Mia is getting bigger, and that means that her toys are getting a bit boring for her. Also, when we went to several play dates the past couple of weeks, I got a lot of great ideas on things that she would like...and other kids would like when they came over to our place. Now, I know it seems like we are shopping maniacs, but really we aren't. We bought everything here for half the price that it was selling for...so we are always looking for a discount on things that we want/need.

Anyway, just to give others an idea of things that we like right now.

New playmats for the floor. We rearranged our apartment a bit, and this meant that we wanted to put something over the hard floors to make it more comfortable. So, we found these and pieced them all together to give us some more cushion.

...and this is what happened. These playmats double as puzzles so Mia is constantly ripping them apart. I'm not complaining though because it keeps her busy for quite a while.

A slightly better picture of the mats before Mia took them all apart.

A Leap Frog toy where you touch the picture and it says the word or makes a sound (we have a similar Japanese toy, so I decided to get her an English one too), a felt taco/burrito set which she loves playing with, and a little caterpillar made up of gears. Two Melissa & Doug toys.

A Pocoyo track with little racing car, some Sesame Street coloring/sticker books, and animal magnets from Melissa & Doug. We were debating weather or not to get this Pocoyo toy, but we saw that it was Bandai...and figured it may be something different for her to play with. We do not regret getting this toy at all as she loves chasing the little car around the apartment (though it goes really slowly...and Mia sometimes yells at it...she may have anger issues...haha)

We are constantly throwing out moldy bath toys....our bathroom is a mold trap. So, we got this cute camping bath toy as well as a bunch of new squirt toys. We will save the squirting toys for when her other ones are unusable...basically back ups. We also got this stupidly expensive penguin toy...which does nothing...all because this is the only toy that Mia picked out. She calls all penguins Ping, and when we tried to put the toy back on the shelf she kept saying Ping! Ping! So, yeah we went ahead and got it...and she insisted on carrying it around for the rest of the night. We also picked up these Minnie ears for our trip. I'm sure much cheaper than at the parks.

We also bit the bullet and got this new Samsonite suitcase. I did a bit of research on the best suitcases and this one popped up on a few lists. I was so happy to find it at TJ Maxx for a lot cheaper than what it usually sells for...granted Ten wasn't too excited about the color...but I like it and it was the only one they had.

 In other non-shopping related news, Mia had her 15 month checkup today and she is the picture of health. The doctor said that she is absolutely perfect on the growth chart, and she is still in like the 90th percentile for her age. We also had to get two shots today which wasn't too bad. She only cried for a few seconds and then the doctor handed Mia a Minnie Mouse sticker, so they were like best friends after that.

When we got home Mia insisted on wearing her sunglasses. So, she sat on the couch munching a Popsicle watching a bit of TV while I worked on dinner. I should have gotten a picture of that, but you can get the idea from this.

Thanks grandma for the Minnie shades!

 I also got two really great things in the mail today. I know that this is super exciting for you to read about, but you know loyalty points? I actually saved up enough through Huggies to get this book/bear gift set. I submitted my points like a week ago and was super surprised to get it in the mail today. Mia wasn't too impressed with this book when we checked it out once from the library (a bit too old for her), so I'm tucking it away for Christmas.

Also, I got this in the mail from Dunkin Donuts. I get a free drink for my birthday. I honestly don't like Dunkin Donuts...way too sugary for my taste...but free is free folks...so I will be stopping by here this weekend.

Baby's First Easter

Today I finally finished my Easter shopping (mostly)! I still have some things to buy for a special someone and have to get things for dinner obviously, but I have finished shopping for Mia's Easter basket.

I really struggled with what to get an almost one year old for Easter. She can't really eat candy, and a lot of those great outside toys like jump ropes would be lost on her. I'm also a strong believer that an Easter basket shouldn't really cost more than $20....So, those were the things running through my mind.

So, after many a night browsing online shopping sites here is what we decided to get her. I think she will be pleasantly surprised come Easter morning.

Easter Basket from Target

Four T-shirts...including this Yo Gabba Gabba one. Very cute

Bath Toys from Target

Playskool Weebles Spring Basket

Yogurt and Fruit Pouches (instead of candy)

Fisher-Price Little People Easter Eggs (She plays with the Little People whenever we go somewhere that has them, so I'm guessing this will be a hit.)

Yo Gabba Gabba Bath Time Fun Bath Buddies

200 Pit Balls from Wonder Balls for her Pack 'n' Play

Dokinchan Doll

Shokupanman Doll

So, I obviously went a smidgen over my original $20....but there were just too many cute options, and no one was there to talk me down from over spending. Can you really over spend on your baby though? (don't answer that please).

I cannot wait to see the look on her face when she wakes up on Easter morning. It will be one of the best parts of this month!!

My New Love....

