

That's kind of trouble for us. Because your grandma is planning a trip to the States to match the due in August.

My body will feel easier though.  Maybe you are big enough now ne? I can't believe you will be double weight. I'm gonna die. hahaha

I heard one lady's story yesterday. She is also pregnant now. 8 months, same as me. Her first baby was born 1 month earlier. the weight was 2490g. She was't ready at all so she panicked then.
I will get ready with almost all the stuff for the hospital and you after this trip.

Oh, about your weight, but after your papa left Japan, you are not starving so much. You don't ask me to eat so much. Or me?
Do you feel strange because you can't hear papa's voice lately? You can talk with him a lot (your answer is kick and punch <3 ) when we are back to our home.

Cauliflower Head - Week 27

According to the phone app, you're meant to be about the size of a cauliflower head now. I have no idea what that means. I don't eat the stuff, can't say I have ever seen a "head of cauliflower" up close and personal.  All I know is it tastes horrible (I'm sure you'll agree, and if mama wants you to eat it, just say "papa doesn't, so I don't have to").

We're off to Japan tomorrow. Technically your second trip, and the last time they will let you in the country without a passport. Your mama is going to stay for a long time without me, so take it easy on her. Don't kick too much.

You're nearing the home stretch little one. You'll spend the next month growing in Japan, then you'll come home (with grandma) and take the final 8 weeks getting ready for the big push. Limber up (Rule #18).

1ST ANNIVERSARY - Week 26

04/28/2012, me and your papa got married in Osaka. It was one of the happiest days in my life.

We decided to be together afresh. 

It's past but about 1 week ago, it was your papa's birthday. I got ready secretly and celebrated with some friends. Even he doesn't feel comfortable to be one year older, always "Birthday" is good. 

Im looking forward to celebrate your birthday too.

But unfortunately he is a little sick now. Because he works hard at his job and making many house small things to get ready for you (also, he wants to finish many things before your grandma comes here). I'm surprised how tough he is. 

We just came back form San Francisco last night. Your papa had to work over there. He worked sooo hard there too. Me? I did shopping and bought your cute clothes :) 

Did you feel the different air? 9 hours! He drove that long way. Some places were chilly, some places were crazy hot. On this trip also I could see many beautiful things. Beautiful blue sky, birds, great bridge, super big moon! I want to show you many things like this.

It's only 1 year since I came to America. But I went to many places with your papa already.

Seattle, Vancouver, Texas, Japan. After we knew you are in my belly, San Rafael, San Francisco, Hawaii...then we're gonna go to Japan next week. 

You must be able to be tough kid like your papa! (that I love.)

Movers and Shakers (You and Us) - Week 23

Well little Koguma, it's been a while since I rapped at ya (name that reference!!). According to the app on our phones, you're meant to be as big as an ear of corn now. All of the comparatives on that app have been food. It makes your mama hungry. Truth be told, she's eating a lot. Which means you're eating a lot? You must like pizza, 'cause the other night mama ate 3 huge pieces. Of course you like pizza, you're a baby Buglio.

A couple weeks back we had another ultrasound. you were pretty active (genki) during that time. Moving quite a bit and throwing your arms and legs around. Wild style! This pic below is a little creepy, but I love the position of your fist.

You're kicking a bunch lately. I think your mama is wondering why you're so antsy, but I love it (sorry Nana). I just think it's your spirit. You want out of there and into the world. Good news on that front. You're about 16-17 weeks away from meeting everyone. Looking forward to that. Until then, stretch those legs and arms. It might annoy your mama a little, but I know she loves it.

We've been busy lately, getting the house ready for you (and the parade of visitors who will want to see you!). So if you hear some hammering, some sawing...rest assured. It's all in an effort to make our house ready for you. If it gets too loud, just give your mama a gentle kick. She can then tell me to put the hammer down for a bit.

You must be still small yet - Week 23

You are not big enough to act up in my belly, right?
But these days, I don't feel so. Your kick and punch is stronger than before. Before, I thought "Ah, Kogumachan woke up and is playing."
Now, sometimes I feel you are just angry at me. Because I lay down on my left side and you kick me so strong many times. Maybe you prefer left belly position?
If you do, maybe you are little bit grumpy ne. I will try to make you comfortable more.

-Mama