Still counting

Still counting
Originally uploaded by Dinkins - Made in Japan.

Today Roxy is three months old. She is changing and growing everyday. She has discovered her vocal cords and makes all sorts of strange noises. Not gooos and gaaahs like I would expect, but more like eeeuuuuooooooooooo and uuuoooouuuhh. Cute as could be and elicits laughs and ahhs from all who hear. I'd say she weighs about 14.5 pounds and is still tall. Her neck is quite strong and she usually only has a wobbly head when she is tired. She loves being able to see all around, lights, taking walks outside in the stroller, and when I hold her up above my head. Oh yea, one of the greatest joys is that she laughs now. What a great feeling!

This week was her first week with her nanny and it is working out great for us. She seems to adore Roxy. We all do.

It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.

I just finished listening to a A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens on my iPod. It was about 14 hours of audio. I've never read a classic on my own accord. Only assigned ones in school. It's a shame though because every time I did read one I was impressed and glad that I did. Duh, there is a reason they're classics. Anyway, again with this I was impressed and surprised at my suspense for what would happen next. I don't want to write a book review, but I want to say I love how Dickens left gaps in between the story lines for you to use you imagination to fill.

Random Update

Nothing big to write about, but I wanted to post. On Friday, our request for an early out was approved by our commanding officer and faxed to Pensacola to be approved by "big Navy." It should take 2-4 weeks to hear back. Rest assured, I will tell you when we have an answer. We were expecting our CO to sign it so no surprise there, but now the real wait begins.

In other news, my poison ivy has painfully spread over all parts of my body. I have used everything to ease the itch: cortisone cream, hemorrhoid cream, calomine lotion, alcohol, hair dryer, hot water, and clearasil. I have been good about not scratching, but it keeps spreading. The worst is on the back of my neck and the tops of my hands, and oh yea, my ankles. If it's not better tomorrow, I'm going to the hospital.

Also, this is my first blog from our new computer. We bought a Sony Vaio laptop. We bought now because we like Sony, had a $100 off coupon, will get a $100 rebate, and as always it's tax free at the BX. We have been thinking about getting a getting a new computer for a while. I've had the one we've been using three years, and it has been flaky for a while now.

Three Cubed

Three Cubed
Originally uploaded by Dinkins - Made in Japan.

Three cubed, that's me.

I took the day off with a 24-hour liberty I earned for being a good sailor. I was so impressed by Kitayamazaki Point (see Monday's post) that I decided to go back. So I went by myself on the 140 minute drive and listened to A Tale of Two Cites on my iPod. What a good novel!

Anyway, there is a 3.7 km trail along the ridge of the cliffs that drop into the Pacific Ocean. I wanted to experience it so off I went. I ended up only making it 1.2 km because I kept going off the trail being that it was wooded and didn't afford any views of the shoreline.

At one excursion off the beaten path, I happened upon a rope that was used to steady yourself as you descended through a steep, wooded area to the shoreline. Based on the condition of the rope and the untrodden vegetation upon the path of the rope, I assume few people have been down this area. I felt like a privileged explorer, and the painstaking descent proved to be well worth it. When I came to the shoreline, I found myself in an area about 100 yards across with arches that jutted in to the ocean on both sides. The shoreline was composed solely of boulders, small and large, that you could still tell were rubble from the cliffs above. I felt as if God was saying "Happy Birthday! Look what I have created and shown you."

I was elated. I ate my lunch, climbed around, washed off in the cold, dark blue ocean water, and then headed back up. I spotted a dried up creek bed and decided to take it back up instead of using the rope. Well that was a mistake. It proved to be too treacherous and so I had to carefully shimmy over to the wooded area and used the roots of small trees to climb back to the top. It was quite an exhausting and frightening trek that yielded lots of scrapes and the dreaded poison ivy. Yes, I am typing here in the discomfort of itchiness, but it was worth it because I will remember my adventure long after the rashes are gone.

I was back by 4 p.m. and had a tasty yakinuku dinner with my new family and a beautifully decorated, yummy cake prepared by my lovely wife.

View from the Top

View from the Top
Originally uploaded by Dinkins - Made in Japan.

Off the beaten path.

Overlook

Overlook
Originally uploaded by Dinkins - Made in Japan.

View from the trailhead. Imagine it on a clear day!

Remember

The best part of Memorial Day seems to be the day off of work/school, but as I think about it, the best part is the freedoms we have because of those we memorialize this day. Thank you to all those who sacrificed including the families and friends of those who died.

On Thursday, I participated in a Memorial retreat ceremony (lowering and removing the flag). I wasn't too thrilled to have to stand in formation (parade rest hurts after a while) for what turned out to be an hour and fifteen minutes, but I am glad that I took the time to remember and honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. I actually got a little choked up as the base commander talked about the uncle he never knew because he died in the Battle of the Bulge.

Camping Trip

Saturday we headed south and went to Rysendo Caves with Dan and JB Blauwkamp. It should have been a three hour drive, but with feedings (one Roxy, one adults) it took four. We rented a "bungalow" then headed to the cave which claims to have the third largest underground lake in Japan. It was about a 45 minute walk-through with the water being the most interesting part. The rest of the evening we kept a fire going for about four hours while we ate all sorts of tasty camp food goodness. The night was clear and I witnessed the most stars I've seen here in Japan.

