The Adventures of Hiro, Judah and Kai

Birthday are coming up!

2012-01-01T23:07:00.000-08:00

Introducing MalaKai Marc Iwata!

2012-01-01T21:59:00.000-08:00

I will go back and "Back-Blog" the last two years of our existence, but for now, I think I must post this first...

Introducing Malakai "Kai" Marc Iwata

Born December 23, 2011

2:55 pm 6 lbs 1 oz

June Gardening 2010

2010-09-05T15:45:00.000-07:00

We did do a garden this year, although it got slightly neglected in the middle of the summer. We had a lot of fun planting, and a fairly good harvest in the end. Hiro and Judah both love being outside. The outdoors is like oxygen to my boys, they need time outside everyday. Hiro was very helpful with removing rocks from the garden and putting our little seedlings into the ground.

Judah loves rollin' around! He started rolling in June.

"Look at my plants!"

Future salad...

Memorial Day Weekend 2010

2010-06-17T23:19:00.000-07:00

Papa and Grandma Johnson have given Judah and Hiroshi a GREAT gift...

A play-set in their backyard! Not just your run of the mill play set, but a full blown wood playground with a fall zone and everything.

Just one thing, we need to put it all together! We got together and did it together on Memorial Day weekend with the help of Josh and Becca, as well as the Bill and Julie Douglas clan and Mamo (great-grandma Ehrenstein)

BTW...there are more professional pictures of this event on MeeAe and Elliana's blog

http://meeae.blogspot.com/2010/06/memorial-weekend.html

Hiro and MeeAe helping screw the climbing wall into place

Our little workers! What great helpers

Papa Marc, thank you for this wonderful gift and a fun weekend together

Moving the play-set to it's final resting place

Lift boy! Lift!

Everyone worked hard, but of coarse, we found plenty of time to goof around too...

Wednesdays with Maino

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For a few months now, we have been going over to friend Maino's house. Maino worked with me at Twin Oaks, but now is home with her son Cedarwin. I ran into Maino at Bob's Red Mill. It was a chance meeting, but I think it was meant to be! Hiroshi, Judah, and I have made visits to Maino's a part of our week. It is very relaxing at her house!

"Itadakimasu"

We love eating Maino's cooking! It is tasty!

The delicious lunches we have at Maino's

Cedarwin Morimasa (we call him Cedar). He is so handsome!

Judah playing under Maino's mobile. Maino makes many things in her house, all of them very well done and beautiful. She has a great sense of style connected to nature.

We really look forward to our time with Maino.

Maino is teaching Hiro a little bit of Japanese, we always have good conversation, and she inspires me to live more sustain-ably.

Seattle Trip May 2010

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Some of our favorite people who we do not see enough of, are Tahlie and Steve Scammell, plus the Fox clan. We don't see them because we live 7 hour apart, them in the lovely resort down of Coeur d'Alene, ID, and us down here in Portland. We try to drive up to see them, or they come down here, a few times a year. With four children between us, the trip has become, well...quite a trip! So this time, we decided to meet in Seattle, Washington, a good half way point for both of us. Steve used his skills to hunt down a great place to stay in Bellevue. We had adjoining rooms, so we put all four children to bed in one room, while all the adults stayed up late into the night catching up.

Uncle Steve and Auntie Tahlie

They are so much fun!

Their lovely daughter Eden

Eden LOVED baby Judah. She is such a sweet little mama!

Their son, Evan.

Evan and Hiro had so much fun together! They played pirates and cars together, kept each other entertained for hours!

Strolling through Pike's Market

Eden and Hiro eating pastries from a fabulous french bakery

The Scammell Family

The Iwata Family

Steve lived in Seattle, so he knows all the great spots.

We got some great pictures from this view point!

We were joined by Gary and Amanda Fox on Saturday. It was great to see them! I call them PapaFox and MamaAmanda, so I think the kids mights adopt those names as well. This couple were formative part of who I am and what I want to become. I am so delighted that my children know them!

Gary helping Hiro and his grandson, Evan, get a drink of water.

Gary is a pastor, citizen of the world, and a great artist.

The guys

Evan, Steve, Gary, Nat, and Hiro

Flying Hiro!

The whole crew

Tahlie, Amanda, Eden, Judah, Nat, Erin, Hiro, Steve, Evan, Gary

It was a wonderful relaxing family weekend

Photo Session Spring 2010

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Thank You Auntie Emiko for taking your morning, picking the park and taking our pictures!

We love every minute we get with you!

These are just a few pictures we snapped during the photo session, we'll post Emiko's professional photos soon.

Hiro and his dog, Obie

Daddy Nat and his baby boy

JUMP! Hiro flying!

My little man

Sad Judah, Sad Mommy!

My beautiful niece, MeeAe Grace!

In many ways, MeeAe and Hiro will have each other longer then they will have us around. We hope their friendship and bond grows and grows.

A few random Spring pictures

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Hiro playing at a playground near out house

Gabe rockin' out with Hiro

Hiro hanging out at the Children's Museum with his good buddy Solomon(right)

Judah and his water-aerobics buddy Elaina Jo

Eliana's mommy is my good friend Ashley...we did water aerobics through out pregnancies.

Judah and Elaina are less than a month apart.

Double Diaper Baby!

Elaina wears cloth diapers too!

Judah already kissing her hand...way to make the moves son!

What beautiful eyes they have!

Bath time!

