Sista in Tokyo

My 4 Thoughts on the Dark Girl Preview

If you haven't already viewed the Dark Girl Preview, stop reading this and watch the short preview below now.

 

Dark Girls: Preview from Bradinn French on Vimeo.

I just watched this preview with my six month old daughter, who would definitely be classified as a 'light skinned girl'. 

Here are four thoughts on this:

1.  It makes me sad, as I can certainly relate to some of the women to some degree. I've heard the, "You're pretty cute.... for a dark girl" several times. Ha!  This line embarrasses me for the person who says it.  It's a backhand compliment from someone who doesn't know any better.  I just forgive them and keep it moving.

2.  It makes me motivated. Motivated to protect my daugter from this nonsense as much as I possibly can. Though, I'm not naive enough to know that I can protect her from everything stupid people say. 

Recent example, "Is she your baby? Why is she a different color from you? You're dark." I was recently asked that question by yet another person who doesn't know any better. 

3.  It makes wonder and question why, why does this still matter?  I've heard a lot of racist stuff my thirty years of life.  Some towards me, some not.  I've learned how to pick my battles and keep it moving.

4.  Finally, this video makes me so very thankful that I come from a family of beautiful and confident women.  My mother taught me the importance of having high self-esteem that comes from within, not the type that needs validation from others. 

This is a true blessing; one I intend to pass on to my beautiful daughter.

(Thank you mommy, I love you.)

I'm curious to hear your thoughts on the video.

Toodles!

 

 

This Video is Makes Me Say, kawaiiiiii!

Lately, everyone has been asking us when we're leaving Japan for good.  The plan still hasn't changed :), we're leaving before Baby K is school-aged... probably. Next stop, Hawaii or wherever the Lord leads us.

I realized I rarely share with you the things I love about Japan anymore.  Living here has become so regular and normal that I hardly ever feel motivated to share stuff with my folks back home anymore.  I'm going to change that by regularly sharing things with you that I like or find interesting here. 

On the flip side, when I am back in the US, I am more likely to snap a photo of something of something to share with others when I return to Japan.  Funny.

Anyway, I stumbled across a video that just tickles me for a few reasons. 

1.  It's so cute.  It's just makes me say 'kawaiiiii' in my most authentic high-pitched Japanese voice!

2.  It's so weird.  But, weird things kind of make sense here in a weird sorta way.

3.  It's so Japan.  I say that because it's one of those songs that you'll hear in a convenience store, on a shopping trip, or if you're lucky, at karaoke with friends.

4.  I want an ichigo (strawberry) hat for Baby K, she would look so cute in that!

Now that I've hyped it up, have a looksy :).

 

3 Years + 5 Months + 8 Random Things + Water Bottles = So Much to Be Thankful For!

 


(Don't you just love the the title of this post?) 

Yesterday we celebrated our 3-year anniversary and Baby K's 5 Month birthday!  Can't believe I've been a wife for three years, who would have thought?  Actually, I would have.  But, people often tell me they didn't think I was the marrying type because I was so career-driven.  Eh? ;) That just goes to show, just because a young woman is about her business doesn't mean she can't and won't settle down.  She's probably waiting patiently for someone who's all about HIS business to come along, so they can handle their business together.  Okay, that's enough sentences with 'business' in it, hehehe.  You get what I'm saying!

Anywho, our little angel is 5 months old and boy, is she a joy!!  Oh how we love her so much!  She's an active little something and so cuddly wuddly!  Always climbing trying to get somewhere.  She smiles and laughs all of the time.  She rolls over, and she knows how to use her voice to get anything she wants.  Yep, we love her to peices.

Mommy Daughter Portrait

We are fine.  I am writing this brief post from my in-law's home in Oregon with my lovely little Baby K sound asleep at my side.  G is still in Tokyo, missing us :) and we are truly missing him.  It's been a long and intense past few weeks, but things are beginning to get back to normal and we hope to return to Tokyo at the end of this month.

I truly appreciate everyone's sweet messages and prayers.  With the excepton of a minor inconvenience it caused our family, we are fine.  However, the Tohoku region is not fine and my guess is that it will not be for some time.  The Tohoku region holds a very special place in my heart, as I considered Sendai my "Japan Hometown" since I attended Tohoku University.  I am still in disbelief over what has happened there.  Please, keep the region and victims in your prayers as they begin to get their heads around it all and attempt to rebuild.

3 Months Already and We can't Imagine Life Without Her :)

 

Happy Birthday my love!!  You're already 3 months old today!!

Mommy and Daddy love you bunches and bunches!

