Three Months

The third month is particularly boring. The morning sickness and mood swings still persist and the countdown continues. The predicted birthday is September 22, 2008.The American standard for the term of pregnancy is nine months, but in Japan the term is 10 months. This gives us amble time to consider names. The naming process in Japan can be more complicated than in America. Names are chosen based on “Kanji” characters. Each “Kanji” has its own meaning and number of strokes. The amount of strokes it takes to write a "Kanji" character can be a lucky or unlucky number. The numbers of names there are to choose from are staggering! In the past, Americans tended to name their children on relatives, loved ones or saints. As in my case, having the same name as your father can be quite confusing at times! There are no “Junior”, “Senior”, “the thirds” or middle names in Japan. But I think when deciding a name, it comes down to a name you like that sounds good and harmonizes with your last name. We do have a few “working titles” for the baby at the moment, but nothing is final yet. During the upcoming months, as my wife endures the aches and pains of carrying a baby to fruition, I will be relaxing on my comfortable sofa with a cup of coffee (perhaps an espresso) and do my part as “father to be” and think of names. It’s a tough job being a father!