Family reunion & Sakura's 1st trip

１８日から２２日までジョシュの実家のミネソタに遊びに行ってました。去年から計画されていた「家族大集合」のイベントというか集まりがあったので。親戚も集まったので、全部で８０人ぐらいいたのかな。
これから毎年一回、こうしてミネソタで集まる機会を設けるみたい。
さくらにとっては初めての旅行でした。車で片道６時間の道のり、途中休憩しながらだったけど、特に問題なく行きも帰りも大丈夫でした。

Just last week, we headed to Minnesota for a family reunion. (Only about a 6 hour drive with Sakura feedings intermixed in.) It was the Hanson reunion (Josh's great grandparents both of whom have passed). The reunion was on the 20th where about 76 people attended. Prior to the reunion, my immediate family had a photo shoot with Karen Thompson Photography at my parents house. We used to have reunions around Christmas time, although many families became more & more busy with life, we put them on hold for a while. They will try to have once a year from now on. It was a first for at least three of the newest members to the family. Sakura Jasmine (our daughter), Shepard Riley (my brother Jared & his wife Mary Grace's baby boy) & Noah Kenneth Drange (my cousin Paul & wife Stephanie's baby boy that happens to have the same B-Day as Sakura). We also introduced Sakura to the rest of the immediate family that hasn't met her in person until now. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip! See you again soon!

A walk around Heartland of America park

今日は天気が良かったので、皆でオマハの公園に散歩しに行ってきました。ちょっと暑かったけど、気持ちが良かった。
お家に帰ってからは、リラックス。
今週木曜日からジョシュの実家のミネソタに遊びに行きます。

Today, we (the whole family) went for a stroll around Heartland of America Park, just east of downtown Omaha. It was a beautiful 78°F (25°C) as we walked the boys around the park while pushing Sakura in the stroller. We then headed for home, had baked salmon for dinner and relaxed together. This week we will be heading up to Minnesota for a family reunion. It will be Sakura's first road trip. It is only 5½ hour drive to see the family. We will also be introducing Sakura to the rest of the family that hasn't seen her in person yet. It should be a great time!

Our third anniversary

今日は結婚３周年でした。プレゼントに結婚式の時に持ったブーケのお花を買ってきてくれました。
ジョシュは午後は半休だったので、お家で映画をみたりとリラックスして過ごしました。あっというまの３年だね。これからも宜しくね、ジョシュア君。。。

This past Sunday, we brought Sakura & the boys on base to walk around the parade grounds. I was able to leave work early today as it was our third anniversary. I gave Takako a bouquet of Oriental Lilies. Quite romantic as she carried white lilies down the aisle, three years ago today. We relaxed at home and just enjoyed each other's company, with Sakura & the boys. Takako even made banana cake & fruit salad with annin dofu. Earlier this morning, Takako recorded a video asking Sakura, "Who wants to drink milk?" (See the embedded video for the Japanese way of saying it.)

The Farmer's Market, relaxing at home & almost our 3rd Anniversary

この時期になるとファーマーズマーケットがオマハのダウンタウンで開催されるので、先週の土曜日に行ってきました。
さくらにとっては初めてのダウンタウン。野菜を購入した後、アップストリームで朝食を食べて帰宅。その後はお家でリラックス。
ジョシュはデービスとクロと裏庭にある公園で遊んでました。
先週の月曜日からはジョシュは仕事に復帰しました。
先日は、桜花という日本食レストランに行ってきました。実は来週、結婚３周年という事で外食。
美味しかったけど、日本食は家でも作れるし、家で作った方が節約になるから、、ジョシュ的にはもう日本食レストランには行かない、、らしい。。

It has been a busy week. Last Saturday, we travelled to the farmers market in the Old Market area of downtown Omaha. We brought the stroller as this was Sakura's first time downtown. We bought just some vegetables and then had breakfast at the Upstream Brewing Company. We then headed home to relax the rest of the weekend. We took some photos of a bird outside the back door, Takako took a pic of Day-bis, Kuro & I near the swings in the park behind us. Then Josh went back to work on Monday. It was his first day back since Sakura was born. (I very much enjoyed the one month away, spending quality time with family.) Then, just yesterday, Takako & I headed for Sakura Bana Japanese Restaurant. We thought that we can celebrate our 3rd wedding anniversary just a little early. Plus we were able to bring Sakura to Sakura Bana as they share the same name meaning 'cherry blossom'. It was pretty good, but we can make Japanese dishes just as good, if not better at home for less $.

