Japan Moms

For all the Moms(and Dads) with a Sailor in Japan

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  • Blondie

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  • Blondie

  • Blondie

    this was my daughter this weekend, she looks pregnant!  by Tue. she was flat again.  She's at 37 weeks, so she only has to make it to next wed. then it's whenever!!!!!

    Hi Chris, so exciting.  My daughter Loved it there and so did we.

    Miss, she loved Korea also, that is where she re-enlisted.  It still amazes me all the places she's been and things she's done.

  • T-Lynn

    HI. Blondie I am in stitches laughing. Oh what you posted about looking for Mother Nature.  Blondie Jr. looks beautiful. Positive thoughts all good.

    Hi Chris, Forever and Beachmomblue. Welcome aboard! Get ready for a emotional roller coaster ride. You will have your ups adn downs, but we are right beside you. When your happy - come here and share and when you sad - come here and share. WE all send each other great hugs.

    Healing thoughts for that foot! Take care please.

    Hey - Miss :). Can you send some of that Spring up to Yankee territory?

    Wish I had some gossip to share. Maybe soon. Hugs

  • Mississippi Mom

    T-Lynn, I will be happy to send you some nice weather today!  But tomorrow it is going to change, going to start raining and we may get frozen precp. on Sunday morning!  NOOOO!  Everything is blooming and looking so pretty.   I hate it when Mother Nature messes with us like this.   Today it is suppose to get to 70.  I have the afternoon off, and am planning to work in my yard today (make it pretty for the ice).  

    Blondie, she is pretty Mommy.  I know she is ready for "whenever"!   I remember those days.   She is in my prayers. 

    Welcome Chris, Beachmomblue!  This is the place to be!  A wealth of information for every question you will have.  Hang in there.  T-Lynn gave you great advice.  

  • Anti M

    Looks like we're going to get a week of spring after back and forth with sun and snow.  My crocus are blooming, so that's a good sign!

  • Blondie

    AntiM,  my crocus are blooming also but they bloom in the snow most years.  

  • Blondie

    Thanks Miss.  Mother Nature can be cruel.  Hope you Enjoed your afternoon.!

  • T-Lynn

    HI

    That terrible storm that came through. No so terrible.

    It is a lovely cold crisp fresh air, with a sunny blue sky, snow that covers the ground - NOT the sidewalks or streets. NO ICE - thank you. So it must have jumped over us.

    Funny thing - we have Robins in the mode of:"It's My Territory" attitude and song. I even saw a Robin stand down a car! I guess it wanted the road as it's territory too.

    Do hope all are having weather they would like, hearing from their sailors and ALL in great health.

     Anyone hear from Maggs? Hye, Maggs if you are peeking  - check in please. We all would love some baby pictures.

    Talking about baby pictures - How things going for Blondie Jr.?

    Wish I had some gossip. Honest I have none!

    So wishing all an early Happy St. Patrick's Day

    hugs

  • Blondie

    She's hanging in there.  goes back to doctor on Thursday.  She's pretty bored.  LOL  school is over, job is done, nursery is ready....I told her rest!  get a good night sleep, might be your last.  She doesn't leave the house.

    We got about 2 inches of snow last night, started blowing @4am coming to work, no plows our school's were canceled. couldn't tell where the road was!  most patients canceled, we were at 4 degrees wind  chill.  white out conditions in country.  it's been snowing all day not sure how much we got, i'm inside.  had to shovel walks today :(  boss has to son's 16 & 14 at home still in bed!!!  Hope this clears up before we have to hit the road but on other hand would Love to be on the road already.  LOL

    Red birds are so bright red and shows up nicely on snow, blue Jays are pretty cool also.  birds are fighting over feeders.  Big crows and even buzzards, assuming coyotes got a fresh kill....Jack thinks he has to chase them of course he chases Helicopters and airplanes.  He also tries to out run the trains!  he races besides them, he can't get closer then 100 ft. because of his electric collar, but he loves to try to out run it!

