Plays well with others

As a mother, you are prone to worrying about every little thing - mainly because Dad's seem to do so little of this, so someone has to take up the slack.  My most recent worry has been why Reina doesn't play well with others.  When I say, "doesn't play well," its not because she doesn't share her toys, because she actually does this quite well, or that she doesn't like seeing other kids, she loves that too....she just doesn't seem to know HOW to play with others.  I've slowly learned that this is what childhood is all about....learning all of these "skills" for the first time, that the rest of the adult world takes for granted.  

This Friday, we had Ako and Rana over to play and it was one of the first times I felt that Reina wanted to play with them, rather than beside them.  It was still as though she didn't quite know how to involve herself, but it was cute watching her follow them around, or do whatever they were doing after they were done doing it.  So, I can cross that off my list of things to worry about.  I have plenty on my list with baby girl number two on the way.

I had my 28 week appointment this past week.  Like Reina, pregnancy number two has been very average, as I mentioned before.  All of my stats were great and I don't need to be seen again until week 32.  Crazy that we're almost 10 weeks away from welcoming a whole other being!  I'm definitely getting to that point where I'm ready to have the baby.  I feel enormous, and at the end of the work day I'm exhausted. 

Back to the Routine

At the aquarium

This Monday marks the first day of school year 2011-2012.  We were able to squeeze in some last minute fun before returning to our usual routine.

About two weeks ago we headed up north to the Churaumi Aquarium in Nago (more well known as Expo).  We got annual passes, since if you go twice in one year, it pays for itself.  I'm glad we did, because Reina really enjoyed herself this time.  She loved running by herself to all of the different tanks, weaving in between the millions of tourists to see the fish.  We also timed it well to see the dolphin show, which she also throuroughly enjoyed.

That same week (this was the week before Chris and I had to report) I met Kaori and Kazumi at the "mini mini zoo." Which is pretty much what it sounds like.  I guess if I was to describe it to an American, I would say it was a big petting zoo, but not a lot of petting!  There was also a famous bakery attached which sold cream puffs that both Kaori and Kazumi insisted on buying, since we were there you know.  Reina actually didn't like the zoo so much. I think it had to do with a bad nap and construction.  She is very sensitive to loud sounds and they were doing some remodeling.  She always enjoys Joe and Skyla's company though (as do I).

With Chloe at Beer Fest

Beer Fest 2011 was the weekend before Chris had to go back, so we made sure Reina got to see the Taiko drummers and Eisa dancers.  She was very excited to see them...and she randomly got a goldfish from a stranger which promptly died after we got it home! We also ran into the Stevens'. Chloe, their daughter, who is starting 6th grade loves Reina, and the feeling is mutual.  Reina was excited to see her, and I relieved to get a break carrying Reina.  Chloe is going to babysit Reina for open house, and we hope it goes well so that she can do it more often.

She went back to daycare last Tuesday, as that was Chris' first day to work.  She did great. She was excited to go and hasn't had any trouble transitioning.  However, sensei did tell me that she forgot most of her Japanese and she talks all in English.

At the park

Today we went to visit with Obaa-chan, but she wasn't there!  We had planned on going to Urasoe Dai-Koen (big park) so we just headed there anyhow. Its a pretty cool park, I would say one of the best on island.  Reina loved all the climbing, since that is by far her favorite thing to do at parks, followed by swinging and then bouncing on those animals with springs at the bottom.

She still loves gymnastics and swimming, both of which we are managing to keep up despite work.  

Why Not?

Ever since Reina started speaking, my Dad has teased us about when Reina will start asking "why?" Apparently when I was little, I tormented my parents with this question, asking "why" to everything.  Well. It has happened.  Reina will ask "why" or more recently "why not" to everything.  For example, we were driving to another restaurant because the one we were going to go to didn't open until 6pm and it was like 5:15.  So, on our way to the other restaurant Reina asked "why is it closed?"  I explained that there was no one there to cook for us and then she asked again, "why not?"  This held her over for about 2 minutes, when she then proceeded to start the exact same conversation over again. Its like this for EVERYTHING.  I guess we want her questioning things!

Being the "big" kid with Joe (1), Taro (10mo), and Skyla (7mo)

Reina has finished swim lessons, but will continue to do gym on Tuesdays. However she did ask to do gymnastics today and of course, when I told her we only went on Tuesdays, she answered with..."why not?"  We've been busy shopping for plants, gardening, playing at the park, and hopefully going to the beach, although we haven't made it yet.  We had Kaori and Kazumi over (as well as another friend with a little one) and Reina enjoyed being the "big" kid, as when we play with the neighbors she is the littlest.

On the sea-wall.

Tonight we ate dinner in our old stomping grounds; the sunabe sea wall.  It was nice to be back there, eating dinner viewing the sunset.   Of course we're home now, starting the bedtime routine, which isn't nearly as nice as it used to be.  We used to put Reina in her crib after her bath and 3 books, turn out the lights, and not hear from her till 6ish.  Wow were we spoiled!  With her new bed, she has this new freedom, and she has to continually get up and find new reasons to get out of bed...."I need water," "milk," "to go potty...."  It goes on for sometimes an hour.  Then she is out till 7 at least.  Naptime isn't any better!  But, this seems to be how child-rearing goes.  One phase to another.  Some better than others.



We go back to work next week, which is sad as usual.  Chris and I love spending so much time with Reina, and we get to do so many fun things these days.  We plan on stopping by daycare this week, to let them know Reina will be returning and to remind Reina where school is.  I'm sure she'll be excited the first day, and then realize how great summer was!