Sakura is one-month!

さくらが生後一ヶ月たったので、写真を撮りに行ってきました。日本だとお宮参りにあたるんだけど、お宮参りに行けないので何か記念にと言う事で写真にしました（お宮参りの洋服は日本にいる母親が送ってくれました）まだまだ日中も寝てる事が多くて写真を撮る時に起きててくれるか心配でしたが、何とか無事に撮り終えました。

Ahh...Sakura's one-month photos. What a beautiful day to head to Oak View Mall, a photo studio named, The Picture People. At the beginning, she was not cooperating but what else can you expect from her at her age. We ended up giving her 3 oz. of milk, then everything was good. She did a great job from then on. We only chose two different outfits, one from Grandma Hideko (typical clothes worn at the Miyamairi) and a pink/light blue, 2 piece jumpsuit. The pictures turned out very good. We ended up purchasing 4 framed picture collections and some 5x7's. After all, there is only one, one-month photo shoot.

Grandma & Grandpa meet Sakura

先週の木曜日からジョシュのご両親がさくらに会いに遊びに来ました。数日でしたが、さくらの面倒をみてくれて助かりました。
ジョシュのお父さんの事を大好きなデービスはずっとお父さんの後を付いて歩いていたっけ。

Grandma & Grandpa just left about an hour ago. They had been down in Branson, MO for a small getaway then on the way back to MN, stopped to visit us and meet Sakura. During the visit, we went down to Plattsmouth for lunch & they were able to get some antiques in a small shop. We also just relaxed at home, as they wanted to get to know their new granddaughter, Sakura. It was an enjoyable visit, and we will see them again, along with the entire family, next month for the family reunion. We are looking forward to it!

(Another video of Day-bis, he doesn't like goodbyes.)

Jen's visit

木曜日からジョシュのお姉ちゃんが遊びに来ました。さくらの世話をしてくれたりお風呂にいれてくれたり、数日でしたが、色々面倒をみてくれました。数日だったけど本当に助かりました。ありがとうございます。お姉ちゃんの所は４人子供がいてそのうち３人が女の子。使わなくなった洋服を沢山、持ってきてくれたんだけど、どれも新品みたいだったっけ。

This past Thursday, Josh's older sister, Jen came down to visit us in Omaha. She is the first family member able to see Sakura Jasmine in person. Jen & hubby Dean have 4 kids of their own, Elizabeth, Heidi, Soren & Annika. While Jen was down here visiting, Dean had to take care of the kids, some of whom were a little under the weather. We were able to video chat while she was here. We also had Jen show us a little bit on how to bathe Sakura the 'professional' way. She also brought about 5 laundry loads worth of baby girl clothes. Thank you again, Jen, for coming to visit, spend some time with us & once again, thank you for the clothes. We will see your family very soon.

Day-bis & Kuro → Meeting Sakura + Day-bis is 3!

５月３日はデービスの３歳のお誕生日。お家でお誕生日会。お誕生日プレゼントは、大きなピーナッツバター味のお菓子。クロにも小さめのお菓子を用意しました。
そして、今日初めてデービスとクロにさくらを紹介しました。病院から帰ってきてからデービスとクロに正式にさくらを紹介してなくて。
デービスもクロもさくらの近くにいって匂いを嗅いだり、舐めたりしたかったみたいだけど、ジョシュが必死にデービスとクロを押さえてたっけ。それはまだできないものね。
今日の夜は、ジョシュの家族や、私の家族、そしてお友達とビデオチャットしてさくらを紹介しました。

Day-bis turned 3 today. We were thinking of what to get for him as a birthday gift. We decided on a peanut butter flavored, organic bone treat. We couldn't leave Kuro empty though so we got him one too. (Just a little smaller.) Also tonight, was the first introduction of Sakura to her big brothers. They really wanted to get close to smell/lick her, however we needed to hold them back. (She was sleeping at the time and we didn't want to shock her with a Pug-lick.) All went well, we were also able to get a quick family picture out of the night. We even got in a couple of video chats with family & friends. Another day down, many more to go with our growing family. Endless memories to create!

