Forrest had his first flight. Lucky kid! We are on our way to explore Japan with the family.
Forrest Takes Flight
Author: Adam
American Day
Every year in Misawa, there is a big celebration of the US of A! This year, all of the downtown area of Misawa was used for the festival. Of course there was Japanese festival food, but this time there was American festival food too (as well as some.. let’s say unique interpretations of American food)! I’m talking churros, funnel cakes, fries oreos, Philly cheesesteaks, and, of course, hotdogs and hamburgers. Bands played classic American hits ranging from Tom Petty to Disney (quite the range!).
Forrest is nearly two months old
Forrest is growing so fast! About an ounce a day, and he’s now over 9 lbs! We are starting to really get to know his personality. Some cool facts about Forrest:
- He loves to smile and laugh. He is starting to coo and interact, even play little games!
- He goes from being totally content and asleep like an angel to suddenly awake and hangry.
- He has more FOMO than you could ever imagine. When we wrap him up and strap him on us when we take him for walks, he will push his head out of the wrap so he can see us and around him.
- He fights sleep. He would much rather stay up and party.
- He does not like to sleep in his bassinett. He very much prefers to be held, rocked, and sang to.
- He is a big fan of Queen.
These last two months have been a rollercoaster. Mom being here was immensly helpful; I actually got to sleep in every morning! Since she’s left, we are adjusting but we are making it work. We take shifts taking care of Forrest at night and in the morning so we can both get a little sleep! Also naps during the day and lots and lots of coffee help too. I will leave you with a haiku.
The sleepless long nights
And exhausted all day long
Worth it for one smile :)
Forrest’s first bath
He wasn’t sure at first, but after a few seconds he realized the warm water is actually pretty nice! Then he kept trying to scoot down into the water 🤦♂️
Forrest is growing
Forrest is so precious. I love everything about him, from his funny expressions to his beautiful smile. He was born so small, but he’s growing so fast! In less than 2 weeks I can see and even feel the difference! It’s time to weigh him and see where we are at!
Hirosaki Castle Sakura
Sakura are in full bloom, and one of the best places around to see it is Hirosaki Castle. This was a big trip with a newborn, but he did amazingly well. Walking through the tunnel of cherry blossoms was absolutely breathtaking.
Forrest Newborn Photoshoot
With the cherry blossoms blooming and our baby just 1 week old, it was time to do a newborn photoshoot. I found a photographer who could take advantage of the cherry blossoms and take Japanese style photos!
These first photos were the ones I took of us in the park.
The photographer said it’ll take about one month for her to properly edit all the photos she took but here’s some preliminaries!
Of all the photos she took, this next one was my favorite!
Towada Sakura Yabusame Festival
Sakura Yabusame is the combination of traditional Japanese houseback archery with beautiful rows of cherry blossom trees in Towada City.
The sakura (cherry blossoms) are blooming right after Forrest is born. This was Forrest’s first outing, and he slept through the whole thing!
Time to Come Home
Finally, it’s time to take Forrest home.
Forrest Fire
Pior Forrest got a fever in the hospital. He needed antibiotics but he got through it like a champ.
We are learning the puzzle that is Forrest. I’ve been learning new skills like how to change a diaper, swaddling, keeping a baby warm, and how to console a baby.
