We had a great Thanksgiving Day with many blessings to be grateful for such as Matt coming home a week prior. Kaiya was excited to see her Papa, that she was shrieking with joy when we picked him up at his boat (sorry, ship). The first thing she wanted to do was to "play fairies" with Papa when we got home, something I'm sure Matt was just dreaming about doing as his first experience back from deployment! Anyway, fairies it was, while I finished dinner and then basically, the whole night was: "I want Papa to sit next to me", "I want to eat from Papa's plate", "I want Papa to help me brush my teeth", "I want Papa to read me a book"....I was kicked to the curb so quickly, I was even astonished. She was all on him, into his clothes, trying to copy him, and wanting his undivided attention! This lasted for two days, then I got her back and now I'm like--Kaiya my hands are full, can you ask Papa to help you?!
For Thanksgiving we hosted dinner for friends we invited. Had a great meal which consisted of meals from the Grandmas. Raspberry Pretzel Bottom Salad from DeeTee, Apple Stuffing from Omi, and Corn Casserole from Grandmommy. Threw in a Michigan Turkey, Broccoli Rabe, gravy, bean casserole, and pumpkin & apple pies...we were doing well. Ate so much Matt and I went to workout today! Kaiya had a blast with her two friends Lauren and Laina (had so much fun she didn't want to go potty and had two accidents!!!). The girls put on a beautiful puppet show, with the puppets they made from the crafts sent by Omi (thank you!!!). Anyway, we had a wonderful day and wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving. Thank you for being a supportive and loving network of family and friends!!! Miss you all!!!!
P.S. Kaiya loves this cartoon called "Samurai Jack". So her teacher helped her make this samurai sword!!!!!
Today we were able to visit Kaiya's Yochien and see what she has been doing for the last month. I was truly taken aback when I saw all their exhibits and everything Kaiya has been creating. I have to say that I'm in love and impress with the Japanese method of teaching and this school in particular. They are very innovative with artwork and learning as you may notice that the artwork is used from household items such toilet rolls, tape rolls, boxes, plastic wrap etc. Her class made clay, drew/painted pictures, helped make the robot in the school exhibit, and everyone in the Yochien drew a portrait of themselves on the banner. Fortunately, I know Kaiya's class name and name in Japanese, so I was able to know all of her contributions. Plus, it's easy to detect the portrait of a big circle, stick legs and arms, and circle eyes! I was completely blown away with the sweet potato, garden, tractor exhibit--makes me wish I was a kid attending this school! The kids grew sweet potatoes in the garden behind the school. The exhibits showed that process.
Overall, I received the impression that Japanese schools are very kid friendly and interactive with learning. I'm happy she is attending as is slowly being receptive to learning Japanese. She's started to say Arigato (Thank you), Konnichiwa (hello), Ohayo (Good morning), and Sayonara (good-bye) while bowing to her Sensei. She also seems to understand the Japanese instructions of her Sensei pretty well. I am very proud of her!
For Halloween Kaiya was a monkey...her costume kept her nice and warm in the cool, breezy night of Trick-or-Treating. I don't think she quite understood the concept of Trick-or-Treating so I explained to her the proper procedure of the Halloween custom: "Kaiya, when you go up to the door you say 'Trick or Treat'." "Why, Mama?" she asks. "Well, it's so the people will give you candy." "WHAT?! They give you CANDY!?", she exclaims incredulously. Apparently, I didn't do a great job of exposing her to trick-or treating last year (I know we went to a party--I guess we didn't go house to house). "Yes, Sweetie they do. And when you receive it, you need to be polite and say 'Thank you'. Do you understand? So what do you say when you go up to the door and knock?" "CANDY!!!" "No, no Kaiya! You say 'Trick or Treat', they give you candy, then you say 'Thank you.', okay? So what do you say?" "CANDY!!!" Oh God, I've created a greedy little monster. This went on for another two rounds before she stopped yelling "CANDY!!" as I explained that was rude. When she was finally let loose, I don't think she ever said Trick or Treat but did say a very quiet "Thank you"....I felt relieved that I'm somewhat a good parent. We didn't go out for long, she was quite happy about receiving what she had (around 15 pieces). We went home and ended the day with watching "Bedknobs and Broomsticks"--a classic (I think I loved it more than Kaiya).
