Our Christmas Miracle

Well, it has been way too long since I have updated my blog. Christmas is upon us, and we have been busy decorating, baking, wrapping, and most importantly, being together. Since I last posted, Olivia has changed so much. She is two weeks shy of four months, and she weighed in yesterday at 11 lbs 11 oz. She is exactly 5 pounds bigger than she was when she entered this world. After my post at her two month, we were not in the clear like I thought we were. We had some very tiring days and frustrating times when we didn't know how to help her. But, now, she is imitating our funny faces, rolling over a few times front to back, and having fun just watching her crazy brothers. In the last week, she has really focused on them, and follows them throughout the room wherever they are. They laugh at her, and she laughs right back at them. She is grabbing at toys and loving her hands. She could stare at them all day, as long as they are not in her mouth. We think she may end up being a thumb sucker. She is sleeping every night swaddled with her miracle blanket in the bassinet (although she is not going to be in it much longer). She sleeps from about 9:30 pm to 5 or 6 am. No complaints there. She is a great sleeper. Olivia still takes Prislosec and is on a special rice formula, thickened, which seems to help it stay down more than it comes up. For the most part, she is Happy.

We enjoyed a great Thanksgiving with our Michigan cousins, and since then, we have been decking the halls and preparing for the season in our new home. Since we lived in a 1400 sq ft apartment in Japan, I decided I was going all out this year. I have four Christmas trees throughout the house. The favorite one is the Woodlands tree in my dining room. We are in the Pacific Northwest, so it seemed appropriate.

Last year at this time, we had no idea that Olivia would be our "Christmas Miracle" this year. It wasn't until New Years Eve that we found out I was pregnant. After going through a miscarriage the year before right after the holidays, I was scared and anxious throughout the beginning. Every time we went to the dr. I closed my eyes and prayed that there would be a beating heart. Finally, at 8 weeks, we heard it. So, we breathed a huge sigh. The next huge miracle came in April, when we stood in the dark room with the ultrasound tec and waited to hear that the baby's heart, lungs, brain, legs, toes, hands, fingers(you get the idea) were all normal looking and healthy. Now that we truly believed the baby was healthy, we waited for the next piece of news..."I do believe it is a GIRL.." were the words we both heard, as Brian squeezed my hands a little tighter. I will never forget that day! The sadness and pain from a year before was completely replaced by a feeling that I can't quite explain. Our family was going to get bigger, but this time, it would be a little girl. Olivia is truly a gift, and we are blessed! The boys have so much they want to teach her, and I am sure, there are things that I would rather they not, but then again, they are her big brothers, and she is going to do what they do. I tell them all the time that they have an important job in being good role models. I have to remind them that being a good role model does not include armpit farting, burp contests, and sword fighting. I am scared to think what MY little girl will do when she is older.

As for Brian, can I just add that I have never seen him so taken by anyone EVER! I seriously have to take a ticket to hold her when he is home. I have heard him say that he could stare at her for hours if he could. It has been a long time since we have had a baby in the house, and you do forget what a Miracle they are. He will not let her go out with out combing her hair. He actually takes an interest in her clothes, and has a say in what he thinks she should wear. And we all know that the world of clothes with little girls is sooooo different than little boys.

We hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas! With a nine, six and 3 1/2 month old in our house, ours will be joyous and full of excitement! Patrick has been doubting the big man in the red suit lately, and I am just not ready to give in. I remember my first Christmas when I made the discovery, and it just wasn't the same. There is a spirit of Christmas that is truly magical, and I think all of us, even adults, want to "Believe" in that. Peace and happiness to you all!!

So worth the wait!

Well, people told me it would happen....it finally did happen. Olivia is now a much happier baby, and her happy times far outweigh her unhappy times. I think it got way worse before it got better though.

Brian had a leadership school to attend in Newport, RI for two weeks at the end of October/beginning of November. I was not looking forward to him being gone that long because it was very hard to listen to Olivia cry all day with no one to give me relief. I can tell you that I was in survival mode the first week he was gone. That week, I took Olivia to the doctor because I figured something had to be wrong- there had to be a diagnosis for this crying. I was tired! I was losing my patience as a mom, and I needed someone to tell me that there was a specific reason. She was sick, or uncomfortable, or SOMETHING! Well, she screamed at the appointment so loud that the Doctor could barely talk with me. She checked her out, and told me she looked perfect. I was thankful for this of course. No one wants to go to the doctor and find out there is a health problem with their baby. The doctor then looked at me and said, "It is obvious that she is in the 5 % of babies with extreme colic." This is colic where nothing works to soothe them. Her acid reflux medicine was not really working. She still screamed all of the time. So, knowing I was alone at home since Brian was gone, her doctor prescribed Olivia a sedative/bowel relaxer. I know- HORRIBLE mom! What mom gives their baby a sedative to make them sleep. Well, until you have walked in someone's shoes who has had a baby like Olivia, Please don't pass judgement!! :) She assured me it was safe if I chose to use it in a critical time. I came home that night and things got BAD. I was skyping Brian and he saw how bad. At that point, he called in the Nana patrol, and thankfully Nana was on a plane basically the next day to help with poor Olivia. I did end up giving Olivia half of the dose of the sedative to relax her and make her more comfortable. She slept for me, and we got by until Nana arrived. She hasn't had it since- actually we threw it out shortly after Brian returned. My mom stayed a week until Brian returned, and it was exactly what we needed. It took both of us to care for her, but by the end of the week, she turned two months, and we actually took a car ride where she didn't cry. She was starting to have happy moments. She was starting to cry less.

