Staying Put
Well I have come to the decision that it is best for me and Maru chan to stay in NZ until the birth. This was a very hard decision for me, mostly because the best possible situation, of having my baby in Iwaki with my husband and mother to support me, no longer existed thanks to the earthquake and tsunami and out of control nuclear power station. The next best option of stay in NZ and have baby and hope that DH will be able to make it here in time for the birth (he says he can only get a week off work for the birth) with the support of my mother and sister leaves DH in a bit of a crap situation. Still mother and baby should be the priority in this situation so NZ it is. Since I have made this decision, there have been several signs that it was the right one.
First, I called Air NZ to ask them to change my return flight to Japan. I booked a really cheap non-refundable ticket to get out here, thinking I would just stay 2 weeks. The wonderful call centre person put my return journey on hold for a year so I can go back when I am ready. I nearly cried as finally something nice happened.
Then DH tells me yesterday he is going on an overseas business trip for a week from next week. I think he could have said no if I was going to be there but I am glad he gets to go somewhere instead of rattling around in Iwaki – and I mean literally rattling. There was another huge earthquake there last night. A 7.1 at the epicentre, so it would have been a strong 5 in Iwaki– which is huge. DH probably slept through it as he is a champion sleeper. I would have been traumatised and stressed out- again. Water was restored to our house yesterday, almost exactly one month after the first quake. I hope it stays on, after what happened last night.
Sebastian, our puppy is still in Tottori and having a lovely time from what I hear. DH's sister keeps me informed on how he is and tells me that he has really brightened up their lives which makes me so happy to know that he is well cared for, loved and even spoilt rotten. I am now wondering if he will want to come back to us when the time is right.
Maru chan is very healthy and kicking up a real storm every night. I got on the scales this morning and noticed that I couldn't see my feet or the reading on the scales. Today I am 31 weeks. 9 or so to go!
I am sad that DH may not be there for the birth. Though, it will be a blessing if that is the worse thing that happens when the time comes. I am glad you and your family are safe. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that everything is working out for the best. I hope DH can make it to you in time for the birth. :) The main thing is that you and maru-chan will be safe though, and at least you'll have lots of family around for support too.
ReplyDeleteOnly 9 weeks to go, time flies so enjoy the rest of the pregnancy journey :) You just never know what will happen...(from someone who's bub came 3 weeks early coz he couldn't wait to get here)
I think you have made the best decisions considering the ongoing instability with the situation in Japan. While I believe it is generally safe for adults to remain as long as they are outside of the evacuation areas (and provided that exposure doesn't go on for too terribly long), I think babies and small children are an entirely different issue.
ReplyDeleteBeyond safety, there is the fact that there are still potent aftershocks going on (there was one last night) and intermittent shortages of various things. At this time, you really don't need stress from anything, let alone these types of issues.
Good luck, and I hope your baby and you are happy, healthy, and come back to Japan to a happier and safer place when the time comes.
Prob for the best Jayne! At least you can pig out on all the exotic western fare you're deprived of in Japan. Bread! Bread! Bread! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteAlthough it is sad that DH might not be there, I do think you've made the best decision given your current circumstances. I've been a bit worried these past few weeks, but now I can feel relieved! Here's to a safe, easy birth.
ReplyDeleteI am sure you are making the absolute best decision. Get pampered for as long as you can. ;)
ReplyDeleteI told my husband that you have named or nicknamed the baby Maru-chan. He was wondering if that is after the noodles or if it means something. He thought it was funny!
ReplyDeleteHere in Mexico, he loves to eat those noodles.
I'm also curious what do you enjoy eating when you are in New Zealand?
Lorie
Hi Everyone. Thanks for your reassuring messages.
ReplyDeleteMaru means round/circle in Japanese :) Is it also a brand of instant noodles?
In NZ I am very much enjoying eating wholemeal bread and real muesli for breakfast every day. Breakfast is my favourite meal anyway so it is really nice to have my favourite foods that I can't easily get in Japan. Oh and I have had some fish and chips too!
Yes, the noodles are a big hit in the U.S. Some people even eat them uncooked!
ReplyDeleteNow I see on Wikipedia that Maruchan means little circle-all this time I thought you were making a joke :)
http://www.maruchan.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maruchan
I don't know what wholemeal bread is, but I'll go check wikipedia. I love going home and eating my local foods!
Lorie