Joa's First Taste of Solid Food

I am a King !

Future Red Raider?

Iolani No Ka Oi

Joa's 3-month height check on August 9, 2009

Joa's 3-month height check. He is about a knee's length longer than he was at birth. The same stuffed animal provides a reference for his growth. He weighed around 7.5 kg at this point, roughly double how heavy he was out of the womb. This doubling in weight is typical for babies; but, just imagine if he kept this up, he would weigh 60 kg in just 1 year!

Dreamin'

Newborns typically sleep around 16-18 hours per day and our son is no different.

Joa is chillin in the rocking chair on this hot, sunny, summer day.

Can you see the resemblence?

I can!

Big Boy

Here is Joa and Mom at 2 months. Our son is already a hefty 6575 grams and has grown about 10 cm since he was born! Must be the breastfeeding!

I'm gonna knock you out!

命

Future NFLer?

I just coudn't resist teaching Joa how to tuck the football. Though he is not there quite yet, we still have a bit of time...

A baby's toes

We just measured Joa's feet and they were a size 7! in cm that is.

Joa and Mom

May 9, 2009 8:18 am

Here's our son, Joa, fresh out of the womb, at roughly 8:30 am in the morning on Saturday, May 9, 2009, one day before Mother's Day. Shinobu checked into Narimasu Hospital (成増産院）. Joa was born, weighing in at 3702 grams and 52 cm in length, or roughly 8.2 lbs. and 20.5 inches.

Joa, in Hebrew, is a derivative of the name Joshua, or Jehovah, meaning, the 'name of God', and also carries the meaning of 'brother'. We pray the Joa will be a good brother to his future siblings, Lord willing, as well as those around him. "Jo" also means 'God is gracious.' Joa is a short first name to balance out his lengthy last name, Luedecke-Kobiki.
It can also be easily pronounced cross-culturally.

He is 1/4 Caucasian and 3/4 Japanese. We plan on registering him with the US Embassy so he can be a dual citizen. Our prayer for Joa is that he will grow in wisdom and stature like our Lord Jesus, that he would love God and people, that he would be physically and mentally strong, morally straight, and have a good sense of humor ;)

We love you Joa!
Mom and Dad

Joa's first night at Home - May 14, 2009

Joa's Birthday! May 9, 2009

"Five Love Languages"

This is an excerpt from a great book I read called "The Five Love Languages" by Gary Chapman. Hope you learn some things like I did.

The best way to show someone you love them is to do something they would perceive as the perfect act of love.

• ACTS OF SERVICE. If your valentine loves when you wash the dishes or clean the bathrooms, then there’s a good chance that “Acts of Service” is at the top of his or her love language list. Consider this: Go above and beyond your normal chore routine to show your spouse how much you love him or her.
• QUALITY TIME. One of the most prized possessions we have is our time. Spending it with your valentine is one way to demonstrate your love. Consider this: Get a babysitter to keep an eye on the kids, and give your spouse your undivided attention this weekend. Plan some quality time activities (Milkshakes at the local diner. Walks on the beach or at the park. Dinner at her favorite place).
• PHYSICAL TOUCH. Your special someone may be the physical type who loves snuggling together on the couch by a fire. Consider this: Be touchy, feely this Valentine’s Day. Hold his hand in public, brush her hair from her face, hug the stuffin’ out of him, and give her a kiss while standing on the front porch like you did when you were dating.
• WORDS OF AFFIRMATION. Some of us put a lot of stock into what others say. Your valentine may be the type that likes compliments often. Consider this: Write a poem. Don’t roll your eyes and sigh. You can do this. Poetry comes in all shapes and sizes. When you’re expressing your love, there is no wrong way to write poetry. Focus on the way she makes you, or what love about him.
• RECEIVING GIFTS. Your spouse may love getting gifts. If that’s true, then spend some time thinking of what he or she would want as a token of your love. Consider this: Buy her a new necklace (It doesn’t have to be expensive, just sentimental). If your guy likes gifts, make him a “mix tape” (a CD full of favorite love songs) that he can listen to on his way to work. Whatever you do, do not buy a vacuum or wrenches (or anything for the house) and call them Valentine’s Day gifts. They’re not.

Need help figuring out your mates love language? Take Dr. Chapman’s 30-second quiz.

http://www.fivelovelanguages.com/30sec.html

Romancing Your Woman

Gentlemen, start thinking creatively as to how you can make this a memorable weekend. In addition to your initial ideas of what to do for the little lady, consider taking it up a notch by doing something even more out of the ordinary for her.

Write a love letter.

Most men aren’t fond of writing their feelings down on paper, let alone sharing them with anyone else. That’s what makes writing letters so personal. Be intimate in a letter. Describe your love for her and how she makes you feel. Praise her with your words.

If you’re married, include your vows in the letter. Even if they’re the traditional ones, you can elaborate on what each line means to you and the love that you share. It will bring back fond memories of your wedding day that she will cherish.

Charming Your Man

Ladies, let’s not ignore the need for the man in your life to feel appreciated and love this Valentine’s Day. Step out of your comfort zone to do something special for your man.

Be a model.

Capture your unique beauty in a photograph. Get a friend to snap some candid pictures of you walking on the beach or at the park. Be creative with your shots. Pick your favorite and have it framed for him.

When Valentine’s Day is over, don’t forget about these loving gestures until next February. Romance and charm woo your love all year round.

7-7-07