I have never in my life been tested as I have been over the past two months- Olivia's first two months. She is a GIFT, and we know that she will do great things because she got all of her unhappiness out in her first two months of life. I can't tell you how exhausting and difficult it is to have a baby who cries all of the time. People don't know how to react out in public. They stared. They asked if she was hungry. They wondered if she was sick. I will never again look at a mother with a crying baby and ask any of these. Just kindly smile, and say, "This will pass! She's beautiful even when she cries though!" I remember a Safeway checkout lady told me her son was the same way, but it passed, and he became her happiest child and nicest, kindest man in his adulthood.

Now, we see the happiness, the laugher, giggles, and smiles. She is a JOY, even when she does cry. Her colic is not gone completely. She has her moments, but she is not even three months yet, so she is still just getting it out of her system. She handles it better, and we can comfort her and know what she needs now. She still has to be swaddled at night for bed- thank goodness for the Miracle Blanket. She also has to have her white noise. The hairdryer has become her favorite thing! Olivia still has her acid reflux, but her medicine seems to be doing the trick because she doesn't cry when she spits up anymore. We'll take the several outfit changes and lots of spit up for a happy baby. Goodness gracious...we all know Olivia certainly is not hurting for clothes. She gets to wear 3 outfits a day, so it's fun for me :)

Thank you for all of your thoughts and well wishes during this difficult time. It was always nice to take a break, get onto the computer, and read facebook or e-mails telling me it woud get better or that we were being thought of. It was worth the wait..because her smile is just PRECIOUS! The boys love her soooo much, and they are having a blast with her now that she responds to them. We look forward to sharing more of her milestones with you, but just wanted to share some pictures and let you all know that LIFE IS LOOKING UP!

It Wont Be Like This For Long

So it is a good night in our house when it is 6:00 and Brian is home, dinner is finished, and homework is done. Bonus today- I even got the boys' sheets washed and put back on the beds. Wow! I feel accomplished! I heard this song playing on the radio today, and I had to rush home and find it and post it to my blog. IT WON"T BE LIKE THIS FOR LONG! This is so true, and means so many different things right now.

To say that times are very trying right now...well, that may be an understatement. Olivia has been diagnosed with Acid Reflux and it is pretty much making her miserable 24 hours a day. We have thought all along that she is colicky, but after doing countless hours of reading late at night, I have come to realize that she does indeed have Acid Reflux and has most of the symptoms that are pretty much making her cry all of the time. As of now, the doctor has switched her from Zantac to Prilosec, and we are waiting to see if this one works. That Zantac didn't work at all. Eating and sleeping are horrible for her because after she eats, it just burns in her little tummy. Then sleeping is bad because lying down makes it worse. We have found one little bouncy seat that she is sleeping in when she finally does decide to sleep for an hour or two. I think she hates the carseat because it pushes on a certain part of her tummy that causes it to hurt. Arching her back gives her relief, and she can't do that in the carseat.

I am exhausted each day, and by the time Brian gets home at night, he takes over and does the same thing I have done all day- hold a very upset, miserable, little baby. Next week will be tougher because Brian will be gone again. It is awful because we can't seem to comfort her. I was actually asked to take my baby ouside a store the other day by another customer. She said, "maybe you should go outside.." If I had had any energy, I would have turned her in to someone, but at that point, comforting my poor baby was more important.

In between all of this crying, we have managed to catch some smiles and the start of some cooing. The boys take advantage of every second that Olivia is happy. If she isn't crying for a few minutes, one of them will say, "Look- she's happy!!" I can only imagine what it will be like when she is 4 or 5 months old and playing with them- they will be so thrilled.

So, this brings me to my post title. IT WON"T BE LIKE THIS FOR LONG. Every day, I think about the 3 or 4 month point when most babies outgrow their reflux and colic. I find myself wishing away these most precious days and wanting the first three months to be over. I find that I don't have time for pictures and Olivia hates to have her clothes changed because she has to be lying down and that hurts her. So, I don't take the pictures like I did with the boys. I keep reminding myself that it won't be like this for long...before we know it, Olivia will be going off to preschool. I can't wish away this time.

Yes, it is difficult right now and tiring, and frustrating...but, we have Olivia. She is healthy (except for a little underdeveloped digestive system that needs time to mature) and strong, and we can hear her cry. I read too many blogs where babies are sick or never even survived, so it is so important, even amidst the crying, to remember that it won't be like this for long. She will outgrow this phase and be a happy baby soon enough.

One Month Old!

On September 3rd, Brian and I woke up at 4:30 in the morning and left for Harrison Hospital at about 5:20 am. As soon as we arrived, they began the prepping for getting me ready to deliver via c-section. After having been through two c-sections, I felt somewhat calm, yet still very anxious. After having gone through nine months of pregnancy and talking about our baby girl, there is a sense of anxiety that I felt, wondering if she would be healthy and free of complications. At about 7:30 am, Brian and I walked into the cold and bright operating room, where they proceeded to give me a spinal. It took forever for the meds to work on me. The dr. kept poking me with needles and I could still feel them. Finally after about 15 minutes, it worked. I was drugged and the surgery could begin. I can remember them saying they were starting, and then within minutes, baby Olivia Grace Nowak was born at 8:12 am. Dr. Bohanen said, "Wow, she is your tiniest baby yet!" And she was!! Little Olivia weighed 6 lbs 11 oz and was only 17 inches long. The boys were both in the 8 pound range, so she looked so petite, so tiny, but so perfect!!!!

