Kokochi

Yay to Modern Medicine

Tesla is taking antibiotics now. I know there's a lot of fuss about using such strong drugs, but frankly, after 5 days of a completely listless, almost lifeless Tesla, I'm thankful to know we can give her drugs that will fight off the army of bacteria that has invaded her lungs. We waited a few days since the doctor initially said this was just a cold, but we've never ever seen her like this. Pneumonia takes time to develop, so it's normal that first it's a cold, and only later becomes more serious. We are relieved to know what we need to do.

I want to take time, however, to express how grateful I am that I can go to Kaiser (make an appointment day of), and immediately get the medicine that she clearly needs (for $10!). I feel safe and confident that she can now fight this off. I can't imagine what parents have to go through when antibiotics aren't available. I can see why it would take months and months of care. And for babies who aren't eating or drinking much? Whoa.

Makes me reflect on the bit of hospital care I've had. Although sure, natural birth is best when possible, there seems to be a cultural judgement towards that (at least in the Bay Area), as if any medical intervention is bad. I know generations ago, women and babies died during birth. So I appreciate, still, that I had the choice to be safe with a c-section when T's heart beat kept dropping. Fundamentally, I'm thankful.

I'm reflecting on this because an amazing person I know, who lost her beautiful baby, blogged this:

I went from a place where the process of birth mattered so much. I had to have my babies at home, because hospitals are evil. Ha! I had to have my babies without pain medication because it might affect our postpartum bonding Or my baby's ability to nurse. Double ha! I had to have just one ultrasound because ultrasounds may affect the cell structure of the fetus. Triple ha! I had to not have any other tests because whatever the outcome, I would be at peace with it. Biggest ha possible!

Her point is, it's not about the mother's ego of a perfect birth. THE most important of all is a healthy baby. I really appreciate her sharing that voice. It's easy to overlook the safety that hospitals provide, and the medicine we have access to. Even in our neighborhood, there is debate about a helipad for our nearby hospital because of sound concerns. But when I imagine the people who will be in those helicopters, I can't help but think that sound is a small price for a society to pay.

Anyhow, lots of thoughts, and appreciation for being able to help Tesla get better.

sickness update

Turns out poor Tesla has pneumonia. This morning, when we woke to find Tesla still lethargic and sick, we really wondered. I took her to Kaiser last Sunday and they thought it was a cold that this year is really hard and long. But considering Tesla hadn't eaten for over 4 days, I was concerned. When I emailed work that I couldn't come in yet again, a co-worker worried she might have pneumonia based on the symptoms I was describing.

Sure enough, the doctor at Kaiser today listened to T breathing and immediately said that's what she had. We have anitbiotics now, but it'll take more than a day to start winning the battle in T's lungs. Ugh. Poor girl. A whole week feeling like crap, not knowing why. A whole week with no swings, no play with granny, no tricycling around, no food! Her eyes look so listless, it's heart-breaking. I can't wait for her to wake up soon, and say, "applesauce??" which she usually does as she runs down the hallway. I miss my baby...

The wonder of Tutu

For those who have followed me over the years, you might remember this story. For new ones, it's worth to be retold here. Tutu's story is one of my favorite blogging stories ever.

Back in August, 2003, I was getting ready to move to San Francisco from Tokyo to be with Dav after a year long-distance thing. I had dinner one rainy night with my fun brother-in-law, and we came upon a baby kitten. I was at a loss; I had to move in 6 days (as in catch a plane so no delays allowed), but here was this baby who clearly needed help. I had to take her home. What to do? I blogged about her, hoping anyone reading could help find a home for her. Indeed...folks tried their best, and I was touched. And...within a few days, 4 days before moving, Tutu got a mommy! And mind you, the best mama ever. Tracey and I are great friends today...just saw her on my last visit although I was lame and didn't get a picture of her (I did the last last time though!).

I'd already felt the influence blogging could have in everyday life, but this experience, days before leaving Tokyo, encapsulated the community blogging created for me. And Tutu is healthy as can be. Here, she gets the limelight while being babysat by M.J., another Tokyo blogging nakama.

poor sick Tesla

Tesla has been sick since Thursday! It started slowly on Thursday when I kept her home because she appeared generally off and I wanted to keep her chill without too many activities. She seemed perky Friday morning so I took her to Karla's. By the end of the day though, she had developed a fever...which continued throughout the weekend (we totally missed the glorious weather). Her fever is gone now, but she's coughing like crazy - which is super hard for her because sucking her thumb comforts her and it's quite hard to suck and cough. She has eaten a total of maybe a cup of her favorite applesauce over these four days. She refuses juice, but asks for milk a lot so she is getting some calories.