Smiling at Mommy...We don't bath Judah as often as we bathed Hiro, but we make bath time long and special.

Smiling for Daddy

Hiro made a poopy in his potty!!!

We haven't dived into potty training whole heartedly, but I think he will be ready soon!

Mother's Day May 9, 2010

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After the baby dedication, we had a relaxing Mother's Day at the Johnson Farm

Mamo and Judah cuddling

It was warm enough for the boys to lose their shirts and play ball together.

My Little Athlete!

I'm so proud to be a Mommy to my Boys!

Baby Dedication May 2010

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A group of families decided to dedicate themselves to raising their babies in a Godly environment. It was fun stating next to our friends and with what we hope to be, our kids future friends.

Judah being blessed by his Papa and Pastor

There were two more families up there...5 babies all together.

Portland Family Day!

2010-06-17T16:28:00.000-07:00

We set aside a Saturday in April to enjoy Portland as a family together.

We started our day at Besaw's cafe, one of our favorite Portland Brunch haunts.

Matching Daddy and Hiro, late brunch at Besaw's

From Besaw's we hopped on the street car...

It was Judah and Hiro's first time on the streetcar...

...And we got off at the PSU Farmer's Market..Mmm...Veggies!

Judah fell asleep. I loved this hat, but I couldn't buy it.

From the market we walked around Portland...check out the sign over Hiroshi's head

All loaded up and refreshed for the week!

Our Community

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We are so blessed with the most amazing community!

Our "community" is the people that love and support us, who walk through life with us, enjoy meals with us, and laugh with us. We have a great group of friends at our church, Grace & Glory. Many of our friends at church have recently had a baby or will have on in the very near future.

Elowynn, MeeAe, Libby, Liam, and Hiro

Trevor and his daughter Brooklyn, Julie and her daughter Lauren in the background.

Casey and his daughter Cambell

Challin just chillin'...this is Cambell's brother

Allison and Judah...soon Allison will have her first baby boy!

Ok...this is just a random picture of Hiro and Mae...but I loved it, and they are a big part of our community!

Judah and Elliana...Ellie and Jude!

Little Lauren sleeping. She's Liam and Libby's sister

Baby Elijah also sleeping...this is Brooklyn's little brother.

We got to see Nat and Josh's childhood buddy Matt Dissen at his engagement party.

Congrats Matt on a happy marriage!

Meeting at Esther Shore Park with Joann, my beautiful friend.

She is soon to be married to Nat's college roommate Matt Boswell.

The Food We Eat

2010-06-17T11:46:00.000-07:00

We have really been evaluating the foods we eat. Although we are on a budget, we find we save a lot of money by avoiding the grocery store as much as possible. Instead, we are localvores, eating from farmers markets and local farms. I've discovered a lot of packaged foods that I use to by are pretty simple to make. I am cooking with the seasons, which is stretching my cooking "hammies." Here's a few of the dinners we've made...

Artichokes, red wine and sweet pea risotto with grass fed steaks

Local balsamic strawberry salad with Oregon spuds, grass fed whole chicken and a hunk of homemade French bread.

My fridge has lots o' jars! My canned food and my organic raw milk from a local dairy.

Aren't the eggs from my farm beautiful?

Full of Life Farms in St. Paul Oregon, where I get my meat, eggs, and milk.

Bow tie pasta in a creamy-morel mushroom sauce with local asparagus, wild caught scallops, and some of my homemade artisan bread.

Local grass-fed lamb, slow roasted all day on a bed of couscous with local (cold storage) acorn squash and swiss chard on the side.

Josie, our cow! Provider of raw milk, yogurt, and if I really get adventurous someday, cheese!

In order to buy the food I want, I have to be a bargain hunter...

Yay! For Dave's Killer Bread being local, organic, and having a bakery in Milwaukie, OR

If I take the time to drive out there, I can buy a "Frozen Dozen"..12 beautiful loaves of bread for only $2 a loaf!

Ode to Roots!

Kim, Becca and I had a lot of fun shopping for Japanese food at Uwajimaya.

We ended up cooking a lot of new (to us) roots...they were delicious!

(below) Gobo, or Burdock Root

Daikon(Top right), Gobo, Locus Root (bottom right) and Sushi!

April Play-dough Night

2010-06-17T10:51:00.000-07:00

We've been trying to prioritize family time together. Although we always enjoy ourselves, this is truly a practice of discipline...it turns out there is ALWAYS something we could be doing, social or work related, that marginalizes our little family of four.

One of our first fun activities was making home-made play-dough. It's super easy and Hiro got to help mix the ingredients and mix the food coloring into the plain dough. It was a lot of fun!

We mixed sweet orange essential oil and peppermint oil into the dough to make it smell good.

Hiro has since enjoyed playing with his very own play-dough!

Preparing the dough in the pan, Hiro helping with ingredients.

Hiro mixing the dough

All the beautiful colors!

Easter 2010

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Family Picture Easter Morning

We love our church family at Grace and Glory

Kim and Adam came too!

Liberty and MeeAe being tigers!

March 2010

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Seed Planting

We started our garden from seeds inside this year, Hiro helped put every seed into the dirt.

The boys love being outside!

Lazy Saturday Morning Breakfast

Our lives are constantly going, so when we get a chance to slow down and spend a Saturday morning bumming around the house, we enjoy it! These days are few and far between.

Smiley boy

Those first smiles are like magic!

Pet Store

We made a special family outing to Newberg, OR to visit Critter Cabana, a fun exotic pet store.