In the morning we took our time, ate more tasty goodness, packed up, and then hit the road for a drive along the coast. We stopped at Kitayamazaki Point where we have been once before, and is the best view of a coast I have seen, save Big Sur. This day, however, was foggy. The lookout at the top was obstructed by the fog, but Dan and I trekked down about 700 stairs to the shoreline where the view was still awe-inspiring.

Then back to Misawa it was. I love camping, but the preparation and clean-up upon return is so draining. Until next time when I forget the trouble...

In the Cave

Japanese Bat

I was fortunate to catch a bat (far right of the pic) in flight inside the cave.

Kitayamzaki Point

j

Chubby Bunny - the aftermath

Trish and I tied with eight marshmellows. I fit >nine, but I couldn't say "chubby bunny."

Finding Faith

I just finished Finding Faith by Brian McLaren (see links for his web site). The book seems to be geared for those who "think faith requires turning your back on truth and intellectual honesty." A friend of mine is struggling with his faith so we both endeavored to read it so that we could discuss it. Another friend had returned to the Chirstian faith after reading it so I thought it a good idea. The following is from a chapter called How Might God Be Experienced:

"Imagine a person whom you love a great feal - a friend, a spouse, a parent - but someone from whom you are frequently seperated, or perhaps someone who has died. If that person whom you miss so deeply suddenly, unexpectedly appeared in front of you, you would no doubt embrace with unbridled enthusiasm and speak fervent words of your love... and perhaps cry too, for joy. Well, that's something of what I felt that day during a time of worship. God, whom I love but from whom I always feel some degree of distance simply because God is invisible (among other reasons), suddenly felt so near and real. It was as if God were standing right beside me...right inside me...or even bigger, so I was right inside God...and I felt embraced, contained, filled, saturated by God and God's love."

I hope you have encountered this. Of course, there isn't a formula to enter this experience. I don't understand it, but no doubt, it helps me know God is real.

Another Hirosaki

My friend, Mike Alvarez, gave us some amazing pictures from our trip to Hirosaki in April (see April 30 post). Here is one of them.

Baby Paul

This is my favorite baby picture of me (thanks to my brother for the scan). Do you see any resemblence with Roxy?

Please Pray

My mom's dad had a heart attack. He is in stable condition now. My mom and aunt flew up to North Carolina to be with him and my grandmother. This is all the news I have. I am anxious to hear more.

Nanny

So Roxy is going to have a nanny, Amy Culver, now instead of going to daycare. It all came about when Amy was having a conversation with two other friends that she would love to nanny for Roxy. One of the friends mentioned it to us, and we liked the idea so Trish gave Amy a call. It all worked out, and she is going to start May 31st. Trish has off the next 10 days. It is going to cost us about $40 more a week, but it is defintely worth it because Roxy will have one-on-one attention. Also, it will save us about 45 minutes a day in driving and washing bottles.

Nanohana Festival

Saturday we went to another festival. It seems the Japanese come up with any reason they can to have a festival. I think it's great because it allows communities to get together. There are always lots of vendors, most of which are selling food on a stick. So this time we went to the Nanohana Festival with the Blauwkamps. Nanohana is the flower they use to make canola oil and called rape blossom in english. I don't know where they came up with that name. Anyway, there wasn't much to it (you can see most of it in the background). However, it was a beautiful drive and the festival grounds had a view of Mutsu Bay on one side and mountains with huge, modern windmills at their base on the other side. It was a good day.

Bubble Girl

Look at the size of that bubble!

Tall Traveler

So the conclusion is that Roxy is tall at 24.5 inches and over 95 percentile. She weighed 12 lbs 8 oz, somewhere around 90 percentile. She also got three hots in her thighs today. I was very proud of my little baby because she only had a ferocious cry for about 10 seconds and then she was fine. I expected a lot worse due to other's war stories.

I never mentioned it, but we got Roxanna's passport a few weeks ago. It's something you have to do over here, but I am glad we have it. Now she is ready to travel the world with us. We're thinking of going to Korea before we leave. It's cheaper to go there than to Hiroshima, Japan another place we wanted to go before we leave.

If you're counting...

Roxy is two months today, and here is her latest picture. We have a doctor's appointment on Friday so I'll let you know her dimensions then. She also getting shots, and we are not looking forward to that.

She is interacting with us more and more so we are happy parents. We say "ah" a lot because she makes the cutest faces and sounds. I hope that's not her first word. Mine was "uh oh."

Her First

Mother's Day! I can't say we did anything memorable although I wish I could. I am so proud of the mother Trish has turned out to be.

Genocide

Have you heard of Hotel Rwanda? I just recently heard of it and then watched it tonight. It's a powerful true story of a hotel manager who helped over 1200 people survive the genocide in Rwanda that in 1994 left one million dead in only 100 days. It is humbling to realize how little I knew about this horrific tragedy. I am coming to believe more and more, we need to be made aware of such atrocities so that as a whole we can prevent them from happening in the future.

