PJ Day

Caleb and I decided to have a PJ day. We watched movies, made cookies, and built a new train track.

He helps me build the track by trying all the pieces out as I am trying to place them in order.

You can see how focused he is while playing....look at the tongue hanging out.

All Alone

We are getting ready for Shawn's first deployment. He leaves tomorrow and will be home for Valentine's Day. He will be very missed, especially by me. I have promised myself that I will have the boxes unpacked from the spare bedroom (that will be Reilly's room) by the time he gets back. The room is overwhelmed with boxess and "stuff". I am really wanting to get the crib put together and get the baby's room organized. I need to take stock of everything that I'm missing. I know that I need a bouncy chair and a bathtub and a mobile and a floor gym. I had all those items with Caleb, but they made it into our storage items. They actually have a nice baby selection here at the Navy Exchange, so I'm looking forward to going shopping. I need to get a double stroller too and an infant carrier, but I'll probably order that online. I really worry about Caleb with the new baby. He is so use to being the "baby" that I'm worried we are going to see many behaviors that I was hoping were history. I'm hoping to keep him busy after the baby comes with swimming and summer activities, although I have been told that the humitidy here is no weather for a baby....good thing I have a blow up pool to put in the backyard.

By the way, I am looking for any of my girls who have finished breastfeeding to send me their large cover up....the purple cover up....do you know what I'm speaking of???? Please.

Caleb Words

"Please!!" (Meaning: I want)

"No, No, Momma!! Go! Go!" (Meaning: get away from me)

"Cheese" (He only says this when I bring out the camera and he's feeling generous with his time)

Setting up House

This is my new dining room table that I had to buy since my other one was put into storage.....without my consent. It's really nice. There is a leaf extension and two more chairs. And it has the prettiest metal accent in the chairs. I like it.

These are stairs. Some days they seem more steep than other days, but in general I think they are more steep than most stairways.

This is the family room. It seems empty and boring right now because we haven't put up any curtains or pictures yet. And I didn't get my nice big red area rug because again somehow it ended up in storage.....so I'm looking to buy one to put in here.

I'll be adding more pictures soon of Japan and the area. I've actually been getting out a bit more lately with some of the girls I've met here. I went shopping the other day and found Gap and Baby Gap and Ralph Lauren and Coach stores. It's kinda nice to see familiar names. There are many, many little local stores and local fruit markets and it's just like you'd imagine with the older Japanese couple, one chained to the cash register and the other sweeping with one of those short, whisk brooms. I'm not sure if they'd mind if I took a picture or not, but I will get some pics of the store fronts and the crowded streets.

Play wears you out

Caleb had a friend over the other day and they spent the day playing in the backyard for hours. Caleb is learning to share his toys whether he wants to or not. His friend is 5 years old and doesn't let Caleb be the boss of him. The yard is just big enough for all of Caleb's ride on toys and bouncing balls. The best thing is that at the end of the day all the toys fit in the shed. Ok, the best thing is that the yard is fenced in and I can let him play out there without having to supervise every moment. It's great!!

Caleb is finding all kinds of uses for his wagon, including using it as a stepping stool to climb over the fence. (just kidding)

All that playing in the yard really wears out a little fella. He goes into his room gets into bed himself and watches t.v. for a bit and then falls asleep for his nap. He's been sleeping for 2.5 hours a day. He's getting back on a schedule. It's great.

This is Caleb's new room. Almost all of his toys fit in his room. There have been days when I don't see or hear from him for 2 hours at a time because he's in his room playing and watching t.v. It has made for a great transition for me!!! I'm able to get on the computer more and get some boxes unpacked. It's great!!!

Menagerie of Boxes

This is the new place. There are so many boxes. Does anyone really know how much "stuff" they own until they move??? You'd think that we'd know considering we've moved 3 times in the last 3 years, but every place is so different and finding places for all the "stuff" becomes an overwhelming challenge. I can't tell you how many times I've moved the silverware drawer in the kitchen just in the last day...Shawn tries to help by pulling everything out boxes and than asking me, where do you want this?? At the same time that I'm trying to consider how many towels can I shove under the bathroom sink.....and Caleb is in the background shouting, "mom, mom, I've pooped, I've pooped!!!! Organization has become something of the past. There is no time for organizing, just find a place for it and hope that tomorrow when you're looking for it you can remember where you shoved it.

I have been asked so many times, how is Japan, what is Japan like. I gotta tell you, I have no idea!!! I've been beyond the gates of this base twice to a shopping center where everything is written in Japanese. The only words I know in Japanese are "yes" and "thank you" neither of which helps me order food or find the bathroom. I'm very excited to explore Japan; I just don't know when that will happen. I'm guessing that by the time we buy a car, the baby will be here. With Shawn gone from April till June, I don't see much exploring happening. Caleb has been talking with baby Reilly. He likes to lean against my belly and say hi. He says, "Whywee" and calls him brother....very cute!!! He also likes to pull his shirt up and point to his belly saying, "baby". He might be a little confused.

