Family Photoshoot

When Leyna was 9 days old, we had family photos taken by a local photographer. There are a lot of photographers here actually, many who are military wives/moms that picked up the hobby and made it their business venture. So it was a challenge finding decent talent with a reasonable price, and particularly getting someone available for a baby due anytime in July. Luckily we secured a session with OkiDoki Photography just three days before Leyna's early arrival.Rather than indoor studio photos, our photographer shot us on location at some nice spots...a cultural theme park that was originally created as a set for a popular Japanese TV drama (there was even a karate class going on in one building which was a cool backdrop for some photos), and across the way are shores and hilltops near the ocean with great views. Watch the video at the bottom for more photos!

(Note: for those of you who read our posts via email...videos are only viewable directly from the blog)

Images by OkiDoki Photography, some edited by Loralee.

Anniversary Month

We'll never forget a conversation we had way back when we were considering a dating relationship with each other. Soon he was leaving to finish law school in Hawaii and then he was committed to serve in the Marine Corps. I wasn't so thrilled with either of those things, and I bluntly replied, "Well, I would never marry Marine!" Dan was quick to respond, "Well then maybe I'm not meant to marry you then." Oh how we both spoke with confidence -- but I was quite certain I would not be brave enough to marry Marine, and Dan knew he was going to marry me in the end! And here we are. August 11th marked our 2 years of marriage, and also 3 years of Dan being a Marine Corps Officer. Whenever we look back and laugh at the outcome of all our late night relationship talks, Dan loves to boast, "I win!" Well actually, we both won. He was too wonderful for me to resist and we both found what we were looking for in a life partner, right in front of us. Well, here's a video looking back at our wedding day...


To celebrate, we decided to keep it simple this year, especially with the new addition. Anniversary day was a late work night so we at least treated ourselves to some quick sushi at a small place called Delicious Club. We just made it in the door before closing time, but the owner was so kind to seat us, take out all the ingredients he had already put away, get his apron back on and create some yummy rolls (their specialty). It was relaxing, even if Leyna got fussy, since we had the whole place to ourselves - it felt like we had a personal chef at home!

On the weekend we enjoyed a wonderful steak dinner at a popular date restaurant, Sam's by the Sea. Another restaurant to add on our favorites list...an American sized meal (as in lots of food), super delicious food (the best steak I've had so far, drenched in a garlic sauce and topped with garlic chips), and superb customer service. I had to hold Leyna a lot (since she often doesn't like being in the car seat) and when they brought my food, Danno reached over to begin cutting my steak since I only had one arm free to eat...well a manager saw this and immediately stopped Danno, took my plate to the other side of the table, and had a waitress come and cut my whole steak into little pieces! Wow. You'd never get that in America!

One Month in Review

Wow Leyna is already 1 month old! We're definitely still adjusting to things especially since we were fortunate to have the helping hand of Grandma the entire first month. My mom took care of so many things while she was here. She cooked meals, washed dishes, changed numerous diapers, packed the diaper bag at every outing, brought me things when I was stuck to the couch nursing, watched Leyna so I can shower, eat or go the bathroom, walked to the nearby grocery store to buy food while Leyna and I napped...and the list goes on. We often felt bad that we didn't tour around more, but she assured us that just being here with us and Leyna was well worth it. Plus she caught up on a lot of rest too. Well here's a bunch of posts rolled into one of random highlights from the past month during Grandma's visit.

Enjoying time with Grandma..and the first-time Grandparents back in CA via Skype.
Leyna's first bath.
First road trip / long day out and about. Drove up north of the island, stopping to enjoy the nice view of Nago Bay on our way to the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium.
The aquarium was amazing. All their displays, big and small were great. They feature the world's 2nd largest acrylic glass panel which contain humongous whale sharks and manta rays among tons of other fish.Leyna did great doing what she does best - sleep, eat, poop. By the end of the day, looks like Leyna prefers large grey sharks over small blue ones =) There were lots more areas to explore, so we're sure to return.
In addition to my mom's first time to have delicious Teppanyaki entertainment, to eat in a private room semi-Japanese style (sitting on tatami mats at floor level but there's leg space carved in the floor under the table), enjoy the popular Okinawa goya (bittermelon), and eat sushi off a moving conveyor belt, she also got her first Okonomiyaki experience. It's a Japanese pizza / like an overstuffed omelet that you combine any assortment of ingredients you want into it. Mix it, pour it, flip it..with additional egg, they add it as a layer on top...we're not pro enough to cook it ourselves yet.
One of our top places to eat - Tramonto. So far everything we order on their menu has been delicious, and we love coming back to eat on the deck for their awesome view. Btw, that pretty hello kitty watch Dan is wearing is actually a battery powered mosquito repellent thingy we got to protect Leyna when we go out. Nifty huh!
For Dan's birthday, mom offered to watch Leyna and sent us out to enjoy a date together. It was our first time to try an all-you-can-eat place that's just walking distance from our place. There was tons to choose from...you cook the meats at your table, can steam foil-wrapped veggies (like bacon and asparagus, or assorted mushrooms in butter), order sides like nan bread, soup, bibimbap (even hot stone bowl bibimbap with kimchi and cheese)...We have yet to conquer everything on the menu...
Last event with Grandma...Leyna's first time at the beach (but not yet getting in the sand) to see the beautiful sunset. It's walking distance from our house, has lots of tented picnic areas for bbqs. There's this big walkway that jets out into the ocean, offering a great view and a very relaxing stroll...
Lastly, some pics of our growing girl. We're glad she keeps her eyes open much more now. We approximate she's up to at least 10lbs. The way she eats, she's definite our child! haha.
Phew, that was a long post! Thanks again mom for all your help!