Today, Olivia is exactly one month old. It has been a tiring month, but Olivia has brought so much happiness to our family. The boys can't get enough of her, and they have been so good with her, even when she cries (or should I say screams). It is funny watching Brian with a little girl. We went to the store the other day, but before we could leave, he took her upstairs. When they came back down, I asked him what he was doing. He replied, "Combing her hair... I can't take her out without her hair combed." I just had to laugh- he wouldn't have done that with the boys.

Unfortunately, Olivia is colicky and does spend a lot of her days and nights crying. We know that one day, she will wake up and smile as if to say, "I am ready to face the world!" For now, she is still trying to figure out why she had to be taken from the warm and comfortable tummy and be brought into this cold and scary place. Her favorite place to be is sleeping on our chests.

At one month old she:
is still in newborn clothes
weighs 8 lbs
smiles in her sleep all of the time
hates the carseat
finally loves her bath
doesn't cry anymore when she gets a diaper change
loves to lay on the bed and stare at the ceiling fan
only goes about 1 1/2 to 2 hours between feedings
gets about 1000 kisses a day from from her brothers (mostly from Matthew)
is the Apple of her daddy's eye!! I have to fight to hold her when he is around!! :)
Has completed our family and makes us so happy every day!!

Pause the music on the playlist on the right hand side before viewing the video

Anticipation

Before I begin, I just want to say to my friend Dana (who recently became a mom of twin boys) that I have stolen this song off of your blog. I love it, and I think it does sum up how I feel right now about my family as we get ready to welcome our newest blessing.

We are less than three weeks now from becoming a family of five. I can hardly stand it any more. The anticipation of meeting our little girl and having Brian home is so exciting for me and the boys. "The Boys". For the past nearly six years, they have been "the boys" and I don't think that will change. They are not "my kids". They are always, "My boys." To me, a mother receives a special gift when you give birth to a boy. I can't do their hair or dress them in cute little dresses, but my boys have taught me more in their lifetime than I ever thought possible. Watching their bond as brothers throughout the years has been the most rewarding part of having them. They truly are best friends. Is it something we did as parents? Is it their personalities? I don't know what makes them click, but one would be lost without the other. Sure, they fight. Feelings do get hurt. They even have differing opinions over many things. But....they are brothers who look out for one another, feel each other's hurts and worries, and share a bond that I hope continues throughout their lifetime.

That brings me to the next part of this post....A Little Girl. I can tell you that I have never envisioned our lives without a little girl. I remember a facebook post I did back in the fall. It was a list of 20 interesting things about me. One of the things I wrote was..."I long for a little girl to join our family". Well, we are so close now, and she will make our family complete. I don't know why I have always wanted a girl, but I have. I just can't imagine not having one. She is already a lucky little girl to have two older brothers to protect and look out for her. She will most certainly have them wrapped quite quickly I'm sure. I can remember shopping for prom dresses and my wedding dress with my mom. I still talk to my mom almost every day. I know the bond between a mother and daughter is different than what I have with my boys, but I am just so happy to be able to have both. And...the bond is already there. I think it was there from the moment the radiology tech told me us was a girl.

I have watched Brian with both boys, from birth until now, and he is an incredible father to them. Although his job takes him away a lot, Patrick and Matthew never doubt his love for them. They never think they are being cheated. I think it is because he does such a good job with them when he is here. The anticipation is building to see him with a little girl now. I don't think he really realizes what he is in for. After all, he has boys, and that is all he has known.

So...I am ready. The C-section is scheduled for September 3rd in the morning. Brian is due to arrive home the night of the 2nd pretty late. We're just lucky that his instructors in Hawaii have allowed him to come home early. Please keep us all in your thoughts and prayers... that we all will be safely together on the 3rd, and the surgery goes smoothly with the arrival of a healthy baby girl.

Our New Home!

Well, since we are settled and really getting use to our new home, I figured it was time to post some pictures. We love it, and it fits us perfectly! The boys are having fun with all of the space after living in a tiny apartment on the 5th floor in Japan. We have plenty of room for visitors, so anyone wanting to see this beautiful area (and of course see us!) is more than welcome to come stay with us.

When we moved in, we didn't have to paint anything. Everything was as is, and as you can see, our furniture and decor is perfect for this house. This is the first of many moves with the Navy that this has happened.

"Home is where the Navy sends you..."

It's late, so this won't be long. We are in our new home in Washinton in the town of Silverdale. After three shipments of household goods- one main, one storage, and an express shipment, we are settled! We finally have it all. Well, maybe not everything- not until our dog Jazzy comes HOME to us in August. We've been without her for almost three years. For a dog, that is a long time, so during our time overseas, she has undoubtedly aged, but we are looking so forward to having her as part of our family again.

We are trying to find our new normal and routine here, as we look to new experiences and new friends and make the best of our summer here, without Daddy and away from great friends we left in Japan. Every move brings uncertainty, and both boys have experienced that this time.

This is home for now, and I can't think of a more beautiful place to be. I know the rain will come, but for now, we are enjoying the most beautiful blue skies, while listening to our waterfall in the backyard as the deer come to nibble on the plants.

I will post pics of the house soon. Good night from the Pacific Northwest.

Sayonara Japan.. and a new chapter of life...

