Thanksgiving after thoughts...

Thanksgiving holiday supposed to be a 4 days long weekend, but Nori had to work 2 days. His office closed, but there was an offsite project going on, that required him to be there. The original plan was only for Friday work, but later got extended for Saturday as well. To be honest, I wasn't truely feeling "it's ok, no problem....", but at the same time, "what can we do?!". After all, as most of u know, Nori's has a long working schedule everyday, family time is rare and treasured. Having a long holiday means so much to all of us.

However, on Saturday morning, I suddenly had a whole new thought about this Thanksgiving holiday. While driving in the car with Yoshi, the clear blue sky (& radio Christmas music) made me happy. Instead of feeling a bit sad/lonely that Nori wasn't with us, I was actually feeling very grateful & blessed. I know Nori wanted to be with us as much as we do, but sometimes there just aren't any other options. At least I have a loving husband who appreciates our support, who are willing to help if he can, who cares about my feelings. And I have a happy and healthy little Yoshi, that makes me realize I'm making the right parenthood choices everyday and he has brought so much priceless memories. And I'm so lucky to have a very smooth pregnancy, that allows me to fully enjoy every moment. Even though we live far away from families and many close friends, but we are very fortunate that doesn't seem to be any obsticles in keeping our relationships together. ..............the list goes on and on...

Although not everyday is perfect, not everyday has clear blue sky that makes me happy, and certainly not everyday is complaints free (sure Nori will agree, especially having a pregnant wife who's hormone is very unpredictable....^_^), but as long as I can keep this thankful thought in my mind as reminder, then perhaps I will always feel very blessed!!

(Thanks Carman & Karen for the cute clothes, they fit perfectly on Yoshi...very thoughtful of u all....)

Christmas is coming to town...

We finally got our Christmas tree up this morning. This is Yoshi's first x'mas going to be spent here at home instead of travelling around Asia. Yoshi has been seeing lots of snowmen, santa clauses & x'mas trees while shopping around with me these past few weeks. Slowly, I think he recognized the x'mas decorations just like the Halloween pumpkins.

After spending the morning on the tree decorations, I realized Christmas with Yoshi is so much more fun than just two of us. In the past, we were so busy travelling back home with him, the holiday atmosphere wasn't as strong as here, it's more of a gift exchange and eating yummy food. And back then, he was still too little to have an understandable conversation. But now, not only was he eager to help the decorations, but the curiousity & excitement he had on his face, is priceless. Of course we are going to miss being around with family and friends during the holidays, but it's also a different kind of celebration experiences on our own, along with the expectation of the new baby sister (can u believe she will be here less than 2 months?!)

Anyway, Christmas is one of my favorite holiday, just seeing the store decorations, the christmas music (constantly on the radio), the thoughtful gifts & cards exchange (that's when I love opening mailboxes the most, not just bills or advertisements), the idea of reconnecting with many friends whom we might not have seen for a while.....and the warm cozy feeling with my loving husband and Yoshi.....(even if it's in front of TV instead of the fireplace ^_^).....that's what I love the most!!
(p.s- to my suprise, Yoshi hasn't pull any ornaments out from the tree yet...I was wondering earlier if he would be like cats, trying to grab those one by one.....meow!!)

Happy Thanksgiving Holiday

In the past 2 years, Thanksgiving holiday was more a long weekend for me to pack the suitcases, preparing for the December Asia trips. But this year, we are staying behind getting ready for the upcoming baby. I'm actually very looking forward for the holiday, as it will be Yoshi's first x'mas here, and I can't wait to see his reaction once we have the x'mas tree out and decorated (hopefully sometime this weekend).

This Thanksgiving holiday is very meaningful to us. With the new baby soon arrival, there are so much to be looking forward to. We are very blessed to have little happy and healthy Yoshi with us, no matter what happen in life, at the end of the day, we went to bed happy and knowing tomorrow will be a better day. We just can't wait to share the same joy with the new baby girl. And I know Yoshi will have so much fun with his sister. Those are the simple thing in life that meant the most.

Take a moment to appreciate your family & friends. Be greatful to simple happiness.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

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(this is a video from last weekend, Yoshi was trying out the chopsticks at dinner time...)

P-r-e-s-c-h-o-o-l

Preschool- this sounds like for much older kids, but in fact, I have already did few school tours in the past few weeks. We have the options of sending Yoshi to 3 years old class in next September, or 2 years old class anytime now. We aren't in any rush, but registration begins in upcoming January just when our baby arrives, so I started my research now.