With that said, today such a tragedy is again happening in Africa, and many of us know very little about it. Genocide is happening in Darfur, a region of Sudan. At www.savedarfur.org it says "Not since the Rwanda genocide of 1994 has the world seen such a calculated campaign of slaughter, rape, starvation and displacement. It is estimated that at least 250,000 people have died. More than 2 million people have been displaced from their homes and over 200,000 have fled across the border to Chad." I encourage you to visit the site, step out of your world, learn more about these people, and perhaps even take action.

TAP

The last three days me and Trish were in the Transition Assistance Program workshop. It was slightly painful to sit through with sparse tidbits throughout. It mainly covered obtaining a new job. We enjoyed the time away from work in civilian attire. It will still be at least a few weeks before we know if we can get out early or not.

On another note, taking care of an infant is time consuming so we have been very busy. Sorry if we haven’t been keeping in contact with you one-on-one very well, but our thoughts are still with you. As I write these blog entries, I think of all my friends and family in hopes they are feeling a bit closer to us by reading them.

Bracelet

My mom sent us the cutest little bracelet. The silver beaded squares spell out "ROXY." She is making lots of noises now in her happy awake time that melt your heart. Why are babies so cute?

Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival

Cherry blossoms are in bloom for about two-weeks out of the year. And when they are, they are the most beautiful tree I have ever seen. Today we took a 2.5 hour trip with eight of our friends to Hirosaki Castle to see one of the best viewings of the blossoms in Japan. We went last year on a dreary, muddy day, but this time it was a pleasant climate. Also this year, we stayed to see the about 100 acre park lit up with large lanterns and scattered spotlights. It was lovely. We took Roxy in the stroller. She did very well and was low maintenance. Here is a link to a few more pictures: cherry blossoms

$25

I bought three, count em' three, dressers for a grand total of $25 from the base resale office. One is a brand new, still in the box, six drawer Thomasville dresser and the other two are just like the two we have now on loan. It was a four hour cash-and-carry sale. My friend Chris Zember graciously helped me haul them back to my apartment in his truck. So please share in my joy of a great deal.

7 Weeks 7 Hours 7th Heaven

Last night seven-week old Roxy slept a record seven hours. I am not sure how common that is for a newborn, but I thought it was impressive. Anyway, it made us happy. Then she slept from 8-11 am and 1-4 pm at daycare so I hope she sleeps tonight. Either way, it's Trish's turn tonight. YES!

Acceptance

After much anticipation, I finally got accepted to Mars Hill Graduate School (www.mhgs.edu). Yeah! Trish has also been accepted to City University. So the next step is to submit our requests for a six-month early separation from the Navy. We've already begun the tedious process. I am optimistic that our Commanding Officer will approve them, but then the Commander [of all] Navy Personnel has to approve them, and I have no idea the chance of that.

If approved, we'll officially be discharged August 6th. In addition, we'll probably take two weeks terminal leave and we leave Misawa two weeks early for separation in Seattle. So we could be leaving hear in a little over two months. Kind of surreal, but I am ready for a change.

Classmates

Here are four cuties.

Baby Parade

Friday there was a Baby Parade with all of the kids from Roxy's CDC (daycare). It was short, but of course adorable with well over 100 kids. We all know who the star was though. The three ladies in the picture are Roxy's class's caregivers.

CDC

On Wednesday, six-week old Roxy started at the Child Development Center (CDC). We like the facility, program, and caregivers so we are pleased, but of course we will miss not caring for her ourselves. We can visit her at anytime so we'll probably eat lunch with her whenever possible.

This picture is of the room she will be in with 7 other newborns up to six months. They have three caregivers for our classroom. The people in uniform are other visiting parents.

Preparing

It's been a while since I posted a picture so here is a good one.

As for an update on Roxy, she is losing her newborn hair. That is good and bad. She lost the hair on her back, but the hair on her head is balding in areas. She is also getting a few pimples which I read is common. She is still beautiful though. She is a good baby and doesn't cry much except the usual hunger, poopy, gasey cries of infants. We're still enjoying just holding and staring at her, of course.

3 Years Ago

Three years ago today I arrived in Misawa, Japan. On one hand, it is hard to believe that it has been that long. And on the other hand, look at how much has happened in my life: got engaged and married, had daughter, traveled three continents, and earned my Bachelor's to name some significant things. I feel that I have grown in many ways, and that I am a different person than when I arrived. It has been great, but I am definitely feeling my time here is over.

I'm in the paper

Remember my Memorial post two days ago? Well, the Stars & Stripes, the newspaper for overseas military, had an article on it in which I am pictured and quoted. You can see the online version on page 4 at April 17th Stars & Stripes

Go ye therefore

I got an email from my grandmother today and she wrote, "Please try to live closer to family----You would never regret it!!!!!" Most of my family echoes this sentiment and I understand why. Here is how I resonded:

We are planning on moving to Seattle and will probably be there three years so at least we will be closer to home than we are now. I am open to whatever so we'll see what happens after that.

I miss being more a part of my family's life. However, we are able to keep our relationship alive through emails, prayer, web sites, thoughts, memories, talking, and visits home. I know that if I don't do missionary work overseas, that I would regret it. Of course, I could do short-term trips.

