The beginning of this summer, Kaiya swam like a rock--literally. My friend's almost 4 year old can swim (doggie paddle) and I asked how she did it, if she took swimming lessons. No...they just went to the pool everyday last year and Lauren just learned how. Been trying to go to the pool as much as possible, put Kaiya in swim lessons the past two weeks and today: She's SWIMMING!!!! It even took me by surprise. In the movie, she's not going far, but when I'm in the water with her, she'll swim a good three feet to me, even though it takes awhile, as she moves at the speed of a snail! She doggie paddles vertically vice leaning into it to cover more ground, but that will come in time. She loves jumping into the pool. She's fearless in that regard.
Well, we are having a baby girl. It was confirmed on the 15th as I had to have another ultra sound due to me measuring small. Just a routine check to see if the baby is growing at the right pace, which she is. Our ultra sound technician was an older Japanese man who spoke Japlish and I don't mean some words were clearly Japanese and others were clearly English like how I talk, but a combo of the two. The scary thing is that I understood every single thing he was saying to me. Anyway, Matt and Kaiya were able to see the baby and when the gentleman asked if we wanted to know the gender we said yes. So he zoomed in on the bottom and said "It's a girl. No Boys parts". He took the picture and with an arrow pointed between her legs the words "NO BOYS PARTS" are labeled. I think it's hilarious....a great keepsake for her scrapbook. Needless, to say Kaiya was beaming when we said she was having a sister. She DID not want a brother.
For her name, we let Kaiya choose the middle name--Matt and I picked her first name: Elysia Duck. That's right, Kaiya wanted Duck as the middle name. Different but it's what she wants and we wanted her to feel part of the process of naming her little sister. Okay, now that I really have your attention and 80% of you think I've lost my mind and the last 20% know I've lost it--HELLO! Do you really think I'm going to let my four year old child name my baby!? This is the same girl who wanted her sister to be Dora and her brother Diego, but she pronounced it 'Daego', the derogatory term for Italians! When I did ask her about her sister's name and she told me Elysia Duck, I started chuckling. Then Kaiya screwed up her face and shouted "Don't laugh!. You'll hurt the baby's feelings!". Well, at least I know Kaiya will be very protective of Elysia Vivienne. That is her name.
Yesterday, I took Kaiya shopping and bought some baby items: baby powder, diapers, baby wipes, etc. And then I let Kaiya pick out a purse for her. I explained to Kaiya that this purse was her "Big Sister purse" and proceeded to put some newborn diapers, the baby powder, and baby wipes in her bag. I explained that she is the big sister and she can help mommy take care of Elysia. My intent is her to not feel left out, but feel like she can help too. About 30 minutes later, in the car ride home, I asked if she liked her new big sister purse. She said she did, except it had all the baby's things in it--"Where is my stuff going to go? Where is my make-up going to go?". I started laughing--she truly is my daughter! I guess I'll have to get a little pouch for her "make-up" to put in her purse!
A mikoshi (神輿) is a portable Shinto shrine. Shinto followers believe that it serves as the vehicle of a divine spirit in Japan at the time of a parade of deities. Often, the mikoshi resembles a miniature building, with pillars, walls, a roof, a veranda and a railing and is lavishly decorated. During a matsuri, or Japanese festival, people bear a mikoshi on their shoulders by means of the two or four poles. They bring the mikoshi from the shrine, carry it around the neighborhoods that worship at the shrine, which Kaiya was able to participate in. She walked around our neighborhood for about 30 minutes before she had enough and wanted to go home. The mikoshi, after being paraded around the neighborhood all day is left in a designated area, resting on blocks, for a time before returning it to the shrine. Some shrines have the custom of dipping the mikoshi in the water of a nearby lake, river or ocean, which 11 neighborhoods in our region participated in the following day. It was pretty wild to see this event as the Japanese are very into it. We were almost run over a few times as you've noticed the mikoshi are huge and unbearably heavy, so its quite hard to steer, you just need to get out of the way! One group had so much fun that they just dumped their shrine in the water! You'll see the endstate in the video.