Yesterday was Kaiya's first day at Kamoi Yochien. Kamoi is the neighborhood we live in and Yochien is kindergarten in Japanese. I'm not exactly sure how the system works, but I know the Japanese don't have "preschools", they consider 3-5 year olds as being in kindergarten; however, they separate by age. So Kaiya is with three year olds right now. The school year in Japan is from April to March (she's starting right smack in the middle). She'll transfer into the four year old class in April. The school is five days a week from 9 am-2:30pm. Kaiya only attends on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. I know that in an English speaking preschool, she would be able to handle those hours five days a week, but since this is a Japanese speaking school, I didn't want to overwhelm her. Plus, I still want to spend time with her, so we use Monday and Wednesday for swim lessons, story time, or taking a field trip.
First off, at this school (and like all or most schools in Japan) she was required to wear a uniform. For three year olds, it's a smock. Then they are required to have specific bags for certain things-a text book bag, a inside shoe bag, a extra clothes bag, lunch bag, a cup bag, etc. All bags are required to be a certain size--and the majority of these bags you make (but you can buy it). I bought the lunch and cup bag and with the help of my friend, Heather made the other three bags. Kaiya wanted a Stitch theme (which is perfect for her personality, being a destructive little thing!), so that's the fabric I bought for her. We used Heather's sewing machine, but I eventually bought one myself. We (Heather and I) want to start making our girls dresses-I'm actually very excited about sewing. Anyway, as you noticed in the pictures she was required to have a cup, tupperware, and utensil set for lunch. They don't do lunch boxes, but use that bag I showed you. They also have a handkerchief. I know that they are very environmentally sound with regards to garbage, so I think they use this approach to avoid throwing anything away. So items in plastic, baggies with food, or juice boxes are out of the question, as well as paper napkins. I don't care, I think it's great instead of wasting so much plastic.
You will also notice her emergency gear that is fire retardant. All the students are required to have it in case of an emergency. Since living here, we been through five earthquakes, two typhoons, and one tropical storm (we've only been here for three months). Things happen here and I'm happy that the school is well prepared by having an emergency plan in place and teaches the kids to be safe. Even with all these natural disasters that occur in Japan, I feel A LOT safer here than in the US, especially with the recent events of child kidnappings, murder and rape. I can't even explain how different it is here, other than I don't worry about Kaiya the way I did back in the states.
As for her day at school. I didn't receive any phone calls and when I picked her up she ran up to me with a smile. Then raced back to the playground (so I knew she was fine). I spoke with her sensei (teacher) for about 10 minutes. Sensei Kuwahara was explaining to me how Kaiya's day went--this was achieved by speaking in Japanese, sprinkled with sporadic English words, and a lot of pantomiming. I finally figured out that she was very active, imitated the other children (followed their lead), and wet her pants. She on occasion will have accidents if she's highly involved in something she doesn't want to miss--so she'll just wet herself. I don't think it was due to a language barrier, as I've instructed her to say "toilet" to her sensei if she has to go--they use toilet too and would understand her.
I'm not so worried about Kaiya being immersed in a Japanese school. My goal is that she learns the language (myself included), and I teach her at home in English (writing, reading, etc). By the time we come home to the US, she should be proficient at a five year old level in Japanese and be well prepared to attend an English Kindergarten.
Well, you are probably wondering how I communicate with the staff at the Yochien. I am very diligent about learning the language and prepare notes in Japanese, so I can tell them what I need. For example, they offer daycare and on Tuesdays I need to pick her up at 3:30 pm. I was able to explain (using words vice a sentence) and they understood. I need to learn the word for emergency, sick, and come pick up Kaiya--in preparation for if I receive a phone call to pick up Kaiya I will understand. Eventually, it will be easier and will just take time. For now, I have a greater sense of admiration for anyone who chooses to live in another country and not know the language and are trying to learn.