I am not sure if we want to send him to preschool anytime soon. (2 yr old program- once a week for 2.5 hrs) But during the past few visits at schools, I can tell yoshi was so eager to be in the learning environment, doing activities. At one point, he even joined the kids at the snack table (of course...it's food). He just like to be around other kids. Even if we wait till next September, I don't worry about him not learning enough, or not be in a social environement enough..just because we participate in many playgroups, and he still has his weekly music class. But I just felt that he's ready and eager to be in a more structural learning environment.....

Oh well, I know for sure one thing, Nori is definitely not ready to send his little buddy to school yet, just the thought of him growing up so fast, is a bit hard to accept.....

Happy Monday

Yoshi loves music, that's been known as fact for very long. The funny part is, he had taught himself the lyrics and dance moves after watching several times. Can't wait to see him and his little sis echoing with each other.

Be "ME" again

Today I was invited to a "Girls' afternoon tea outing" (or I should say "Moms' outing) with my friends Wendy & Poki. This was something all 3 of us had been looking forward to, because we don't get to do this very often (or almost rare) without kids around. Of course, we had to thank 3 husbands taking care of the kids on their own.

After preparing Nori & Yoshi's lunch, I was on my way out the door. The entire 20 mins drive, I kept thinking what I wanted to share on the blog tonight, there were so much refresh feelings that I almost forgot how I used to take it for granted before having Yoshi:

~Getting ready:

---I can FINALLY wear the shirt with the beaded trim, which I had been avoiding for 2 years, worrying those beads might hurt Yoshi while carrying him....

---I can FINALLY wear the pointed (still flat) shoes, which I wouldn't be comfortable walking around with a kid (or carrying him)....

---I can FINALLY carry my small handbag again which I used to love collecting, but won't fit any diapers inside....

~On the road:

---I can FINALLY turn up the radio volume & have the window down...

---I can FINALLY park my car ANYWHERE in the mall parking lot, not worrying about if I need to carry him eventually and walk all the way from one end of the mall to another...

~In the restaurant:

---I can FINALLY sit & relax with my friends and chat, without looking at my watch the entire time, or compromising my menu option to kids friendly meal....

---I can FINALLY just sit back and relax, without needing to bend my back every few minutes to pick up toys on the floor....

In fact, most of these feelings were actually part of the daily routine in the past. I never realized they have slowly became "distinct" as we have change our priority in life. I'm glad to have this little moment to myself like today with friends, it made me feel refresh and be "me" again.

Thank you Poki & Wendy for the thoughtful planning, this was exactly I needed as part of the celebration for the new baby.....THANK YOU.

Chopsticks

Last weekend while having pasta for lunch, half way thru his meal, Yoshi seems to be lack of interest in eating. So creative Nori decided to let Yoshi try using the chopsticks. He made a pair of training chopsticks from an old fashion way- rubber band + folded up paper. And to my suprise, Yoshi was very interest in using it and continued finishing his meal.
We do have a pair of training chopsticks for Yoshi. So that same evening, we took it out for him. Although it took twice longer time to eat his meal, but he was having fun exploring.

Zoo

It's been a while since we visited the zoo. The last time we were there with Nori was amost 9 months ago. I have been avoiding to go there on my own with Yoshi because he will not stay sitting in a stroller. So either he would want to push that everywhere, or he would want me to hold him without it.

This past Saturday, we took him to the zoo with Nori, just as I expected, half of the trip he wanted to be held. I think with Nori being there, he definitely wanted to sit up high on daddy's shoulders (who don't want to?!) I'm just glad I didn't attempt to take him there on my own.

9 months ago- Yoshi was just at the height of Nori's hip, but now he's at his waist.
9 months ago- Yoshi was more interest in people watching, but now he's pointing at the animals.
9 months ago- Yoshi didn't know much of the animal names, but now he knows a lot & call them out loud.
9 months ago- Yoshi wasn't showing much excitement on train ride, but now he is facinated by it
9 months ago- Yoshi was scared of riding the carousel, AND now he's even more freak out and refuse to sit on it, so we have to leave before the music began....

We were glad to spend some quality time at the zoo with him (perfect warm weather). Most likely, our next visit will be with little sister...........wonder by then if Yoshi will be more interested in the carousel??

Baby boomer

(Thanks everyone for voting on the baby girl's name, it's really fun reading all your comments. Nori and I haven't made our decision yet, we are trying to give some time to get a feel on what we like best. Maybe I should read to Yoshi and see if he will repeat any of these names.... we shall post our final decision here later on. Thx for your interest. Fun fun fun...)

