Japan Family

BABY! YEAH!

Erin — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 05:53:31 +0000

When I got to Gotemba last night Satomi said "I do not think the baby will come till tomorrow or the next day." She was right! At about 3 am she crawled into bed with me and said she was having some pain.

A little while later she said the pain was contractions. A round 330 AM we decided to go to the hospital.

At 4 we checked in and I went out to wait in the car.... they did not have a place for me wait.

Around 650 I was awoke by a call from Satomi, she said I could come inside the hospital.

I saw the doctor at almost 830 and he said I could see Satomi and the baby in a few minutes and ensured me that they were both fine.

At on 2010 10 09 at 743 my latest little girl was born. She weighed in at 3080 grams (6LBS 12.84 ounces) and 49 cm (19.29 inches). Right now we have not decided on a name but Sarah, Mia, and Sena are all in the running. If you have a suggestion please add it below, we have till Monday to decide. We decided her name will be Sara Alison Hughes/Udagawa.

Here are a few photos, you can click them to see larger images and view the rest of the photos in the gallery.

Mt Takao

Erin — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 02:00:00 +0000

POLICE DEPARTMENT CITIZEN COMPLAINT REPORT

Complainants Name Erin Hughes

Object of complainants claim(s); Wife and Son

Name(s) of Witness(s) Anna P. Hughes (Daughter)

Statement of Incident :

Complainant states that he woke at 7 AM and planned to climb MT. Takao that day. Complainant stated that he was the greeted by screaming, yelling and crying. When he went to investigate he found that the 2 objects of the complainants claims were locked in a heated verbal battle about the status of a video game and its ability to fly. While neither claims were witnessed by the complainant this did not stop the tirade of screams and tears. Finally with little time left to make the departure point for the climbing of MT. Takao, the complainant claims he calmed the situation and got everyone in the car.

After being dropped off at the departure point for the MT Takao trip the complainant claims that the disposition of Object 2 (Son) returned to normal, and only reported one small incident during the MT Takao adventure where he needed to raise his voice to object 2, when Object 2, ran along side a accelerating train screaming and waving like a fool to say good-bye to a departing friend.

Upon returning from MT Takao complainant engaged in beer drinking and flirting with mothers of other children who had been on the trip at a local park. When the children could not agree on who was the best monster to chase them, the complainant foolishly stepped up to offer his services as the village monster and proceeded to chase said urchins around the small park, like a mad fool, till in the final minutes of said contest when he claims he finally snagged the last child.

After departing the park the complainant and object 2 on the way home decided to cut through Tateno Koen. Upon entering the park complainant and object 2 observed a father and son team facing off against some rival school children from Sekimachi in a ballet contest, that closely resembled a soccer match. Complainant and Object 2 entered the battle on the side of the Father and son team (of course) and within minutes the score was evened (of course). With dinner time drawing close and the complainants legs growing weary it was declared a sudden death game. Minutes later a pass from the complainant to the other child netted a goal that sealed the game(of course).

Upon arriving home complainant found one very happy wittiness, who was happy to go for a walk to the local Coup to help the complainant buy some beer, but before their escape was complete complainant states that object 2 and object 1 began arguing about homework, Bay Blade and other pointless crap. Complainant stated that he tried to interview and mediate the situation, but was unsuccessful. Complainant then stated that he spent the next 2 hours in misery over listening to the 2 Objects go back and forth during dinner, desert, and bath time over such pointless items as home work , a missing Bay Blade post card that Object 2 lost but claims Object 1 thew away in the trash, and why explanations from both sides as to “why I/he cant be a good boy” and “why the complainant should talk to object 2 on behalf of object 1 and visa verse. “

Complainant states he wants a divorce from BOTH Objects till they learn to figure out their personal problems with out a referee. Complainant states he never wheres a black and white striped shirt and typically does not carry a whistle. Complainant then stated Objects 1 and 2 need to learn to listen to each other and try to communicate before complainant goes insane.

This concludes today's report. Have a nice day.

Family Photos

Erin — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 03:58:37 +0000

Family Photos

The other day we had a little time and I tried to sit the kids and me down for some family photos. It was too much work. Anna is so fast now and if she sees something that looks like it might have a light or make a sound she is grabbing it and disrupting the shot. Eric was fine with the whole thing and wanted to make a bunch of funny faces which we did, but we could not seem to get one photo where we are all looking at the camera and paying attention.