This post is for my roomies: Felicia (Buttercup) and Lyndsay (Bubbles). The Trio is growing with LMW, Aidan, and Kaiya! Love, Blossom.
Kaiya decided to be Bubbles from the Power Puff Girls this year. Her outfit was easy to make, but a bit time consuming as I'm not the greatest seamstress. She had a ball at the carnival and after spending a good 1 1/2 hours we left (so mommy could get a mocha at Starbucks). Kaiya decided to give each person working at Starbucks a piece of her candy. Although I know she's loving and very considerate I was still astounded as she reached in her bag (with little candy) and shared with others. As I realized what she was doing I completely encouraged her--hey these guys can hook me up with free mochas!!!!
We had a great time--Kaiya loved dancing. Since it was a family environment the concert was very "clean"--Flo Rida did a great job keeping it fun and enjoyable! I was actually very impressed.
I have been looking forward to getting out and exploring Japan with Kaiya for awhile now. I chose to visit Enoshima as it has plenty of attractions to include an aquarium--perfect for Kaiya. It's roughly 2o miles West from the house, but if anyone knows Japan you don't drive a car long distances but take mass transit as it is easier and often times faster. Reason: no freeways and parking is limited or non-existent (there are few toll roads but can be costly). So we drove the 25 minutes to base to drop off the car in a designated spot, then took a 30 minute walk to the front side gate, which was closed. Had to head to the main gate and by this time I was exhausted and took a 7 minute taxi ride to the train station (otherwise it would be another 20-30 minute walk). We boarded the train for a 15-20 minute ride in Kamakura, got off so we could transfer to an Electric Train to take us to Enoshima.
As we were headed to the other platform Kaiya found ice cream and naturally wanted some. It was noon by now and we hadn't eaten lunch so I said no. Meltdown #1 commenced. She stomped her little foot, cried very loudly as I removed her from the plastic 3 foot ice cream she was clutching and dragged her toward the platform to where the rest of the Japanese passengers were staring at us. For the next 10 minutes I tried to blend in and pretend nothing was wrong as Kaiya was practically screaming.
15 minutes later we arrive at Enoshima and walk for another 10 minutes toward the beach. I make my way to Enoshima Island as I'm under the pretense that the aquarium is on the island. We walk for another 7 minutes, while I'm coaxing Kaiya to walk too (she's not listening at this point). When we make it to the other side of the bridge she sees ice cream again--you know where this is going. Meltdown #2 commences. I'm a bit frazzled and tired at this point and thinking where is this freakin' aquarium. I drag her up a crowded street where the people are now parting like the Red Sea to make way for me and obnoxious Kaiya. I spot a map and cannot find the aquarium. I ask a woman and show her my handout for Enoshima Aquarium she shakes her head indicating it is not on the island and starts using hand gestures to where this place is located. She has me follow her back over that bridge and hands Kaiya candy (I'm assuming to shut her up). By the way, only in Japan can you take candy from a stranger. You just have to be here to understand. The kind lady points to the left of the bridge and I say thank you in Japanese.
It's been about 10-15 minutes now--Kaiya is still crying but it's teetered off to a whine. We finally FINALLY make it to the aquarium and Kaiya is now an angel. I feel like I can relax and enjoy the reason why I came out here--to do something fun with Kaiya and bond with her. We had a great time seeing fishes, jellyfish, crabs, penguins, seals etc. She was having a ball and I was enjoying watching her be so excited. She listened very well and was genuinely interested in Marine life as I am. We finally sat down and had a snack (ice cream), since she was being good. We still didn't have lunch at this point--the snack bar ran out of sandwiches. Oh well...there was another snack bar at the end of this aquarium.