Apple Press

Our church family had a late harvest apple press at the Straub's house.

Mmm...Apple Cider!!!

Cookie Night!
We started planning fun family activities together.
This was cookie night...Hiro had a blast! The night ended with reading his current favorite book "If You Give A Mouse A Cookie."

Children's Museum

Rainy weather means days at the children's museum.

We also had a special dinner there with people connected to our birthing center,

Andaluz Water Birthing Center.

Auntie Kim is so silly! And she loves on Hiro and Judah so well!

A rare moment when Judah and Elliana were in the car together

on the way up to the Women's retreat

Kids take over the table! We've enjoys some nice dinners with Sarah, Arian, and her kiddos.

Judah with his Auntie Sarah

Hiro enjoys Nana and Larry, here we are for Jordan's birthday party.

We love days with Mae! Here she was saying

"Here you go, do you want a bite honey?"

We try to get outside a little bit everyday...here is Hiro at the Tualatin Lake at the Commons, feeding the geese and ducks.

Judah doesn't sleep well unless he is bundled,

but we were at Grandma's and without our blankets...

so we improvised and bundled our little bear up another way!

Playgroup Fieldtrip to the Fire Department

Although it's a drive, we have really enjoyed our time with the play group in Battleground, WA

our friend Liberty with Hiro and a fireman

Our buddies Mason and Aubrielle at playgroup

February 2010

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We didn't waste much time after Judah was born to get movin'

Little Judah is an easy going guy, who likes just being with people. Hiro loves his little brother and has been such a big helper! He is fully 2 and let's us know daily. Hiro talks up a storm and loves to be outside. Both boys are such a delight!

Judah's Bath Time

We bathed Hiro almost everyday as part of his evening routine. While we enjoyed the nice bonding time, it was very hard on his skin. With Judah, we have opted to bathe him far less and use only sweet smelling and gentle virgin-coconut oil on his silky smooth skin.

Ellie and Jude

These two cousins enjoy each other's company already!

The feet of Hiro, Elliana, and MeeAe

The happily engaged couple, Auntie Sarah and our future Uncle Arian

Auntie Emiko with baby Judah

Judah catching some early spring sun in his sling

Judah is starting to catch up with Elliana in size!

Patchwork baby

We've really enjoyed hanging out with our friend Celene and her beautiful daughter Aubrielle.

Zoo Time

Thanks to Auntie Becca and Uncle Josh, we have enjoyed several trips to the zoo early this year.

Mae and Hiro enjoying a snack at the zoo.

Cousins lined up in a row!

Hiro, Mae, Gabe and Noah

It was fun being at the zoo with Gabe and Noah!

We got to visit the zoo with Daddy too...what a big red tricycle!

Daddy and Hiro visiting the newest exhibit at the zoo

Hiro loves the new bucky...err, safari truck at the zoo.

MeeAe being her zany self! We adore her!

The rail at the zoo is always a highlight...go figure...

with two year old, all it takes is a rail to hang on to keep them happy for hours!

Polar Bears! Ever since this trip, Hiro has wanted to be a polar bear in the tub and wanted to sleep with his stuffed polar bear as well.

"Whew! That was a long day at the zoo!"

Mae and Hiro relaxing by the fire that Papa Marc built.

Brother Love!

Hiro adores his little brother! Judah loves watching his big brother!

My little giraffe

Family Photo!

Wow, I look really tired in these pictures...oh well, true to life!

We always enjoy the company of Uncle Adam and Auntie Kim!

One of Judah's first meetings with Elaina Jo Siebert

On rainy days, we also like to go to the Children's Museum!

Here are Mae and Hiro face painting.

Such Pals!

Matchy-matchy!

I love to dress my little men alike.

In February we got to visit with a dear friend, Andrew Davis.

He played so nicely with our kids! It was a delightful visit!

Photo Session take 1

Trying to capture 2 infants and 2 toddlers...interesting results!

Check out the Food Revolution!

2010-04-06T17:49:00.000-07:00

While we have not been posting frequently, we have been changing our food buying habits.

I have been concerned about the food we eat for a while, especially after viewing what most young children eat as "food"...My midwives encouraged me during my pregnancy towards healthy eating habit and to consider the source of where my food came from and question mystery ingredients. Becca, my sister in law, has always encouraged me to eat healthy nutrient rich food, and Nat and Josh have recently been eating until they were just 80% full (whatever that means:)

but after watching "Food, Inc.", "The Future of Food" and Jamie Oliver's "Food Revolution", along with reading parts of "Skinny B*tch" I finally decided it was time to make a change.

I started looking into local farmer, and was very pleased to discover that we live in an area rich in local farmers raising healthy produce and grass raised animals. I found one farm just a few miles south of Tualatin that shaped it farm after Joal Salatin and Polyface farms (the good farmer in Food Inc). He raised grass fed beef, chicken, turkey, eggs, and pigs, and his sister has two lovely milking jersey cow which she produces and sells raw milk (DEE-lish!). They were very friendly and happy to show me around their farms, and I am now a loyal customer!

The name of our farm is Full of Life Farms, they are a great family and Hiro loves visiting the farm! He especially loves our milking cow, Josey!

www.jamiesfoodrevolution.com/petition

Via: Online Schools

Meeting Our Family!

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We got the great pleasure of having dinner with Nat's cousin and second cousin Brandi and her mom Shirley Shikuma. We had a great time with them!