Kaiya loved dressing up in her yukata, or summer kimono. She saw most of her school friends at the festival and was so happy to see Hana Chan her best friend. The two were running toward each other calling the other's name as if they hadn't seen each other in years. Kaiya, by the way, can now speak Japanese and understands it pretty well. In the last month she has been more forward about speaking Japanese. She still is shy when put on the spot, but when around her friends she readily follows suit and is very comfortable about bossy her friends in Japanese!
The other day she asked me if I spoke Japanese and I said yes (well, I know her level) and she started talking to me in Japanese. So we spent the day talking to each other in short sentences or words. I bought a children's book titled "The First Thousand Words in Japanese" which we are learning together. I'm glad she's become more comfortable and accepting of learning the language. It took awhile, but she's fine with it now.
For my birthday we headed to Hakone, which is part of a national park, west of Tokyo. It's a beautiful resort area comparable to Lake Tahoe, with quaint towns, hot springs, museums, shrines, hiking trails, etc to explore. On my b-day we spent the entire day at Yunnesun, which is a Spa Amusement Park with over twenty different themed spas for the entire family to enjoy. Examples are the coffee spa, green tea spa, wine spa (my favorite), Aegean Spa, which Kaiya called Ariel's pool. Unfortunately, Matt took all the pictures of our stay there and I, of course, forgot to download them to my camera before he took off on deployment. I'll post the pictures in September! You have to see it to understand it. Anyway, Kaiya really loved being there and made a friend there, a boy about her age. We spent the last 2 hours chasing after her as she and her friend just took off to their own liking.
Afterwards, we ate dinner with Kaiya passing out prior to my cake being served. I ate about half and decided to see if she'd wake up to the smell of chocolate if I put a little on her mouth and to no one's surprise she sleepily ate the cake and immediately woke up and continued eating! That's my girl! Matt and I were laughing hysterically.
The next day we headed to Hakone Open Air Museum. Opened in 1969, the grounds are home to approximately 120 works by well-known modern and contemporary sculptors. There are five exhibits halls to include one dedicated to Picasso, as well as outdoor playgrounds for children to play. Kaiya enjoyed being at the museum as there were many things for children to climb on and play in. And Matt and I were able to see the art--well, I enjoyed it at least as it's my thing.
We celebrated the 4th with having friends over for a BBQ. Kaiya was in heaven with all the kids at her home. They had a waterfight with water guns and water balloons we bought for the kids. Unfortunately, some kids started spraying the next door kids (until I yelled at them to stop) and the mom wasn't too happy. So today Kaiya and I walked over with a plate full of brownies and apologized for yesterday. Being worried about offending the neighbors then having anxiety about the fireworks we planned on lighting up, made the night a little less enjoyable for me. I do not want to be labeled as the "Ugly American". Since the homes are so close together and the houses lack insulation (you can hear your neighbor's footsteps in your home), privacy and being respectful of quietness is revered here. We weren't obnoxious, but I didn't want to push it--I still have to live here for another year!
Fortunately, (for my sanity) we headed to the local park and lit up the fireworks in an open baseball field. That went well. The kids loved the sparklers--except Kaiya. She would hold my hand while I was holding one. She's still scared of fireworks and as you see in the pictures she wanted to be held and covered her ears. I thought before she was sensitive to the noise, but cancelled that notion out the night prior as we went to see Blue October perform on base. We were right in the front (so VERY LOUD) and she was fine--dancing and rocking out. Anyway, she was complaining about wanting to go home, and she got her wish because we were kicked out! Neighbors were complaining about the noise! Honestly, I'm still trying to figure out why they sell the fireworks if they aren't going to use them! Love being here, but I look forward to going back to the States where I don't feel like I'm being scrutinized.
Anyway, Kaiya was upset--the girl who wanted to go home BECAUSE of the fireworks wanted to stay FOR the fireworks because it was for DeeTee's birthday. DeeTee's b-day is the 5th and I told her that for DeeTee's b-day there are always fireworks! Happy Birthday DeeTee!
By the way, the cute little boy is Alex. He was a little fireball and loved to dress up in Kaiya's Cinderella dress and Stitch hat (by himself--no coercing). He was so darling and reminded me of my brother Martin at his age! It's hard to believe that Martin was that cute, but he was. Made me think that maybe it would be nice to have a boy. Still think we are having a girl though...
