Hello. Nice Seeing Ya.

The title has double meaning tonight.

First, we had the great fortune of seeing our friend Juan again this evening.  Juan comes to Japan 2-3 times a year with a contingent from Puget Sound Naval Shipyard to conduct disaster preparedness drills for people involved with keeping a nuclear carrier in a foreign land.  Jip gets to be part of the drills while representing SRF since he is technically still a nuclear-qualified officer. Tomorrow is the last drill for Jip.  :)

Second, those words are about all Jip and I were able to say to each other tonight between having a dinner guest and putting kids to bed.  Jip just put RJ down for a second time (it's 11:30 pm).  Ryleigh took over 2 hours to put down again.  So, hey Jip!  What's up?  Talk to ya this weekend!

First Day of Preschool (Again)

RJ had another first day of preschool today. He moved from the two-day-per-week program to the three-day program with all of the other 4-year-olds in his previous class as well as new kids who were in in the afternoon class last year or who were on a waiting list for preschool. At first, to RJ, it was just another day of preschool. He couldn't figure out why I was fussing a bit about taking a picture and looking sharp. But, once we arrived and RJ saw the new faces and didn't see some of the old ones, I think it sunk in that he was taking a big step today.

We only get to do the three-day program for four weeks, as then it will be time to move to San Diego. I'm already shopping around for preschools in SD, and I'm overwhelmed by the choices available as I read up on all of them. But, I'm learning that my gut was right about RJ going to preschool on base--the program is on par or above par with the big city schools, and RJ should be able to jump right in wherever we end up choosing. I'm super grateful RJ had a full year plus a few weeks with his awesome teachers and some great friends.

Did you hear him yell?

Today was a rough day for RJ.  :(

RJ had his 4 year well-child check up today.   The appointment itself went well, but his time at immunizations was not very fun for the little guy.  He had to get four shots today.  He was nervous about it before we even got there and when we finally got to go into the back area where they administer the shots, he started crying.  Two technicians had me lay him down on the bed and hold his hands on his chest.  They pinned his legs to the end of the bed.  Simultaneously, they both administered one shot each into RJ's thighs.  The scream from his mouth was loud, very loud.  Then, the technicians each gave RJ another shot in each thigh at the same time.  The second sound from RJ probably woke some dead.   I think the whole hospital probably heard him.  Did you?

It was very hard to hear him cry in pain, but getting shots are an unfortunate reality for us all.  It's just too bad that little ones can't understand the "why" behind the pain.

The rest of the day was not easy for RJ, either.  I think he milked it a some, but he walked around like an old man stating that his legs were hurting, which I'm sure was true to a certain extent.  "Ouch" was what we heard every few minutes.  He didn't want the band-aids removed and was quite vocal about it.   And on and on.

If there was any humorous part of the day, it was his quotes about what the doctor said (all untrue, by the way)

1.  "The doctor said that I can't walk until the shots heal, Dad.  You have to carry me."
2.  "The doctor said that I can't remove the band-aids for 3 hours. "  (this was about 8 hours after the shots)
3.  "The doctor said that I can't remove the band-aids for 10 hours."  (after finding out that we were long past the 3 hour point)

He's going to be just fine, but today will not go down in RJ's history as one of his favorite days.  Poor kiddo!
-Jip

Surprise Bike Ride

Our friends Melissa, Jack, and Maggie stopped by this morning to see if RJ (and Jip) wanted to go on a bike ride around the base. They rode to a playground, played for a few minutes, rode along the water, and finally ended up at McDonald's. Ryleigh and I met them there. The kids played. We all had lunch together. Then kids played some more.

It was a fun morning and a nice way to spend a leisurely Labor Day.

Next month!

Now that it's September, we can officially say that we'll be home (stateside) next month!

Not much new here today.  Since it was steamy hot outside again, we stayed indoors or in a vehicle most of the day.  Legos, Play-Doh, and the electronic babysitters (TV and iPod/iPad) occupied our time.  We also took a drive while the kiddos napped.  That's about it that's worthy of reporting.  Sorry there's not much else interesting.

RJ went down easy tonight.  Ryleigh, on the other hand, is putting up quite a fight.  Let's hope she finds her inner tiredness and falls asleep very soon!

-Jip