Less than a month…

Christmas is now less than a month away.

Where the hell has this year gone? I mean this time last year I was already in Australia, had an almost one year old and was pregnant with #2. It does not seem that long ago. In fact, while it is a a cliche, it seems like just yesterday.

What also doesn`t seem that long ago was giving birth to Shion…I mean he was early so of course it was unexpected but I can`t believe he is now on the verge of walking {he took his first unaided step last weekend, another 2 in a row today but he seems to be content with doing one here and there and crawling the rest of the way. Oh well – I am in now hurry for him to walk!}. Noah turns 2 on the 19th……I will no longer have 2 kids under 2….

Shion is now fine for sleeping. He goes in his bed, he settles himself without crying/tears and sleeps better because of it. He went into bed at 7pm and has not woken up at all since then so far…where as before he would of been up at least once, usually two or more times by now {It`s almost 10pm}……we are also down to one feed over night, usually around 2am but he often wakes 2 other time either before or after but a quick cuddle and a pat on the back and he is fine to resettle himself. It took less than a week of being consistent and there was a lot less tears/crying than I thought there would be. I would like to cut off the overnight feed by the time Christmas rolls around but we will see. I am also looking to wean him…I am all for breastfeeding but I guess because I weaned Noah quite early {before 9 months}  that I just feel extended breastfeeding is not for me {although I admire those who do. I guess I am a bit too selfish! Plus Shion keeps biting me and nothing seems to deter him} and want to wean Shion around the time he turns one. I think the best time will be just before he is one over the new years holidays so that Shun can be around to help as I am sure it will not go smoothly.

Noah still doesn`t talk but still trying not to let it get me down too much. I am trying to get him to use his “words” to communicate but we still just get a ton of pointing, grunting and crying. Recently though he has started to say “mama” a lot when he wants my help without prompting {after weeks of me saying- “Noah, if you want me to help then you have to say “Mama, help”}…..he tends to sign “help” though.

I have a lot of Christmas activities plannned to do with Noah and some things we can involve Shion in as well- I have already decorated our flat, planned Christmas eve feast and bought all the boys Christmas and birthday presents {except 3 things I have to pick up from Ikea on Monday}. I still have to shop for my brother, his girlfriend, my dad and Shun though. My mum and the boys though, done! I am hoping “santa” brings me a new computer but I am not liking my chances. I guess an ipad would be my second choice and if that is also a no go then a new wallet would be nice.

I love this time of year but as I was telling a friend recently a cold Christmas is just not the same- for many {well, half the world!!!!} a cold Christmas is the norm but I grew up with swimming and seafood and long summer school holidays at this time of year and I do wonder if I will ever get to the point where having Christmas here is as good as having it at home. Perhaps it is also the fact that Shun doesn`t really “get” why I like Christmas so much and try to make it so special. He has been in Australia for 2 Christmas`s but I guess it still hasn`t rubbed off on him yet….

At least this year it is on a Sunday so he has the whole day off {plus the 23rd, a public holiday, and of course the 24th is a Saturday}….3 days of Christmas cheer!

The next month is hectic though! Next week we have trips to Ikea, Cost-co and the embassy planned as well as our regular rhythmic class, possible coffee date and work planned. I am FINALLY apply for Shion`s official Australian passport {his emergency passport expired last month} and last week I applied for his Japanese one so he will soon be officially able to travel! I have work the next couple of weekends, a Bonenkai {end of year party}, Rhythmic class Christmas party, the boys birthday party {11th…Wiggles themed!}, a friends son`s birthday party and then Christmas followed closely by New Years. Yes. Crazy like.

We have Noah`s follow up assessment {for speech delay and ASD} on the 7th and then numerous other plans.

This was technically our last “free” weekend day actually. Tomorrow we have some professional family photos scheduled but today we originally had no plans so decided to have a real family day with a trip the local zoo {was great!}, play in the park and okonomiyaki for dinner. Today was awesome actually. It was Shun`s idea to go to the zoo and I am so glad we got up and got going early- Noah loved roaming around and it wasn`t so crowded so he could go where he pleased. He enjoyed patting the Guinea pigs, the regular pigs, some goats, chicks and a sheep as well as seeing a ton of other animals. This mini zoo is a 10 minute drive from where we live but we had never been before {and neither had Shun despite having lived in the area for um…30 years1}. Shion was a bit grumpy but he is at that age where he wants to be held by me…ALL THE TIME. He sat on the top of the pram though and had a good view while Noah ran around. They also had a mini train you could ride and a park so Noah had a blast! It will be nice once Shion is walking and climbing in that sense because all he wants to do is play and follow his brother but it is not always possible {at the local park I usually let him crawl around but he is still in the mouthing stage so he tends to eat a lot of grass or chew on inappropriate things. The other day he also kissed a poodle!}. We ate lunch there before coming home for naps {and I went to do the weeks food shopping} and then went out to the local park once the boys were awake! Such a nice family day, just the four of us.

I have a Tot School post coming although we haven`t done much the last two weeks although we have spent a TON of time outside and made lots of “new” friends at the park. There is a little girl Mao-chan, about 9 months older than Noah, and they have a blast running around together. She is always like “Noah-kun to asobitai yo” {I want to play with Noah-kun} when we arrive at the park if she is already there or if they come after us she yells from her mum`s bike “Noah-kun, Noah-kun, Mao-chan da yo” {Noah-kun, Noah-kun, It`s Mao-chan}….she calls Shion “Noah no akachan” {Noah`s baby} and always wants to touch his cheeks. They play really well together and it is fun to watch!

We had our Jichinsai { Shinto land blessing} on Friday- slab gets porn this coming week. I will post photos soon. A house update in general is needed I guess since everything is now decided and building is starting. Shun`s parents house is now completely cleared from the land and our house outline is marked out with string. Seems so strange to stand on there now and think “wow, we will be living here next year” – exciting though as well!
Well I guess that is all- just felt I hadn`t blogged an update in awhile. Lots happening but nothing terribly exciting! Have an early start tomorrow {we all have to be up about 6am so we can leave at 7:30 to get to Aoyama for the photo-shoot} so best sign off and head to bed!

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