The day before the 4th, Matt and his friend Drew climbed Mt. Fuji. I think it took about 7 hours to the top and back, but then it took 5 hours to drive home as they were lost. The Marine and the guy who speaks Japanese--they say it was a conspiracy against them! Anyway, they enjoyed it- was Matt's second time. Mt Fuji is only open in July and August due to how cold it is still up at the top, even in summer. So I missed my chance again.
Went to a Japanese Culture event where we learned how to dance, made origami, wrote Kanji calligraphy, and dressed up in kimonos. Kaiya had a ball being dressed up. It took them roughly 30 minutes to get mine on (standard time for all participants) and another 15 minutes for hair. I was impressed with all the work it took to put a kimono on as I had two helpers for me, which they need to put the obi (sash) on. It is wrapped around tightly and although I enjoyed feeling like a Japanese princess I was happy to have it off as I could barely breathe---baby being in the way too! Kaiya just loved dressing up (no surprise there).
Went to DisneySea Tokyo in mid-May with friends: Linda, Lauren, and Laina. It was nice to go, but wouldn't go again as I think Disneyland is more fun (and has better food!); however, with that being said the best part of DisneySea is the Little Mermaid Section. We spent the majority of the day in that area---Kaiya was in heaven as Ariel is her favorite. She prays each day for God to turn her into a mermaid! I bought her the Ariel costume and she wore it for 3 days straight, until I made her wear something else! She still loves putting it on and being a mermaid, although she has started to pray to God about being able to fly like Peter Pan.
Kaiya did well at her ballet recital and she didn't have stage fright! Afterwards, we headed to the base courtyard to play games, eat junk food, etc. Fun day.
School started today for Kaiya and she is now wearing a big girl uniform and will be in the big kids class (4 year olds). Her class name is the 'Blue Class', which she is thrilled, or Kumi Aoi (Japanese). Her class mascot is a Pig (not a real pig). Each class has a name and a character. Last year she was in the Dandelion Class with a Chicken as their character. It's cute. On Saturday her Yochien held a ceremony for the kids. She wore her uniform and I wore what I felt comfortable in--nice jeans and button down shirt. Needless to say I was completely underdressed. I wanted to kick myself as I KNEW inside I should wear a dress or at least nice slacks, but the mere thought of me waddling down rocky concrete streets and sidewalks in high heels for 10 minutes was not appealing (there is no parking at the school nor nearby). So I opted for comfort and was the only odd ball in a sea of dark business suits. The MOMS were wearing suits. To be quite honest this ceremony looked more like a funeral than a celebration of the new school year! Whatever, I can get away with it--I'm the only American. Next year I'll look stunning in a drab funeral suit. Next year I'll be able to fit in a drab funeral suit!
They had a brief introduction, roll call (you will see on the video), a couple of songs and then it was off to take a class picture with the parents. I stood in the back (to hide my non-suit slacks). But I have to say they are really stunning jeans! Anyway, then the kids went to their classroom, the principal, Anjo Sensei spoke with us and I just listened with a smile, not having a clue what was being said. Then the parents met the kids in the classroom and the teacher spoke with us, once again--not a clue. Well, I should give myself more credit. I understood what she was talking about but couldn't understand the details. Kaiya's new teacher/sensei is Teramoto Sensei and she seems very nice. She's also rather helpful and assured me that if I didn't understand anything to just ask her (she speaks limited English, basically it's Japlish or Enganese, which I understand pretty well). I respond in the same manner but have found myself to throw in a lot of Spanish words, so now I speak Spanlishpanese, which is rather interesting. Side track--funny story:
During Christmas Vacation, I was lecturing Kahlia, my sister, about the importance of learning and doing well in her Spanish Class. I went on how I could help her if she needed. At one point this gentleman comes up to me and asks for directions to the mall in Spanish, so I start talking to him except nothing was coming out. I was sputtering out words but couldn't formulate an intelligent sentence. I finally was able to give him what he needed and he left. Kahlia just looked at me and shook her head. I tried to explain to her that the whole time I was talking to him I was thinking in Japanese. I think Kahlia fired me after that!