I want to reach lost and hurting people. Now I know you will say there are lost and hurting people in Florida. However, there aren't people being imprisoned, tortured, and killed for their faith. There are over two billion people who have never even hear of Jesus Christ. I want to reach these people. People who have to flee their homes because of persecution or starvation. People without hope or opportunity. In the States, there are a myriad of opportunities for people to hear the gospel. In my opinion, there aren't enough people who are willing to go and sacrifice for these people overseas. I am, and I hope that you are willing to sacrifice with me so these people can be reached and transformed by God's love. I want to affect eternity for multitudes. I think I can do that most effectively overseas.

My theology, attitudes, and beliefs are always changing so you never know what I will think three years from now. So if you think that I am wrong, keep the hope alive, I may change.

Memorial

Every year on this date, here at the Misawa fishing pier, we have a ceremony to honor 31 Navy personnel that were shot down by North Korean MiGs in 1969 while flying a routine reconnaissance mission in an EC-121. Nine of the sailors were from our command. Last year I co-organized the event. This year I only threw the wreath into the ocean, the culmination of the ceremony. Before that, there were some speeches and then the names of the fallen were read followed by ringing the ceremonial bell twice for each person.

We do a lot of ceremonies and formations in the military, but this one is by far my favorite to participate in. If we weren’t doing this, I don’t think what these men did would be remembered for how they died for their nations defense. It lets us remember the risk we take as naval aircrewman and honor our fallen brethren.

0 to 1 Month in Pics

Click below for 31 pictures of the adorable Roxanna Mae Dinkins, age 0 to 1 month (then click "View Pictures" then "View Slideshow, it's free):

http://share.shutterfly.com/osi.jsp?i=EeAOXDdm5ctWztg…

Aviation Museum

If you ever came to Misawa and didn't visit the Japanese Aviation Museum, you missed out. We went on Saturday and we had a blast. I figured it would be a bunch of old planes and pictures of the history of aviation. It had some of that, but half of it was interactive games and exhibits. It took me three years to finally go, and I am glad that I did. It's a place you could have lots of fun with your friends just goofing off, and goofy we got. Also, the US Navy donated a plane (P-3 Orion) to the museum that Trish and I both trained in and flew on. Kind of wierd to think that we flew on a plane that is in a museum!

One Month

Here is our beautiful daughter. Can you believe it, one month old? We don't know how much she weighs, but my guess is 10.5 lbs. We don't have another doctor's appointment till two months. She has been healthy. She sneezes and hiccups a lot and has the cutest yawn you've ever seen. Life is grand when I hold her. It's hard to contain the joy. I think that is why people make a fool of themselves around babies with all the baby talk and silly faces, they just can't contain the joy. If someone did those things to you, you'd think maybe they have a few loose screws. Anyway, it's fun.

Sorry busy

For those that check my blog regularly, sorry I haven't been posting as much. I have been busy. I haven't done a lot of my regular things lately. I will get back in to a routine soon enough. Trish's family is here and we have been hanging out a lot with them and trying to do some fun things. I don't have to work today and tomorrow. We've been shopping, to the rocky coastline, eating out a lot, etc. Tomorrow we're going to the Aviation museum which we have passed around 300 times since we've been in Misawa, but have never been to.

Anyway, I chose this photo because I think it captures her resemblance to me better than any. There is definitely some Dinkins blood in there, maybe only we can tell though.

Not Roxanna

This is my nephew Michael Joseph Long. Trish's parents and oldest sister Jen got in to Misawa late Sunday night. They will be here until Sunday. We are glad they made the journey and excited for them to be able to spend time with their first grandchild. I have off Thu-Sun. I am not sure what we're going to do, but we'll probably make a trip to Mt. Hakkoda. Everyone is really tired so hopefully we'll get some naps in too.

Helpless

It is amazing to think about how helpless babies really are. They are completely dependant upon others for years. What a responsibilty! Of course, they can't defend themselves against taking silly pictures either.

Easter Day

We ate Japanese food and shopped at the mall so not much of a traditional day, but still had fun and took lots of pictures of Roxy's first Easter.

Afternoon at the Slopes

Trish got her wish. She got to go snowboarding this season. We took a short trip to Okunakayama today. It snowed most of the time so this is the only picture I took. She did well and we had fun. Soreness for sure tomorrow.

Roxy on the Ball

Not much to say, just like the picture.

More Beautiful

Roxy is getting more beautiful everyday. Someone mentioned today she looked a lot different than when she was first born. I hadn't noticed till I went back and looked at the pictures. Sure enough! She is 2 weeks and weighed exactly 9 pounds at her doctor appointment today.

More Clothes

Someone gave us some more baby clothes. Yep, all of these clothes are from one person. 0 to 12 months, literally a whole wardrobe. Some have never been worn, lots of name brands, and more than one can ever wear so we'll pass on the blessing. Roxanna now has more clothes than Oprah.

New Furniture

We splurged. Ever since I saw a Japanese step chest almost three years ago, I've wanted one. Trish also picked out the Tibetian armoir at the "Far East Bazaar" on base. Both pieces were made in Korea though. The step chest is actually three pieces, two of which are constructed as steps, and you can place them any way you want. We have them stacked for the time being.

