To the grocery store... and beyond!

The first picture is of Ivy all settled in for the night-- slept from 8:30 pm till 6:00 am. We hopped out of bed at 5:00 and started staring at her... couldn't wait for her to wake up so we could hold her again!

We got ready to head out in the stroller for the first time (thanks Erin and Greg!). Today was the second day of sun in Tokyo since we got here- and when it's sunny, an already amazing city just turns stunning. We met a fellow American traveller last night on the roof who told us about a "big" supermarket nearby- so we decided to check it out just for fun. We dressed Ivy in my favorite outfit, that Sally gave us, and headed out into the glorious sunsine. The store was about 8 blocks away through our neighborhood. It's essentially an imports grocery store... I saw things I can buy at Raley's! We decided to stay in for dinner and make spagetti (of all things... embarassing, I know...)

Ivy was perfectly content in the stroller, and seemed to enjoy walking around in the store- lots to look at. She fell asleep on the walk home and was asleep until we had lunch out for the first time. We went to a "fast food" restaurant and enjoyed some shaved meat, rice, salad and miso soup. Ivy was a trooper the whole time- just haning out and keeping her own counsel.

After lunch, we headed home for a rest and a meal for her before we braved the crowds at the Tokyo Tower. We enjoyed some quiet time on the bed... I do love this picture that Brian took of Ivy and I- and I took an equally tender one of him with Ivy this afternoon as well.

It was a lovely afternoon.

The Tokyo Tower was nothing short of incredible. From the observation deck, you can observe the curvature of the earth... and you can see endless Tokyo as far as the eye can see. The scale of this city is unbelievable... and I don't mean that lightly.

We braved the tower in spite of the crowds because it was perhaps the last sunny day we will see while we are here... it was a beautiful view for sure.

Unfortunately, somewhere along the way, we managed to give Ivy some gas.... we're not sure if it was the heat or not enough burps.... but she was an unhappy camper for the late afternoon and early evening. We were able to finally get her comfortable, and both of us feel more confident, having seen her through some difficulty. It required a team effort, but she was soundly asleep at the proper time!

She caused quite a stir in the waiting line at the tower. I now can meet the eye of other mothers, with a knowing look, as we admire each other's children. It's a club I've longed to belong to- and today for the first time, out in public, felt admitted to. It was very special. There was a whole busload of traditionally attired elderly Japanese ladies that went "gaga" over ivy. Lots of cooing and virtual chin chucking! I'm sure they were wondering what our story was... but it was so fun to watch her get so much attention. Also, we rode up the elevator (packed in like sardines- no joke...) with a family with 2 young girls- who apparently fell in love with her. We saw them all over the tower, they asked her name, and kept waving to her and to us while we were there. So sweet!!!!

Anyway... we continue to be thrilled with our new role- We are attempting to soak up all of the atmosphere that Tokyo can offer us as a family, before we make our way back home to California in less than a week!

Monday morning (tomorow for us) is our first Embassy day. I have chosen Ivy's outfit already... my own fashion future is less certain! More tomorow! We love you all, and really enjoy reading comments, though I don't seem to have time to reply to them all... :)