Monday, May 18, 2009

In-Laws

Well, I just got back on Saturday from visiting with my in-laws in Knoxville. Most people hear the word in-laws and cringe, but I am truly blessed with a fabulous family. I have two sets of in-laws...one set lives in Kyoto, Japan and the other set in Knoxville, TN. I have not had a chance to get to know my Japanese in-laws due to the distance between us and the language barrier we face. I hope one day if we ever have the opportunity to live in Japan, then I will get to know them better. My in-laws in Knoxville are wonderful. While Kan has been out of town, I decided to drive down there and visit for a few days. We had a great time. Every time I am at their home, I simply relax. It feels like a vacation. My mother-in-law got up with Miyako during the evening so I could get solid sleep, and she played with her while I went jogging and shopping. We always have such a nice time simply sitting in the living room and chatting. I truly am grateful to have married into a sweet family. Also on our trip Miyako and I went to visit my friend from college who now lives in Johnson City, TN. She recently had her third child in March so I finally got to meet Case. It was a nice visit considering we rarely get to see each other. Once you start having children it seems so much harder to actually see people, so I am grateful for the time we had together. Miyako and I did well traveling for our first venture by ourselves. I think when Kan goes for two weeks I will pick someone to visit at least for a few days to break up our time without him at home. Miyako is a sweet baby and generally pretty good, however it just gets lonely around the house when you spend most of your time talking to a 6 month old. So, I figure the best way to solve that problem is to take a small road trip to have some adult company for a few days when he is gone and that will make the time pass more quickly. Let us know if you want us to come visit! She can make it about 3 hours in the car before she reaches her breaking point!

Monday, May 11, 2009

Pictures




Here are some pictures I promised in my last post. This is out sweet girl Miyako. The first picture is Papa with his Little Volunteer. The second picture is myself and Miyako on Mother's Day in our matching orange dresses. The third picture is Miyako's first try with cereal. The final picture is Miyako sitting in a fun tube that our friend let us borrow. She likes to sit in this while Papa is working. I am still learning this blog thing so hopefully the next time I post pictures the layout will be better. Enjoy.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Mother's Day

Today was my first Mother's Day with our sweet Miyako outside the womb. Last year at this time we had just informed our family we were expecting and this year she is already 6 months old. I had such a wonderful day today. First of all, it is beautiful here in Lexington...sunny and 70 degrees, which is nice compared to the rain we have had all week. We went to church this morning and Miyako and I wore matching dresses. I can do this while she is young. Mine was actually all orange/peach and her dress was a peach and white gingham pattern, in honor of UT of course. Once I get the pictures uploaded I will add one to the blog. The church service was very powerful. Our Pastor talked about the foundation of the family and how when our families are not built on the solid foundation of Christ, our nation will begin to fall, which is what I believe we are seeing right now in our country today. Kan and I both left church encouraged and with renewed vision for our personal family and how we can have an impact on the world around us. After church, Kan made homemade blueberry pancakes and we feasted while Miyako played in her Jump n Go. Little did we know, she was really "going" because when we got her out it was straight to the bathtub. She had a slight blow-out. So much for "not working" on Mother's Day, but she was happy. I enjoyed a long run with two girlfriends and then Kan and I took Miyako on a short walk. Tonight we are doing Chinese take-out at our favorite neighborhood Chinese restaurant. The only bummer about today is knowing that Kan leaves for Japan tomorrow. This next trip is a little bit longer, 12 days rather than 6, so Miyako and I plan to visit Nana in Knoxville to help break up Papa being gone. The only good thing about him being gone is that when he comes home, we leave for our first family beach vacation!! As I sat today feeding Miyako, the Lord reminded me of just how blessed I am. I have such a wonderful husband and sweet daughter and am truly glad to be just where He has me right now.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

6 Month Check Up

Well, yesterday I took Miyako in for her six month check up. She is 16 pounds and 26 inches long, very healthy and in the 75th percentile for both height and weight. We knew she would not stay in the 95th percentile for height too much longer considering her papa and mama are only 5'5". What a trooper she is...she only cried for like 30 seconds after each shot and then was back to her normal self. Today we start cereal. I wish pediatricians would give you a hand out of exactly what you are supposed to do with this whole solids thing. She just recommended I go ahead and start and try something new every five days or so. I have no idea what we are doing, but we will give it a shot. I am trying to decide when you give them the cereal...do you feed her first and then give it to her or wait a hour or so after feeding and then try. Problem with that is I do not want Miyako to be a snacker. I guess we will live and learn and see what works. Another milestone yesterday is that she sat up on her own. She is a little top heavy so she could not stay seated by herself for too long, but it was fun getting her on tape. What a big girl.

I had my first CVS adventure yesterday. I am wanting to save more and be more resourceful with my grocery shopping. My dear friend is helping me enter this coupon/saving world and I went to CVS yesterday to sign up for Extra Care bucks. They were having a good deal on coke products so I started with that. I spent more than what I thought, but I have $20 Extra Care Bucks for my next venture at CVS. My plan is to keep buying items I need with this $20 that will produce more ECB's and hopefully the savings will come out in the end. Time will tell.

I have yet to download recent pics of Miyako but once I do I will add them to the blog. Until next time...

Sunday, May 3, 2009

My First Post

Well, I am entering the blogger world and here is my first post! I am hoping this blog will keep our friends and family updated on what is going on in our home, and I may even meet some interesting people along the way. Yesterday was Derby Day here in the Bluegrass State, one of my all time favorite days. As I listened to the thousands sing My Old Kentucky Home, chills ran up my back. What a race it was...amazing how that horse came from 12th place to finish first at odds of 50 to 1. Miyako, my six month old, did not really know what was going on, but one day she will know the tradition of the Kentucky Derby and be able to make Derby Pie. Speaking of my baby girl, she is 6 months old today. I cannot believe it!! She is getting so big and is such a joy. I never thought I would enjoy motherhood as much as I do. When she smiles at me, I feel like a million bucks. There really is nothing better! Well, I am going to learn more about what I can do with this blog and hopefully it will be somewhat interesting. I am not computer savvy at all so this is a big step for me. Until next time...