Introducing...Sakura Jasmine

４月２８日午後６時１４分に女の子が誕生しました。名前は「さくら•ジャスミン•ドォールティ」体重は３８２７グラム、身長が５２センチ。まさかこんなに大きな女の子が誕生するとは思ってなかったんだけど、９ヶ月検診では先生が「多分、３２００グラムぐらいの子が産まれるよ」って言ってたんだけど、臨月に入ってからの私の食欲がすごくて、一気に体重が増えたせいか、赤ちゃんの体重も一気に増える結果になってしまった。でも、母子ともに健康で、今のところ産後のトラブルもなく順調です。
木曜日には退院するので、お家で待ってるデービスとクロもさくら•ジャスミンに会えるのを楽しみにしている事でしょう。
この世に産まれてきてくれてありがとう、さくら•ジャスミン

She is here! We have waited a long time to meet and the day has come. Happy Birthday Sakura Jasmine! She joined us in the world on 28 April 2009 @ 6:14 PM. She weighed in at 8 lbs 7 oz (3,827g) & 20.5" long (52 cm). She just wanted to stay inside the womb, as she was nearing 41 weeks. Mom & beautiful daughter are doing wonderful. They both had quite a journey! We should be able to check out of the University of Nebraska Medical Center tomorrow morning to introduce her to Day-bis & Kuro. (It may take a while to get used to since Day-bis & Kuro aren't really used to babies.) We love you Sakura Jasmine!

5 years together & now, nearing the end of April

先週の水曜日に、チューリップと、キュウリとトマトを植えました。去年、チューリップを２本植えたんだけど、何者かに、茎から切られて盗まれたんだよね。今年は盗まれないといいけど。
２２日は、ジョシュとつきあい始めての記念日で、５年目を迎えました。ピザを作ってお祝い。思っていた以上にピザが大きくなっちゃったけど、美味しく頂きました。週末は、家で手巻き寿司、ジョシュはカッパ巻きが大好きなんだよね、安上がりでいいけど。
出産予定日はとっくに過ぎてるけど、赤ちゃんが産まれる気配はまだないんだよね。でももうすぐ会えるはず。

Last Wednesday, we planted pink tulips, a cucumber plant & tomato plant. Two days later, we made it to our 5-year mark of being together (24th to be exact)! My how the time flies. The weather was so beautiful, we almost set a record for the high. It reached 89°F (31.6°C). We made a pizza in the A/C and celebrated together, at home with the boys. The following day we made sushi at home. Delicious and yet fairly inexpensive. We are still patiently awaiting the arrival of our baby, we never know when the arrival will come. Quite a month!

The Zoo

土曜日、天気が良かったので、オマハ動物園に行ってきました。オマハ動物園は去年の１月にも行ったんだけど、その時は、雪は積もってるし、外はマイナス気温だし、寒くて外に動物はいないし、、、でも今回は暖かくて沢山動物が見れました。
約３時間ぐらい園内を歩いたんだけど、いい運動になったっけ。

Yesterday, the beautiful weather prompted us to head for Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo. The last time we went, was January 2008. The weather was so frigid, we just stayed near the indoor areas. We were finally able to see the outdoor areas this time. Three hours later, we headed home as Takako was tired and needed to lay down.

Beginning of April, already?!?

週末、天気が良かったら動物園に行こうと思ってたんだけど、土曜日、日曜日と天気が悪く、日曜日は朝から雪が降りました。もう４月なのに雪が降るなんて。でも積もる程の雪じゃなかったけど、何より久々に動物園行きたかった。
東京は、桜の花が開花ということで、母親が桜の写真送ってくれました。綺麗だよね。お花見したいなって思っちゃいました。
デービスとクロは、キャベツを食べてご満悦な様子でした。

We thought, if it was a good weekend, we may have headed to the Henry Doorly Zoo. Well, the weather didn't cooperate. Saturday was cold and Sunday was worse. It started out with a dusting of snow until about noon then just cold & rainy the rest of the day. What a way to welcome April in. In Tokyo, Hideko has been taking photos of the cherry blossoms. She sent us some pictures as we miss the Spring time in Tokyo. Day-bis & Kuro had a great weekend, lounging on Dad's lap and eating cabbage that Mom gave them.

