Eyes are Smiling

It's been busy lately, especially at work where we had our closing ceremony and graduation yesterday. It was a really great day filled with lots of emotion. Some of the graduating kids did some amazing speeches that really moved everyone in attendance. Aki and Joshua joined the schools families for lunch afterwards. Joshua was very popular with the kids and their Mums, for many being the first time to see him. After work we went out for an early birthday celebration at the newly re-opened Hamabowl (the place that I first met Aki). It was a really fun night and I just managed to win the title, while the battle for the wooden spoon was a hotly fought contest!

Joshua continues to grow and develop. He really enjoys his mobile and is making more noises. He has also rolled from his back to his side a couple of times, so no more leaving him alone on the table!

Doing push-ups; Two of the many sleeping styles of the Sleep Master

Rolling around; He can kinda sit by himself; "I love oranges!! So good for resting my arms on!"

Sleeping with his best mate; Joshua-kun and Yuuka-chan; "Hey, Good Lookin'"

The weather has finally warmed up enough to start wearing shorts and t-shirts again. Should be able to finish the garden in the next couple of weeks then it's gonna be BBQs on!

Silly me!

Woops, I went and did it again - posted new pics on my old blog. Click here to see this weeks pics!

Goodbye Winter (I hope!)

Joshua is doing fine, growing bigger and developing well. His neck muscles are getting stronger, so he's able to move his head easier and he's very good at kicking his legs to move a little. He has also started grabbing things that take his attention - like my bottom lip one night when I was carrying him upstairs to bed! He is also able to follow things with his eyes and is still smiling a lot:)

Crazy weather we've been having.....just two weeks ago we had some summer-like days, making me think Spring had arrived early. But no, it was freezing and wet last week and we saw the first snowfall of the year (although it wasn't enough to keep from melting on the ground). More of he same expected this week, but hopefully it will start warming up very soon!!!

The garden is just a mudbath right now, so hopefully this weather will clear up then I'll be able to make some real progress.

Now for this weeks best.....

Cocoon wrap; Looking out the window; "Daddy, are the Bulls winning?"; Dancing like a star!

I need to teach you how to give a foot massage!; Guess my stubble tickles his feet; "Shhhhh, I'm sleeping!"

Sleep, Where Art Thou?

Yes, there have been plenty of sleepless nights this week, but to be honest, it hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be! Having said that, I'm due for some better sleeps this week as I've been banished from the room with Aki and Joshua. Apparently, the more tired I get corresponds to how loud my snoring gets, so with this week being more tired than usual, Aki and Joshua have to try and sleep through my nightly concerts. As much as I want to sleep with them and help out in the wee hours, it's not really helping anyone so we'll see how it goes this week!

Joshua is growing bigger and starting to display a wider range of facial expressions. His gorgeous smiles are becoming more frequent but he hasn't learned to hold them for the camera yet! He is also responding to different sounds and enjoys listening to some music (He really liked The Black Eyed Peas and Sergio Mendes). He also loves to take a bath with me each night, maybe it's his favourite part of the day?

Yesterday we took Joshua out in public for the first time. We went to the department store to do a bit of shopping. He pretty much slept the whole time, while Aki and I enjoyed listening to people say how cute he is :)

Anthony came to see Joshua today (Liam was sick so couldn't come) and Joshua enjoyed being held by his uncle so much he fell asleep!

On the home front, Operation Garden has begun. I spent two hours in the front yard today digging out roots and weeds. Next weekend Hajime will help me as we lay down some pebbles and maybe plant the grass seed. Really looking forward to seeing the project finished before summer comes!

And now for this weeks best pics....

"Look Mum! I found my nose!"; Singing to the fish; Thinking or sleeping?

Yay! Bathtime!!!; Daddy loves the couch with Joshua; Mummy and her angel

Who's cute?; Uncle Anthony confuses Joshua!; Gimme a kiss!

"Don't mess with me, punk!"; Ready for shopping; Starting to show a bit more chubbiness

Homecoming

After five long weeks since his birth, Joshua and Aki finally came home today!! Now I'm feeling like a real Dad and am ready for many sleepless nights ahead! It already feels so great to have him home - he lay on my tummy and slept while I watched basketball, talked with Connie, Graham, Mike and Claire on Skype, and we enjoyed our first bath together, easily his happiest time of the day.

The bedroom is ready and Joshua is all smiles!

Tummy time! Chillin' with ma boy on the couch.

Thank you everyone for your well wishes and gifts!!!!

Last of the Winter Days

It's been a surprisingly mild winter here in Japan, with no snow and little rain. Today was a pleasant 14 degrees and it should start warming up more in the next few weeks. So it's excellent timing for us, because in about one month the weather will be perfect and we'll be able to start taking Joshua outside. He is growing bigger and getting cuter every day. This will be the last week that Aki and Joshua will stay with her Mum, then it's homecoming time next Sunday!! Joshua is getting more active, he enjoys watching people and lights, and likes to punch anyone that gets too close!! The smiles are getting more frequent as are the sounds he can make. Hard to believe that a month has gone by already!!!

Joshua was in a great mood today so we went a little photo crazy and got heaps of good shots!

Bathtime

Joshuas favourite time of the day is bathtime. No matter how much he was crying before his bath, he will always stop once he's in the water. Here's a short video of Aki bathing Joshua.


I don't know why, but the video is sped up when I upload it? I'll see if I can fix it later in the week.

And some more pics from today. An average hour in the life of Joshua....


Sleeping with Aki; Just woken up; Joshua gets a belly rub after a poopy diaper change; Ready for a drink; Happily drunk on mama's milk! So cute!!; Drifting back to sleep