I have a hard time buying things like this because I always think that I really didn't need it and could use the money in a better way such as supporting a missionary. It is a struggle that I am not sure where the balance might lay. We support missionaries so I am not buying things instead of giving, but we could always do more. We are still saving money as well so we can definitely afford it. It may just come down to my convictions, but I guess I am not sure what my true heart is telling me.

Lost Umbilical Cord

On Day 10 Roxanna lost her umbilical cord (as pictured). We were then able to give her her first bath. She didn't like it, and I didn't get a picture of that. So now the question is do we save the umbilical cord? Or, is that just too gross? I think I would be mildly interested to see mine. How about you?

A Million Faces

Like I mentioned, my favorite pastime is to watch my baby. So far I have counted about 984,387 faces that she has made. Well not really, but here are a few. She just seems to be experimenting with all of her tiny little muscles. By the way, if you click on the picture, it makes it bigger.

Future Girl Scout

Well, maybe if she wants. However, that is how the local girl scout troop presented Roxy with a gift basket. They chose the girl born closest to the anniversary of the Girl Scouts, March 12th, to give the gift basket to. Well, that was us! Isn't that cool?

Nanny is Here

My mom, which after much consideration with her first grandchild, goes by Nanny. Well, she arrived after a 30 hour trek across the US and Pacific Ocean to see her first female descendant. We are happy to have her and I am so glad she is able to see Roxanna. I wish all of you could as well, but someday soon.

Sleepy Time

Everybody is doing well and sleeping as well as can be expected. The last two nights we only woke up twice. We still having to wake her up sometimes to feed her instead of when she is crying. Everything also went well at her first pediatric appointment yesterday.

The days are going by so fast. I have spent numerous hours just holding and staring at her, my new favorite pastime. Happy times! I have to go back to work on Thursday and I'm not looking forward to that. My mom will be here Thursday as well and I am looking forward to that.

Nephew Cousin

Sheila, Trish's sister, gave birth to Michael Joseph Long on March 13th at 6:31 pm. He weighed 8 lbs 3 oz and was 20 3/4 inches long. We are so excited for them and thrilled for Roxy to have a cousin her same age.

Miraculous. Emotional. Unforgettable.

The miracle of birth. We've all heard it before, but it now has so much more meaning to me. The possibility and intricacies of birth are amazing. I stand in awe of God's creation.

Trish was incredible in labor and delivery. She handled everything so much better than I could have ever imagined. I am so thankful to God and the prayers of our friends and family. I know they helped us throughout the process. It's hard to explain, but easy to understand that I feel so much closer to Trish. I feel our relationship is deeper and stronger just from that one moment of birth.

As I knew we would, we cried when Roxanna came out. Since then I cried a few more times and got choked up a few times on top of that. I love tears of joy and I love being a father. I cannot imagine anything more memorable or special than that glorious day.

Labor and Delivery Synopsis

We got to the hospital about 9:00 pm after Trish's water broke. Trish still wasn't feeling any contractions although she was having them based on one of the monitors she was connected to and was 3 cm dilated. About 1:30 am they put oxytocin (a hormone that stimulates contractions) in her IV. A little while after that she finally started feeling her contractions and about 4:30 Trish opted for Stadol (a narcotic). That gave us both some time to sleep. About 6:15 Trish woke up. She was 8 cm dilated and really started feeling the pain of the contractions so she requested an epidural. It took about 50 minutes (way too long) for the anesthesiologist to come so that hour was very painful for Trish and awful for me to witness. The epidural is a wonderful thing. Trish went from moaning to drifting in and out of sleep. By 8:00 she was fully dilated and she was instructed to let the nurse know when she was ready to push. At about 8:50 she was ready and at 9:23 the beautiful Roxanna Mae Dinkins entered our world. She and Trish were found to be in good health. Trish is amazing!

Introducing

Roxanna Mae Dinkins
Weighing in at 8 lbs 15 oz (4060 grams)
Measuring 22 1/4 inches
Born 9 March 2005 at 0923

Heading Out

We think it has happened. Trish's water broke, not all at once, but it's trickling. So we're heading out and hopefully Roxanna is too. We're going to the hospital so if I don't blog again in the next few hours that means Trish is in labor. I feel euphoric, Trish is calm, all is well, and no contractions yet.

Still waiting, but not for long

Yep, we're still waiting. Now, it's week 40 day 4. However, guess what... this afternoon we scheduled an induction: Thursday March 10th. We have to be at the hospital at 6:00 am. There is the chance it won't happen so don't give your hopes up. If perhaps they have another delivery or whatever, then we would have to reschedule. Wow, what a weird, wonderful feeling to have it scheduled. Now, that we're not watching the pot boil, Roxy will probably decide to come out. We hope.

Poll

When polled "What day do you think Roxanna Mae Dinkins will be born?", people voted as follows:
March 7th - 2
March 8th - 5
March 9th - 6
March 10th - 3
March 11th - 1
March 12th - 2

Times Up

This is another post letting you know Roxanna hasn't arrived yet. Today, March 4th, is her due date so hopefully the next post will be her much anticipated, glorious announcement. You know, it still doesn't seem real that any day now we will have a baby girl. I am so excited for that day, yet I think all the emotions haven't hit me yet. I know I am going to cry like a baby (pun intended) when she is born though.