Ready for the Baby

最近、クロは自分の部屋からぬいぐるみのガールフレンド、フロッピーを外に連れ出す事が多くて、そんなに気にいっているならと、背中に乗せてみました。
私の出産も一ヶ月をきり、やっと編みかけてたおくるみが完成。本当はお花のステッチをつけなきゃ完成とはいえないんだけどね。でもなんとか出産前に編み物が終わって一安心。
日曜日は天気が良かったので、デービスとクロを連れてベースに散歩しに行ってきました。風がちょっと冷たかったけどいい運動になりました。

Here we are, at the end of March, within one month of the birth of our first baby. Last week, Kuro wanted to show us how proud he was of his girlfriend, Floppy. Takako finished knitting a yellow blanket, Day-bis & Kuro helped Dad get the baby's room in order. Skyped with Jared, Mary Grace & Shepard earlier this afternoon. Another lovely day here in Nebraska, some may have said that it is too cold (60°F). We went for a walk around the Parade Grounds on base, stopped at Panera for some bagels and returned home to wash the vehicles. Now just relaxing, once again, at home with Day-bis & Kuro sleeping in their beds.

First haircuts

今日、デービスとクロの毛を剃りました。夏前に一旦綺麗にしようと思ってね。でもデービスもクロも毛が長くて剃るのが大変でした。本当はもっと全身剃りたかったけど、背中の毛を剃るだけで精一杯、あまり毛を剃る事に時間かけちゃうとデービスとクロにも負担とストレスがかかっちゃうから、背中の毛を剃って終了。かなりガタガタになっちゃったけど、４週間から６週間で毛が生えると言う事なので、しばらくの辛抱、でも洋服着せちゃうからあまり剃った事、分からないんだけどね。

Today when Josh got off work, Day-bis & Kuro got their first haircuts. We wanted to shave them all but since their hair was thick, we just shaved their lower backs. We also felt they were getting stressed out since just their backs took about 30 minutes as Josh was holding them, Takako shaving. It should grow back in about 4-6 weeks. Maybe for their second haircuts we will go all the way. We put their sweatshirts on so it doesn't even look like they had their haircut.

Chris, Jill & Bo's visit

先週の木曜日の夜中にジョシュの妹夫婦＋犬がミネソタから遊びにきました。私のお腹を見たいと言う事で。妹夫婦が飼ってる犬はジャーマンシェパード、名前はボー、生後６ヶ月。６ヶ月に見えない大きさなんだけどね。デービスは、ボーにビビりまくり、腰はひけるわ、顔はひきつるわ、自分からボーに近づいて行かないのよね。クロはたまにボーに向かって行くんだけどやはり怖いらしくて、でも時間がたつにつれて犬同士、慣れてきてたっけ。とにかくボーは可愛い。
金曜日は家でリラックス。ランチは日本人の奥さん２人が（お子さんも）チャイナバッフェに行くと言う事で、私達も妹夫婦連れてそこでランチしました。楽しい時間過ごせました。
土曜日は、天気が良かったので、ダウンタウンにある公園に犬連れて行ってきました。本当に天気がよくて、犬達はきっと暑かったと思うけどね、お日様に沢山あたったので、私達も犬達も夜はぐっすり眠れたっけ。
日曜日の朝、妹夫婦＋犬はミネソタに帰りました。とても楽しい週末を過ごせました。

Last Thursday evening/Friday morning Chris, Jill & Bo travelled to Bellevue to visit us prior to the baby's birth. It was also a meeting of the cousins, Bo meeting Day-bis & Kuro. Bo is their, just a little over 6 months old, German Shepherd. Quite different from our Pugs. For the most part, they got along just fine. It just took some 'getting-used-to'. Day-bis would put on his 'I'm invisible face' and Kuro would act tough sometimes, but at others hide by Josh or Takako. Friday we ended up relaxing at the house, watching quality TV programming (Dog Whisperer), acquainting the dogs and ended up having cold ramen & spring rolls for dinner. Wonderful. Saturday morning, we woke up, ate some bagels, fresh fruit, coddled eggs & cold cereal then headed north towards downtown Omaha. It was such wonderful weather, we needed to bring the dogs for a walk around the Heartland of America park. It was a perfect day to be outside. Headed back home to get ready for Bibimba later that night. This morning they packed up the vehicle after a breakfast of waffles, fresh fruit & cold cereal. We have been relaxing since we saw them off. They arrived home safe & sound. We enjoyed their company.