2.5 Months and 10 Thoughts on Being a New Mommy in Tokyo!

Sheesh Louise people, where has the time gone?!!  I mean seriously, I didn't think time would fly by so fast.  My little angel (and angel she truly is) is almost three months and I am still in a state of euphoria over it all.  G and I really are PARENTS, doting parents I must admit. 

Baby K has us both wrapped around her tiny little pinky toes and we just can't get enough.  She is truly a treasure in so many ways!

Here are a few thoughts on being a new mommy in Tokyo!

1.  I see why people have multiple children. Yes indeed, I understand completely.  While I was pregnant (and even while giving birth) it was pretty tough for me to understand why people did this over and over again.  But that was all before Baby K's first smile, laugh, cry, poop, blink... (Yes, i love my child.)

2.  Finally, we've reached the point where I am able to get things done around the house.  I'm feeling pretty good these days, as I can clean, take care of Baby K, and cook (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and still have a happy little one. Yay!!

To Be a Wife and a Mother.

 

I am slowly figuring out my new role as a mother.  I still can't believe I am one!  It's quite challenging learning how to communicate with and take care of a newborn. But, I am so thankful to be a wife and a mother. 

I snapped this photo of my two loves... 

My Birth Story

Alrighty!  Finally, I get to share my birth story.  I tried to be as candid as possible **caution** it's a long one!.  Here goes...

Tuesday November 30th was a super slow and lazy day for around the house. I spent most of the day in my pajamas, talking to friends and family back home, taking care of random admin things for our home and watching movies on iTunes. The day was beautiful, only I didn't feel like going out because I was super tired. G called around 4PM and told me he was going to take a break from work. I suggested we walk to the dry cleaners together to drop off some items. We walked and talked about Baby K's upcoming arrival and about how excited we both were.

G returned to work and I returned home to cook dinner and I did some light cleaning around the home. G arrived home around 7:30PM and we had dinner.  While we were both relaxing, me on the couch attempting to stretch out my back, I felt a contraction that felt way more different than before. I thought there very well could be something to it, so I suggested to G that he begin timing them. The look of excitement on his face was priceless, he was so excited!

And so it began...

The Day My Life Changed Forever!

My baby arrived December 1st and it was such an amazing experience!!  I can't wait to share with you all!  My baby girl is an absolute doll!!  I look at her constantly!  I love being a mommy!!  I can't believe she was the little human in my belly!!!  It's absolutely unbelievable!

I arrived home from the hospital this past Monday after a stay of five days, which is pretty standard here.  I had a wonderful stay at the hospital resting, connecting with my baby and being pampered by the fantastic staff of Sanno Hospital, along with my husband and two moms (my mom and G's mom) who arrived last Friday.  (It literally felt like I was at a resort with round the clock service... and the food was FANTASTIC!!)

The post-natal care I am receiving here has been remarkable.  I am breastfeeding and so far so good!  The hospital staff was surprised that my baby began gaining weight so quickly on day 4 :).  She's a great nurser.

I'm working on sharing my birth story soon (draft is written).  Haven't decided yet if I'll be sharing photos on my blog, I'll have to pray on it.  Privacy is very important, especially with little kiddies.

Anyway, all is well.  I feel great and with my two moms here taking care of me, my home, and helping with the baby, the past week has been wonderful.

More to come!

 

38 Weeks: Insomnia & The Final Countdown!

[The above video is especially for AHS Band members and cheerleaders!  Who doesn't love this song?  I mean really?]

Whoever said babies slow down and don't move as much during the final weeks of pregnancy have yet to meet my little baby!  It's like she's saying, "Slow down?  Who little ole' me?  No ma'am, I'm just getting started! Watch this mommy!"  [cartwheels and flips in the womb]

We had our doctor's appointment yesterday and all is well.  She is positioned pretty low and the doctor continues to encourage a lot of activity and walking to encourage labor.  The nurses monitored her for about 30 minutes to see if I was experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions yet.  No contractions, however they said she was very genki! :) That's my girl!

Let's see what else... She loves when G talks to my belly and rubs it, it's so cute!  It's like she knows it's her daddy paying her close attention.  They already have a sweet daddy and daughter bond.  Yep, he's already a wonderful father, it makes me tear up. How blessed we are.

How am I these days?  Ummmm, well I can't sleep so I'm just an insomniac pretty much.  But that's okay, I'm fine with that.  I watched the "Sound of Music" today and spent time working on my start-up.  I'm just taking it easy, resting, and talking to my belly all day.  Good times... Good times...

My sweet precious tiny baby will be here soon and then I'll get the chance to hug her and hold her close to me all day (sigh).  I'm so happy I get to be a mommy!