I earlier wrote a post on the birth of my wife and I’s first baby Tina titled “I’m a New Daddy!”. You can read it by clicking here. Tina is a little over 7 weeks old now and is doing very well. I’m crazy about her. She is over 5 kilograms now and puts a smile on my face everyday. (^.^) My wife Akemi is doing well too. She recovered quickly after giving birth and is taking care of Tina full-time. I really appreciate all the work she’s doing taking care of Tina and still cooking dinner for me at the same time. Akemi takes care of Tina most of the time however I help out a bit when I’m home.
Teaching English conversation (英会話) at my English school in Japan at Smith’s School of English Tsukaguchi (スミス英会話塚口校) and being married to my Japanese wife Akemi allows me to learn a lot about Japanese culture and to experience it firsthand. Last Sunday, I had the opportunity to experience Omiyamairi (お宮参り, literally “shrine visit”). Omiyamairi is a traditional Shinto rite of passage in Japan for newborns. About one month after birth, a child is brought to a Shinto shrine by the parents and grandparents to express gratitude to the deities for the child’s birth and to have a shrine priest pray for his or her good health and happiness. These days Omiyamairi is generally held one month to 100 days after the birth of a child. You can read more about it by clicking here. Tina’s ceremony was held at the Nishinomiya Ebisu (西宮恵比寿) shrine in Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture. My wife Akemi, her parents, her 2 brothers and I attended this ceremony. Before going to the shrine, we all went to a photo studio in Tsukaguchi, Amagasaki to have photos taken, both family ones and some with Tina only. She wore a Japanese kimono in some of them. (^.^) After the photos were taken, we chose some of the photos for an album. The whole photo studio and Omiyamairi experience was wonderful. Japanese culture truly is amazing. I am thankful to my Japanese family for having given me the opportunity to experience this bit of Japanese culture and really appreciated having them all there for Tina. (^.^)
Derek
Smith’s School of English Tsukaguchi
Congratulations Derek and family. Well done indeed.
I’m sure the pictures will be something you will cherish forever…
Adrian
The photographs will enable you to cherish and relive your first Omiyamairi experience forever Congratulations
Ken
Smith’s School of English
Koenji
Congratulations from Matsue.
Dear Derek:
Omedetou gozaimasu. It’s exciting to create an extension of yourself in this big world. Your own flesh and blood and so cute and beautiful. One of the first things I said to my wife after we took our baby girl from the hospital was, “She won’t play.” Of course my wife kindly said, “You dummie, she’s only a week old.”. But before you know it she’ll be running and jumping on your back for a ride.
God bless you and your family
Gordon at Karasuma Smith’s School of English.
Congratulations Derek and family.
Doug SSE Asagaya
Hi Derek,
Wonderful occassion for your and your new family.
Congratulations to both you and Akemi and of course, young Tina.
Best wishes
Paul
Tsuruhashi
Hi Derek,
Congratulations.
We wish you and your new family all the best.
Tyler, Deana and Mike
Azamino
That’s wonderful Derek, congratualtions. Jim
Derek, congratulations!! I hope that fatherhood changes you in all the good ways that it changed me. some people think that family takes your time away from business but I say it makes you lead a balanced life and set good priorities. your business will be even more successful as a result. Enjoy fatherhood to the limit!
Hi Derek and Akemi,
You guys look fantastic. Please know that we read every word about and are looking forward to every picture of your lovely little girl. Please know that we think of you as our ‘sempais’, as we too are starting our own little family up here in Otsu. We’re right behind you! Good luck and keep us posted on any big ‘steps’ in your family and school.
Chiharu & Edward, SSE Otsu
Derek,
Congratulations on the Ohmiyamairi. Looking forward to seeing more photos of Tina. I am sure you guys are enjoying being new parents. It is challenging but you will remember every minute forever.
Al
Derek,
well done. Congratulations to your daughters Ohmiyamairi.
Our children are about the best that can happen to us.
Your post reminded me of the Ohmiyamairi of my son about two years ago. We had to change his diapers twice and give him some milk during the ten minute ceremony. I also hope your daughter will not give you too many sleepless nights. (My son gets up at about three at night, wakes me up to play with him for an hour or two, and then goes to sleep again while I have only an hour or so left till the morning flyers.)
I wish you and your family many enjoyable hours together!
Sven
What a beautiful photo!
Congratulations to you and your family.
Well Done
Adam
Mark, Adrian, Ken, Steve, Gordon, Doug, Paul, Mike, Jim, Les, Edward, Al, Sven and Adam,
Thank you all so much! It really is wonderful to have gotten so many nice comments from you all! I wish you all the best!
Derek (^.^)/
Great stuff Derek! That’s a very nice photo. We’ll have to arrange a play date sometime in the future! All the best to you and your family.
Mike
Congratulating you on your new SuperDad status, Derek!
We know how hard it is to keep things in gear after the birth of a child. It’s very difficult! Great job!
Your little girl is beautiful, and both you and your wife look very very happy. Wonderful! Keep those eyes peeled and camera clicking: little babies seem to change overnight!
Best of luck to the three of you!
Thanks Deana. OK! Yeah, she is growing quickly! We take photos and videos for memories.
All the best!
Derek (^.^)/
Derek! That’s the greatest news! Many congratulations and hope to see you around the Nishinomiya Gardens area soon.
From your neighbor,
Eric