    Connor skyped Aunt Blondie Jr. over the weekend. told her about playing Mario Cart, then read her a couple books.  He was SO EXCITED when she went and got her book that matched his and read along.    They'd take turns each reading a page then when they turned the page she had to show him her's so he KNEW she was on the right page.  It was so FUN to watch!  Finally he said, I's tired, time for bed, Auntie said no wonder your always exhausted Mom.  He wears me out.  LOL  I told her wait till her little one arrives and she's getting no sleep.....!

    Well that's all my gossip unless you want to hear how My Helper is leaving Thursday for a Mission Trip!  I told Boss, I don't care!  When daughter calls I'm gone and for 2 weeks.  She started in 2 weeks?  you can't go for 2 weeks.....I said, YES I can, and I AM!  It's always been 2 weeks, ask ANYONE.  And if there's complications, might be a month.  She started in on my husband, he said nope we're going for 2 weeks, fire her it you need to.  We'll move, my tools travel and my knowledge is in my head.  So then she talked to my husband's boss and tried to convince him, they had to do something to keep us from staying 2 weeks!  She has Nerve if nothing else.  Hubby said his Boss knows better then to push to hard. 

  • Momof2

    Prayers needed for my sailor son. He is in Sasebo, Japan and has been for 5 months. It's his first duty station. He was excited to go but nervous of course. Since he has been there, he made friends in his unit and then 2 months ago out of no where they changed his unit. They moved him to another unit, in the same place doing the same job just different shift and different days off. His new unit isn't as welcoming and while he is still in the same room with the same roommates as before, they work a different schedule and he has no one to hang out with or go places with. He is really struggling. He is starting to hate it and wants to get out. This has been his dream for years. He got the rate he wanted and was excited. We keep telling him it will get better, but he can't see that. It kills me to hear him be so upset over being so far away with no friends. His "girlfriend" is causing problems and not helping at all. He's on night shift now so that limits his ability to go out and see things and meet people too.
  • Denisep216

    @momof2 prayers are going up for your sailor! My sailor started struggling because of the same issues as your sailor. I tried comforting her but there's not much to do over the phone and mail so I told her to speak with a counselor because she had gotten really depressed. I also told her to speak with the Chaplain. The counselor helped her a lot and I was thankful for that! Keep your head up and know that your sailor is in my prayers!
  • Mississippi Mom

    Momof2, praying for your Sailor and you as well.   Trusting God to supply and meet all needs here.   Just keep on encouraging him.  Hang in there sweet Mom.  It is so hard when our kids grow up and leave the nest, yet still need us, and especially when they are so far away.  But I just know God will see him through this and you as well.  

  • Blondie

    Adding my Prayers.  I know it's hard but a lot of times as we are here worrying, they are too busy or out making friends.  HUGS

  • Blondie

    Morning Ladies, We have been having the most gorgeous Sunsets and Sunrises! Do to all the moisture in the air. We are finally above 20 and wind chills above zero. Some areas are predicted to hit 36 today! Which sounds like a good thing at first but no . Means are snow is changing to sleet then rain, and tonight when it cools off again, back to snow and repeat for the next 5 days. YUCK!

    Today is the first day this week I didn’t wear my snow pants and parka although maybe I should have??? I have to tell you either because I am old(er) or fatter it’s harder to get into those things! My snow pants are the bib type I’m wore out just getting into them, then having to bend over to put on boots and zip up pant legs….Ugg add the scarf, ear muffs, jacked, ski gloves….I can hardly move! Knew you all needed a laugh!

    Blondie Jr. had a ruff day Wednesday, OB couldn’t get a heartbeat. So off to another 4D Ultra Sound and they could watch the heart beat and blood flow….140 beats be min. never did get to hear it tho. So yesterday was a waiting day again, waiting on high risk doctor to view tests and get back with her. Storm is 2 weeks behind in development because of the ruff pregnancy so they all decided to wait it out. (Heavy Sigh from me) Mama just wants to get in that van and GO! She is finally beginning to eat anything in sight so they’re hoping by waiting Storm will grow and catch up.