Hello faithful blog readers. I am sorry there hasn't been anything for you to read in a while. Let's just say that as soon as our stuff got packed away, headed on a slow boat to the Pac Northwest, life here has kind of stopped as we knew it. I think once your home is pulled apart and packed away, your mind is gone with it. That's how I have been feeling lately. We are so close to getting to Washington, that I have mentally pulled away from Japan and started looking forward to a new life in the states. As you know from my blog, we have embraced Japan and we will always have wonderful memories of this great country that we have called home for two years. But...... to be completely honest, I am a USA girl and that is where I belong. Brian returned last week from a conference in Bremerton, WA (about 10 miles from where we will call home) and he said when he stepped off the plane in Washington, the first thing he noticed was the smell of crystal clean air. Ahhh, I can almost smell it now. To be able to read the signs and understand the language. To be able to step into a store, try something on, get the right size, take it to the cash register, purchase it, and have it put in a bag for you to take home right then and there.....simply satisfying.

We have found a home, purchased a car, and we are eagerly awaiting the arrival of our baby girl. She will make her grand appearance sometime in early September. We are all so excited to meet her. We have all sat on the couch and have felt her move and kick us. The boys love this. It is so much fun to have the two boys at the ages they are because we can talk about the baby. They understand everything. They are not toddlers anymore, so they have had fun watching me grow and watching my belly move when she's active. The picture I have added is her for some of you who have requested belly shots, but for the most part it is for us to have and look back and remember. She was of course, "Made in Japan" and hopefully someday, this blog will be printed out and given to all of our children. Since we will not have any pictures of her actually in Japan, I thought that at least she can see that she was with us during the last 7 months of the tour here. Hence, the pregnancy shot at 7 months pregnant.



We do have so many changes coming up in our lives, but I am confident that the boys will adjust as they always do. New faces, new places, new neighborhood, and new friends...but this is what they have come to know, and I have no doubt that they will prevail.

So, as we end this chapter and start a new chapter of our lives, I can only hope that it is as exciting as this past one has been. I'm not sure I will be posting this week, so this may be the last post from "Our Journey in Japan". Thanks for sharing this adventure with us over the past two years. It's been quite a ride. SAYONARA JAPAN...HELLO USA...we're comin home!!!!!!!

Tokyo, Hakone, and Korean Barbecue

Kyoto, Japan

You know you've been in Japan too long when....

I thought this was so true and pretty appropriate since we have been here for over two years. We have loved every minute, but we are ready to come HOME.

You know you have been in Japan too long when......

... You have almost been run over by a cyclist
... You think you have the subway system figured out... but really you dont and get lost numerous times
... You have tried sushi, sashimi, okonomiyaki, tacoyaki, yakiniku, ramen, soba, udon or miso
... You have spent more than 2 hours in a Puri Kura and wanted to go back numerous times
... You have walked up what seems like a million stairs in a day
... You go to McDonalds to buy Orange Juice or 60 Chicken McNuggets
... You have sang at a Japanese style Karaoke bar
... You have watched Simpsons, Ren and Stimpy, or other childhood cartoons in Japanese
... You have given the peace sign in more than one picture
... You have been to more than one temple and taken a million pictures
... You can walk 1 block and pass 2 phone shops and 1 coffee place
... You do not hesitate to ask random people how to get places
... You have used a japanese toilet - both styles
... You have picked up packages of kleenex at the train station
... You have witnessed bad fashion to a point where you no longer find it strange
... You have purchased a colorful umbrella when it rains for 500 Yen just so you fit in
... You do not find it strange when the sales clerk wraps each item you purchased individually
...you have thought how easy your life would be had you not been intimidated by the bus system
...your japanese vocabulary is limited to three basic words: "sumimasen," "hai," and "arigato"
...you start saying "hai" even when you are talking to an english-speaking person
...you wish that american sushi is as fresh as japanese sushi
...you're really disgusted by the amount of cigarettes people smoke
...you can't get over how thin the bathroom liquid soaps are
...you can't help wondering if every hour is rush hour (train)
...you can't help laughing at incorrect English signs
...you wonder when people really go to sleep
...you keep thinking how ridiculous it is for a slice of watermelon to costs 600 yen
...you have experience how american songs (john lennon, sean kingston) destroys your so-called "Japanese" moment
...you have had (foot) blisters at the end of the day
...you are so amazed with fusion fast food such as Green Tea Frappucino, McShrimp, and McPork
...you have fallen in love with japanese soft drink
...you have used the "point and order" method

What we will miss most about Japan

With less than six weeks left in Japan, I have been thinking a lot about all of the things we will miss about being here. Some are big, some are little, but most of them have been a part of our daily lives for two years. I will keep adding as more of them come to me. So, here goes.....

The best things about Japan are...

traffic directors everywhere you go. They direct you in parking lots, when you are pulling out into traffic, etc.
KINDNESS everywhere you go.
Free gift wrapping when you buy something...and they wrap in the cutest little packages.
100 yen stores- so much better than dollar stores
Fresh fruits and vegetables packaged so beautifully in the markets
Heated toilet seats (even at rest areas along the toll road)
roller slides and awesome parks for kids
Japanese Pottery
Cherry Blossoms in the springtime
Sticky Rice
Every flavor Kit Kat imaginable
Sweet potato and Cherry blossom ice cream
warm towels to clean your hands before a meal
Riding the trains in silence (it is so peaceful- no one talks on the train)
The world's best Ramen
Mt. Fuji on a crystal clear day (I still have to catch my breath whenever I see it, even after two years)
Onsens (only tried it once, but it could become addicting if I lived here longer)
Vending machines EVERYWHERE (even on Mt. Fuji) with ice cream, beer, tea, coffee (both hot and cold), and more types of drinks than you ever knew existed.
SAFETY- I have never felt more safe anywhere in my life. My kids actually have freedom when we go places. It's refreshing, yet scary to think about being back in the states.

