My mom

My mom just bought her ticket to arrive here on June 23rd to stay until July 20. We've been talking about this for quite some time - to share the birth of 'Gargle' would be so special. But who knows when she'll be ready to be born? So we're guessing. And even if we have to wait 2 weeks or so, I know my mom will pamper me and we'll have some special time together before Gargle arrives. I'm so grateful too that my mom will be around post-birth. I'm sure coming home from the hospital will be surreal, and having my mom to help and guide me will be very reassuring.

I'm hoping to hear all sorts of stories I've never heard before about her own experience - she was in New York, didn't speak English that well, didn't expect to even be in the US after marrying my dad (they planned to stay put in Tokyo), and having her mom around was out of the question. Even calling back to Japan was super expensive back then. My mom was courageous!

I should add that I'm certainly not forgetting about my dad. I wish he could join, but it's not possible. We do plan on visiting Japan in September so he and 'Gargle' can meet. I am looking forward very much to introducing our daughter to her granddaddy. He'll always be MY dad, but now I'll get to share him.