Oriko-chan

We learned another new Japanese word. The day-care workers continue to "suck-up" to me and described Reina as an "oriko-chan." This means "good girl' in Japanese. She only fusses when she is hungry or wants to be played with. Then she sucks her thumb and puts herself to sleep. We too have been enjoying this behavior at home (although I maintain that all daycare workers are instructed to tell parents how wonderful their children are!). Reina is OF COURSE wonderful!

Reina was weighed and measured today. She came up at 24.5 inches long and 13.9 pounds. Growing nicely, although lately it seems to be mostly going to her thighs! We had a nice relaxing day today, and ended with dinner with Kuniko (obachan) in Naha. Reina maintained "oriko-chan" status according to the waitress who recieved many smiles from Reina. Despite her cold, she was alert and happy all throughout dinner, and let Kuniko hold her without crying..I even snapped some evidence.

Wokring on standing

Reina still loves to kick and use her "thunder thighs." She also insists on pushing off when her feet touch the ground and virtually standing.

I have to admit, I really just wanted to post to show you the cute pics of Reina in her sun dress.

Reina is missing her Aunt and Uncle, but also glad to be back into a routine. Chris and I are also happy because Reina is putting herself to sleep (thanks to the thumb) and is sleeping much longer. We've had two 9+ stretches, which have been awesome! We also got Reina a "big girl" car seat. She'll need one for our big trip to the states this summer...and it had to be FAA approved, since thankfully we'll have a seat for her on the planes.

In other developments (literally), Reina has started to be much more interested in toys. And most importantly, when she finally grabs on to them, she is most excited about putting them into her mouth. Check out the clip.

We're staying busy!

Another full day for Reina and the rest of the Eastman's. We did ALOT of shopping. Prior to our shopping day we got a good shot of Reina chewing on her feet in the bath tub..ok, it was assisted chewing. I thought she really had the asian eyes going here.

We also put Reina in her first shopping cart basket, but she didn't quite fit. We also got her in her two "new" outfits from Aneane (Grandma Has) and her soccer outfit from Grandpa Eastman. Due to ALL of the shopping we did have to do some "pacifying," because she hasn't mastered the thumb yet.

Again, I added all the new pics to the "silly siblings" slideshow.

Fam!

Reina met her extended Okinawan family. She met several great aunts and uncles and a few second cousins. Unfortuantly Reina has decided that she doesn't like "strangers." I maintain that she is much too young for this behavior, but over the past few weeks she seems to cry when other people hold her. We're working on it.

We went reef walking with Mike and Liz and Liz got a great shot of Reina in her wrap - which still seems to be one of her favorite places. She kept out of the sun with her oversized hat - she's trying to be just like Grandpa Eastman!

PS - I added many more pics to the "silly siblings" slideshow.

"First things" first

Reina has had a great week. Did I talk about how Reina is talking! Check out the video of Liz and I encouraging the gaa-gaa. She's getting really responsive with smiling too! We also got a nice snap of Reina in her new "bumbo" chair that Grandma (Aneane) bought. She is just too cute in it.

Reina finally got JUST a thumb in her mouth. She's been working on this for some time now and had been pretty good at getting the pointer and thumb in there, but yesterday she got just the thumb and put her self to sleep! I think this was a sweet moment for all three of us.

Reina also slept for about 7.5 hours two nights this past week - and that too has been fabulous. We have a pretty good routine going where we know we can be awoken at least once, which Chris and I have decided is totally tolerable.

Ok, now for the real fun. Aunt Liz and Uncle Mike have been here and Reina has been thoroughly enjoying them. Or at least the pictures shes in seem to indicate that. There should be a new slideshow up on the left. I think they speak for themselves.