Thanks for coming by our house! We had a great time!

Hiro's 2nd Birthday

2010-01-20T16:00:00.001-08:00

Hiroshi Joshua Iwata turned two years old! We can't believe out little man has grown so much! He is so independent and lively...he brightens out life so much!

For Hiro's second birthday party, we invited a bunch of his buddies to the Children's Museum.

It was a blast! Thank you everyone for coming! It was a blessing having you there!

I'm 2 years old today!

We did a surf theme for the party, to go with Hiro's new surf themed bedroom.

Hiro ready to party

Our school buddy, Solomon!

We miss playing with him...it was wonderful to see him and his family!

Cool dudes.

Aubrielle...cute girl!

Auntie Becca and MeeAe

Cute baby friends!

Rowan is walking!

Buddies Tristan and Aubrielle with the lovely Carissa

Friends: Celene and her daughter Aubrielle, Tristan and his mommy Carissa, and the little man of the hour...Hiroshi Joshua!

The Party Room at the Children's Museum

MeeAe getting into the surf-beach theme

Joshua

Opening presents

New toys

Blow out the candles!

Cupcake time!

Solomon enjoying his cupcake

MeeAe eating her cupcake

Joshua eating cupcakes

Mmm...frosting!

Annie and her baby Rowan

Playing with MeeAe in the grocery store.

Playing in the tree house with cousin Noah

Family Birthday Party

On Hiro's actual birthday, January 17th, we had family over to enjoy a little party.

We kept with the surf theme, and enjoyed spending time together, singing, opening presents, and eating together. Thank you family, for coming!

Cousin MeeAe

Cousin Gabriel...he just turned 4 in December

Sarah and fiance, Arian

Nana and Elliana

Grandma and Hiro

Papa and Judah

The meal together...pulled pork sandwhiches, rice, and nummy sides and salad!

Everyone brought something to help...thank you family!

Auntie Sarah made a wonderful surf themed birthday cake

Happy Birthday Dear Hiro!!!

Opening Presents!

cousins Gabe and MeeAe helped.

Grandma and Judah

Hiro likes his soccer ball!

Matching brothers!

Uncle Drew and Judah bonding after the party

Auntie Em lovin' on the babies

Playing with Uncle Drew

Toys all around the house!

Hiro likes his new toys...thanks everyone!

Left Overs!

We had lots of left over cupcakes. Nummy!

The frosting was a light butter cream meringue. Thank you Suzanne for the recipe!

Strong boy!

Judah's Second Week

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Our little family is having a great time with our 4th member!

Judah is a calm little guy. He doesn't cry much, loves to eat, and especially loves sleeping on our chest, close to our heartbeat.

Judah 2 weeks old

Now he's out of preemie clothes and into newborn!

Brothers!

We got a lot of visitors in the last two weeks. A big thank you for everyone who helped us the last two week. It was MUCH appreciated!

Mamo -great grandma Ehrenstein

"Uncle" Tyler and Judah

Judah and Daddy -so alike!

Hiro LOVES hanging out with Uncle Drew!

He is so good with the boys!

Below is a series of shots we took of the youngest Iwata additions,

Elliana Aiko Iwata, and Judah Mitsuo Iwata

Edible Toes!

The photo shoot is OVER!

Judah's First Week

2010-01-10T18:46:00.000-08:00

It has been a very relaxing first week with Judah. Thank you SO MUCH for everyone who brought meals. It was so helpful! Erin didn't leave the house all week, which gave us much needed time to bond with Judah. Nat was able to stay home from work almost all week. Marc and Cheryl (Papa and Grandma Johnson) were able to come when Nat had to go back to work.

Judah a few days old

While we were in the birthing center, Hiro stayed with Papa and Grandma.

Their cats, Cody and Annie, love Hiro!

Hiro meeting his brother for the first time at the Birthing Center

Grandma Johnson meeting Judah

Papa Johnson meeting Judah

Our family of four!

Judah with Papa at one week old!

Yes, the Christmas tree is still up...Papa and Grandma helped us take it down that day...

(Thank you guys!)

Actually, Judah is one week old in these pictures!

Thanks for the help Papa and grandma!

Snow and New Years

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SNOW!!!

After Christmas, Nat got really sick with a fever and bad cough. Erin and Hiro went to stay in Vancouver for a few nights to avoid her getting sick right before labor. It was just our luck that it SNOWED while we were away from each other! Hiro really enjoyed the snow and made snowmen with Papa. Poor Nat tried to get to us, but instead got stuck in the worse traffic Portland has had in 20 years! It took him 3 hours to move 4 exits (just a few miles). He ended up stranded at a pie house until midnight. Luckily, labor did not start for a few more days!

Hiro making his snow bear...he added the ears all by himself without any help!

Hanging out with Papa in the barn.

NEW YEARS EVE

A few days later, the snow was thawed and everything was more or less back to normal.

We decided to spend New Years Eve at Ashley and Andy's party...it was great!

We ended up staying up that night til 2am reading...

and at 4:45 am the next morning, Erin's waterbroke, and you know the rest of that story!!!

Christmas 2009

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CHRISTMAS EVE 2009
This year we spend Christmas eve at Nana and Larry's house.
We ate a delicious brunch with Nana's famous quiche...Nummy!
Hiro enjoyed spending time with everyone there.
Nana and Larry
Jordan, Larry's son
Hiro and Daddy playing with big Legos
The lovely Emiko Hall

CHRISTMAS MORNING 2009

We try to made it a tradition to spend Christmas morning at home with our little family.