After eating our ice cream, we headed over to the dolphins to watch the show. It was another hour until it started and I thought we better get seats now or else we won't be able to sit down. I sat in the 4th row toward the right middle and let Kaiya run around the stadium. 40 minutes into waiting Kaiya is at the top of the stadium (10 more rows up) yelling down: MAMA! I pooped my pants!!! Oh my God! I'm mortified but thankful that pretty much everyone who was seated at this point didn't understand her. Then there was--do I get up and lose my spot that I waited so long for? How do I save this seat? I did the desperate--I left my purse on the seat--Once again-only in Japan can you do this--and headed up to get Kaiya and head toward the bathroom. So she pooped her pants--I'll just put the pellets in the toilet and it will be fine. Until the big surprise was that she had the runs! Can this day get any worse. I did the best that I could to get her panties off without spilling--but of course a little dripped down the back of her pants. I took them off and threw the panties away, cleaned her up, cleaned the spill on the back and walked right back to our seat to watch this stupid show. I was more determined than ever to enjoy this aquarium! So she smelled a bit, but whatever...I didn't come this far to be driven back home in tears of frustration. I should mention that prior to us sitting down we did finally eat...I think I ate a hot dog in a tortilla but the picture of this food was next to a dolphin---you know at this point, I didn't really care if I was eating Flipper. I was sunburned, tired, frazzled and in much need of a sedative, so I ate the hotdog without question. I have to say it was delicious. Kaiya loved it too.
The show was worth it and Kaiya was mesmorized. Now it was about 4:30 pm--time to go home. We did well getting out until we hit the Aquarium store, which is conveniently located right before the exit. I let Kaiya look around for 5 minutes and started corralling her toward the door. The minute she stepped out of the store Meltdown #3 commenced. At this point I want to drop her off at the local CPS. We walk, she cries back to the train station. Another woman with two kids stops me to give me candy for Kaiya. Do you have anything for me I'm thinking? Tequila?? Aspirin?? Kaiya asks me why people are giving her candy. I told her flatly that it's because she's crying and they feel sorry for me. So now Kaiya is calm...that is until we actually arrive at the station.
Normally we let her put the ticket in the machine, but this train was about to leave and I had to run to it, so I put the ticket in the machine: Meltdown #4. OMG I'm never going to get home in one piece!!!! Thank God, the lady we were sitting next to started playing with Kaiya. She reached in her purse and retrieved shells for her. As she's going through her purse my eyes were scanning for a little bottle of alcohol....I was seriously looking forward to a glass of wine when I got home. Kaiya's happy again while this woman spends the next 15 minutes playing shadow puppets with her. And I was able to chill out for a bit.
We get off at Kamakura to get a transfer to Yokosuka--I forgot about that damn 3 foot ice cream-Meltdown #5. I have no patience left and silently drag her to the train platform. We take the train to Yokosuka, a taxi to our car, and make the drive home where she is finally asleep. It's about 6:30pm now and I just can't wait for that glass of wine. I pull into our driveway and hear the most disturbing sound of metal ripping. I reverse the car and pull back in. It wasn't until the next day I saw what happened. I put a dent in the left side of my white car and had a six inch scrape above it. I didn't care---the half bottle of red wine soothed all my aches and stress the night before.
I'm sure you are all thinking that I will never venture off again with Kaiya on my own, but no---I will not be so easily defeated. We are going to a Street Fair in Yokohama (30 minute train ride) this Saturday. I will destroy any 3 foot plastic ice creams along the way.
Kaiya is showing athletic talent but her attention span is nil. She's signed up for soccer, and to her defense I do find the 45 minute session a bit beyond what 3-5 years can do. I mean asking these kids to do soccer drills like throw-ins, kicking, dribbling in and out of cones, kicking on goal for 10 minutes at a time is asking a lot. She just recently stopped peeing her pants and I'm trying to get her to stop picking her nose--you want her to dribble in and out of cones and then shoot at the goal? Good luck! Basically, Kaiya will do the drill for maybe two minutes and then she's bored or refuses to continue. They don't even scrimmage, which I know she would love. She just loves to be free to do what she wants--running, kicking the ball, playing with the kids and not being told how to do it or when to do it. I guess she's like me.
