Cubs Win! Cubs Win!

So a funny thing happened last week. Something I have never seen, most people alive have never seen. And something most people assumed they would never see:

The Chicago Cubs became World Series champions.

What’s this got to do with me, you might be asking? Well, nothing, and a lot of things. In no particular order, here are the ways you have been affected.

1. While you won’t remember it in your adult lives, October of 2016 was a month that was probably not too pleasant to be around papa and was definitely not pleasant for mama. The emotional ups and downs made for a sometimes tense house. This is something (I hope) you will never understand. Already in your lifetime, the Cubs have won the World Series. So let’s assume you become massive, irrational Cubs fans like your father, at least you won’t be 41 years old watching your favorite team compete for the trophy for the first time. Yes, you were too young to see this one, but you were alive. It happened. There will be a DVD, or whatever media is popular for you. It wasn’t in your 41st year of life. Let’s hope you have a much more measured approach to being a fan anyway.

2. You both wore a lot of Cubbie blue this year. For some strange reason when you both were born, I thought to myself I wold not transfer my sports fandom to you. You were not born and raised in Chicagoland. I believe in being loyal to the team you grew up with and undoubtedly that will not be a group of Chicago teams. Thankfully though, Portland does not have an MLB, NHL or NFL franchise..so at least the Cubs, Sox, Blackhawks and Bears are in the running. I’ll be happy if you cheer for the Timbers and won’t be disappointed if you like the Blazers. Just please, no Seattle teams…ok?

3. Not a whole lot of cartoons playing on the TV at night during the month of October.

4. Again, assuming you become Cubs fans (no guarantee of that), there is an identity you won’t have. I am not sure if this is good or bad. Loving something that never quite loves you back is character building. Loyalty is learned. Patience is learned. There’s a payoff at the end, or at least possibility of a payoff that is bigger and better than any lottery win. It’s like moving to heaven after living in hell.

5. It’s not all bad, for the next several months, I’ll be flying high..maybe there’s a few more things you can get away with (Genki, I’m looking at you, just don’t go overboard).

In the end, it’s a good time to say thank you to you both and most importantly your mama who not only put up with me during the month of October, but genuinely got into it. I am happy I could share this happiness with you .

Happy 2 Months!

Time flies, and you are growing fast. Everyone asks how you are doing and people are surprised when we tell them how much you sleep. I don’t know how this happened, especially when I think about your brother, but wow you are a good sleeper right now. We know this can change, but already I think we are happy enough that we have had almost, kind of a normal sleeping pattern since you came home. Mama takes care of you at night, but it’s not like with Genki. You like to sleep and sleep long. Thanks!

 You’re also a good eater and have enjoyed a diet of milk from mama and some formula. This is also different compared to Genki. He was too hungry and too impatient so we had to switch to formula at the beginning. We think you prefer mama’s milk, but anyway, you like to eat (and your weight gain shows this!).

It’s been a busy summer, so that’s why not so much writing here. Grandpa Ray came for a visit to see you when you were born. Grandma Peggy and Aunt Theresa came too. It’s been busy in our house for sure, but now it’s a bit quieter and we can all relax a little and enjoy the rest of summer. The next big thing will be our trip to Japan! Very excited about that (but first you need a passport).

Happy 1 Month Birthday!

Can you believe it? It's been one month since you were born. Even in that short time, so many things have happened to you, you've already grown a lot, and you've had a lot of visitors. What a busy first month!

We also want to thank you so much for being a pretty good sleeper. With your big brother, well, he was a little different. He liked to take a lot of short naps. You like to sleep a little longer. We like that.

You're also a hungry little girl. Mama is giving you her milk and you're getting extra formula too. You drink it all. So of course you are gaining good weight. Already you are finished with newborn diapers (size 1 please!). And you're fitting some 0-3 month clothes instead of the NB size. Good girl!

Every day is a little different, but every day we are so happy to see your cute little face.

Happy Birthday!

Welcome to the world Kiko Rosabella! It took a little longer than planned, and in the end we had to move forward with a C section, but finally you are here!

There is so much to talk about already, less than 20 hours into your life. Mama and Papa are both very tired, and you are too! You're such a great sleeper so far. We know that will change, but thank you for this first peaceful day. We needed that.

You will stay here in the hospital for a couple more days, but we hope by Friday we can take you to see your home. Lots of fun stuff there...and your brother too. He's fun, lots of energy with a loud voice. I'm sure he will wake you up sometimes (and probably you will wake him up too). Grandpa is waiting to meet you.

Today you could meet Grandma and Grandpa Narita on video chat. They were happy to see you. They said you looked like mama. It seems you have my ears and toes. Why is that part of my DNA strong? Genki also has my ears and toes. My eyelashes too. If you are lucky, you will get those too.

So much to say, but most important is simply: Welcome. We've been looking forward to meeting you for so long. In the delivery room, when mama and I first heard your voice, we both cried a little. Such a beautiful sound. We look forward to hearing it more and more. All of our love, all of our hope. Our Kiko.

Let's Get This Patty Started - June 7, 2016

Well Kiko chan, you're not yet demanding your debut, so we are going to help things along this morning. Just like your big brother. We don't know why you both like it inside mama's belly so much, but neither of you are much for coming out on your own.