And so we wait......

So, I am sitting on my bed (one of the only things left to use in my room, other than about 20 brown boxes waiting to be taken to the truck) and I figured since there is nothing I can do right now, I could write. I know I still have to finish my blog for Singapore and my cousin's trip here, but sitting amongst these boxes, I can't help but feel the need to blog....about being here for over two years. The realization that it is almost over has hit. As hard as it was to make this move, this move back to the states will probably be even harder. See, we live in a small little fishbowl here. We know everyone, and everyone knows us. I can't come and go into my apartment without running into people who ask me about my day. When I take the boys to school each day, I socialize when I drop off. Everyone does. Everyone has their morning routine here- going to starbucks on base to get coffee, walking with friends, excercising at Purdy Gym, running errands, teaching English.... Essentially we all live the same lives here. We may have different schedules, but we all do the same things day in and day out. A day wouldn't be complete without meeting up in the afternoon with friends at the playground. This is Japan!!! It has been MY life, and I wouldn't trade it. The people we have met here will always remain deep in our hearts. How can you not become close to people you live so close with when your other friends and families are so far far away. I will miss my every day visits to the preschool to see Jaimie in the office, the bright cheerful hellos from all of the teachers at the co-op, having my husband home for lunch every day, drop off and pick up at Sullivan's, only having to drive two minutes to swimming lessons and sports practices, walking out in town with a friend to have lunch, watching my kids be the happiest they have ever been because of their friends here!! These are just a few- so many more, but it is hard to list them all.

Sometimes life throws lemons at you, and you just have to make lemonade! Two years ago, I feel we were handed some great big lemons. But...I have to say, they made some awesome lemonade! Our times here will not be forgotten, nor will the people. We have less than two more months here, so all of this will still remain a part of my daily life. I just know in the back of my mind, that all good things must come to an end. But, let it be the start to a wonderful new adventure!

Singapore Slings Virgin Style and the most famous doorman in the world

Today was another great day here in this beautiful country. Once again, it started off at the pool. We didn't go to the beach today because the boys were too busy playing at the pool with a new friend they met. They must have played for two hours with this boy, who looked to me to be about 7. I asked Patrick where he was from and Patrick told me Singapore. He spoke English with a bit of a British accent. I asked Matthew where he was from and he told me, "Well I don't think he is Japanese because he laughs Mommy- and you know, Japanese don't laugh." I had to keep from falling off of my chair with that comment.

We had a good lunch at the pool bar with more humor from Matthew. He had ketchup all over his face because he has french fries that he was eating with a toothpick and then dunking them in the ketchup. I said, "Matthew, look at your face- it is so messy." His response to me was, "Mommy I can't look at my face because my eyes are on my face, silly." Gotta love Matthew-isms.

After lunch we went back to the room and cleaned up to get ready to head off the island. We were on the hunt for Singapore Slings, the famous drink created at the Raffles hotel, and the most famous doorman in the world. We took a cab from Harbourfront Centre and asked to go to Orchard Road. Let me tell you...the cabbies here are like tour guides. The entire 20 min ride was filled with him telling us about the history of Singapore and what certain buildings were. A far cry from New York City cabbies. Once we got out, we were surrounded by malls and shopping arcades that stretched for what seemed like miles. People don't say to go to Singapore to shop for nothing. We headed to the MRT station (subway) to give it a try. If I can do the Japan train system, I was certain this would be a breeze. It certainly was. You put your money into a machine, point to the destination on a map, and it spits out your ticket. We rode the subway to the Raffles area, and found the hotel. It is not your typical tall hotel in the city. It definitely has the British flare to it- only 3 stories high, white, and older looking. The gardens are filled with a fountains and tropical plants. We went to the Long Bar, where we had our virgin slings and ate peanuts which we peeled and could throw the shells right on the ground. The boys were thrilled by this. I am pretty sure the Singapore Slings are a whole lot tastier if they are the real deal, but we had to make do this time. On our way out we managed to snap a picture with the famous Sikh doorman at the entrance to the hotel. It is said he is the most photographed doorman in the world.

We got back on the MRT and took it back to the Orchard shopping area and pooped into the Plaza Singapura. According to legend, in the 14th century, a prince set foot on an unknown island and named it "Singa Pura" (lion city) after seeing a magnificent animal thought to be a lion. This plaza was about 8 levels and quite impressive. At the top, we went to a food court and saw a "Dessert" place selling individually wrapped portions of fruit that were in a big cooler case. You hand the lady a big bowl and tell her what types of fruit you would like and then she takes each out of the individual wrapper, cuts them up, and arranges them so beautifully in the bowl. For 7 singapore dollars (About 4 US dollars), we got some of the freshest most tropical fruits around- mangoes, strawberries, pineapple, dragonfruit, papaya, guava, and watermelon. The bowl was huge, so it would keep our stomaches filled until dinnertime.

Back on the street, we hailed a cab to go back to Harbourfront Centre. Once again, the entire 20 min cab ride was full of history and facts about Singapore. You don't tip here in Singapore, but I did this time because he was so informative, and we didn't even have to ask. On Orchard Road he pointed out a tree lined street, guarded by security and asked if we knew what it was. Earlier, we had walked by, and I resisted taking a photo because I wasn't sure what it was. Patrick had said he thought that maybe it is where the President of Singapore lives. I figured it wasn't in the middle of the Orchard Road shopping. Well, Patrick was right. It was the President's residence. Should have snapped the photo. The cabbie said if Obama visits Singapore, this is where he will be entertained and dined.