I really don't get the need to make little children practice sports professionally at such an early age. I was hoping that it would be a bit more--fun. We'll dabble in every sport--basketball is next, then T-Ball. Whatever interests her we'll try to participate. Dancing for now is a no-go--too structured for her and I spend most my time yelling at her to pay attention. If they had Bohemian dance I'd be the first in line to sign her up--but they don't.
Kaiya started at her new daycare this past Wednesday. She was there for about 3 hours when I went to pick her up. As I walked into the room, she caught my presence and starting yelling, "NO!!! I don't want to go!!" and then proceeded to run away and hide. I was mortified. I'm trying to greet the teacher, sign her out, while keeping an eye on her whereabouts. The layout of the room is partitioned in rooms and as a result creates many places to hide-thus blocking my view. As I'm running around the room, calling out her name, little children come out from what seems nowhere to let me know that Kaiya is gone--that she already went outside. It's like a scene from "Children of the Corn", except these kids were cute and you know, I didn't have that creepy 'I'm in danger' vibe. WHAT?! She's outside! Then I look up as I see another little boy trying to help stuff Kaiya into a closet. Oh my God! She's enlisted the aid of her friends to create diversions and aid in her escape. How does she rally up these tots on her first day and in less than three hours?! I have a devious mastermind for a child! At that point, my embarrassment turned into laughter--this was beyond hilarious. You know most parents have children that cry when you leave them. Mine cries when I pick her up. Where did I go wrong?
Happy Grandparents' Day to Didi, Grandmommy, Great-Grandma, GP, Meemaw, Omi and Poppy. Thank you for all your support and being the best Grandparents to Kaiya. I just want you all to know that it took me an entire day to get this video to work....had to learn how to cut, edit, save, add movie clips to get it to size. Glad I'm stubborn!
Wanted to give you all a visual on our home. We are truly blessed to live in a lovely house. As you will see I still have a ways to go with cleaning up. Our Tatami room (room with all the boxes) will be used as our storage room and guest room for any of you who would like to visit--hint hint ; ). I promise that all the boxes will be removed! Upstairs I'm still organizing Kaiya's playroom and our office. Need to find shelves to put away her toys (as well as being sneaky and getting rid of them!). Don't worry--I'm getting rid of my things too. It's a family affair this downsizing business!
Living in Japan has taught me to live simply because if you don't you won't have a place to store your things nor will you be able to throw away what you bought because they have a strict trash code here. Unpacking our stuff I quickly realized how much "junk" we own or things we thought we needed but don't. We don't have a garage, we don't have utility closets, we don't even have counter space in the bathrooms or kitchen. Living within your means, having things you really need is how they live here, and I really like that approach and am trying to embrace that life style.
Japan is very good about their trash--you don't waste. There are limited to no trash cans in public places like you find in America, because they are trying to conserve the wastefulness. At home I have to categorize my trash into four bins: Burnables, plastics, recyclables, and junk. Trash is taken out five days a week according to the category (burnables get twice a week). The categories can get tricky at times, I'm still trying to figure out how to throw away razors and which bin it goes into--so usually those items I can't "throw" away goes into the base trash. They have only two categories or there are trash cans at the park that are a free for all. We're not suppose to bring in outside trash, but I sneak it anyway--I feel like such a criminal!
I'm trying to start a garden outside with Rosemary, onions, and garlic along with an assortment of colored tulips that should bloom in April. I have my basil and parsley indoors due to the change of season. I'm praying my garden works as I don't have the green thumb like my mom and sister. I seem to have the knack to kill plants vice keep them alive as you will notice my orchids in the living room are dying. Anyway, if it all works it will give us fresh herbs and vegetables for cooking and give me the chance to expose Kaiya to gardening (even if I'm not good at it). She loves donning on her Dora gloves, digging in the dirt, and helping me water the plants but her attention span lasts for about 10 minutes if that.