Of course, mama wanted you to come naturally at your own pace, but now you are nearly 10 days late, so it's better to start your party.

We don't know exactly when we will see your face, but we know it's soon. Can't wait baby bunny.

Late For Your Debut Part 2 - 40 Weeks, 5 Days

So your brother was due on 8/4/13, and finally born on 8/14/13. Due dates are kind of best guesses, and being a week early or a week late isn’t so unusual. But now I am seeing a Buglio-Narita pattern. Why do our kids like to be so late!

Mama decided to paint your name on her toe…maybe a little extra motivation for you?

On the 13th of August, 1 day before big brother was born, I wrote this to him:

So Baby Bear, you're really more comfortable inside your mama's belly? You still kick and play a lot, it must be so much fun in there. Your mama doesn't think so. She feels a little pain every day. Nothing big, just a little. But she wants to see your face. Me too. Grandma and Great-Grandma too. We're all waiting.

And so we are for you. You were officially due on 5/29, so you are not so late, just 5 days now. We also know that things are going to start no later than June 7. There are a lot of people asking about you.

This time, Grandpa Ray is here and of course your brother. We all want to see your pretty face. When do you think you will show it?

make a wish... -2days over from due date

We want to meet you Kiko chan.

Due Date - Where Are You?

So it is officially your due date, but so far no big signs that you are coming soon. We are really anxious to meet you, I am imagining the first time holding you. 

With your brother, everything was new and unknown, but this time I know a little. I know the excitement that happens when we will go to the hospital. I know the nerves that will come as mama starts to have contractions. And I know the indescribable feeling of holding you for the first time.

So, when will that happen? Only you know. But we can't wait to meet you.

Some difference with when I had your brother - 38 weeks

I often can feel pain day by day. Are you ready to come out?
When I had your brother, I did medical induction and c-section. So kind of the day was planned.
So it's almost like my first pregnancy... everyday, every time I feel excited and nervous to think about when the time will come.
Last night also I felt pain more than usual. I thought you were really coming out.
But it seems like you calmed down this morning...

One more difference with you than when I had Genki.
When I got pregnant with your brother, I took a photo of my belly almost every month.
But after I had him, my belly wasn't flat any more.
So I don't record your growth of my belly by photo. Sorry.

I only took one this photo.
Sigh..., are you so big or am I?!

Discuss about the name -36 weeks and 4 days

Today we decided your name finally! 

Still not sure about middle name and what Kanji we use but so far we decided your first name. 

Kiko.

How do you think?

When I and your papa was talking about it, you were kicking my belly a lot.

We think you were joining the discussion. 

I hope you will love this name. 

First gift from us.

Old Man's Birthday - 34 weeks, 2 days

Yesterday was my birthday, but really all I can do is think about yours. Little by little we are getting ready. It's easier this time because we know what we need and what we don't. You will be able to use a lot of things we got from your brother. But not everything.

We got a new car seat for you of course. Also a double stroller so you and Genki can ride together in style. We have some new clothes for you. Some new bottles. 

We even made a small but important adjustment to your room. It was the room of a baby bear, but now will be home to a little bunny.

We are really excited, less than 6 weeks to wait!

This is Your Brother - 26 Weeks, 1 Day

Your brother Genki, holding a bunny.

This is your brother. His name is Genki. By the time you make your debut, he’ll be almost 3 years older than you. He’s your big brother, and that is a big job.

I also have a younger sister, your Aunt Theresa, so I was (am) a big brother too. I know it is a big job and I know the good things and bad things I did. I will try to tell him to be a good big brother, but that might be difficult. Big brothers have very hard heads. They don’t listen usually. But they have big hearts, and I know he will always try to protect you.

Of course, girls are smarter, so with only 3 years difference, it won't be long until you are smarter than him. This happened to me too. Aunt Theresa is 5 years younger than me, but soon after she was born, it was clear: she would be smarter than me.

That’s cool though. That’s a good team. Genki has heart and strength, you have heart strength and smarts! I hope you always work together. I know brothers and sisters sometimes fight and argue, but always remember, he’s your brother and he’s on your team.

Welcome to our family! - 24 weeks, 16 more to go.

Nice to meet you Bunny-chan. I'm your mama.

And welcome back to our family.
You came once before, but maybe the room was not cozy enough for you. So you left soon.
Thanks for coming back. We are super happy.
How is it this time? Big room? Warm? Your bed is comfortable?


We named you "bunny chan" but I was thinking it was wrong. We named your brother "Genki" before he was born because he moved so powerfully in my belly. And we realized it was wrong after he was born because he is a crazy boy. You need to get ready now to be strong against this boy after you're born. Now you move a lot in my belly too, but not so crazy like him. But each one of your kicks is so strong! Like a bunny.

That's why I was thinking we picked the wrong name again. Maybe we should have picked a calmer name?

Well, don't worry. It's not your real life name. We are still thinking of the real one.

Last month we had our last meeting with you before you come outside. We saw you move and yawn and bring your hand to your mouth. I feel sad that I can't meet you anymore. until your birth, but it's only less than 4 months away.

Again, thank you for choosing us and coming to our family.