Back to school. Kaiya seemed to love her class, but didn't want to separate from me during the ceremony. She was periodically crying or running away from class to find me! She's much better when I'm not around. So today I walked her, well we ran (a little late), to her bus stop, which she'll take in the mornings. I am not a good morning person now! Well, who am I kidding I've never been a morning person! Kaiya is the same way--so there is a lot of rushing around in the mornings! It was so wonderful to see her happy and excited about being a big girl, but it was so sad too. My little girl is going to school on a bus and wearing a uniform now. It's amazing and I'm so proud of her confidence and independence, but it's hard not to think of when she was my little baby, my little chubby toddler waddling around the house asking me to feed her! Well she still hasn't stopped asking me that---except she can get it herself now, to include my chocolate stash!!! That little sneak!
Happy Easter! We went to church where Kaiya just whined and whined about wanting to go home as well as providing a ballerina and "I've got the Holy Spirit in me" dance in the aisle. It was too much for me and we departed promptly after communion. She had a fit about not getting a wafer too and crying that she was hungry. It's hard to explain the whole symbolic meaning of the 'blood and body of Christ' to a 4 year old when all she wants is food. We headed to the O-Club and had a semi-nice brunch. Kaiya continued with the whining about "I want this" and "I want that"...I wanted to leave her there! She did see the Easter bunny, a monkey and giraffe and was able to bounce in a bouncy the O-Club provided on their front lawn. She was ecstatic. We made it home and both relaxed. Later that evening I made a special dinner of Elizabethan Chicken, potato and leek gratin, and asparagus. Even made a lemon meringue pie...which Kaiya wouldn't touch since it wasn't chocolate. That girl! I really needed Jesus to rise up from the grave that day.
Kaiya tried ballet and I love her attempts at gracefulness. Wait until you see the video...it's hilarious. She was very excited to attend the class and was wearing her leotard and ballet shoes all day for two days prior to the lesson. Now she wants a tutu....well, I guess since she seemed to enjoy the class AND more importantly paid attention, I may order that tutu for her.
Kaiya school had a recital, and her class put on a presentation about the book "Where the Wild Things Are". Kaiya was one of several Wild Things. The first scene she sang, but she barely made it to the stage as she was crying about going on. She was a Wild Thing in the third set and she threw such a fuss that her principle asked me to come back stage. It took me 30 seconds to calm her down and let her know I was right in front watching. So she was able to go on stage. She, surprisingly, said her line "Tabetai"-"I want to eat", which is captured on video. I was very proud of her. In the last school group song, she threw a bigger fit, I went back stage one more time, she was still crying and insisting she stood next to her friend Hana (which she finally got her way). The entire performance was 2 hours and 45 minutes long....I was hot, cramped and standing or sitting on my rear (no more seats), in an awkward position as there was little space. I honestly though I would pass out, but thank goodness I had some crackers to nibble on and a bit of water. I sound like I was in a prison! Anyway, it was worth it to see Kaiya and her stage fright!!!!
Apologize for the horrible video. The camera's zoom doesn't work...it was the best I could do for the moment! She's the first immediate voice you hear.
In early February we took a trip to Sapporo, Japan for the Snow and Ice Festival. It was a bit chilly but worth the tour of snow and ice sculptures. Tradition of the festival started back in the 50's, when bored college students made several snow sculptures in Odori Park. For several years now, the first two weeks of February Sapporo shuts down this park and makes these elaborate sculptures. Plus, there is a lot of great food! Everything from ramen, doughnuts, frozen chocolate bananas, kabobs, fish, etc. The sushi was great, since we were located in a seafood city. Kaiya was appalled that anyone would eat her dear friend Crabbie.
This picture can tell you two important facts: 1) Kaiya is a creative kid. She wanted to visit outer space, so we made a rocket ship to get there. And 2) why I never got a call back from NASA for an engineer job.
This is a short clip of "our" slide at Kannonzaki park, which is a 8-10 minute walk from our house. Always fun to zip down this thing---the best way to feel like a kid again.