When Hiro woke up Christmas morning, we both went into his room...

Hiro said "Good Morning Mommy and Daddy" then pushed right pass us and to the Christmas tree and all the presents! We were amazed! We hadn't really been talking about Christmas the night before, but he knew, and he was excited!

As a family present, we all got new Converse shoes! (below)

One of Hiro's favorite presents was a toy "Mator" car from Daddy.

CHRISTMAS AFTERNOON AT THE JOHNSON'S
This was a special year at the Johnson's because we had a very special guest, Juan, from Colombia. Juan was not able to travel back to Colombia to visit his family and was feeling kind of homesick. So we decided to bring a little bit of Colombia to him...
We did a Colombian Themed Christmas Dinner!

The most fun was everyone in the kitchen cooking together! It was a group effort!

Colombian Christmas Dinner!

Opening Presents after dinner. (Below)
The adults don't buy presents for one another, but we all delighted in watching Hiro open everything! Hiro spend special time with each gift and was excited for each and every one!

The "Big" present from mommy and daddy was a red radio-flier tricycle.
Hiro already knows how to petal his bike and steers it with ease!

our crazy dog, Obie

REWIND: December...Birthdays and Christmas Program

2010-01-10T17:29:00.000-08:00

REWIND: There were a few things we missed during the month of December.

Erin turned 27...Yikes! 30 is just around the corner.

Erin's parents hosted a lovely little dinner, complete with party hat! Erin's mom decorated the dining room with pictures and art that Erin made growing up. It was very touching!

Uncle Mark and John got to be there as well, up visiting from LA.

GRACE & GLORY

CHRISTMAS PROGRAM 2009

This was the first year Hiro was in a Christmas program. He practiced singing "Jingle Bells" around the house ALL the time, often at the top of his lungs.

When it came time for the program, Hiro did not want to wear the angel wings or halo, and he did not want to sing. At least he smiled!

Cousins Noah and Elowynn were in the Christmas program as well, with speaking parts.

They did a wonderful job!

GABRIEL TURNS 4 YEARS OLD!!!

Gabe had his 4th birthday party at Arian's house and they whole gang made it!

It was good to see Hayden and Tyler, they have grown so much!

Gabe got gloves!

One of Hiro's favorite things to play this December is " Going to Work"

Hiro get an old cell phone, mouse, and keyboard, and sets up his work station.

He pretends to talk to people, and clicks on his mouse. He's a very busy guy!

Welcome Judah!

2010-01-08T16:42:00.000-08:00

He's HERE!

Judah Mitsuo Iwata was born 1-1-10 around 1 o'clock.

1:08 pm to be exact.

Erin's water broke at 4:45 am. Within an hour, her contractions were underway. At 6:30 am they called her midwife, Dana. They arrived at the birth center a little after 8 am.

Sally, one of our wonderful doula's, made up breakfast! Sally said after I got a good breakfast, she was sure things would really get going...She was right! After breakfast, I had to get into the birthing tub!

The tub really alleviated the pain of the contractions. Plus, it was a lovely environment...very peaceful!

Erin was in the tub for a total of three hours.

When things really were going, Nat got in the tub with her.

Below is a picture of us very near the end of labor.

Meet our midwife and team:

Tia, on the far left, is a doula who was with me the entire labor.

Dana, the blond one, was my main midwife...I LOVE her!

Sally, on the right, is Dana's apprentice, she's great and helped a lot after Judah was born.

They were all so supportive!

Pushing Judah out...last moments...

First seconds with our son!!!

Nat caught Judah and gave him to Erin. He did such a great job!

Side note: if Judah looks a little blue, your not seeing things...babies born is water retain their color they had in the womb (blue) a little longer because they don't breath oxygen in their lungs until they surface from the water...hence the slight blue color of his skin. Judah was VERY healthy...apgar score of 10 both times!

Dana helping Nat cut the cord

Judah was 7 lbs 6 oz! Nearly a pound heavier than his brother!

Totally blissed out Mama!

"Guess what I did today!?!"

Taking a bath together the next day...

We were totally pampered at the birthing center...

We stayed there 2 nights to relax and bond with Judah. It was a complete 5 star experience.

They made us breakfast in bed, ordered lunch and dinner from restaurants of our choice, Erin got a massage, enjoyed the massive tub, and gave us support for any questions we might have. All included in the cost of the birth.

Proud Mommy!

Our room where we birthed and stayed for 2 nights.

Ready to head home!

Hiro is such a great big brother!!!

He came to visit at the birthing center and first called Judah "Eddie-Ana" after his newest cousin. By the time we got home, Hiro figured out that Judah was his little bro!

2 days after we got home, Tia did a home visit to check on us.

Judah was gaining weight and doing well!!!

Elliana and Judah, close cousins!!!

We are so in love with him!

Sibling Christmas Party 2009

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This year marks the 5th annual sibling Christmas party where the Iwata kids give each other time together instead of presents. This year Sarah and Arian hosted at Arian's loft on trendy Alberta St in Portland. The Loft was a great party environment and the food was scrumptious! This year we did a Chinese themed meal (Mmm!)

Our hard working host and hostess, Arian and Sarah.

Erin and Judah (Nat's hands)

The lovely Emiko Hall

The beautiful meal table

All of us posing for a pictures.

Merry Christmas 2009!