Getting around the city, basically outside of base, is becoming easier for me. Yet, I still find myself trying to get use to the culture. Even trying to park your car at the grocery store can be daunting. Take for instance my recent trip to the store, I bypassed a row of cars "parked" on the street and turned into the parking lot when a loud honk blasted behind me. I turned around and realized my mistake instantly. In America it's a free for all, everyone goes in and drives around until you find a spot. Not in Japan. You wait in line and when there is a free spot you drive into the parking lot--and that's why I was honked at--for not knowing this courteous rule. I felt so embarrassed and backed out immediately---I still don't have a grasp on the Japanese language but I'm very familiar with Sumimasen or translated as "Excuse me"---I use it all the time. In fact, I plan on getting a shirt with that phrase on the front and back because I'm getting tired of saying it. I could resort to a tattoo on my forehead but my vanity and the Japanese culture prevent me from doing so. The Japanese culture sees the tattoo as taboo (a sign of being in a gang)---they will kick you out of a waterpark/public swimming pool if you have one visible--so the shirt seems most productive and viable.
Well, one day I'll learn more suitable Japanese and hopefully won't make a spectacle of myself, but then again my partner in crime (Kaiya) won't exactly make that easy for me. Until then I will be able to entertain you with even more embarrassing stories.
Count Kaiya the luckiest girl on Earth as she's been to Disney World, Disneyland Anaheim and Disneyland Tokyo all within a three month time span. Her luck was more out of coincidental opportunity vice overzealous parenting.
We wanted to get away, spend some quality time together as a family, as well as do something fun for Kaiya. That's how Disneyland came to mind. We were very fortunate to go on a day where it wasn't crowded and where a three year old was not in a cranky mood.
Due to low volume of people Kaiya was able to visit and take pictures with Cinderella and Prince Charming (who was rather cute and I wanted a picture with him), Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, The Fairy Godmother, and one of Cinderella's Mouse friends. The line for Winnie-the-Pooh and Mickey Mouse was ridiculous, so we skipped seeing those characters. The Japanese love Stitch, Mickey, and Winnie-the-Pooh, so anything associated with those characters we avoided.
Disneyland Tokyo is pretty much like Disneyland Anaheim, except they do have a few less rides. Kaiya loved Toon Town a lot, and we were able to ride the roller coaster there. She also enjoyed Tom Sawyer's Adventure Island where we pretty much let her loose to run around anywhere she wanted. The great thing about Japan is that you don't have to worry about kidnappings or unscrupulous individuals. Children at the age of five will ride the trains to school by themselves. It's an amazing sight to see. Plus, Kaiya sticks out so I'm not worried about losing her.
At the Toon Town playground she made a friend and I watched amused that even though she didn't know the language she could still influence this Japanese kid to follow her around and do what she wanted. Matt and I call her the "Politician" for three reasons: 1) her ability to try to negotiate out of things Matt and I instruct her to do, 2) her creativity to "blame" her imaginary friends for things she did and 3) her influence over other children. She is something else and she knows it. During a short snack break at Tokyo's Train Station some Japanese adults were smiling at Kaiya and saying how cute she was in Japanese (I know some words and could figure out what they were saying). Without missing a beat, empty of emotion she flatly states, "Mom, they like me.". That's our Kaiya.
Needless to say, Disneyland was a great escape for all of us considering what we went through--escaping reality and delving into a world of childlike wonder is good for the soul every once in a while.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Here's the start of our new blog, which will hopefully give everyone the opportunity to "visit" with us while we're in Japan as well as seeing Kaiya grow-up.
I love this picture of her riding her bike at the park on base. She loves riding her bike and thankfully she's not exactly fast, so I can waddle behind her. I use "waddle" loosely, not to describe my shape, but how I feel, which is: I'm definitely out of shape. I get breathless just walking down the street!
Well, I'll update this more as time goes by and hopefully, I can make it a weekly, perhaps bi-weekly update.
