Time Flies So Fast - Week 35

After I knew you were in my belly, the time really went fast. Now It's less than 40 days until you're due.

But after my mom (your grandma) left here, I realized I have only your papa as family. Nobody else here. In Japan, there is always somebody at home. I can always talk with someone. And I know I can't make up for this feeling with friends. Friends are different for me. I need stronger and more relaxing relationships. That's family. I want to share many feelings together. I want to talk and hear about everything with family. I'm looking forward to meeting you. I can have another family member here.

Yes, but I'm nervous everyday. Especially because I'm living in America. So I worry if I miss some information or misunderstand something. Many things are different from Japan. I feel like I want to be 120% sure more than usual.  It makes me nervous, more and more. I know maybe it's too much sometimes.

Usual Im not like this. more easy going. Last time when I met uncle Atsushi, he also told me how much of a "gritty" person I am. He said If he were me, he can't be like me in America.

These few days, you don't move a lot. Only during the morning time you move well. Instead of your kick, I have pain in the lower abdomen. Last night I was putting the sheets on the bed. After that I really felt sick some pain so I felt "Yabai" and stopped what I was doing.

Maybe that's a sign that we can meet soon? At the same time, I'm not ready for the hospital. So the other meaning, "Yabai."

P.S.  Please bring her back with you, Kogumachan.

Swag From Grandma, Part 2 - Week 34

Well, you're gaining weight and gifts at about the same rate. Check out these awesome blocks your Grandma got for you:

Your mama is so happy because they included a disputed island in the map of Japan. This is the final piece of evidence needed so Russia can f*ck off and stop claiming it as their own.

Swag From Grandma - Week 32

Well little one, evidently babies need stuff. A lot of it in fact. There are baby solutions for every problem imaginable. The basics of food, shelter and clothing seem to cover about, oh, .01% of what you actually need.

So it is very fortunate you have grandparents who know these things and will make sure you're covered. This past week your Grandma from Japan has been visiting us and helping cross things off the list (a list that grows more than it shrinks by the way).  Your crib is filling up with swag to say the very least.

It actually started in San Fran when we received bags of cool clothes from Aaron and Sarah. It continued in Japan with your mama, Grandma and Great-Grandma buying more stuff. There's underwear, over wear, bibs, swaddling blankets other blankets, sheets, devices to take your temperature (don't worry, we picked the ear one). You've got a baby car, a changing pad, a dresser, clothes, clothes and more clothes (you take after your mama and papa for sure with all this clothing).

How much fun, right? Well, try not to get used to it. It's not easy to separate need vs want (I struggle!), but we'll do our best to satisfy both.

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).