The Dynamic Duo

Well, it’s 3:05 PM Japan time, and it’s @ 20 min until departure. Projected flight time is 8 hours and 41 minutes, 4,800 miles, to Portland, and the pilot is ‘asking the flight attendants to remain seat belted in during takeoff due to projected turbulence.” This is the first rainy day we have seen during our stay, unlike two years ago; Heather, remember all the rain we had on our trip, especially that cold, chilling day in Kamakura? On the flight over, UltraDad had a window seat over the airplane wing; today he is well back of the wing and, clouds permitting should have a good view of passing scenery. I am still a bit emotional after a teary goodbye wave to UltraBob, UltraGirl and UltraLinc through the airport window on our way to Gate 27 after going through airport security. If my cell phone worked here, I would definitely be calling to say goodbye once again. We were excited this morning to learn that UltraGirl and Linc would be coming along to the airport to see us off. Linc was asleep when loaded into his carseat, but stayed awake the whole 1 1/2 hour drive to the airport. UltraMom, with the favored right-next-to-Linc car spot tried to keep him entertained with Mr Yellow and Jingle Duck (his two favorite car toys) along with songs and recitations of Jim Jump, but by the time the car finally stopped, Linc made it known that he wanted out and he wanted out NOW! While UltraGirl made a quick trip to the restroom, UltraMom offered to do the diaper change. Linc, thoughtfully, left her a parting baby care experience: changing a really poopy diaper! Being a little out of practice, I think I used all the travel wipes in the case, but by the time UltraGirl returned, the job was done. We were early for the flight, so after checking luggage, we all sat down and had a coffee (mine was a frothy, sweet frapachino, I think) and said some more goodbyes.  What? Is it time for that already? I KNOW it hasn’t been 20 minutes, but it’s time to put the ‘electronic devices away’, fasten the seatbelts and get ready for takeoff.
Okay, we are finally airborne. I think we are finally past all the flight safety announcements; I have just taken a Bonine for motion sickness; it is a little bumpy up here. We neglected to bring bottled water with us, so, innovatively; I wrapped the pill in some slices of Mikon, or little Japanese tangerines, that were in my carryon. Mikons are one thing about Japan that I will sorely miss. When Heather and I were on our flight home, we played a little game called “Things I will miss and things I will not miss about Japan.” I try to engage UltraDad, but he maintains he wasn’t there long enough to not miss anything. Of course on top of the ‘Miss” list is Linc, UltraGirl and UltraBob, but I tell him I’m not talking about people. So, I play my game solo.
WILL MISS, not necessarily in missable order:
Toilets in the Ultra’s house. Heated seats (When the toilet is flushed, water may be used for handwashing above the tank before it refills the bowl. Also, bidet functions. Nuff said)
Mikon
The shower (it’s a room, not a stall!)
Playing Honafuda with UltraGirl
Cold (and hot!) drink vending machines everywhere
Heated floors
UltraBob’s sense of humor
Japanese Food (most of it, anyway)
Pastries from the grocery store bakery (though, believe it or not, Heather, I was starting to get a little burned out on them)

WILL NOT MISS
Public restroom: Only cold water for handwashing, if that, and no towels for hand drying. Sometimes, no western style toilets; ie toilet is ground level. Plus, public restrooms can be hard to locate for the inexperienced.
Lack of public trashcans.
Narrow streets and sidewalks; can be difficult to walk and talk because you must be on constant lookout for a bicyclist or fast walker coming up behind.
Continually removing shoes: Glad, I brought my slippers, cause my feet get cold.
Being unable to read street signs and other written matter. Unable to understand and communicate, though I can at least now handle a simple store purchase☺

At the end of the day, however, it comes back to WILL MISS, WILL MISS, WILL MISS, and most of these somehow involve Linc
Singing or talking to Linc in the car, he strapped into his carseat. Having the reward of his rapt attention as he listens to my words and focuses on my face.
Bathing with Linc. He has some pretty sweet tub toys, esp the orange crab.
Playing the ‘jumping’ game with Linc: he jumps and I assist. It is also a great arm workout.
Playing the “HI” game with Linc. Here’s how it goes: I hold him in front of me and come around one of his shoulders and say “Hi!” As he turns, I kiss his cheek and say “Good boy!” Then I go around the other side and repeat until he says ENOUGH! Sometimes he really gets into it and actually leans into my kiss and smiles.
Watching Linc with his Daddy. They have several fun games. One involves throwing in the air and catching again, usually with Ultrabob as infielder and Linc as baseball. Most often accompanied by laughing and shrieking. In another game, UltraBob is unable to resist Linc’s deliciousness and makes growly, eating noises as he pretends to eat his son. I know, I know, sounds barbaric, but both eater and eatee seem to be having a good time.
Watching Linc’s face light up when he hears UltraGirl’s voice. When he’s tired, hungry or grumpy, he wants his Mama!
Watching Linc and UltraDad get to know each other. UltraDad’s standard response when asked how he likes his grandson is “He’s a keeper.”

Anyway, we’re physically home now, but our thoughts and emotions are still half a world away. Love you, miss you, can’t wait to see you again.

UltraMom

Even at a young age, Linc is a John Deere man