The other thing he pointed out were all of the Mosques, Synagogues, Cathedrals, churches, and temples. Singapore is filled with every kind of worshipping place possible. And these places are all huge and lavish. For such a small nation and island, it is a place filled with culture and diversity.

Once back at Harbourfront, we were ready for some dinner and we found the perfect place. Marche, a Swiss dining experience like no other! I wish I could explain this restaurant , but go to this blog to read more. http://sparklette.net/archives/marche-restaurant-swiss-haven/
I googled it when we got back to the hotel, but unfortunately I couldn't find an English website or for that matter, any US locations. More dollar signs running around in my head if I could bring this concept to the states.

We returned to the resort via a complimentary bus that picked us up at the mall after dinner. Bedtime was not long after we got into the door.

Fun times!

Day 2 in Singapore was filled with beach time, pool time, yummy food, an awesome shopping plaza, and a spectacular light show. We had a packed day full of fun times.

We spent the morning at the beach and stayed there for about two hours before heading up to the pool. The beach here at the Shangri La on Sentosa is called Siloso beach. It is a great beach for kids because it is only for resort guests, and most people stay up at the pool. Not sure why because the beach is so clean, and not a single rock for kids to step on in the water. It is almost like a lagoon. There are no waves, so it is very quiet and calm. After leaving the beach, we went up to the pool area where the boys played on the slides and in the water for another couple of hours. They are at such great ages for a vacation like this!!

By about 12:30, we were actually getting hungry so we came in and showered before heading to lunch. We had lunch at the hotel, and during our lunch, once again, the storms rolled in. Our plan was to take the cable car to the Harbourfront area just off the island and then grab some dinner there. We delayed for a short while until the storms passed and ended up taking a free shuttle out to Harbourfront plaza. We decided we would take the cable car back to the island after dinner. Harbourfront is a shopping mecca. But, not only that- the boys loved it. There were so many things for kids to do as well. It is like a giant playground outside of the mall. I will post pics when we return, so you can see just what I am talking about. Anyway, we walked outside one area and saw these riding toys- they were animals that you got on and then had to basically pump with your feet to make them move. The boys both got on horses, and they were riding them all over the place. Believe me, these are not in the states- must be a thing in Asia. But, I could be a rich woman if I brought these over to the USA. I know it is hard to understand, so you'll have to wait for video of this later.

We then walked around this mall- I hardly want to call it a mall, as that sounds so dull and boring. The restaurants were unbelievable ranging from every ethnic cuisine possible. And the shops- I can't begin to list the awesome types of stores that were there. There was even a huge Daiso (hundred yen store for those who have been to Japan). I think it had more stuff in it than I have ever seen in a Daiso in Japan. Unfortunately for the boys, we happened upon an awesome maternity store, and I had to go in, as the sizes and prices were right (in Japan I think their maternity clothes are smaller than my regular clothes) and absolutely adorable things. Wow- to buy something off the rack that I tried on. I haven't been able to do than in more than two years, except when we have gone home to the states to visit. So, I ended up with four new shirts, and some really unhappy kids, but oh well. Matthew managed to spill his bottle of snapple right on the floor of the store- of course, they were nice as can be, but still. My boys hate shopping, but this mom loves it- not a great combo when Daddy isn't around to take them away. We wandered into a bookstore and it was heaven. All of the books, except for a huge Chinese/Japanese section were in English. You don't realize how much you miss a bookstore until you walk into one that actually makes sense to you. :) We spent some time browsing, and then we went up to the roof of the shopping plaza because we were intrigued by the water area. Pools of water to wade around and play in. The views of the city and the island were beautiful from the top. Have I mentioned that everything in this city so far that I have seen is so clean. I know I have said I can live in Australia, but come on- Singapore has it all- safety, beauty, cleanliness, shopping, shopping, shopping- did I mention shoppping yet, and spas. The spas in the mall were so plentiful. Skin care, massages, facials, foot care- the list goes on. This is my place- and if Brian were here, I am afraid that he would be saddled with the boys, and I would be playing. Maybe it is a good thing he didn't come.

We decided to have dinner at Modestos, a wood fired pizza restaurant overlooking the Harbour. The boys ordered a margharita pizza and I had a Greek pizza. Mine had sundried tomatoes, artichokes, onions, and mushrooms on top. I haven't had pizza this good for a long time. Anthonys on base in Japan is the worst excuse for pizza, and Italian Gardens is not much better- that's if they get your order right the first time, which rarely happens. It was the perfect choice for dinner because as good as the buffet at the hotel is, it is pricey and actually getting kind of old.

Our evening was just getting started after dinner when we headed on the cable car to Mt. Faber to overlook the city. From Mt. Faber, we rode all of the way in our car to Sentosa island. On the way we were able to see the gorgeous sunset. Also, about halfway across the 20 minute ride, the cable car stopped. My heart stopped too I think. The boys were totally fine with it, and and were making fun of me for being so scared. Come on- our car had a glass bottom which we paid a tad bit extra for. At that moment, I am thinking, "Why the heck did I ask for a glass bottom car?" I think I have a small fear of heights, but only when I am up in the sky dangling over water and a highway.

