The Family Stories that Bind Us

This is a really cool article posted earlier this year in The New York Times.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/17/fashion/the-family-stories-that-bind-us-this-life.html?pagewanted=1&_r=2&adxnnlx=1384968298-DwqHlAH7D4YIh/JZFGCwrw

Another reason why I want to keep recording our stories. Help me out?  =)

Obaachan Advice

I found a list I made of items of advice that Obaachan gave me one summer when I was staying with her.

• It is better to have friends that don't live too close. Neighbors can snoop and know your doings, so they don't make good friends.
• Don't lend money. If someone is asking for money, it's because they don't have any, so they won't pay you back.
• Don't marry someone too tall. It looks funny. Better someone about the same height.
• Don't marry someone with a long face. A little face is better.
• Half-Chinese, half-Japanese children are the smartest.
• Don't cut your nails too short; they'll bleed and they are hard to heal.
• Roll your clothes up to pack them. More will fit. That's what Motoyuki does.
• Fold your clothes up and hit them before you hang them to dry. They won't wrinkle that way.
• Run clothes through the washer one or two extra times to get all of the detergent out.
• Don't go for the #1 guy in class, because he'll have a big ego. Go for the #2, because he's still smart but won't think too much of himself.
• Marriage isn't fun. Don't look forward to it.
• Save money. Then you will be happy.
• It is best when the whole family lives close by.
• When you are a big lawyer, hire your mom to run the office. Give Eimi and KJ jobs too.
• Don't let animals sleep in your room. Their hair will get stuck in your throat and lungs.
• Don't eat greasy foods. They'll make you fat, and they'll raise your cholesterol.
• Don't go for handsome guys, because they think they're good-looking. Better one that is a little bit homely.
• Don't tell a guy that you like him. Just find a chance to pay him a compliment.
• Don't walk around barefoot in the house. It will make childbirth more difficult. If you always wear your slippers or socks, the baby will come right out.
• If you go on a trip, always bring back presents to your teachers. They may not show it, but they will like you for it.
• Be polite. People will like you if you learn to be polite, and will be offended if you don't.

Words to live by...

Bored on a Flight.

Since people will be heading to Japan soon, I thought I would share a boredom buster, compliments of my 15-year-old self. I give you, crusty bun man (distant relative of An Pan Man).

When Jackson was born

I am pretty sure I am missing most of these pictures, so Eimi and I will have to hunt them down. Unfortunately I didn't get to be there when this cutie was born, which I was quite sad about. Such a doll!

When Alexis Kei was born

 Eimi, you'll need to write more about this when you get a chance. But I'll start with what I remember...

Eimi had been in labor for a while and we were all on pins and needles waiting for Alexis! Mom finally sent me home and told me to go to sleep because Alexis wasn't coming any time soon. I was woken up at around 6am by a phone call saying they were going to do a c-section and to head over to the hospital. When I got there, we still couldn't see anyone, so we went out to breakfast. And I recall when I got back that Eimi was mad at us for going to breakfast without her, and not even bringing her anything! She had a good point, since she was the one doing this:

First feeding.

The proud grandparents 

Sleepy Grandpa Takao, in love with his first grandbaby!

 Darlingest newborn picture ever. Such angels (both of them!).

When Keishi was born, picture version.

You can read Keishi's blurb here. In this edition, we actually get to see Mom in labor! She is looking rather perky, don't you think?

Mr. Kermit himself.

And these pictures are labeled as being later the same day. Is that true mom? He is looking a little too big and too awake in those bottom photos to be less than a day old...

When Meg was born, picture version.

Mom's description is in this post. There is all of one picture of Mom expecting me, and she is not showing her belly =)

Brand new:

I might look a little like Daddy in this one.

August 4, before being discharged:

When Mom became a Mom

Mom wrote a few lines about Eimi's birth in this post.

This is so beautiful! Happy Mother's Day =)

Business Daddy.

Well, maybe not all business. Mom, dates/stories?