I have found something that I absolutely love...now not more than the Duggars, but definitely more than let's say...meatloaf...and I really love me some meatloaf.

I have fallen completely in love with...wait for it...the...DICTIONARY. Seriously...who knew there was so much information in it. I'm only half joking. We all know what the dictionary is...but have you ever took the time to look up words in it. I'm not talking about when you have to because you are filling out a form or because someone uses a big word that you don't understand and want to look it up in case they drop that word bomb again....but just to really understand the meaning of a word. Well this is something that I have been doing lately. Whenever I read a book and come across a word that is common and used very frequently because of its positive connotations...then I go ahead and look it up and write down what it means...crazy you may say...but to me it has been really entertaining...and a great learning experience.

So, here are some of my favorite words and definitions:

Discipline: Now I looked up this word because it is Ten's favorite word to use...I mean like ever...he is always talking about discipline and how everyone needs it...sounds scary....but let's look at what it means....training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character....hmm...yeah...maybe everyone could use some more discipline in their lives.

Family: two or more people who share goals and values, have long-term commitments to one another, and reside usually in the same dwelling place....I kind of like this definition of family...I in fact love the part about shared goals and values...because that is what makes a successful family!

Courage: mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty....I think using this definition...we may no far more courageous people than we believe.

Diligent: characterized by steady, earnest, and energetic effort. Hard work isn't just about doing the work...but it is also about doing it energetically...hmmm...maybe there aren't enough diligent people today.

Anyway, the next time you write a greeting card or send out an email like this...

Bill you are such a hard worker and we are happy to have you with us.

Wouldn't it sound better to say this...

Bill you are a steady, earnest, and even better...an energetic worker. We are happy to have you....etc...

So, let's all bust our dictionaries and put words to good use.

Catching Up

I can't believe it has been over a week since I've last posted something! Things have just been so hectic around here...and exhausting...I am so beyond tired...even with an 8 to 9 pm bedtime. So here is a little bit of a catch up on what we have been up to.

First, things are going fairly smoothly with our move so far. Mia has received both her Japanese and American passports and birth certificate. Also, her Social Security card arrived at my mom's house a few days ago, so she is ready to fly out whenever. Ten has his visa interview at the embassy on July 11, and then he should get his visa in a week or so after that. So, if all goes well we could be out of here around the 19th or so....but at the latest it could be around the 25th...either way it looks like July will be when we are leaving...so once again we will be flying or moving around the time of my birthday! This has happened every year for the past 4 years! It's kind of too bad for me...hahaha...but that just seems to be the way it always works out. 

Also, I recently had a bunch of things sent to me from the US, and I got them all yesterday.

I finally got Mia's bedding in. She hates sleeping in her bed, so Ten and I thought maybe making it a little bit cozier might help the situation....and I have to admit...these are just so cute that it makes me happy to look at them.

Here are some thin blankets that she can use for both the summer and winter. I absolutely love the goldfish print. Goldfish remind me so much of the summer time, and you can find lots of cute goldfish patterns here in Japan...so I was happy to find these blankets!

Here are her crib sheets. Little owls sitting in a tree. Also, on the bottom you can see her fairy blanket. The back side has cupcakes on it...so sweet...This blanket is mainly for the winter though since it is four layers of muslin.

I also went ahead and started getting some things that I think will be useful for the plane trip to NY. We will fly business class, so it really won't be that bad...but I still needed a few things.

On the left is my new changing pad from Fisher Price...this thing is great. My current changing pad is too tiny for Mia now...and this one has a place to hold wipes and comes with little disposable bags for diapers...great choice Sarah! Also, on the right is a 31 bag from my sister. It's really cute, and I may start to use this as my diaper bag....it might be a bit small for the plane though so I might have to bring a small carry-on.

Some Clorox wipes to disinfect seats and tables on the plane since those things are never cleaned and some more diaper sacks...and no I'm not a germaphobe...but we do have to be a bit more cautious since Mia is a preemie.

Magazines for me...though I'll actually read these before we go I'm sure...hahaha. I love O Magazine by the way...probably my favorite.

Supplements for Ten...also not related to the move...but he just "needed" them...hahaha.

I've also been in a mad scramble to try and finish my Sports Nutrition course...and it has totally paid off...I only have one more essay to finish...and then I will be sending it off to be graded next week. So, I will be DONE...what a relief!! 

So, I had to find a way to keep Mia occupied while I typed up about a million essays...so I did what any good parent would do...turned on the TV....and you know what her favorite shows have been so far.

Not sure if you can see it...but Anpan Man...Keeps her entertained for like 20 minutes at a time...which is a lot for a 2 month old.

And you know what her all time favorite show is.....

