random thoughts...

Yep, her eyes are STILL blue-grey in color.... we do daily checks for brown!

Cora in her exer-saucer... a hand-me-down from buddy Olivia. She's surprisingly steady on her feet and has fun reaching for the various toys attached.

This is a dress I bought 3 or so years ago in Bali..... who knew it'd by MY baby that would eventually wear it!

I always said I'd never be one of "those moms" who only talks about her kid.... and I fear I am becoming her. I can't help it, she's so darn cute :) I realized that I have been negligent in keeping up with our blog... and I will blame that on the monotony of motherhood. Since mom's left, Cora and I are trying to figure out how to exist without extra help. We're also relaxing while we have the time. The art of multi-tasking has never been so necessary!

Greg's LONG month is nearly over, as his ship begins the arduous INSURV process in the morning. This is a very thorough inspection of every inch of ship. Over 100 inspectors from the states are here to board the ship and inspect the appearance, functionality and administrative paperwork of the entire ship. This is what has kept Greg on the ship 7 days a week, 5:30 a.m. until around 9:00 p.m. for the past month. I'm praying for success and I'm sure he'd appreciate all of your prayers, as well. The amphibious ships have not had successful INSURVs in the near past and we are all hoping TORTUGA will break the "curse."

I'll make Greg write more when I see him again!

We've been having loads of fun Skyping with Obaa and Sofu back in Michigan -- Cora recognizes their voices and faces on the webcam, it's wonderful! Let us know if you Skype, too and we'll have to arrange a phone date!

We are REALLY looking forward to the arrival of Nana and Duke (Greg's folks) on Thursday. Hopefully Greg will be able to join the fun and explore Japan with us :)

Today after church we did yet another photo shoot in a darling dress from Greg's folks. We are looking forward to some professional pictures next weekend! Sadly, today was the last service put on by Chaplain Hodges here in base, he is heading to Afghanistan. Our Sundays won't be the same....

Sumo baby...

we had lunch with Kristina and baby Victoria (who was born 6 weeks after Cora but 2 months premature)... V is now 8 weeks old and just about 6 lbs, Cora is 14 weeks and just about 18 lbs. GOOD GOD!

Mata ne, Obaachan!

The day has come sadly where we said our "see ya laters" to Mom/Obaa today. She's on her way back home to dad and retirement. I can't type how lucky I feel to have been able to have her here for the end of my pregnancy, delivery and first 3 months of Cora's life. It's been so wonderful to have company and HELP :) we miss her already.....

and are looking forward to our next helping of company --- Nana and Duke!

Obon

Mom, Cora and I had the chance to take part in a neat Japanese ritual yesterday as we waited for Greg to finish his workday.

The festival is called "Obon" and it is a Buddhist celebration that is very popular here in Japan. Once a year, families gather who have lost loved ones in the past year. They decorate lanterns and send them floating down the river in honor of the deceased, encouraging their loved ones' entry to heaven. During Obon, the Buddhists believe that the deceased spirits return to their home for 3 days of celebration before heading back to their "new world."

We decided to honor Grandma Syring, who died at 94 in November, 2008. We decorated a pink lantern (in honor of her breast cancer survival) with her name and a tribute to her husband, 3 children (and spouses), 12 grandchildren (and spouses) and 12 great-grandchildren. We even honored Gizmo her dog.

We also paid tribute to Jack and Lucy, 2 Syring family pets that passed away in this past year.

Families were dressed in traditional kimono and yukata and the whole ceremony was quite respectful.

We enjoyed watching Grandma's lantern (which had a candle burning inside) travel down the river as we shared memories of her life.

100 days old!

We celebrated Cora's 100th day with her fun party dress that Babs sent to her... She LOVED the tulle and many layers, though she seemed to enjoy eating it (sucking on it) the most :)

A Korean acquaintance here told us that in their culture they celebrate baby's 100th day as a benchmark for health; after that, they only celebrate year 1 and year 60!

Some Cora pix...

Cora and daddy chilling after dinner...

A new benchmark -- Cora reaches out and grabs from her boppy gym! She's doing pull-ups almost!

Cora LOVES her Dolly (named Dorie) that Auntie Allie Sent to her.....

and the headbands from Nana.... (YES her eyes are still blue-grey!)

While Greg is deployed, we send him a picture-a-day of Cora.... now that he's home, we find we're still stuck in the habit :) Enjoy some of these great shots!

welcome home, daddy!

Greg's home once again! This two-month deployment felt like forever, though it kinda flew by... does that make any sense?? Regardless, we are so excited to have him home. The Tortuga faces INSURV later this month, which is keeping the sailors on board from 6 am til 7 pm -- 7 DAYS A WEEK. It's a tough schedule, indeed.

Cora welcomed daddy with wide eyes. He was amazed by how big she is! Soon enough she was smiling and cooing at him :)

Cora goes swimming!

We visited the pool FINALLY and miss Cora got to wear her darling cherry swimsuit (compliments of auntie Sara!) She wasn't sure what to make of the water, but soon enough she was kicking and enjoying herself...