Here's a short clip of some of the evening. It was a very relaxing night.

Tree Decorating 2009

2009-12-09T21:49:00.001-08:00

For the past 5 years we have made it a tradition to go to Sleighbells in Sherwood to get our tree. This year we went with our wonderful neighbors the Hays family, and Erin's parents.

Nat, Erin, and baby Judah.

Hiro with Papa and "Bamma"

Hiro decorating the tree for the first time.

Hiro giving little Judah kisses.

The tree completed

Judah...Almost here!

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It is December and we are ready for Judah to make his grand entrance!

A lot is different about this pregnancy. Erin feels pretty good, about the same as with Hiro. The biggest difference is that we chose to see a group of midwives outside of the hospital system. We will be delivering at a birthing center in Portland called Andaluz. We have been very impressed with the care and think the attention we received is superior to what we experienced with Hiro.

Erin has been working out (prenatal deep-water aerobics) throughout her pregnancy, and her nutrition under the guidance of her midwives has been better -more informed.

We are excited to have the opportunity to deliver Judah in water. We hope to document the whole thing and post discrete pictures when we can!

Right now we are just counting down the days until his arrival!

Mommy and Judah at 37 weeks

Hiro and his little brother

Thanksgiving 2009

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Johnson Thanksgiving 2009

The day before Thanksgiving, Papa (Marc Johnson, Erin's dad) returned from Sierra Leone.

The thanksgiving table was decorated in African style.

It was so good to have him back and hear of his travels!

Cousins!

Whenever it gets too quiet around our house, we know the kids are up to something.

At thanksgiving it got really quiet after the meal and sure enough, MeeAe and Hiro, partner's in crime were trying to unlock the door to go visit the horsey's by themselves.

Uncle Josh with his youngest daughter Elliana, now one month old!

Talking about Sierra Leone after the meal.

Bamma (Grandma Cheryl) brought puzzles home for Hiro to play with.

He loves them and learns a lot every time he does them!

Jackson -Iwata Thanksgiving 2009

Just one month ago, Nana remarried a nice man named Larry Jackson. He has two children living at home, Vela and Jordan, and this was our first holiday with Nana and Larry hosting. We had a very nice time!

As always, the house was busy with children. It was great to have everyone there...we didn't catch a clear pictures of Gabe or Arian, but it was great seeing them!

Nana (Donna Jackson) and Erin prepping in the kitchen.

Auntie Sarah with Hiro

Hiro being held by Auntie Emiko...thanks for taking pictures Em!

Elowynn and Hiro love to play together!

Noah is such a great big cousin!
Hiro and Vela, Larry's lovely daughter.
Jordan (Larry's son) helps set the Thanksgiving table.

Hiro adores Uncle Drew!

Larry and Nana relaxing after they worked hard on the meal

Here's a video of Hiro over Thanksgiving weekend

Fall 2009...September, October, November

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November 2009

In November, we got our new camera, long awaited and researched. Thanks to everyone who donated to Nat's Father's Day and Birthday fund...the money was happily spend on our new Cannon. At this point, Hiro can say any word we tell him. He talks in full sentences, sings songs, and loves to climb! He counts to 10 (sometimes forgetting 7 and 8) and sings the ABC's. He's our running commentary of everything that is going on all the time. He does get a little bit shy in large groups, but brightens up as soon as he feels comfortable.

My naked Cowboy

Bath Time!

Hiro talking on his "phone." He loves to walk around the house talking to his relatives.

In November Erin hosted a shower for her dear friend,

Ashley who is expecting her first little girl in January.

Once or twice a week through their whole pregnancies, Ashley and Erin have gone to deep water aerobics together. It's been so much fun sharing all the excitement with someone else!

We can't wait to meet her baby girl!

October 2009

October was a fun month. We went to the pumpkin patch with Auntie Allison Sparrow, Becca, Josh, and MeeAe. We had our annual pumpkin carving party complete with an old fashion apple cider press (Thanks to Tyler!).

Sorry we don't have any pictures of the pumpkin patch or our party.

Best of all, our newest niece, Elliana Aiko Iwata was born.

Elliana shortly after being born.

She is a fighter! She came early due to restricted growth in the uterus.

She spend two weeks in the NICU. She's a very mellow and content baby girl!

While Becca and Josh were in the hospital with Elliana, we got to spend special time with MeeAe.

We took both kids to the zoo on a cold rainy day. They still had a lot of fun!

Halloween 2009

This year was the first year Hiro could get into trick or treating.

He dressed up as a monster (Thank you Auntie Kim for the costume!)

MeeAe went as Dorthy from the Wizard of Oz.

We got to visit our good friends, the Stanley's, Wilson's, and Martin's.

Thanks everybody for the candy!

Here's a video of Hiro playing with Daddy and counting. He's ready for winter!

September 2009

In September we got to take advantage of MeeAe's zoo pass and

took a day trip while the weather was still nice and warm.

We were also able to visit a play group in Vancouver with our friends, Amy and her daughter Brooklyn.

Here is a video of Hiro singing and playing towards the beginning of October.

September is birthday month for the Johnson family! Here's a video clip!

Summer 2009...June, July, August

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NOTE: Scroll to the bottom to start with June and July.

Summer was a wonderful time! By June, Hiro was 18 months old and could say over 150 words, signing many more. He was walking and running everywhere and beginning to try to climb on top of things. By August he had mastered riding a tricycle at school (Mommy's work) and knew the names of all the kids in school...even names mommy would forget!