We've been to Kaiser and were told it's a common bug right now that takes a week to get over. On target the fever died down, and apparently the coughing will go on for several more days. She got up this morning to draw, so that's a good sign since she's been either on the bed or sofa ALL day and night.

It's so hard to watch her since she doesn't know what's going on. She'd awaken from a nap and cry because she felt so lousy. Nothing would comfort her. I basically lay next to her most of the time (since I wasn't feeling so great either). In my own way, I treasured the hours and hours of snuggling up together ...her legs over me, her tired eyes peering into mine, holding hands. I'm glad I had the time to simply lie by her side which I think helped her feel less grumpy.

Old, new, and newborn friends

I was lucky enough to grab some of Joy's time. We went to high school together, hung out off and on in SF, and meet up when we can in Tokyo where she lives now. Over the years, I've really enjoyed knowing her more, living vicariously via her amazing stories, and sharing our SF-Tokyo in between-ness. She recently started a new job as a partner lawyer, making her high position career seem easy...we met up at a swanky wine bar in Hiroo and drank delicious wine. No champagne, but I was impressed with a customized glittery large bottle placed in front of me.

My main priority on this trip was to meet Mr. Riku-chan, Gen and Mika's spanking new 7 week old baby. Oh, the baby smell, cooing, and quirky movements. Loved every minute of it. Only 2 years ago, Gen held Tesla. I'm very happy it's my turn to congratulate them!I pretty much hogged holding Riku. I laugh at the 2nd picture here where I seem to be saying, "oh no you don't take cute Riku from me. He's all mine!" ha.

And finally, I got to meet Sigsy in person! I actually met up with Tracey (tutu's mom), her brother, and Kristen too but failed to get any other pictures. I was super tired that night...Anyway, Sigsy and I started communicating via Flickr, sharing comments and what not. It was one of those lovely (re)unions, meeting someone for the first time who you feel you already know. Yay!!

Harajuku La Foret fashion

I usually don't go to Harajuku for shopping, but Chris wanted to stop by Kiddy Land, so I was happy to join since I can always buy things there. This says it all: "KIDDY LAND helps keep your mind, body and soul youthful, now & forever."

I had free time after that, so I meandered to La Foret...a great place to check out new fashion. It's not really my style, but fun to see (and these pics only represent the teenage floor because elsewhere was too difficult to snag pictures).

Tokyo - various

My trip to Tokyo was short, without Tesla, and rather strange for personal reasons. My parents were in Lisbon so I didn't get to see them, 1 friend I wanted to see had an ill grandmother to tend to, 1 friend had some personal issues to deal with, and jet-lag was tough for me this time. However, being back, breathing Tokyo air, hearing Japanese around me, being in a clean and polite city, and seeing old friends and colleagues was completely worth it. I realize that if I didn't have these frequent biz trips back to Tokyo, no matter how lovely SF is, I'd be completely homesick. As I age and raise Tesla, I realize how important it is for me to feel my Japanese side.

I didn't focus on taking pictures so what I got was random...but Michelle, who came with me, took a fabulous set.

First is the typical cloud shot. So beautiful it's hard to take for granted. Next is my first lunch at work: mentaiko pasta at a nice cafe spot. I love lunches in Tokyo - cheap sets (appetizer/soup, dish, dessert) that are high quality (not just a sandwich or giant salad). Custest "save energy" sticker with cats showing how not all lights need to be on all the time (too bright!). Then a quick shot of a view from Six Apart's office. Fabulous Enoki...my home spot in Tokyo. I haven't stopped by for a while since when I'm in Tokyo with Tesla, I go home vs. going out. And Enoki isn't the kind of place you can stop by for 1 drink. You need to be there and participate so mama-san might not let you leave quickly. That's the charm, but I only go when I'm flexible with time : )

A snippet from home

Dav took this cute picture of Fia and Tes. Notice Fia's arm around T? Just like best friends. I'm glad they have each other while both us mamas are in Tokyo. So cute!! I miss Tesla very much and can't wait to hug her again ... and be in Dav's arms too!

Obama - I am hopeful

Wow. Although I wish I had been in SF, and with my husband Dav to share the excitement, I felt the emotions within me while at Six Apart's Tokyo office. I was afraid to hope, but as Obama's win became clear, I realized how meaningful this win is to me. I've never been excited about a president, and feel this will be a story to tell Tesla about the "before" and "after."

I realize we still have to deal with reality, and change will not be automatic, but Obama has brought many Americans together. Both Dav and I have been seriously concerned about the environment, peak oil, and the future in general, and finally we have a leader who may be able to nudge the US and the world in a much saner direction.

Off to Tokyo again

This time is a short visit so I'll have little time to meet up with folks. Tesla is staying home with daddy, and Michelle is joining me, so should be fun nonetheless. I tried to get some family shots before going, but it's quite difficult! As always, I'm going to miss my family!!