We had our ultrasound on Monday. Reilly is currently 2lbs. 4ozs. and healthy. We have to wait to see our midwife on the 28th for the official word that he is perfect, but the tech told us that he looks healthy and that his heart is four chambered and that again, he's a boy. He was moving a lot during the ultrasound and kept forming his hand into a fist and punching my belly....already I'm being abused.

Moving In Soon

Oh what good news I have. We have keys to our new house!!! We took some things over from our hotel room over the weekend. Caleb loves it!! He already has a dirt spot in the yard that he has been playing trucks in. Our household goods are being delivered on Wed. the 9th. I am so excited!!! I went today to have the phone and cable turned on, what a hassel!!! Our new phone number is 011-81-46-816-2692. It won't be turned on till Wed. I bought Caleb new bedroom furniture that is being delivered on Tuesday. It's big boy furniture....a twin size trundle bed and chest of drawers. I can't wait to put his new room together and than start on Reilly's room. Their rooms are going to match....we are going to keep the Tonka truck theme....

The house is nice. Of course it's not nice like we're use to, but nice that it's ours and that there is room for us and the dogs. I miss the dogs dearly. I'm not sure when we'll be able to bring them over. Both of our new neighbors have dogs. On one side there is a Siberian Husky and on the other side is a bulldog. We have met the one neighbor. They have a 20 month old son and they seem very nice. She has offered to take me shopping. I guess there is an Old Navy Baby store here as well as a large houseware store. They have been here for 3 years and are very familiar with the area. I'm hoping that our next big purchase will be a vehicle. It's a huge hassle to always walk or take a taxi, especially with Caleb. I have not taken the driving part of the driving test yet, although Shawn has and he says that it's sooooo easy. I really don't want to take Caleb with me for my driving test, so I'm waiting till have a babysitter. Can you imagine, Caleb in the backseat yelling, "mom, mom, momma!!" No thanks.

Anyway, We are going to stay here at the Navy Lodge till Wed. Only two more days!!!!

Caution: Beginner Blogger

Hello Everyone,

I know that I have been slow to start this blog (that so many of you have requested), but I am having trouble with the idea of blogging and what to write....I have written many drafts and have not posted them either because I don't have time to finish my thoughts or because it just sounded silly...but I am making a new year's resolution to blog. E-mailing everyone has become a bit overwhelming and I'm always afraid that I've forgotten someone in the mass mailing...which if I have I am sorry.



We have been in Japan now for 3 weeks, 5 Days. It has been a long 3 weeks, 5 days. Caleb has become a very unruly child. He seems to cry all the time and refuses to listen. He spends most of his time in either time out or tantruming on the floor. I don't blame him though, it has been a long 3 weeks, 5 days. In order to get any private time one either has the option of going into the bathroom and closing the door or pretending to be asleep, neither of which is much fun. Caleb has taken the route of closing the shower curtain when he is taking a bath in order to get some private time. His playing area is about 2 ft. of space between the two beds (which has become very boring). It's hard to get outside and play because we have all been sick. Caleb has a double ear infection and I have had the flu and a head cold since we arrived. Things should be getting better soon (they have to!!!) We were told that we have housing here on the Yokosuka Base. It's a 3 bedroom townhouse with a small fenced in yard. We were offered this housing last week only to be told that we couldn't get keys or move in until after the 4th of January because everyone is on vacation.....I can't begin to tell you how long this week has felt. Our 30 day shipment has arrived, but we can not take possession of it until we have housing. We have no idea when our household goods will get here. Things here seem very disorganized, which is driving me CRAZY!!!!



Some good news however is that I have been seen by the doctor who tells me that everything is gong okay with the pregnancy and the baby. I have gained 11 pounds in the last 9 weeks and have gone up a bra size. Baby Reilly is always on the move, especially when I want to lay down for some sleep. Shawn and I have decided on Reilly Aaron as his name, but is subject to change at a moments notice....although we call him Reilly already. The hospital here wants to do another ultrasound because our 20 week ultrasound didn't show a good perspective of Reilly's heart chambers. The midwife has assured me that it is common and occurs because of the position of the baby during the ultrasound. His heart rate is good, so she has no concerns, just wants to be sure. So, we will get to see baby Reilly again in the next week or so. I have been feeling overly tired. I'm sure it's a combination of many things, being sick, not sleeping at night, stress, etc., but other than that I have been feeling fine. It has been a good pregnancy.



I have met a great friend, Jennifer. Her husband works with Shawn and is the Chaplain for the ship. A great couple with an 11 year old daughter and a 5 year old son. They are just a wonderful down to earth family. She has been very supportive and encouraging for me. She has lived here before and has been a huge resource. She has already offered to take Caleb when Reilly is born. I feel very blessed to have met her. Caleb loves her son, John. She has great kids. I'm hoping that they will influence Caleb......



Okay, well I could go on forever that this point. I have so many things to talk about and experiences to share, but Caleb is waking up from his nap and my time is now his!!!! I miss you all. Everyone please keep in touch.