August 2009

The biggest thing that happened in August, was that MeeAe, Hiro's best buddy, turned two!

MeeAe and her beautiful Mama, who was 6 months pregnant.

The Birthday Girl! MeeAe Grace

Hiro eating an ice cream sandwich at the party.

Gabe, Mae, and Hiro trying out Mae's new bike.

Video of Hiro at MeeAe's birthday party

July 2009

We spent the 4th of July at Becca and Josh's with a great group of people.

We did a great garden this year (with the help of Papa Marc and Grandma "Bamma" Cheryl).

Hiro LOVES gardening. He likes to dig in the dirt, pull up the fresh veggies, and tries all the food we grow.

My Little Gardener.

June 2009

In July we got some special time with Uncle Ryan.

We knew he would soon be leaving for Connecticut, so we wanted as much time with him as we could!

Hiro's "First" Haircut

In June we decided it was time for Hiro to get a real haircut. We took him to The Vital Salon, where first haircuts are free and mommy and daddy get a free drink while we wait. Hiro was very brave!

The BEFORE pictures.

Before the haircut began

Haircut in action

The AFTER picture...what a handsome boy!

Greece! May-June 2009

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Greece Trip !

May-June 1, 2009

We took our first big trip with Hiro this year. This was a big goal for us. We wanted to know that travel with kids was possible, and we discovered that it was more then possible, it was enjoyable! Our travel buddies were Becca, Josh, and MeeAe. Both Becca and I were pregnant, which wore us out a bit.

We owe a BIG thanks to Becca for doing all the research and reservations for the trip. She dedicated herself to finding just the right places that fit our family and our budget. The places we stayed were AWESOME! We went to Athens, the Island of Santorini, and the Island of Naxos.

We started our trip in Athens.

Sadly, Becca and Josh didn't get to begin enjoying their trip because they were detained. MeeAe had been motion sick on the plane and had a fever as she got off in Athens. They were stopped because they thought Mae had H1N1. She didn't, but they were held hostage at an decrepit hospital in a run down part of Athens for 24 hours. It was a terrible ordeal for them.

Exploring the Ancient Greek Ruins in Athens

View from the Parthenon overlooking Athens

Our happy traveler!

Second leg of the trip....On to Santorini!

7 1/2 Hour Ferry Ride to Santorini from Athens.

Our first evening in Santorini

Santorini is a big rock in the middle of the Aegean Sea.

White house cling to the cliffs, and blue rounded roofs cap the Orthodox churches.

Our traveling group with our host in Santorini.

MeeAe and Hiro sitting on the step of our "home" in Santorini.

Our family!

Exploring Santorini...We walked almost everywhere.

Hiro fell asleep as soon as we got him in the backpack.

The guys suntanning outside our place in Santorini.

Donkey herder in a village at the highest elevation of Santorini.

Our last night in Santorini we went to Oia on the west tip, which is said to have the best sunsets in the world.

Third Leg of the Trip....on to the Beach Island of Naxos!

We really adored our place in Naxos. It was within walking distance of the beach, remodeled, comfortable and new. The weather was balmy in Naxos and the beach was VERY relaxing.

It was the "vacate" part of our vacation.

We did our laundry in Naxos.

We rented a car for one day in Naxos to see the interior of the island,

which is not geared for tourists.

We saw lots of Greek men with their donkeys.

Our family climbing a road in Aperanthos in central Naxos. The city was made of marble.

Becca, Josh and MeeAe, expert travel buddies!

We got a little lost in Aperanthos.

Hiro was a great little traveler! I was so proud of him!

Older Greek man with his worry beads.

Back in our place Naxos, our hostess spoiled us with daily treats.

Cookies for the kids and fresh homemade goat milk rice pudding one day!

We had access to a pool in Naxos. It was COLD, but Becca and I got lots of suntanning in!

Ahh! The Beach! The water was clear and blue, and VERY cold!

It was still lovely being on the sand and in the sun.

After Naxos, we headed back to Athens for a night before we flew back to the U.S.

Spring 2009...February, March, April, & May

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February 2009

February was an eventful month. Hiro started walking on Valentines Day. Nat and I decided to practice with him going between us, which we hadn't tried in a few weeks. He took off walking between us on his first try as if he had been doing it for weeks! We were astounded! He was signing many words and talking a bit too.

Loves to read with Daddy

We had good friends visit from Ireland, Kristy and Brandon Welcome. In February we all went to a Lisa Hannigan concert together. We all have kids within a few months of each other .

Alexus Davis turned 12! It was such an honor having her with us!

March 2009

We took trips to the Children's Museum! Always a great time!

Hiro and Uncle Ryan have matching hair!

Uncle Ryan got accepted to a forensic science program in New Haven, CT. We are so proud of him!

April 2009

We found our we were expecting our second child!

May 2009

Remembering Poppie

May 12, it had been just one year since Mitsuo Iwata, Hiro's Poppie (Nat's dad) passed away.

We met with Nat's siblings and mom at resting place and reflected over the last year.

Dressed like Poppie. Poppie's little BoySan

In May we had dinner with Dan Gleason and the kids got to sit on his motorcycle!

Gabe got to spend the night with us in May. We always have fun with him!

I'm BACK! Let's review January 2009

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Hiro is back!