Back at Sentosa island, we bought tickets for the Songs of the sea, which was a spectacular water, fire, and light show at the beach. By the time we walked back to our hotel, it was late, and we were obviously ready for bed. The boys were out right away, and I of course wasn't too far behind. I laid in bed and thought about how lucky were are to be having these opportunities, and I also thought how I feel sorry for our 3rd child, who will probably never get to see some of the places we have seen. Hopefully the boys will be able to instill their love of traveling on him/her.

Not sure what today has in store, but I am imagining more sunshine and maybe a trip to Downtown Singapore!

Relaxing Days in Singapore

The boys and I made it to Singapore very late Saturday night (or very early Sunday morning). I think it was 1:30 in the morning when we finally mae it up to our room here at the Shangri La Rasa Sentosa Resort.

Sunday morning we awoke to a glorious view of the South China Sea and plenty of sunshine. Since we were pretty much starving, we made our way to the breakfast buffet (included with our stay). Not quite the buffet that the New Sanno in Tokyo does on Sunday mornings, but pretty close. The fruit is heavenly- dragonfruit, starfruit, passionfruit. All of the tropical fruits that we just don't get, and never will get again, until we travel again to another exotic place. Going back to apples, oranges, and bananas will be tough for this family. We love our fruits, and the more exotic the better. Have I ever mentioned the golden kiwis that we can get in Japan in the summer. They are so different from green Kiwis- sweeter and much tastier.

Okay- back to Singapore. We pretty much explored the island yesterday. We started out at the beach, but little sprinkles and then heavier rain moved us to the pool area. We stayed at the pool for a while because the sunshine came back in full force. There are slides, play areas, and lots of places for me to sit and soak up the rays while the boys play. Once I did get in the water though, I didn't want to come out. At about 1:00, we were looking for some lunch and ended up at the pool bar area. I opted for a fresh fruit salad, and the boys had chicken and fries. We had just gotten our meals when the skies became very dark and the thunder and lightening began. A huge thunderstorm was in the works, and it decided to break loose right in the middle of our lunch (which was under a canopy, but still). Needless to say, they packed up our lunch and graciously walked us under an umbrella to the front of the resort where we went to get dry and take showers.

After we were dry again, it had cleared, and we were off to explore Sentosa Island. The bus system on the island is totally free and easy to use so we first stopped at an area to get some Ben and Jerry's ice cream and then hit the butterfly and insect world. The boys really wanted to do this, but it was fun because we saw bugs and insects that we have never seen before, Asia certainly is a different part of the world. Makes us kind of feel like the United States is not that exciting when it comes to bugs, reptiles, insects, butterflies, etc. I have never seen so many different species of beetles in my life.

Our next stop was Dolphin Lagoon where we got to see the famous pink dolphins, or indopacific humbbacked dolphins. We watched a half hour show where the dolphins performed. This is the only place in world to see these dolphins, so it was quite impressive to see. Patrick wanted to go get into the water with them, pet them, and touch them, but it was an extra 15 dollars and I wasn't into riding a bus back to the resort with a kid who was drenched and uncomfortable.

Dinner was back at the hotel, where we had another lavish buffet. We definitely won't go hungry here in Singapore.

For now, breakfast in waiting downstairs, and we have sunshine to soak in, and possibly a venture into Singapore.

I'm Alive!

There has been so much I have wanted to write on my blog over the last several weeks. I finally feel like I can share some things that have been happening in the Nowak household.

First and foremost, even though most of my blog readers already know this, I am happy to announce that in September, our family of four will become a family of five, as we welcome the newest little Nowak into our family. I haven't yet used this blog to write about our loss last January, but I do feel that now is a good time. We went through a very difficult loss at the end of January last year when I went in for an ultrasound at 10 weeks, and the doctor could not detect a heartbeat. What followed was a D and C and the realization that we had to process the loss of a baby. That pregnancy was a surprise so to speak, but we confirmed that we would try again and hopefully within a few months, I would be pregnant again. It took more than a few months, but just under a year after our loss, on New Years Eve, I took a pregnancy test and saw the two lines. We are thrilled. The boys are excited, and we are anxiously awaiting the news of whether we will be buying more blue or if it may be pink this time. What I can say is that, we are just praying for a healthy baby, be it a boy or a girl.

Our other big news is our upcoming move to the Pacific Northwest. We have a connection to the area, since 8 years ago, Patrick was born there. We spent 3 great years there, and we can't wait to go back. The orders have just arrived as of yesterday, so we don't know exactly when we will be packing out and heading stateside, but while the boys and I are in Singapore, Brian will be finalizing those move plans. By the time we get back, we will have just over a week to prepare for pack out. Our packout will be in April, even though we won't fly out until early June, because it will take about 60 days for our household goods to cross the oceans to get to us. The Navy provides us with lovely "loaner" furniture for us to use while we finish out our time here.

We have quite a busy schedule from June until November when Brian actually reports to the USS Alabama Gold as the XO (executive officer). He has several schools to attend, and I will have the task of setting up a home and getting the boys ready for school, while also preparing for the littlest Nowak. We will arrive to the Pac Northwest homeless, carless, and without any of our stuff. Just a few weeks after that, Brian will leave for over two months to Pearl Harbor for SCC (Submarine Command Course). Here's hoping that he makes it home for the arrival of our third baby. :) We don't need this one to come early!! We're hoping that the little peanut decides to do exactly what his/her brother's did- stay in there to cook until the end!

I have so much more to update on this blog. I will try to keep posting, so stay tuned. I will be adding pics of my cousin's visit to Japan and all of our travels. Also stay tuned for my list of "favorite things we will miss about Japan." I've been thinking about it a lot, and I need to get it posted.

