Another First

A new favorite - Mrs. Potato Head

As a parent, I have to remind myself to let go.  You invest so much time and energy into one little being, that you hate to see them get hurt.  So, when we're at playgrounds, I try to let little Reina have some independence (even though she seems to still turn to me and say, "Mommy, oide" (come here).

Baby Maddie!

Today Chris and I drove to Naha to get some kick a** shoes from sports depot. They were SO cool, and SO cheap that we're all going to be twins (yes, we even got Reina some).  On the way back, we stopped at Mona Kids, the Japanese version of an indoor park.  The rain has been crazy this week, and despite the sun popping out a bit, the ground is soaked.  So, we follow Reina around and try to keep her out of the way of the bigger kids, while she enjoys the ball pit, slides, and pretend bus.  Chris and I were watching her go up some tiny stairs, when WHAM, she trips and falls.  This really isn't that surprising, except when I realize she needs a "dako" (pick up), I turn her over and her nose is bleeding.  Yes....BLEEDING.  I quickly realize that this is not a little cut.  This is a gusher!  It is so hard to see your little girl cry and bleed. Oh man.  Chris and I rush her to the bathroom and try to get her nose to stop bleeding.  It really wasn't that bad, but I think we all were a bit rattled.  She is home now, all tucked in, totally happy.  But, I guess this means I still get to follow her closely! ;)

Reina's first french braid - I need MUCH more practice!

On a lighter note, Reina has really been trying to jump.  This is another one of those things that as adults you are totally unaware of - in that you actually have to learn how to jump.  I really need to get a video.  Its hilarious.  Its also inevitable that she is going to crash and burn doing this, since she likes to jump down stairs, something I fear she is not quite coordinated enough to land.

Look how big our snap peas are!

 On the speaking front, she has added "cho-dai" to her repertoire.  This is equivalent to "give me that please." We did notice that while her vocabulary in Japanese seems to be increasing daily, she still attempts sentences that are English based. For example, Reina might say, "Reina, nai bread." A combination of japanese and english, but the verb is in the middle of the sentence (nai means don't have) rather then the end, as is japanese style.  We are still undecided about what to do with her once she is school age.  There is a pre-school and elementary school within walking distance to our house.  Since Reina is on the young end for Japanese kids starting school, she can go to Japanese school in April (they start in April) prior to when she is allowed to attend American school. I think we may send her to Japanese school first and see how it goes.  Chris is worried that she will only meet her potential if she has one language....I'm not entirely sold on this idea.  What is important to us is that she maintains to be fluent in Japanese.  We are thinking that if she doesn't actually attend Japanese school, perhaps some activity with all Japanese children in combination with her friends in the neighborhood will be enough.  Oh the dilemas of schooling!  We have what, like 3 more years!  I think I'm getting ahead of myself.

Finding the motivation

I've been a bit unmotivated to write....hence the late post.  I usually formulate all of these ideas throughout the week about what to talk about and then when I come to post, I forget all of them and it ends up being a hodge-podge.

At the park

Regardless. Reina has been very on-board with the no diapers business. Sometimes, too much so.  Ever so often, usually during nap time, Chris or I will walk in to a very naked baby and a very dirty bed (you get the picture, right)?  Hopefully our disdain is clear to her and it will not happen again, because it is NOT pleasant.

In the garden

We have finally had a turn in the weather.  The gorgeous weather allowed us to go to the Comprehensive park on Saturday.  We put Reina's trike in the back, which she thought was the coolest thing ever, and we rode bikes, played on the playground and had a picnic.  We also did lots of planting.  Reina loved helping me dig in the garden, sow the seeds, and then cover them up. It was easily the most fun I have ever had in the garden. On Sunday, the weather continued so we did a repeat...we met Obaa-chan in Naha and picnicked at a park down there and then planted flowers in the front garden.

Reina's favorite - onigiri

We are excited to grill ribs this weekend and have friends over. Unfortunately the weather forecast is not looking as good for this weekend, but it is still early!  Either way, the ribs will be yummy!  

Aquarium-ne

With the yucky weather this weekend, we opted out of the Nago Cherry Blossom festival, and opted in to the aquarium this weekend.  Reina loved it.  I have to admit, doing anything with a 2 year old is fun.  Everything is new and exciting.  Reina loved the touch pool - she didn't even hesitate (unlike Chris).  She touched all of the star-fish and even a sea cucumber.  She also correctly identified Nemo (aka clown fish) and saw her first real shark and sea turtle.  We also bought her a very expensive, but adorable shirt that she points out is a shark in the picture.

Reina holding the star fish.

Reina pointing out the shark on her new shirt.

Reina has a cute new habit she started....adding "ne" to the ending of her words. Kind of like, "oishi-ne." It kind of adds emphasis to whatever you might be saying, "this is good, right?!" Reina adds it to the end of "pee-pee" which she must get from daycare.  She also says, "iipai" if she doesn't have to go to the bathroom. "Iipai" means "I'm full," so I'm not sure how this word fits into not needing to go to the bathroom.

Chris sleeping with Skyla

The finished stroller - Reina couldn't wait to get in.

The very large tank at the aquarium.  

Reina loves to visit baby Skyla.  Plus, Kaori isn't supposed to leave the house until Skyla is one month, so she is house bound (until this weekend).  This, I think, is more of cultural tradition.  Anyhow, Chris, Reina, and I went over after school this past week and helped with Skyla.  Chris held her, while the rest of us put together Kaori's new stroller system.  Chris passed out with Skyla, just like old times (aka Reina and him).