Of coarse, it's not his fault that his blog has been empty for a year! That is mommy's fault (sorry Hiro). A series of things happened, first of all, we (Hiro and Mommy) started working at Twin Oaks Child Development Center, which left us with less time for blogging. Also, in January, we lost our camera, which made blogging difficult. Thankfully, Mamo (Hiro's great-grandma Carolyn Ehrenstein) loaned us her camera, so we did capture some moments. So here we go, we'll just right back in from where we jumped off...January 2009

Where we work...Twin Oaks Child Development Center.

That's our class below!

Hiro just under 12 months old.

Bath time with MeeAe

Getting ready to hop in the bath with MeeAe

Dog-pile on Uncle Josh! Jan. 2009 at Grace and Glory, our church.

Cosco shopping to get ready for Hiro's birthday party!

Cousins! We took a trip to Salem to play at the Children's museum there.

Gabriel (3), MeeAe (1.5) Hiro, (almost 1)

Birthday Party!

Hiro turns ONE!

We had a monster themed party at our house on Hiro's first birthday January 17th.

Uncles, Auntie Sarah, and cupcakes!

Uncle Josh, Uncle Drew, Auntie Sarah, and Uncle Ryan.

Our WONDERFUL neighbors and our professional pastry chef.

Singing Happy Birthday!

Mmmm! First refined sugars!

9-10 month Videos

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Here are some videos ranging from when Hiro was 8 (almost 9) months old until just a few weeks ago. The first video is during our Saturday morning tradition of having breakfast together. The last video is when Hiro is crawling around and starting to nod his head. The last one is of Hiro crawling around...kind of long, kind of boring, but shows a lot of what Hiro can do right now. Obie does Turbo Jack as well.

Christmas Fun!

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Christmas Tree Hunting!
We love December and all the festivities it brings! We always go to Sleighbells in Sherwood to get our tree. This year was extra special, since it was Hiro's first year with us (at least with him on the "outside").

Decorating our tree

Christmas Cookies!

Merry Christmas!

The Ford family paid us a Christmasy visit...what a cute family.

First Snow!
We were blessed with lots and lots of SNOW! In fact, we got snowed in with Becca, Josh, and MeeAe, which was such a blessings...if they were not here, I would have MAJOR cabin fever. We took 45 minutes to pull all the hats, scarves and warm layers out of the closets and put them on the babies. After all that, and buying new snow boots for everyone, we were outside for about 5 minutes before it was just too cold! Maybe we will have a white Christmas?

First Haircut
After several days of Hiro being called a girl, we decided it was time for Hiro's first haircut!

The BEFORE picture

The AFTER pictures!

Ten Months Old!

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Hiroshi's tenth month has been a HUGE month of firsts. Our little man has taken up what we call "preaching." He points his fingers and makes deliberate motions with his head and arms while babbling phrases, almost poetically. He LOVES to push things around, mainly his truck. He also loves rocking and holding Mae's babydoll. He now can nod his head yes and no, although he doesn't always mean "yes" and "no" when he does it. He can point out Daddy and Papa from a pictures and points to mommy's nose all the time...ususally UP my nose. He has 8 teeth, four on top and four on the bottom. Hiro and Mae love each others company, even though now they notice when the other has a toy or food that they want!

Baby Story Time!

When we get a chance, we like to go to the library for baby story time. It's fun to have someplace to go that is especially geared for Hiroshi and other babies his age.

MeeAe plays with bubbles at the Tualatin library!

We try to get story time in at home, too!

Japanese Gardens
We discovered cultural passes at the local library. We've been going on FREE family outings ever since!
Daddy and Hiro against the beautiful Portland skyline.

The Children's Museum
We completely enjoyed our trip to the children's museum with Auntie Becca and MeeAe. It was so much fun to go to a space completely geared for the little ones. We did storytime and explored every room.
We painted the kid's faces. Messy, but a lot of fun!

Hiro's favorite section of the children museum was the water room. We could have spent the entire time in there!

Johnson Thanksgiving

We were so pleased Zach came up from Colorado this year! It was just like old times...with a little added Wii action!

Even Hiro wanted to play Wii!

Thanksgiving Table

Libby and Hiro on Thanksgiving

My handsome little man

Iwata Thanksgiving Thanksgiving Table

The little cousins playing together after the meal.

It's so cute watching the cousins interact now that they are getting "closer" in age.

lMommy, Daddy, and Hiro

Daddy and Hiro. Hiro LOVES to push things right now.

bSilly Nana!

Alexus Time
Lexi is such a delight! We have been having a lot of fun together on Wednesdays. She is such a help with the babies!

Excersizing with Lexi

Alexus practicing for her try-outs for a school play.

Sibling Christmas
For the last four years, the Iwata siblings forgo giving each other presents for Christmas, and instead have one night out of the year that we gather just for the purpose of enjoying being brothers and sisters. We are really blessed to have one another. This year was the most fun of all! There were more babies, lots of laughing and being merry. We had a wall sit competition and listened to Muppet Christmas carols late into the night. That sure does beat getting a Starbucks card!

Sisters wearing aprons I made them.

After the wallsit competition. I went down first!

Auntie Erin and Gabe wearing his Mommy's apron

Additional 10 month pictures

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Here are some additional pictuers of Hiro and family during November. Noah, his oldest cousin, turned 10 years old! Very exciting! We also had a lot of fun at some other pumpkin patches with some very wonderful friends. Hiro met Caitlyn, the daughter of Brandon and Kristy Welcome, home for a few months from Ireland. It was a great month!