A reminder of my roots

Today I received an unexpected baby gift in the mail from my Great-Aunt Kiyo, the oldest of Grandma Kay's siblings (a very spry 87-years old - still not retired!). The box contained a car organizer for baby things and an autographed copy of her book Kiyo's Story, the story of building the Sato family's dream, my family's dream. Her inscription reads:

June 2009-

To our newest addition to this book: Your name goes on page 355. This is also your story.

Welcome!

Great Aunt Kiyo

I purchased the first edition of this book, then called Dandelion Through the Crack, so I turned to page 335 (not page 355) to find out what's on the page that may not exist in my copy; I found a list of the newest Sato family additions - Violet, Theo, Julian and August - in Auntie Kiyo's Postscript letter to Grandpa Sato. I turned back a chapter further, where I had heard my name appears in this latest edition. I found this quote my mother has told me Great-Grandpa said to her years ago (or something like it) after I was born:

"The world will become like our family, all mixed up," Tochan says proudly of his many multi-ethnic biological and adopted grandchildren. "And the world will become a better place."

I am the oldest of the Yonsei, and the only one in my generation to meet Grandpa Sato. I was almost 3 when he passed. I remember him and I remember the farm (a blessing as I'm not sure if Rochelle, Preston or Westley remember much of the farm). The child I am carrying will be the first of the Gosei, the fifth-generation in this country. My child will also be half Black. I wonder: Is the product of my love for husband another attestation to the greater of the love my Great-Grandpa envisioned for our family? Maybe. Or maybe he was a man before his time.

It's funny because Sidney asks me how I know stuff all the time. How do I know about plants and gardening. How do I know about random things in nature. How do I know about this and that. He even laughed at me for eating "weeds by the road" when I suggested cutting mustard greens in a field near our home for dinner. That was is Auntie Kiyo's Postscript, too! I usually tell Sid I have no idea where I "get" things, but if I think about it, either Grandma Kay or Dad taught me. But, it is Grandpa Sato who taught them. And I will teach my son or daughter. Five Sato generations long so far. What a blessing to be a part of this family.

I think I will start reading our baby his family's story tonight. Maybe Sid will join us.

Happy Father's Day.... and yep, still waiting...

First, Happy Father's Day to all! Sidney's at work today, but we're going to BBQ some turkey burgers later on with his sister to celebrate. Jaelen is still enjoying the family back in Delaware so we'll have to plan a special daddy-son outing when he gets back.

No news to report yet... We're still waiting to meet our baby. Every morning I try to convince the baby that today would be a good day, but things will happen in their own time. I think labor would be a great Father's Day gift. Sometimes I think Sid is more anxious than me - he already put the "to go" bag in the trunk of the car. =) I'm having a lot of Braxton-Hicks lately, sometimes even in a regular pattern, but they go away so it's just "fake" labor. **SIGH** Guess that just means more time for cleaning up and stuff!

Wow, time sure flies

Today we celebrate one year as Mr. & Mrs. I can't believe it went so quickly! This weekend last year was a scorcher... sure hope the June 14th bride today realizes what PERFECT weather she has! I can't wait for my first trip to Morton's steakhouse tonight. YUM!

Almost 37 weeks... and counting

This weekend was our "official" baby shower. We are so blessed to have such a wonderful and supportive family (and friends!). We received almost everything we need and are so thankful - there's no way we could do this on our own.

Yesterday was my first day off from work. Thank goodness because I've been having an awful time sleeping. I wake up every night and can't get back to sleep for about 1-2 hours. Insomnia? I don't know. I think this is another one of those "conspiracy" things Aunt Roxi believes in (as in other women don't tell you this stuff, or conveniently forget about it).

Our 36 week appointment (although we're 37 weeks tomorrow!) was yesterday as well. We found out I'm 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced. Mom keeps reminding me this doesn't mean anything, but I'm so anxious about the day growing nearer (maybe why I can't sleep?!) After hearing that, Sid was really happy we decided to stop by Toys 'R Us and buy our car seat. I was directed to install it in the car... So now I get to drive around with an empty car seat for the next month... Well, at least we'll find out if I messed it up if it tips over!

Baby and I also had a wonderful visit with Auntie Bonnie in the afternoon. Big families are such a blessing. =) She's wise beyond her years and I learn so much from her about myself every time I talk to her.

On to more "nesting" behaviors for the day...

Honor Roll Again!

Jaelen called his dad this afternoon... Honor roll again! So proud of him! =)