8 months (32 weeks) along and counting
Dr. Sakamoto didn't keep us waiting even 1 minute over our 10:00 a.m. appointment time. We filled out our English forms and were immediately guided back to his private office for a sit down chat. He spoke flawless English and made us feel at ease with his knowledge level, patience and complete understanding of our foreign American needs. He said, "It would be an honor to delivery your baby."
We proceeded to do an ultrasound where he located all of Peanut's major organs and measured his bones, head and amount of amniotic fluid surrounding him. We also heard his strong heartbeat and saw all 4 heart chambers in action. Peanut is still in the breech position with his feet down and head and fingers in my rib cage (thanks buddy), but he remains healthy as ever and continues to measure right on track at 32 weeks due July 20th.
We left the doctors office with Dr. Sakamoto's direct office, cell, and HOME number and were instructed to call him 24/7 with any questions.
When Peanut's big day finally arrives, we plan on delivering at Seibo Byoin International Catholic Hospital (http://catholic-toshima.web9.jp/english/seibohospital.html) which isn't far from our apartment in Shinjuku. Sister Barbara will be our English speaking nurse and the Seibo Hospital can accommodate my birthing plan (a.k.a. an epidural - unlike the typical Japanese delivery) and a private room with all the bells and whistles.
After our hospital stay, which is around 3-7 days in Japan depending on natural or cesarean birth, Dr. Sakamoto's midwives will visit our home daily to make sure Peanut and I remain in good health. Think it goes without saying, but I am loving our 5 Star Japanese birthing plan!
Rewind a couple weeks back, Scott and I had a nice long break in Minnesota but are happy to be back in Tokyo safe, sound and together! We had a wonderful time in the States visiting with friends, celebrating our 1 year anniversary at Grand View Lodge, fishing, reading, walking around the lakes, BBQ's and enjoying your family. Thanks again to Bill & Sandy Freeland for flighting in for a visit.
Cabin at Grand View Lodge in Braiderd, MN
View of Gull Lake from cabin deck
Looking for fish....
Found Mr. Pike!
Thankfully Scott had a few days off work after our Tokyo arrival so we were able to avoid awful jet-lag and enjoy more down time together. We even got to attend a couple Japanese baseball games. The Tokyo Giants (kind of like the Yankee's of Japan) lost to the Fukuoka Hawks at the huge inside Tokyo Dome and the Tokyo Swallows (smaller division like the St. Paul Saints) beat the Osaka Buffaloes at the more intimate outdoor Meiji Jingu Stadium. Both stadiums sold beer and ice cream so we were happy campers, but we preferred the smaller Swallows game. Better fans and atmosphere.
Giants vs Hawks at Tokyo Dome. Reminded us of the Twin Cities Metrodome.
Swallows vs Buffaloes at Meiji Jingu Stadium
Go Swallows Go!
We also visited the Tokyo Tower (of course the Japanese had to make a larger version of Paris' Eiffel Tower standing at 1,093 feet tall), Zojo-ji Buddist Temple founded in 1393 and the gorgeous Shiba Park near our doctors office filled with huge pines, stone water ways and walking paths. Please enjoy the pictures below.
Scott is back at work and now it's time to resume life as usual in Japan. We figured with the Meiji Shinto Shrine near Scott's work, Zojo-ji Buddist Temple outside our doctors office and delivering in a Catholic Hospital that should put all the God's on our side!
We love and miss you all!
Tokyo Tower built in 1958
View from Tokyo Tower overlooking Shiba Park
View from Tokyo Tower overlooking Sumida River
Scott laying on glass observatory floor in Tokyo Tower. Once again, someone please put this man back to work...
Zojo-ji Buddist Temple
Jizo statues outside temple
Jizo is the guardian of those who suffer, especially sickly children and pregnant women. The red bibs are placed on the statues by bereaved mothers and other sufferers.
Zojo-ji worship Temple