Oh well that was just the jeans and tshirt version. We will try again later maybe with some nicer clothes on too.

E./

Eric's Soccer

Erin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:03:34 +0000

Eric's Soccer

Erics soccer clubs send me more mail than anyone I know and most of the time it is anoying silly stuff. I would ignore them but if you do not reply they call the house and ask "Why haven't you replied to our mails?" To which I say "I was busy."

Here is a sample of 1 weeks worth of mails.

Snow Day

Erin — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 04:15:56 +0000

Late

I was a little late for work the other day. It had snowed for the 2nd time this year in Tokyo.

Eric woke up early and got out there and started working on a snowman. I was a little under the weather from a late night.

He was pretty excited and when I did get out there he was doing pretty good on his own so I helped him out. I took me about 15 minutes that I did not really have to help him get done.

But it was well worth it. Click the image at the right to see more pitctures of Eric building his snowman.

Bay Blade

Erin — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 10:01:00 +0000

Bay Blade

Eric is supper into Bay Blade. Basically it is just tops that you spin against each other to see which can knock the other out or make the other stop. Funny thing is it 2010 tech tops.
They are made up of 4 different parts. The face, the metal wheel, the truck, and the bottom. The way you combine the four pieces decides how it will react when you spin it. Some combinations are for attack, others are for defence. I really do not understand how the configurations work but Eric does completely. I wish he paid that much attention at school. Maybe I can take some comfort in the fact that "it is a geometry thing" and he will get something out of it.

But I wonder/worry about him and his kind of obsession mind set. Everything that comes along and is "cool" for the moment, he is so into, Pokemon, Nintendo DSi, etc. They all occupy a intense, INTENSE, interest for a moment in time and then quickly fade away.

The affect on my wallet is usually substantial but survivable, but I wish he would get "more" out of these experiences. Recently I have been thinking he should do some other activity like Judo or learn to play the guitar or other individual thing where he can express him self with out the influence of all his classmates and friends.

I like all; well most of his friends, so the problem is not them, I just wish he would learn to be more of a individual, and less of a follower.

Either way he is a good kid, not perfect but, as close as a 8 year old with as many life hurdles as he has can be.

Finally, as a Dad with as many problems as I had as a kid, I do not think I could ask for a better son.

E./

New Do

Erin — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 01:01:01 +0000

NEW HAIR CUT!

I had my birthday and it was kind of a non-event. We had a cake and sang Happy Birthday. After this weeks rugby game, in which I played quite a bit, we had another little , for Joffa, Warren, Paulo and I who all have birthdays with in the same week or so. Actually Warren and I have the same birthday.

After the game I met Satomi in Kichijoji and took Eric to get his haircut. I decided to get one too. It was a time for a change, so as I sat in the chair I told my barber, shave it off. He asked 4 times if I was sure that is what I wanted to do, then said "Hai Ikimasho!" or "Lets get started!" Eric seemed pretty shocked but really excited. Here is what I looked like right after. I need to get some clippers to maintain it I think.

E./

Techno Baby

Erin — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 12:03:06 +0000

Anna-chan "Techno Baby"
Anna goes nuts every time I get out my phone or camera or any other piece of technology. Most of the time I think it is cute so I just give her the phone and let her have at it. She is really into the lights and colors that seem to come alive when she starts hitting the buttons. I know she does not completely understand what they mean but she likes them all the same. This time however she called my dad in America and left him a message, at 5 AM his time.

Hawaii

Erin — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 10:01:00 +0000

Hawaii

From Wikipedia "Hawaii's natural beauty, warm tropical climate, inviting waters and waves, and active volcanoes make it a popular destination for tourists, surfers, biologists, and volcanologists alike. Due to its mid-Pacific location, Hawaii has many North American and Asian influences along with a vibrant native culture. Hawaii has
over a million permanent residents along with many visitors and U.S. military personnel. Its capital is Honolulu on the island of Oʻahu."

