Well, let me tell you a little bit about the trip home to NJ. The flight was not as terrible as it could have been -- although the flight was delayed. My ankles swelled a bit on the plane, but my nice husband let me put my legs up on his lap and everything worked out OK.

Spending the holidays at home was wonderful. I haven't been back to see my family at Christmas in three years, so this was really special. It was also my husband's first Christmas in America. YAY!

It was fantastic being pregnant during the holidays -- on Christmas I was handed a present addressed to Ma-chan (the baby) from Grandma and Grandfather. For a second, I was confused and then I realized -- this was from MY parents to the baby! Ma-chan got a blanket with a matching cute little hat...

I got several other small baby-related things -- bottles and a few toys.

A few days after Christmas, Eishin and I had plans to go to dinner with a friend who was visiting home from the other coast. We arrived at her house only to find that this was my surprise baby shower! Oh, what wonderful friends and family I have.

The baby shower was a little early by most standards, but since no one knows where my husband's job will be and where we will be living right before the baby is born, early seemed like a good idea.

I got many clothes and books for the baby and a few bigger presents as well. My aunt got us a beautiful bassinet which I love and my mother gave us a car seat. YAY! We should be able to manage to get these few big items over to Japan without a problem should we end up there...

The best part about the shower was the "party games." My friends elected to be creative and instead of playing games, we used fabric paints (yes, the safe kind) to design a baby blanket, onesies and bibs. It was such fun and now I have tons of clothes. It'll be nice to pass those on to my sister, etc. when they have kids.

Everyone at the party also wrote the baby a little letter. Reading the messages let me think about how loved this baby will be. Everyone even humored me and watched the ultrasound video of the baby and we all speculated as to whether that really was a little pen*s or not...

My husband and I flew home on my accumulated mileage from my job, so our tickets back to Japan are flexible. We haven't decided yet when to go back, but I have to be back in Japan soon for work; Eishin may stay here and interview a little bit longer for positions in NY. Wish him luck! We have our first wedding anniversary in a week or so and may have to spend it apart -- but that's OK; the important thing right now is finding a good job for my husband...

More soon!