...The Real Housewives of New Jersey...not even kidding. She can watch this for like an hour straight! And, what's even crazier...she will start talking like crazy. I've never seen anything like it. Ten's says that we should be worried about her expectations growing up...She will probably demand a BMW for her 16th birthday...so scary...She also has a lot of leopard print clothes and zebra striped outfits that we dress her in...so it is also probably our fault...and my sister's for buying her all of those clothes.

Anyway, I think I've went on for long enough right now...so I will dive back in to the mountain of laundry that I have and piles of dishes...that way I can move on to more exciting things like going through closets in order to prepare for the move...FUN! --please note the sarcasm :o)

Things I'm Loving Right Now

Rosemary and Mint- This scent is my new all time favorite. I'm using Rosemary and Mint shampoo and conditioner....and I am so in love. It wakes me right up in the mornings. I also just picked up a hand wash in this scent and can't wait to bust it open.


aiden + anais- We got two of these blankets as a gift for Mia....and they are so soft. They are also really cozy and warm without overheating baby. The designs are so simple and cute. I'm about to bust out Ten's credit card this week and purchase a few more things for Mia (read myself...haha). I cannot recommend this company enough... :)


Home Organization Binders- I am beyond pumped to make my binder. I've been reading up on them from a lot of different sites on what to include in making one....this is like the ultimate in list making and planning...so right up my alley!! I will also have a ton more to plan for...three adults, two kids, and lots of fun...so we will need to be very organized.


Proverbs 31- If I feel lazy I just flip over to Proverbs 31 and read about this perfect yet attainable image of how a woman should be....it really helps motivate me to get a little bit extra done. This may seem a bit old-fashioned...but I really admire the Proverbs 31 woman...in fact, she is like my new obsession...right up there with the Duggars....that means...yes, I'm even reading books dedicated to  the topic.


Homeschooling- No...we are not planning on homeschooling...well not exactly...but Ten and I have talked about how great we think homeschooling is. To be honest...and not to offend any of my teacher friends...but I don't have a lot of faith in the public education system. Also, I do have a university degree and taught English...so I could do it...and we could customize the material....but in the end...it isn't really that socially acceptable. However, I have decided to use some of the curriculum with my nephew when we move to the US...and with Mia we plan on doing it during summers....fun learning for a couple of hours each day is better than sitting in front of a TV....in our opinion.


Suntory Oriental Blend Tea- I grabbed a bottle of this yesterday while we were in the checkout lane....it's a blend of oolong and jasmine tea with some other things mixed in....I could drink this stuff all day long....sad I only grabbed one bottle!! May have to ask Ten to make a run to the grocery store for more.


The Godfather- I had never watched this series until recently. I always started and stopped it and just couldn't get into it. Well I was determined to make it past the first half hour the other night and now I am addicted to it. I have finished the first two...so I will be lost when I finish the third one. It's always sad to finish such a great movie...because then other things are such a let down.


Walks- I don't get to leave the apartment very often. Rainy season with an infant makes that almost impossible...but when the rain does stop I am very appreciative of the bit of movement I can squeeze in.


Skype- I used to think I was wasting a lot of time on Skype...but now with nursing in full swing...there are times I can't do much else. Had a lot of fun today talking to my grandma about the gossip going on back home...and then making fun of Ten with my sister and mom...LH didn't mind.... ;)


Adoption- This isn't really something we are thinking about doing right at this moment, but it is something we are keeping in the back of our mind. With two difficult pregnancies (one miscarriage and one premature baby), we aren't quite sure if we are willing to go another round....so, this may be a great option for us...but like I said...lots to think about here.


Anyway, please forgive the typos and odd grammar and what not...great thing about a blog is that it doesn't have to be perfect.

Cherry Blossoms are Here

One of my absolute favorite times in Japan is cherry blossom season. They have finally bloomed near our apartment, so here is a quick look. Pics are from my phone, so not the greatest.

They are truly impressive every time they bloom.

MLB at Tokyo Dome

Last week, the Mariners and A's came to Tokyo for their Opening Game. Ten and I went to the Boston/A's game 4 years ago and had a great time, so we got tickets as soon as they started selling them.

Here are a few random pics of the game....Ten has a bunch on his phone that are way better but oh well.

First, they did the opening ceremony (pics above). They brought out the U.S. and Japanese flags and did a tribute to the victims/volunteers/survivors of the earthquake. This was really nice, but it really was quite a downer. For the rest of the game between innings they also did something earthquake related.....showing images, people speaking, etc. I kind of think MLB was off on this decision. It just made the whole atmosphere so gloomy and depressing. Those of us living in Tokyo definitely have not forgotten March 11, so I wasn't sure why we needed the constant reminder. I think most people wanted to have a good time and escape reality a little...not relive it.... anyway rant over.

