We have successfully completed our first trans-pacific plane ride as a family of four and, really, it wasn’t so bad. We were blessed to be next to the only empty seat on the plane (empty because all the gadgets were broken) which was a great blessing. We were also flying during what would have been our night-time so that was a big blessing too. The girls slept a lot and we didn’t have any meltdowns. God was very gracious to us and we’re very thankful. Hopefully the flight home will be just as uneventful…
Yesterday was an adventure! Noa went to my parents’ house and Eric, Martha, and I made the trek to the U.S. Embassy in the middle of Tokyo. After 4 trains and subways to get there (about 2 hours, the whole of which Martha slept in the snuggly), we made it to the little piece of America here in Japan. It was actually a lot like the DMV, nothing impressive, but we were thankful that things went relatively quickly and we were able to apply for her Consular Report of Birth Abroad (it will be like her English birth certificate), her passport (which we need very soon in order to apply for her visa to live in Japan), and her social security. Some people have asked us if she will have dual citizenship. Japan is one of the hardest countries to get citizenship in, and being born here holds little value on the issue so we have not even thought of exploring that option. Right now she’s just 100% American 
We hit rush hour on the way back so we were on a pretty crowded train. Thats also when Martha decided to stop being the angel child and start wailing. For over 20 minutes on a hot, crowded train, Eric bounced up and down trying to comfort her. She eventually wore herself out and just looked around the rest of the trip. It was one of those things that could have been really stressful, but there was nothing we could do to change the situation so we just smiled at those who stared and kept smiling at each other and Martha, thankful that about half the passenger at least had headphones. It was wonderful to get home and go to bed. Martha and I both slept great – she went almost a 7 hour stretch for me, for which I am incredibly grateful. I needed the rest after walking around the big city. She obviously needed it too.
The newest citizen of The United States of America (outside the Embassy – see the flag?):
I wanted to get up our Easter photos but I don’t have the cord for the camera here at home. I’ll have to share those later. For now, here’s a few random ones:
With Aunt Hannah
About 2 months ago, we weaned Noa off the paci, using the logic that pacis are for babies and Noa is a BIG sister. She seems to have gotten it pretty well, though she’s occasionally been known to “taste” Martha’s paci. The last few weeks, though, she’s picked up this bad habit that we are trying to figure out how to break…
Welcome Calvin Pfeil! Calvin was born 11 days after Martha (even though their due dates were exactly a month apart!) and we are so glad he is here now too. Sarah and I enjoyed being pregnant together and I know we will have fun with our little ones being so close in age. I can’t believe Martha slept through her first date!
Here is Martha in her special sweater made with love from her Grammy. Eric’s mom is always spoiling us with beautfiul handmade gifts and we just love having those tangible reminders of her love for us. In fact, the red sweater that Noa is wearing in the photo above is also a Grammy Special. Thank you thank you thank you Grammy! ( or as Noa says, “Mimi”)