Wes & Vicky's Bellevue visit

先週の木曜日にジョシュのご両親がミネソタから遊びにきました。私の出産前に私の妊娠姿をみたいと言う事とお腹を触りたいと言う事で。
デービスとクロを連れてベースに散歩に行ったり、ダウンタウンオマハに行ったり、家でリラックスしたりしました。
最初の２日間はとてもいい天気で半袖でも大丈夫だったけど、後半の２日間はとても寒くて、温度差の激しい４日間でした。
あっと言う間の４日間でしたが、とても楽しい時間を過ごせました。
今年の６月後半に今度は私達がミネソタに行く予定です。

This past Thursday, Wes & Vicky came down to visit us. The last time we met was last July. They wanted to see Takako pregnant before she gives birth next month. Takako was able to have them feel our baby kicking/punching/moving. We went on base, walked Day-bis & Kuro around the parade grounds, took a stroll downtown Omaha's Old Market, and relaxed at home. We ate everything from bibimba, mabodofu, Japanese curry-rice, curry & naan. (Just to name a few of the dishes.) During the first two days, the weather was great as Thursday = 73°F & Friday = 59°F. Then it went down to near freezing (32°F) for the last days. We all had a great time visiting, relaxing, enjoying the company. We will see them again in June!

Happy 2nd Birthday Kuro!

今日はクロの２歳のお誕生日。クロはしっかりしてるからまだ２歳かって感じだけど。去年のお誕生日にガールフレンド（ぬいぐるみ）をあげたんだけど、数日でそのガールフレンドの目はなくなり、耳もかじられ、無惨な結果になりました。で、今年はどうしようとジョシュと相談したんだけどやはりガールフレンドが欲しいだろうと思って、お誕生日プレゼントはガールフレンドにしました。名前はフロッピー。
フロッピーとは長い間、つきあってくれるといいんだけど。クロ、お誕生日おめでとう！

Kuro's 2nd birthday, already?! We can't believe that he is already 2! He has been such a good boy this past year. For his 1st birthday, we bought him a spider monkey girlfriend named "Spicy". Within about a week, her eyes were gone and he was starting on her ears. We sure hope he treats his new puppy girlfriend with respect. Her name is "Floppy"! Day-bis is sure proud of his brother getting older.

Surprise Baby Shower

今日、奥さん達にベビーシャワーをやっていただきました。ベビーシャワーとは「出産前祝 パーティ」の事で、日本では、赤ちゃんが誕生してから贈り物などを送るけど、アメリカでは、まだ生まれてないうち(約出産2ヶ月前頃)に 友人や家族などと一緒にお祝いをする習慣があるのね。生まれてからだと 色々 大変って事で。でも全くベビーシャワーだと気がつかず、今日は２月生まれのお誕生日会と聞いていたので、てっきりお誕生日会だと思って行ったら「お誕生日会とベビーシャワー」でした。
で、ベビーシャワーと一緒にゲームもしたのね。
まずは「お腹周り当てクイズ」皆が私のお腹周りを当てるってクイズ。お腹周りはどれくらいかトイレットペーパーを使って当てるのね（私のお腹周りはこのくらいかな？って思う長さにトイレットペーパーを切って一番近かった人の勝ちってゲーム）
次は「「赤ちゃんの顔」ペンと白い無地の紙皿を頭の上に紙皿を乗せた状態で、私の指示通りに赤ちゃんの顔を描いてもらうゲーム。見てて難しそうだったっけ。で、私が思う赤ちゃんの顔を書いた人の勝ちってゲーム。
最後は「ベビーフード当てクイズ」瓶詰めのベビーフード５種類あって既にラベルは剥がしてあるのね、それを私が食べて当てるってゲームなんだけど、かなり難しくて、額には汗が。
今日のベビーシャワーはサプライズで、本当に驚きました。そして奥さん達におむつや、おもちゃ、ブランケットや洋服、その他色々頂き、本当にありがとうございました。

Today, Takako met with seven other Japanese wives for a potluck. She didn't realize it was going to be a February birthday party for the members and...a surprise baby shower. In Japan, 'baby showers' happen after the baby is born, then gifts are given. They played a couple of games after the potluck. First, a tummy-size check where they each would go around with a roll of toilet paper thinking how many 'squares' Takako's belly is. Next was to draw the baby's portrait on a paper plate while it is on each of their heads. Takako got to choose the winning drawing. Lastly, Takako needed to try five different types of baby food and guess the flavors. No labels, just taste...if she gets the wrong answer, she needs to keep eating until she guesses correctly. (Tough game!) She did receive many gifts from the wives. To name a few, baby wipes, diapers, blankets, toys & clothes. She had a great time and was very surprised.