What can I say about my family trip to Hawaii. It had all the ear-markings of a disaster in the making. I invited my Dad with out consulting my wife. I did not really do any planning about what we would do and how we would do it when we got there. I remembered to leave my pocket knife in my carry on, but forgot the battery charger for the camera. Heck I was not even sure what island we were on till the last day.

We arrived after a quick 6 hour flight and caught up with my Dad at the rental car agency.

The trip moved along pretty quick from there with shopping at Walmart, Target and the Mall. We got out of Wakiki a couple days after that and drove to the North Shore and Kailua Beach Park the next day. Around Wikiki we walked and tried some of the local foods and shops.

In all it was a good fun trip. The highlight for me was seeing Eric Surf like a pro after only a few minutes of lessons.

The food was good old American food with big rich portions. A initial argument I had with Satomi was "The hotel includes breakfast." To me this was no big deal, but I forgot how nice it is to start the day with a omelet pancakes and sausage and bacon. Get the breakfast buffet at Dukes, it is worth it.

Also having my Dad there to drive us every where was both convenient and irritating, but well worth it. He has a tendency to get a little too close to the car in front of him, which drove me completely insane and caused more than one argument, but other than that he was pleasant and easy to get along with the whole time, and Anna really seemed to like him.

All in all it was a good trip. I would do it again, but would change some things along the way. A quick list would be;

Do's:

Plan excursions more carefully
Rent a car Stay longer than 5 days if possible
Rent surf boards and other necessities away from the beach front hotels
Take surf lessons (especially for kids)
Rent a weekly apartment a little further from the beach front hotels
Picnic/BBQ Kailua Beach Park Bring a good camera for pictures of surfing on the North Shore and at
Diamond Head Hike up to the top of at least 1 volcano, to see the sunrise if possible.

Don'ts:

Spend whole time in Wakiki
Go on the Suicide 12 hour tour of anything
Eat at expensive restaurants in Wakiki
Go shopping on the first or second day, then the last day for any items you may have missed.

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Charlie Brown Christmas Tree

Erin — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 08:49:20 +0000

Charlie Brown Christmas Tree

When I first saw our Christmas tree this year I thought it was ...... great. It was crooked, and had huge bare spots, but in a land of no Christmas trees it was perfect. Just like a block head like me needs to feel in the Christmas spirit.

Here is the finished product, one Charlie Brown himself would be proud of. The tree itself is in a pot and I thought it would be better if we did not cut it, maybe we can use old Charles next year.

Happy Birthday Anna-Chan

Erin — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 05:05:19 +0000

Anna's First Birthday!

Anna was born a year ago on a cold December day (16th) and since she has been in my life she has brought me so much joy.

Comparing the 2, when Eric was a baby he was difficult to say the least. Anna has been completely the oposite, even when she fell off the couch and broke her collar bone she hardly cried. She is always happy and genki.

I really think that not only has she helped me but she also has helped Eric. Eric is more responsible and seems much calmer these days with his sister around. Thank you Satomi for giving us Anna. Thank you Anna for being the happy little center of all of our lives even amid all the chaos and problems.

Sad Reddiit Baby

Erin — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 01:28:54 +0000

Sad Reddit Baby

Anna with her reddit baby shirt on.

I think she looks so cute but so sad in this picture. Actually she is just watching TV.

Eric at Tokyo Tower

Erin — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 01:55:55 +0000

Eric at Tokyo Tower

Eric posing with the view from Tokyo Tower in the background.

It was a great day out for us, but it got a little tense when we started running out of cash. I had originally just planned to go to Pokemon Center, but then lunch and Tokyo Tower, pretty soon we were down to our last 3000 yen and I was kind of eager to get home.

Either way we were all pretty happy how the day turned out. Good family fun.

Pokemon Center

Erin — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 02:05:00 +0000

Pokemon Center

Eric Anna and I headed to the Pokemon Center in Tokyo to get Eric some books for his birthday. I was pretty surprised it was like a mini Disney store with all kinds of Pokemon stuff you could buy for the little Poke-fan in your life.

Also to my surprise there were allot of of adults there buying stuff that look like was for them not their kids.

Sleepy Anna

Erin — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 04:03:00 +0000

Sleepy Anna

Sleepy Anna-chan rests her head against Dad's big belly.