For now, I need to pack for Singapore and do some last minute errands. I will be back very soon with more.

The Uncertainty

It has been a while since I have posted. I think it must be the month of January- it happened last year as well. There just isn't a whole lot going on in January. But now, we are into February. The Japanese custom of Setsubun took place on February 3rd....Setsubun has been celebrated in many ways, but perhaps the most common custom found throughout Japan is the ritual of throwing roasted beans around one's house and at temples and shrines across the country. When throwing the beans, you are supposed to shout "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!" ("Devils out, happiness in"). Afterwards you should pick up and eat the number of beans, which corresponds to your age. These days, of course, it is not uncommon to see children dressed in masks of oni, others madly throwing beans, and all gleefully shouting for evil to hit the road. Prominent temples in Japan may also find monks or celebrities showering large crowds of people with mame to ward off spirits and welcome the renewal of the coming New Year.

So, now with Spring not far away, our time in Japan is supposedly coming to an end. The only problem is that we have no idea where life will lead us next. There is an excitement with not knowing, but there is also an unsettled feeling. Where will we be? Where will we live? When will we go? We have been in a major decision making mode since Fall of last year. When we moved to Japan we had thought this would be our last tour in the submarine force, and Brian would make the switch to the civilian work force after our time here. Unfortunately, we all know about our economy, so it has been a huge factor when we think about our future. With 13 years in the Navy by the time May comes around, we would have 7 to go until retirement. When you think about it that way, it seems like a no brainer. Stay in...get the retirement and health care, and move on after that. Well, after a grueling Enginner tour in Virginia, we began to think maybe this life isn't for us. Maybe it is just too taxing on all of us. Maybe we would be better if we lived the "normal" life that many of our friends and families live. But what is normal? Is normal walking into work and finding out there is not a job for you anymore? Is normal being transferred overseas with a company for a few years? Is normal working on weekends and working 12 hour days? Is normal when your company lays off hundreds of employees? Is life outside of the military really "normal". I am not so sure these days.

When I think about our time in the Navy, the one word that comes to my mind is ROLLERCOASTER. It truly has been a life of ups and downs, twists and turns, and being scared and uncertain, just as you are when you are slowly climbing the hill of a coaster before reaching the top dropping quickly. But, when I think about just ending it all in a few months and leaving it all behind, I am even more scared and uncertain. I like my life. I like how it has shaped me as a person. I like being able to set up a new home every few years. I absolutely love the people I have met with each move. And the places....wow, the places. From Seattle, to Connecticut, to Norfolk, to Japan. We have done so much everywhere we have been, and it has truly been an experience that I would never change. Let's not forget the free health care, and the fact that I have had three surgerys in the last 8 years, none of which I have ever seen even one bill for medical expenses. Of course, with the ups, there are downs. It is never easy to say goodbye to our friends and families when we move. Somehow though, each move we make brings us new friends, and I have never been to a place where I haven't left a little piece of my heart with dear friends. It also never gets any easier watching Brian pull away in his submarine to leave us for 6 months. I thought maybe with age and experience, that would get easier. But, unfortunately, if this is the route we continue, it will always be one of the hardest things the boys and I will ever do.

It is now February 5th, 2009, and in one month and three days, we will have been in Japan for exactly two years. I never in a million years would have thought that when our time was getting short here that I would feel sad, but you know what, I do. I feel a connection with this place that I have called home for nearly two years. It may be on the other side of the world from where "Home" really is, but we have embraced this culutre, its people, and its history. We have friends that have become like family because we are all so far from ours. We also now know that TRAVEL is a huge priority for our family. There is too much of this world to be seen. Although we have been to some amazing places, there are so many more to discover.

In the next few months, maybe our uncertainty will become more certain. Maybe time will tell just what we are "suppose" to do. I know we will choose the right thing because somehow, life always works out. Things will fall into place, just as they did two years ago when we got these unexpected orders to Japan.

One Step Closer to a Black Belt!

For almost 10 months, Patrick has been taking Taekwondo lessons here on base. He has the most fantastic Sensei (instructor), and he is very lucky to be able to take lessons from him over here.

Every Friday afternoon, Patrick went to his lesson, and each week, he was one class closer to Sensei telling him he was ready to take the first test to get his yellow belt. Finally in early December, Sensei told us that he felt Patrick was ready. We started taking him twice a week (Wednesdays to Ikego, which is about 20 min away and Fridays in Yokosuka).

On December 20th, we took the train to Ofuna, about a half hour train ride. It was really interesting to watch everyone testing for their belts. All different levels were being tested. Sensei warned Patrick that the test would be tough. It would be judged by a 4th degree blackbelt. There was absolutely no room for goofing off or not giving it your best.

Patrick was so disciplined and focused. He gave it everything he had, so we were very proud of him. The test included a written essay, which had to be turned in ahead of time. He also had to do at least 30 sit ups in a row (Patrick did 50), sparring with a partner, and the four seven step patterns that he had worked on for 10 months.

Unfortunately, no one finds out the results the day of the test, and you have to wait until the next class. However, because it was the holidays, there wasn't class until today.

I made sure I had my camera today in case Patrick received his yellow belt. Sure enough, Sensei presented it to him at the beginning of class, and the smile on Patrick's face was one of true accomplishment. Way to go Patrick...next goal- green belt!


Patrick with his Sensei, Aoki San

Patrick with the Judge, a fourth degree Black Belt