Once again, a relaxing weekend

週末は特に変わった事もなく土曜日は、お昼過ぎからお買い物。新しい運動靴を買ってもらいました。運動靴持っているんだけど紐靴で毎回、紐を結ぶのがめんどくさくというかお腹が大きくなり始めてるので、しゃがむのにも一苦労で、で、紐靴じゃない運動靴を買ってもらいました。デービスとクロにはお菓子を買いました。
日曜日は天気が良かったものの、風が冷たくて、でもデービスもクロ、ジョシュもお散歩に行きたそうだし、私も散歩しないと体に良くないので、ベースに散歩しに行ってきました。でも寒かった。
今週の火曜日に近所の家族が、ニューヨークに引っ越しをするのね、昨日、奥さんが挨拶にきてくれたんだけど、やはり別れは辛いね。私が、大泣きしたのは言うまでもなく。。。。。

Recently we have been spending our time relaxing around the house with the little boys. Takako, Day-bis & Kuro may take a nap while Josh plays video games. Yesterday we did a little shopping for some things we needed/wanted around the house. Since Takako is almost 32 weeks along, she has noticed that bending over to tie her shoes has become cumbersome. Josh bought some slip-on shoes for her. Today we walked the little boys around the parade grounds on base and to get some exercise. It was about 34°F, a bit on the chilly side. Back in the neighborhood, our next door neighbors will be leaving this week for New York. He retired from the Air Force just this month and his wife has been a wonderful friend for Takako to chat with about vegetables and crafts. Takako will miss her.

Happy Valentines Day

久々に金曜日の朝、雪が沢山降って、多分１５、６センチ位、積もったのかな。デービスもクロも外で走り回ったりして楽しそうに過ごしてました。クロは相変わらず雪を食べてたけどね。
土曜日はバレンタインって事で、家の近くにできた「テキサスロードハウス」ってお店にお昼ご飯を食べに行ってきました。メインが出てくる前にスープやパンなど食べちゃったから既にお腹が一杯だったけど、ステーキ美味しかった。
で、バレンタインって事で、久々にバレンタインチョコを作りましたっても簡単なチョコフレーク。後、前々からジョシュが欲しがってたギネスのコップも一緒にプレゼントしました。デービスとクロにはお友達から教わった犬用のクッキー、しかも特大版を作ってあげました。ちょっと薄焼きおせんべいというかナンみたいになっちゃったけどデービスもクロも喜んで、ムシャムシャ、バリバリ食べてました。
で、私の出産まで後１０週間ちょっととなりました。お腹の赤ちゃんが、男の子か女の子か聞いてないのでというより、ジョシュが「性別はきかない」と言うので仕方なく聞くわけにもいかず、私は聞きたかったけどね。だって赤ちゃんの洋服、黄色とか白色とか無難な色しか買えないんだもの。でもって去年の１２月から赤ちゃんのおくるみも編んでいるんだけど、まだ半分しかできてなくて、急いで仕上げないと。でもこのおくるみも黄色の毛糸で編んでいるんだよね。どんだけ黄色が好きなの？って感じだけど、でもジョシュは黄色が好きなのよね。日本にいる時、黄色のスカイラインに乗ってたものね。初め見た時、ヒヨコカーかと思ったっけ。

Yesterday we had about 8-10" of snow here in Bellevue. We were shocked since the weather has been wonderful. Day-bis & Kuro enjoyed the snow, Kuro ate it right off of Dad's shovel. Today, to celebrate Valentine's Day, we ate lunch at Texas Roadhouse. We were already full by the time the steak arrived. It was delicious. Takako made Valentine snacks with Frosted Flakes covered in chocolate. She also gave me a set of 4 Guinness pint glasses. She also made cookie/treats for Day-bis & Kuro, the large kind. If you didn't already know by now, Takako is due in less than 10 weeks. We don't want to know ahead of time whether it's a boy or girl, we just care that he/she is healthy. We do have lots of yellow and green clothes/onesies. As you read in the previous post, Shepard RIley is doing well. Takako has been knitting a yellow blanket for our baby since December. Hopefully she can get it finished by the due date. Come to think of it, Josh likes the color yellow. As you may recall, he had a yellow Nissan Skyline in Japan. Takako remembers it being about the same color as a baby chicken.