At 36 weeks, I've settled into my life on maternity leave. I have definitely felt the nesting bug take over and it has been fun to have time to wash and fold baby clothes, organize our apartment and pack the hospital bag.
Over the past several months I have been lucky to befriend several Japanese woman. As is true of my friend group in the states, my Japanese friends tend to have new babies, are about to have babies or related to someone who recently had a baby. It is nice because most of them are available during the day to meet for tea or lunch. I was privileged to be treated to two delicious lunches last week. I enjoyed a Japanese style vegetarian lunch at Nagisa Cafe with Atsuko. Nagisa Cafe reminded me of something I might find in Kyoto or Seattle so it was refreshing to relax and enjoy in Hachinohe. I also returned to the restaurant where I had my first Japanese soba dining experience with Mustuko (food pictured above). Soba is one of my favorite Japanese foods. It is healthy, delicious and presented so beautifully. Oishikatta desu!
In addition to cleaning, organizing and socializing; I have also enjoyed catching up on movies and reading that I know I will have little time for once Momo arrives. I also decided to take up the art of origami. I am making a paper crane mobile. So far I taught myself to make the cranes using plain colors but I plan to use origami paper with beautiful Japanese designs for the mobile.
Happy Easter. Sunday we enjoyed a mostly sunny walk to our friends Oliver and Lindsay's place to share a brunch. On our way we spotted some crocus popping up from the ground and growing buds on the trees. It felt like spring could finally be arriving in Hachinohe! We had a great afternoon of delicious food, catching up with friends and trying to make precious Koyuki smile. Koyuki is three months old and one of the cutest baby girls I've seen. I hope you enjoyed a joyous Easter. I look forward to entering into this season of new life!
