A dish fit for the Goodes

Let's talk about the lovely food in Japan. We haven't gone to a ton of new restaurants, but we have tried some new things. Or maybe not so new, but definitely authentic. Let's start with Coco's, a curry house. There is also a Coco bakery and a Cocok spa and a Cocoa market all on the same street! But the curry, is gooood. Especially for a pregnant lady who wants her spicy foods! When you order you choose the level of spicy that you want. I followed Tyler's recommendation, since he had been there weekly before I came. We got a three out of TEN. And it was so spicy I could barely finish it. It is Tyler's goal to get to a 5 before leaving the island. And the garlic naan, dipped in the curry is a must. 

There are ramen houses everywhere. Before I moved to Japan I thought ramen was a cheap college kid food that you make in the microwave. But I guess it came from somewhere better! Our favorite place is Tenkaipin. And you just get a bowl of glorified ramen noodles! With broth, noodles, green onions, and Tyler orders his with a boiled egg in it. 

Sushi of course is bigger and better than we've had before. So much that it has turned Tyler into a sushi loving/craving fiend! He is a dare devil and tries a new roll each time. I use the excuse that I'm pregnant so I order anything but sushi. But I occasionally steal a bite or two off Tyler's plate. We have gotten used to eating more fish, and shrimp is good. 

There is such thing as taco rice. Even the Japanese like their Mexican food! It's pretty much a taco salad made with rice. Simple, but tasty! 

Imagine life without cold stone. Thank goodness for baskin robins and blue seal! 

And just because we are talking about food, we like to be American most of the time. On base we have a Chili's and a Subway, Taco Bell, Burger King, Pizza Hut... and several others that keep us sane! And on about every corner out in town you see the golden arches and we've heard that it is better than in the states. We had to try it, but couldn't read the menu enough to know what we were ordering. Tyler lucked out and got a Big Mac! Ha 

And there are vending machines on every corner, and it's a must to try new drinks. Not being able to read Japanese, you win some you lose some! 

Prince or Princess?

As I was waiting on my passport before leaving the states, I ended up meeting the nicest girl who happened to be an ultrasound tech. She was so sweet to offer me an ultrasound, seeing that I would have had to wait until 20 weeks to see my baby. She promised me that she would be able to tell the gender. Even at only 14 weeks pregnant! I debated on hearing the gender because I wanted to be with Ty when we got to hear the news, but he was across the world. So I went in at 14 weeks for the ultrasound. And I was excited when Tyler agreed to wake up at 3:00 am his time to FaceTime for it. My mom and Hillary came too. When we first saw the little squiggly babe, my heart dropped a little. I could see the legs kicking like crazy, I just wished I could feel it! The babe was stubborn and was being very modest. We couldn't see the little parts after trying and trying! Finally we got a good view, which made us all guess Boy! Until the tech corrected us and said GIRL! I wish I had a picture of the look on Tyler's face as he realized he would be a dad to a little girl. He was so excited, his guess was right! 

Since the tech was seriously so nice, she asked me to come back in one week before I left the states so that I could see my babe again. When I went in at 15 weeks, she confirmed that she was a girl, and we got another look at her little hands and nose! 

Ever since those ultrasounds, I was so uneasy about getting my mind set on a girl. I thought that at my 20 week ultrasound we might see a boy! I was having dreams of baby boys. I didn't know if it was a mama instinct, or just paranoia! 

I was finally able to join Tyler in Japan at about 16 weeks pregnant. It took quite a while to get medically situated and see my OB, which pushed my 20 week ultrasound to a 24 week ultrasound. I started feeling baby kicks at 20 weeks, Tyler was able to feel it for the first time just one week later. By that time we were dying to see our baby! 

We finally went in for the ultrasound, where lots of very specific pictures were taken of the baby. Tyler and I were in awe of how perfect our baby is. When she asked if she could confirm the gender we got excited. This baby IS a princess! 

Dear Baby Girl, 

You are already our pride and joy. We get so much happiness from you. We are ready for the crazy adventure that is becoming parents, because we know that is what we are here on the earth for. And you are able to make that happen for us. Sometimes I get nervous about becoming a mom, but when I feel your butterfly movements in my belly, I feel such an unexplainable reassurance that we will be a perfect happy family. 

Now we are thinking about what your name will be. Are you a baby Beth, or a Grace or Jane or Annie or Ella? Or are you our baby Liberty? Everyday I think of new names and can't decide on one, because I see you as the prettiest little lady, that any name can fit you! 

We love you to the moon and back, babe. And cannot wait to have you in our arms.