Our seats were actually really nice, and we had a great view of the field. However, they had no backs!! Oh Lord I thought. In all honestly, we only made it to the middle of the 6th inning before I was too tired and we had to leave. Ten was also exhausted since he had just gotten back from Hong Kong a few hours before, so he didn't mind.

I think the funniest part of the game was that none of the fans were cheering for a particular team...instead they were just cheering for Ichiro...haha. I mean it was nice to see him play (since he probably won't be for too much longer), but it was so hilarious that he was the only one to receive any applause. We felt kind of bad for the rest of the players.

Other aspects that I love about baseball games in Japan...the food they sell. Curry, ramen, bentos, etc. It is amazing that people eat these things in the packed seats without spilling it on their neighbor. I so would have made Ten get me something if I hadn't been so tired. ;-)

Also, maybe the most exciting part was that Ten almost caught a ball! He just barely missed...and probably would have gotten it if he hadn't had the camera in his hand....really sad.

Overall, the experience was kind of bleh this year. It was fun, but not quite the same as being back home and cheering for your home team. However, a night out is always a good time! 

Yoga Time

I am so happy to be up and moving around again. The ankle is definitely on the mend, so today I decided to start a regular exercise routine. Me and the husband used to be gym fanatics, but the past year has been so hectic so we didn't have the time to go....and no this isn't an excuse....hahaha. We absolutely love the gym!

Anyway I've always wanted to try yoga, and I'm told that this is one of the best exercises to do during pregnancy. Not only does it help keep you in shape, but it also helps prepare for labor and delivery. So, I ordered this DVD from the U.S., and I absolutely love it.

I always thought yoga would be too complicated to do without an instructor, but with this DVD that's not the case. I love all of the poses to increase balance and improve breathing. Really fun and doesn't feel like that much of a workout to be honest, especially when they remind you to smile while doing different poses...haha. Also, I'm glad that this video will be good for after the baby comes as well.... :)

There are so many pregnant gals in my family right now and tons of people that I went to school with are pregnant too. I'm really curious to know what kind of exercises everyone is using or has used during their pregnancies since this DVD probably won't be enough of a challenge.

Let me know here or on Facebook please!! :)

Saturday

Our doorbell was ringing non-stop today!! All in preparation for the holidays....kind of...First, we received a package of food from Ten's mom. This had to be the most random assortment of food that we have received...a bag of sugar? hmmm....Also, we received yet another giant bag of rice. We are now up to about 15+ kg (30+ lbs) of rice. We seriously have no idea what we are going to do with all of this rice....no idea....we are also a little bit confused as to why Ten's mom keeps sending these massive amounts of rice....very nice of her though...and we won't go hungry this winter....haha

Oops! One package is upside down...oh well.

Literally five minutes later, the bell rang yet again. This time we got.....

...our new futon set. I have no idea why I am so excited about this. I love new futons....just love them. I wanted to rip it open and take a nap, but Ten reminded me that it wasn't even 9 a.m. yet....I should also mention that Ten's mom ordered this especially for my family's visit to Japan....extremely nice of her!!

Finally, maybe two minutes later...the postman was back at our door (kind of wonder why so many people from the same office deliver the boxes...can't they just consolidate it??). Anyway, Ten and I had no idea what else we could be receiving....but....

...yay!!...our Christmas gifts from the U.S. The packages say from Santa....but maybe, just maybe...they are from my mom. Ten immediately started eating the deer jerky that she sent...yes, that is right...deer jerky...did I mention I am from the Midwest? But, it is the best thing ever!!

There were so many cute packages in the box...and so many good snacks....we can't wait until Christmas gets here...and yes, we will wait...one year, we opened it up the day we got the box...Christmas Day was so disappointing after that...hahaha.

Now completely changing topics...lunch today...a taste of home...hahaha. We haven't eaten anything BBQ style in a while...so pulled chicken sandwiches today...really easy and so good.

I cut up 4 cloves of garlic and a small onion and threw them in a pot with two chicken breasts along with a cup of water and a cup of BBQ sauce. I boiled it for 15 minutes and then shredded the chicken while continuing to boil the sauce. Threw back in the chicken and boiled for 15 more minutes....Done!! Also, I wish I would have taken a pic of the awesome baked pork Ten made today....I'm sure we will be eating it again this week though....so until then....

Finally, (another change of subject....) I did a bit of shopping. The drug store is one of my favorite places to shop....hahaha

Eye masks and face masks...Ten kind of complained about whether it was necessary to get them...but then I quietly reminded him of how he secretly (well not so much now) uses them too...silence....hahaha

Anyway, just the highlights of our Saturday. Kind of long, but I figure it makes up for all of the days when I didn't type anything...haha...and as I am scrolling back through this blog entry, I must say that we are both lucky to have the parents that we do...we never have to go without...even as we are nearing the end of our 20s... :)