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Last Friday, I was very lucky to have another baby shower from one of the playgroup moms. 6 months ago, there were only 5 moms with 5 kids (not include siblings). But since then, there is a baby boomer trend going on among us, now the group size has almost double. Thanks to everyone, especially Nora- the party hosting lady of the year. She has made a very adorable diaper cake for me, I really hate to unwrap it someday. There are still 2 months before baby due, but when I said 8 weeks, it sounds much sooner......

(6 months ago)

Vote for the baby girl's name...

Ok, we have somewhat finally narrow down the list for the baby girl's name. First of all, before u start looking at our list, let's refresh your memory of how this list came out. It's the same way as we did for Yoshi, it all started with a combination of numbers. Take a look this previous blog post (Yoshi's)- http://kambayashifamily.blogspot.com/2007/04/semi-final-name-list-for-our-baby-hish.html (we actually end up changing slightly a bit of the second character, so Yoshi"taka" wasn't on the original list).

This time, me and Nori had a bit hard time in finding the right words from the list. We felt that it's much easier for boys. But for girls, we want the meaning to be 'girly', but yet, still keep a certain characteristics, which could indeed become too strong meaning words. At the same time, we have to find the name that sounds "right" in both Japanese and Cantonese. (maybe I will post some of the funny prounications someday)
Oh well, after few weekends of researching, here are the finalists:( 神林 Kambayashi- is our last name)

- 希明 きはる Kiharu Kambayashi
- 秀佳 ひでか Hideka Kambayashi
- 佑依 ゆい Yui Kambayashi (pronounce as "Yu" "e")
- 佑佳 ゆうか Yuuka Kambayashi
- 佑明 ゆはる Yuharu Kambayashi
- 伶佳 れいか Reika Kambayashi

Let's see which one is most popular among all of our friends and family. So leave us your vote (& your name) here on this blog site, so everyone can keep track with the fun process!! (just click the below "comment" box, then on the "identity" page, just click "anonymous" and type in your name inside the message. No need to sign up for anything) ^_^ Thanks for checking this out.
(of course baby's parent have the final say of the name....^_^)

It's still ALL about Yoshi...

Lately, I have been feeling very scatter-brain, I found myself writing down self-reminder notes all over pieces of paper... the only time that I remember I'm pregnant is probably when I sat down at night, baby starts kicking left & right; or when I couldn't fit into some of the pants; or when I am feeling really tired after racing cars with Yoshi on the floor; or when I couldn't order sashimi in the Japanese restaurant; or when friends and family ask about her........

Seems like my to-do list is getting longer and longer, or even got lost somewhere in between. With Nori's very busy work schedule, there are times I even felt like I have to jot down what I want to tell him when he comes home. And the things I want to accomplish, such as Yoshi's preschool research, banking documents, billing questions, and the upcoming holiday gifts/ events....all these seems to require constant follow up, research, or quality peaceful time....and I found it very difficult to fit into Yoshi's 1 hr nap/day + the very little time left after late dinner. ( oh wait, I also want to squeeze a moment for the blog, e-mail and facebook & most importantly, I want some cuddling time with my husband too....)

So, what about the new baby? nursery room, baby name......is it because we are experienced parent that we aren't too nervous or is it because we just don't have anymore spare time left for her at this moment? In fact, I have not make any plans or even dare to think any further. However, I did squeeze in little moment to purchase 2 tickets for upcoming Disney show in March (just Yoshi & Nori). So is it really that I don't have any spare time for baby or is it because I'm still all about Yoshi? Afterall, I guess we just want to be with Yoshi as much as we could before the quality time get split with baby sister very soon.

Baseball

No matter it's soccer or baseball game on TV, Yoshi would like to pretend he's one of the player as well. We didn't really teach him anything, he just tries to copy what's on TV....^_^

Yoshi's corner

Looking at the photos of our previous house, though the living room was small, but yet, it's very empty. All we had was a couch, small book case, coffee table and side tables. Now that we have Yoshi, seems like every wall space mean something to us. I have been looking for shelves to store Yoshi's toys as they started to occupy the territory. I finally compromised with the IKEA shelves. It's more because I'm tired of cleaning up everytime when Yoshi empty the green basket full of little pieces.....