    So still on Baby Watch here. This sucks!!! Our nephew is lead part in the school musical but scared to buy tickets and plan on going, it opens March 24th. Too scared to go see other children in case she’d call and we’d need to go. I told hubby just pack van and we could leave from Akron, Columbus…wouldn’t matter. But he said what about the food we’re taking them (freezer meat…) and other things would freeze! So I spend my free time re-packing. LOL they have gone from the 80’s to 30’s with snow to now. So…what do I pack?! Had summer clothes and Easter dress packed now packing winter clothes and dress boots…so I have sandals, flip-flops, tennis shoes, dress shoes, cowboy boots and dress boots! In every color you can imagine! Then shaws/wraps, raincoat, sweatshirts, flannels, winter coat(?) next???? I told Joe it looks like we’re moving in but I Promise we’ll leave….when you ask us too. Bahahaha

    Well ladies as usual work sucks, can’t get computer system to come up. Main computer tells me there is NO HARD DRIVE (yes in caps) I’ve ran every search and recovery that I know how. So looks like a long day 

    Hope you all have a Fantastic Friday. HUGS

  • T-Lynn

    Happy St. Patrick's Day !!!!!

    Its raining here - so that means the grass will be greener and growing and need mowing. So the gas my hubby purchased for the snow blower - he can put in the lawn mower. ( knock on wood)

    Crossing fingers - putting your son on my Positive List ! That's a list I created a long while back - for wishing for things to go in the right directions. Been there too Momof2. when my sailor first went - his hours were changed. It is rough, but at least he does has his room mates still. Now would be a great time to send him a "Happy Package " from home. filled with fun/silly stuff and snacks! Home cookies do travel well :) And if you have a pet - have teh pet send him a letter and package too. My sailor loved it to get packages from Shark - she is a turtle. And  Shark has sent letters to other sailors to cheer them up. It is such a shocker to get a letter from a turtle - letting them know she has a sailor too - got his name from his mom who knows her sailor's mom from Japan Navy Moms - and so much more. She even sends a picture of herself! Let Shark know - if you would like her to send a letter. I know she would. Gentle hugs to you too.

    Blondie - good for you !!!!! And what a Knight in Shining Armor is your hubby!!! Hang in there - all will be ok. And so love the story of Conor reading with his Auntie. Take care and keep us  posted

    got to get  - have to play with the Cub Scouts.

    Hey - Maggs and Kim - check in!!!

    Hugs all

  • Blondie

    Blondie Jr Update (she texted me over lunch)

    Blondie Jr. is 39 weeks and 3-4 cm. dilated!   She believes she's been losing her plug the last couple of days. Storm is head down and bouncy.  Midwife swept her membrane so we're hoping Storm is ready and her body is accepting and maybe we'll have a baby in the next 3 days!!!!!

  • DramaSoul

    OMG! I finally got back on to the site! I did not fall off of the planet although with all of the snow and rain we have had this Winter it would've been possible. I was actually snowed in for 9 days. It was unbelievable. Oregon doesn't handle snow well! With all the rain, the Columbia river is 16 feet above where it is normally and my friends who have sailboats were getting nervous as the docks were getting close to being under water. 

    My Corpsman is doing well and got engaged. Very excited as I love his fiance. The wedding is in October and then he changes duty stations. No clue as to where that will be.

    Tupac and Shelby (my cats) have been keeping life adventurous. I never know what I will come home to these days. I need to get those child-locks for the cupboards. They have been getting underneath the sink and wreaking havoc. Sigh. 

    Blondie...wow...may Blondie Jr have an easy delivery!

    I have not caught up on reading everything...hope to soon. 

    Sending loving energy to all in need. Hugs to all. 

  • maggs

    I am still here... sending love and positive thought  to all who need it... Life is busy.. Got back from Mums funeral. found out Hubby hasn't been seeing well. Just had his first cataract surgery.  Next one in tow weeks.  So we are doing his eyes and chemo. I need to get a bed in a doctors office right now...  We are in the last three weeks of this six month chemo treatments. will give his body a break, then we will start a new regime.  Never have had a problem with rodents, however Angel brought me a freshly killed mouse the other morning.  Hubby thinks it came in when we were hit by a snowstorm last week. He is sure it is a one off.  Angel is prowling the house every night now.. :) 

  • Kim

    I'm here too.  I am leaving today for a vacation in London.  Staying down the street from the attach last week.  I'm sure it will be fine, but we will probably not walk any bridges.