Not a 1

Still no contractions. We had a doctor's appointment this morning and Trish is still about 2.5 cm dilated. He said he expects labor to begin within the week, but we heard that last week from the nurse. They won't induce until she is one week overdue which happens to be her birthday, March 11th.

We had an uneventful, yet restful, weekend just waiting for something to happen. Trish went back to work today after 9 days off (4 work days). This week I have to weigh about 200 people and measure body fat on about 50 of them so I hope the baby comes soon so that I can hand off that task. That, of course, is the least of my reasons, but still a good one.

Not Yet!

Trish is 39 weeks today, but no baby yet. Again, it should be any day now. We are more than ready for Roxy. Trish has been fortunate to have a good, healthy pregnancy. Her biggest complaint now is her back and general uncomfortableness, but all things considered she is doing well.

Almost 3

Centimeters that is. Today the nurse said Trish has dilated 2.5 or almost 3 cm. That was exciting news to us because we thought she might not have been that far along since she hasn't felt any contractions. Oh yea, she is also 75% effaced if you know what that means. I know I didn't till all of this. Anyway, it should be any day now and most likely within the week. She says she doesn't expect us to make our next appointment (the 28th). We're ready and waiting for you Roxanna!

My Beautiful Wife

Jean-Marie sent Trish this much adored and highly appropriate shirt. Also notice, Trish got new glasses, her hair cut last week, and is wearing ear rings (and a necklace you can't see) that she made herself. Oh yea, and she is 38 weeks pregnant. All this combined with her natural beauty make me one proud husband and father-to-be.

Statement of Pupose

For my application to graduate school, I had to write two essays. I am posting one of them here because it helps explain why I chose to apply to MHGS. It is a long 581 words so I don't expect everyone to want to read it, but here it is for those that do...

Essay 1: Statement of Purpose

As I explored the option of attending a seminary, I wondered whether it would be possible to find one that would fit my desires and goals. I knew I did not want an education steeped in denominational doctrine and would only yield a head full of knowledge. I want a school where I can be transformed and equipped to effectively reach a hurting, dying world with the gospel. I believe Mars Hill Graduate School (MHGS) is that place for me.

MHGS seems to be on the cutting edge of something I see God doing in many of His people: taking them from religion to relationship. Many Christians and non-believers in this age seem to be discontent with the religiosity of their faith. These people need to be shown the beauty of a life in relationship with Jesus and a believing community. MHGS seems to be equipping Christians to do just that by contextualizing the Scriptures and engaging, with relevance, the heart of people in the culture in which they are involved.

Through my education at MHGS, I hope to learn more about my own heart. I want my prejudices, wrong attitudes and motives, and misconceptions to be revealed to me so that I may continue the process of getting in line with the Scriptures and Jesus’ Spirit. I want to become conscious of my true desires, strengths, weaknesses, gifts, and callings so that I can live out an authentic life.

As my heart is transformed, I realize my views of God will change. I hope that as they do, I will simply learn more about Him and gain a deeper understanding of His desires for us. I expect my views of others to change as well. I want to learn how to correctly read other’s stories so that I can know their hurts and joys and help them in their relationship with God. I want to learn how to better engage my culture and especially people of other cultures.

I believe my first engagement with a foreign culture helped shape who I am. When I was sixteen, I went on a mission trip with my church youth group to central Mexico. I loved every moment as my eyes were opened to a world unlike any I had never known. We would travel to a village and go door to door to invite people to our play. The play was a mime of a creative version of the gospel accompanied by a Spanish and musical recording. The defining moment came for me when it was my turn to give the altar call at the end. As I spoke and looked out at the people gathered outside this hospital, I felt so alive as I experienced God’s compassion for these people. I did not want to leave that site until our group had spoken to every last person.

I wish every Christian, especially those enjoying the riches of this life, would take a trip outside of their culture and engage a hurting, poverty-stricken culture. I believe their lives will never be the same. You can read about places like Haiti, the poorest country in the Western hemisphere, but until you go there for yourself, you cannot truly know their heartache and suffering.

Through my experience with MHGS, I hope to continue to grow in my passion for God and for people and more clearly understand how to channel that passion into effectively reaching a lost and hurting world.

My Valentine

Flowers, candy, and romantic dinner. It was sterotypical, but still special because I got to spend it with the best Valentine ever.

Not So Fun

So last night was the Misawa Security Operations Center (MSOC) annual awards banquet. Boy, was that three hours I wish I had back. I already knew I didn't win Sailor of the Year so the only reason I went was because of the pleading of my supervisor who paid for my ticket. They wanted all of the nominees to be there and we were all applauded. The MSOC, where I work, is run by the Air Force and they have this horrid tradition of obnoxiously banging there spoon on the table instead of clapping. So needless to say, it was annoying. At least we got to suffer with a few of our friends at our table.