The Handy Men team- Yoshi really enjoys helping Nori and I must say, Nori really has lots of patience to teach his little student (using the real simple tools, not the plastic toys)

Finally Yoshi's corner is done. It's much more organized and not an eye-soaring spot anymore. Maybe in a few years, we might need to tear down the drywall and add more wall space for shelves with dolls, kitchen toys, and Barbie outfits.....

It's more than "Thank You"

The words "Thank you" are not even enough to describe the generosity & kindness we have received in the past few weeks..........

#1) Though baby girl (we are still working on the name) has 2 more months before her arrival, but she already has at least a year supply of pretty wardrobe. Several of my friends have given me their daughters' precious clothes. Not only are they generous enough to think of our baby, but they even packed up the clothes and mailed the packages. The other night, the UPS delivery guy was just like an early Santa Clause (except he was wearing brown instead of red outfit...). We are so greatful, and will definitely treasure every one of these items. Thanks again Wendy, Frances & Rhoda, really THANK YOU.

I have never seen that many pinky girly wardrobe before....it is definitely a change from the blue and green that we are used to in the past 2 years.

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#2- Yesterday, I got a suprise baby shower. Just as I thought we were going to a regular playgroup with few Japanese friends, we walked into a pink and purple decorated room. They had each brought dishes of yummy food to share. What a feast. Yoshi also enjoyed a lot as well. I really appreciate all of the effort they put into preparing this suprise gathering. We are so lucky to have many good friends.

This is one of the gift they got for us- "Diaper Cake". It's handmade with roll up baby diapers, and decorated with flowers. This is way too pretty to disassemble someday (in order to use the diapers).... ARIGATO!!

This video was taken at the end of the gathering, when most of these children should have been in bed for their nap time (including Yoshi). They must be "over-tired" that they were super hyper...there wasn't any music in the background, but they just dancing and singing(?!) together. Quite funny.....

Morning class

When I was little, if I woke up early, I would probably eager to watch cartoons or play with my toys. Yoshi usually does watch his cartoon on our bed while waiting for me to get ready before breakfast. But this morning was a bit unusual. He woke (me) up so early that he got to see Nori before he left. And what did little Yoshi want from daddy?...........

Yes, he was eager to play (learn) the Japanese character wooden blocks again with Nori

- "a, i, u, e, o"

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Well, everyone has many "my first" moments. And today, Yoshi had his "my first nose bleeding" right after his nap. When I saw him, his face was already covered with blood, being wiped all over. Luckily I saw my friend's son having his nose bleed few weeks ago, along with the dry weather lately, so I wasn't worry about Yoshi at all. The funny part was, I found myself actually concern more about the off white color carpet..... Yoshi is fine. Fortunately the blood wasn't running out from nose anymore afterwards, otherwise, it's a challenge to try wiping and touching his nose........

Thanks Anna

As winter is coming, I must need to find creative indoor activities....thanks to auntie Anna's book, it was a life saver yesterday. This little project allowed us to spend 30 mins quality time together (rather than looking at the clock ticking and ticking...) ^_^

Put rice in between 2 paper plates, tape it up to create a musical instrument. Then put some artwork on it.

(in case u were wondering, mama did the basic Anpanman face instead...Yoshi did all the little circles)

H1N1 vaccines

Well, after a long debate, we finally got our H1N1 vaccines this morning. About 2 weeks ago, Cincinnati finally got their first shipment for public needs. It was almost like an overnight chaos around town. People who belongs to high risk categories (pregnant women, young children, eldery with illness....) were lining up under the rain, trying to get their first shots. Back then, I wasn't comfortable with the idea of getting brand new type of vaccine being pregnant. Then for the next 2 weeks, with the combination of knowing how many people around us were sick, and the media consistent reports, we had finally made the appointment. With me being pregnant, both Yoshi and Nori were able to get their vaccines at the same time. (Otherwise, all healthy people would still have to wait for their turns).

This morning, we went to the Warren County Health Dept for the vaccines. Being pregnant, I got the injectable type of vaccine. Nori & Yoshi got theirs as the nasal spray type. (the government is saving up the injectable type for people who are in much higher health risk)

I can tell Yoshi was already in his "observation mode" while waiting.

It wasn't as bad as the photo might have perceived. It was a quick 2 sec for the nasal spray. The only thing is.................Yoshi doesn't know he will have to get a 2nd dose 4 weeks later (only him). Anyway, he's doing fine now. He even helped pushing the grocery (kids) cart afterwards. (but don't dare to touch his cart, otherwise, he would be upset. He wanted to proof that he could do it on his own.....)