Shinryu's Omiyamairi / 進龍 の お宮参り

   Today we went to Ikutama Jinja for Shinryu's "Omiyamairi" (お宮参り), which means "first shrine visit." He is just over a month old (41 days). Traditionally we would have taken him on his 31st day (32nd for girls) but that tradition has waned with the business of modern schedules.  And today was a national holiday here in Japan (Labour Day) so it was convenient for the family to get together. We went over to the shrine about 1pm, signed up, waited briefly (no reservations) and then we were ushered into the main part of the shrine. 

   The priest met the baby and painted and "大" on Shinryu's forehead. Apparently this is a tradition only in Kansai. 大 means "big" and the hope is that he will grow up strong and healthy into a big man.  Shinryu, the center of attention throughout the day (and most days, to be honest) slept right through the whole thing. He even slept through the chanting, the ear-piercingly high-pitched Japanese flute, and the shaky bells used in the ceremony!  Yet if i cough when we are putting him to bed, he awakes. 

   After the ceremony, we came back to our place and had some cake and a small gift exchange between the grandparents. Shinryu was mostly quiet and when he awoke he was just hungry. Overall it was a really nice day.  

weird art at the maternity hospital

These weird little wooden wall hangings were in the waiting room at the maternity hospital when we went for Shinryu's one month check-up today.  They made me giggle.  Then they made me wonder. Then i got worried.  It was a long wait...

Apparently this one is from a story or song or something.  I'd never heard of it, but my wife informs me that it is called "Bremen" or something to that effect and the hive-mind (Internet) informs me thusly: The Bremen Town Musicians.  The versions and explanations i made up in my head were funnier and far more strange. 

This is just terrifying.  Did they make a "Day of The Triffids" kids story that i don't know about?

Sure, i get it. You're just hanging out on the moon with your girl, on a date, trying to be all cutesy and romantic and whatnot. But then along comes this GIANT COCKROACH! What a mood killer! Get out of here, Giant Cockroach! Shoo!

A Night In With "A Night Out"

Have recently re-discovered one of my all-time favorite compilations of jazz.

 "A Night Out With Verve"; four discs of some great tunes, loosely organized into themes, that keep me sane through night shifts with the baby.  If you don't already own it, i highly recommend picking it up through Amazon or at your local shop. It does not appear to be available on iTunes. Though if you were interested in something a little more modern, you can find the fantastic series "Verve//Remixed,"which is all electronic remixes of old Verve label songs.  Happy Listening!

NaNoWriMo - Oh no!

Ah crap! Is it november already? I had such big plans, glorious plans! I was going to have it all planned out and ready to go. I was going to start this month off with a bang. A 1667 word bang!  Oh well.  I still signed up to the challenge of NaNoWriMo this year (that would be the National Novel Writing Month for those of you who dunno).  I seriously doubt i will finish the hectic break pencil neck speed of 1667 words per day to reach the goal of 50,000 words by November 30th.  But i have excuses!  Excuses, i tell you! A three week old baby, a visitimng mother (she arrives tomorrow!) and a full time job and blah blah blah.

So, realistically, my personal challenge this year is just to get started and to TRY.  (Shut up, Yoda!)

I have my basic idea and the world is forming in my head (and in notes on paper). The actual writing of the draft... not so much... yet.    Will post occasional updates about my success/failure rate during the month.

For a few Pictures more

That's all for today.  Just a couple more shots of Shinryu in his cute little Halloween PJs.

So tiny, with giant eyes wide open.

A little rest for Pumpkin-butt.

Looking suitably ghoulish

Making the best scared face EVER!