The Plan

So the tenative plan is set. We are in the process of putting in a request for a six month early serperation. We would be discharged August 6th and take an additional two weeks of terminal leave. So we would leave here in early July, go to Seattle for two weeks of outprocessing, and then settle in Seattle, and I would start school August 22nd at MHGS (www.mhgs.edu). Seattle is coincedentally and conveniently the place where everyone in the Navy from Misawa outprocesses. That is the plan for now, but it all hinges on our commanding officer excepting our request, and I really do not know the chances of him granting it. We can only pray...

5 Years of Service

Today is my five year mark in the Navy. I do not think there is anyone that doesn't find that hard to believe, especially me.

I do not feel that I have contributed very much to the Navy, but I also haven't had that much opportunity. Most of the time our military is training and maintaining readiness for just in case. "Just in case" has been the thought that has got me through many of days feeling unproductive. Now, I do everything the Navy gives me to the best of my ability, but I haven't done much to contribute to our nation's freedom. I know in the grand scheme of things I have helped by serving in my command which in turn contributes to keeping our military informed, but by in large, I do not see any fruit.

On the bright side, training and my time outside of duty hours has been marvelous. I have had so many opportunities for travel and education, the pay has been great, and the job security is unbeatable.

I am thankful that I have been able to serve without being exposed to any real harm and never had to use force on anyone. I have enjoyed my time, but I am ready to move on. I believe I know my next step (more to come on that note).

By the way, the picture is from one of our runs where the whole base gets together once a month (except in winter) to run about two miles. I am leading our command formation as the Fitness Leader. I don't have many military pictures, but I wanted to include something.

Best of Jul - Dec 2004 in Pictures

Here are my top 50 pictures for the second half of 2004. I have lots of other slideshows like this one to share. All you have to do is ask?

http://share.shutterfly.com/osi.jsp?i=EeAOXDdm5ctWzr4…

Dear Roxy

Dear Roxy,

Only a few more weeks and I will get to hold you. I have been eagerly waiting for that day. I realize that my life will never be the same after your birth, and I am ready. I like change, and I love adventure. With you in our life, I am sure everyday will be an adventure. For me, it will be full of discoveries in fatherhood, awe of life, and a growing love for you, my first child.

I really hope that I will be a good father to you. I want you to be able to look back on your childhood with gladness, full of fond memories, lessons learned, and strong relationships forged. I know for sure you will have fun. We are going to have so much fun together and as a family. Along with the fun, I want to lead you to a strong faith in God. I want to be an accurate reflection of God for you so that you will have a healthy image of your heavenly Father. I want to teach you how to make wise decisions and give you the tools to lead a successful life.

I wonder if a lot of parents think they are going to be the best parents ever? Well, I think that sometimes, but I know parents mess up and that I will too sometimes. However, I promise I will do my best to care for you. You will never lack love.

There are so many things that I want to share with you and teach you. I am excited, and rest in the fact, that I have the rest of my life to do just that.

I love you,

Dad

The bag is packed

Trish has packed her bag for the hospital. A sure sign of the immanency of the birth of our child and a certain life changing experience. I am excited and hope she comes early. February 18 will be 38 weeks which is the beginning of a full-term birth. March 4th is the actual due date though.

We had a doctor's visit today, nothing new, but we scheduled an appointment for the anesthesia briefing. Trish hasn't decided yet on what kind she wants, but she has to sign some paperwork in case she does want an epidural. That doesn't sound comfortable!

Blizzard!

So now I know what a blizzard is like. On our way home Sunday night from the HH, we encountered one while driving Trish's hatch-back. We had to go about 12 MPH as the 45 knot snow blew horizontal to the ground. If it wasn't for the reflective stakes they put on the sides of the road in the winter, we< wouldn't have been able to tell where the road went. Actually we went off the road around a curve at one point. Scary fun!

The picture is from the next day when we got to go to work two hours late because of the snow.

Tribute to Curtis (part 2) by Trish

On Friday when we left the AMC terminal I knew I was seeing Curtis for the last time for at least a little while. No dramatic goodbyes were heard just a hug and a "see you later" because in our hearts we knew we really would see him later. But I guess God decided that Curtis needed a more dramatic exit, even if it was only for me to see. And here's my story...

I was on my way home from the bowling alley after leaving our Departmant's Hail and Farewell around 1630. What happens everyday at 1630? Yes, that is correct, Japan and the USA's national anthems are played and everyone stops out of respect. So there I am, sitting in my car on the road in between the gym and soccer field which put the flightline in my direct line of sight, listening to our National Anthem. Sometimes I think back to when we go to the movie theater on base when the National Anthem is played and they have the clip of all the various planes flying by during the end of the song in order to stir up some feelings of national pride in us all, and there it was, The Freedom Bird in all her glory passing directly in front of my car with Curtis Sutton onboard. I just sat there and laughed and said my final goodbye to Curtis, even though he couldn't hear me. If I had a video camera it would have been priceless. What a way to go Curtis!

Trish

Tribute to Curtis

One of our best friends is leaving Misawa tomorrow, Curtis W. Sutton. I've said it before and I'll say it again, one of the hardest things about military life is having to say goodbye so often to those you care about.

Curtis, affectionately known as Currt-Dawg, has been in Misawa for 4 and a half years and has left quite an impression. As for me, he has shown me what it means to be a friend and has truly been "a friend [who] loves at all times." Proverbs 17:17 has so much significance in our relationship and his life. For one, it represents his creativity in which he coined PQ2, a code for Proverbs 17:17. PQ2 was a time at his house to fellowship and strengthen relationships. Curtis welcomed people at his house so many times and at any hour. He excels and thrives at building relationships and in my opinion, relationships are what our world revolves around. He has a way of making everyone feel accepted and special.

Curtis is the most accepting person I have ever met. I have told Curtis things that I've never told anyone except Trish because he is a great listener, always understanding, and never condemning. He is open in his communication and always open minded. He thinks the best about others, does not pass judgment, finds good in people, and loves everyone. This makes Curtis someone everyone loves to be around. He has so many friends who adore him and his charismatic ways. Plain and simple, he is COOL! He is a trend setter (first blogger I knew), fashionable, knowledgeable about many areas, and a connoisseur of many things.

I will miss our times at the Onsen (hot springs); snowboarding trips and other travels; watching movies at his hip, cozy house; lunches at the E-club; and conversations about anything and everything.

Life in Misawa will never be the same. Curtis we love you.

I Passed

So my trip to Tokyo went great. I slept nine straight hours on the bus down there, I couldn't believe it. I passed my CLEP which means I've fulfilled all of the requirements for my Bachelor's, but I won't actually get my degree issued until June. The MAT was difficult only because of the time limit. I filled in about 20 out of the 120 with "B" the last 30 seconds of the test. That evening I ate at Subway with my friend James and his girlfriend. They live in Tokyo and go to Temple U. Japan and I know him from Misawa. After that I had desert with a Japanese friend, Hiro, that I met in Misawa, and now he works as a vet in Tokyo. Then I also most missed the last subway of the night, but I made it back to my hotel. The next morning I had a productive ride on the bus back to Misawa.

Part II: Hee Hee Whoo

The second day of our birthing class was a little less intense and actually somewhat relaxing. We learned the basics of Lamaze. We did a simulation where the teacher turned off the light and had us practice breathing between contractions. After that, we took a tour of the labor and delivery room (one room) and the postpartam room where you usually go about 3 hours after delivery. The baby stays with us the whole time. I will also be able to spend the night in the room. I can't wait!

How is that possible? Part I

Today we had our first of two "Birthing Classes" which consisted of a graphic video and a talk through labor and delivery by a nurse. That was my first time watching a real live birth. Wow! Human reproduction is such an awe inspiring process. Most of the information put out I had already learned about, but it is still nice to have it reaffirmed in order to ease the anxiety about being unprepared. By the way, I don't think we'll have a video camera in the delivery room.

Overwhelmed

So this month I feel a bit overwhelmed. At work, I am in the middle of 3-week, 6 hour-a-day Korean refresher that saps a lot of my brain juice and that concludes with a test that if I score high enough, will get extra money. Outside of that, I implemented a new exercise program at our command that I am trying to make sure goes smoothly. Last week, I had to chair a board that selects the Junior Sailor of the Year and the following day had to sit a board to compete for Sailor of the Year. I won't find out if I won till February 11th.
I am studying for the Principles of Accounting CLEP test that if I pass, will complete my BS in Business Administration. I am also studying a test-prep for the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) that I need to take for my application to Mars Hill Graduate School. I am going to take these two tests in Tokyo on Saturday because that is the only place in Japan I can take them. I am taking an overnight shuttle bus on Friday (8-10 hour drive), taking the tests, and then taking the bus back on Sunday morning. I have also been putting together my application for MHGS which requires two thoughtful essays.
Also consuming my toughts is what to do in the near future. We have been trying to work it so that we can go to Korea for a one-year tour so we have been back and forth with those that can make that happen. If that doesn't happen and we can get out of the Navy, it looks like we will head to Seattle this summer.
On top of all that and most importantly, I have been preping for a baby, making sure we have everything we need, reading up on birth, and just mentally preparing for the inevitablly joyous,life-changing experience of being a father.
I have moments of feeling stressed out, but overall I am feeling happy and enjoying the challenge. Plus, I still had time to go snowbaording on Saturday.

Coed Baby Shower

Today we had a wonderful baby shower. Thank you so much to Jeni, Kerry, and JB for hosting it and Curtis and Caleb for helping set up. We enjoyed it so much. We received wonderful presents, ate good food, and had fun playing all of the games. I especially liked guessing the kind of baby food. I can't believe they have Macaroni & Cheese!

Okunakayama

Another snowboarding trip. I haven't been much this season because I don't want to leave Trish since she can't go. However, she hosted a bridal shower yesterday so I took the grand opportunity. We are in a three week Korean refresher here in Misawa and I took our 60ish year old teacher with us. She didn't board, but they have a "hot spring" there so she was able to enjoy that. She was one of my teachers in Monterey. It has been fun reminiscing and I really like her. She is the typical grandma type.

I Win

Well, not really! This picture is me running the last leg of a 4 X 100 meter relay at the Gonohe Sports Day (see Sept 26 entry). I came from behind to beat that guy and came in second to last.