    Prayers for a safe delivery for Blondie Jr.

    Momof2, how is sailor doing? 

    Angel the prowler! 

    Drama Soul, keep us posted.  Remember once a Japan mom, always a Japan mom.

    My vacation has been planned since Christmas.  My sisters husband went into the hospital Thursday to start prepping for his stem cell/bone marrow transplant.  They are up in Toronto and I visited earlier this month.  It still feels strange enjoying myself when she is going through all of this. It is too dangerous to destroy all cells before transplant (next Wednesday), so the doctors say there is a 40% chance this will extend his life 2 years.  This week before and 3 weeks after are the most critical.  Prayers needed.

  • Blondie

    DramaSoul glad you survived the winter, it has sucked here too.

    Maggs, at least she killed it first!  lol

    Kim Prayers for your sister and BIL.  Praying you have a Safe Fun vacation.  Thanks for the prayers

    Blondie Jr. still hanging on.  tried everything, busy, busy weekend, even sex and still no baby!

    Hugs to all

  • T-Lynn

    HI,

    Have a wonderful vacation Kim . and I have this awesome chill of excitement for your sister and BIL. In other words - GOOD vibes for them that all will go well. Now buy your sister something beautiful in England. - Maybe a tea set and then you two can have tea together.  buy the English tea too! But have fun - that fun you share will with your family and us is magic.  Hugs !!!!

    Maggs :) - Wow - a Spring present of a mouse. You know you are so loved by Angel is she brings you her catch of the day.  So good to hear you here.  Sending Reiki to hubby and you. I'm hugging you now.

    Kim - Rieki to your sis too :).

    Drama - a wedding !!!!!!  OH boy, share the plans and so happy you love his wife to be. Fingers crossed - he is closer to home . but as Kim said; Once a Pan Mom - ALWAYS a Pan Mom !!!!

    BLONDIE - we all are on pins and needles here !!!   OH how exciting. Looking forward to seeing that sweet grand baby . And to welcome you Officially into the GranPan Moms club. Wishing for an easy delivery. gentle hugs.

    Well, here Spring is finally trying to be here. At least the Robins say it is. Riker is now talking more and more. Still some words/sentences we cannot understand - but they must be important - he repeats to us when he sees we don't understand him.  So far all are doing ok - except me. Riker had to get croup again and then he gave it to me. Except my developed into a sinus infection and bronchitis. I am lucky - I am off this week for Spring Break. So I can get well.

    Wishing all happiness - good health - and just something special to happen for you - hugs

  • Kim

    I lit a candle in Westminster Abbey today for my BIL.  Started saying prayers in the Chapels....seriously, too many chapels.

    TLynn, I took my yellow gift from you.  They search my bag at every entrance and ask...I say it is my good luck charm for traveling.

    I toured the HHS Belfast.  Took a ton of pictures for my sailor.  He loved the picture of their menu.  Petty Officers and Chiefs have their own store that included beer and liquor.  I am not getting that one!

    The official name for our Japan grandmothers is obaasan (or Baa Baa).  Welcome Blondie.  Blondie Jr. should continue with sex.  It will work eventually.  Seriously, there is no answer because the baby decides.

  • Blondie

    haha  I've been a grandma for over 5 years remember Connor? 

    Kim, sounds wonderful looking forward to seeing those pictures. starting to think Storm is a boy because he's being such a Turd!  LOL  so much worry about him coming early ..no heart beat...and now he wants to stay!

    I thought grandma was LuLu  or Lala

  • T-Lynn

    Oh Blondie - forget me! I got so excited about Blondie Jr, my brain forgot sweet Conor. You were in the GrandPan Moms club before me! No - its a girl. She is just waiting for her grand entrance. Must be waiting for you to be there. Got to held by her favorite Baa Baa, Nanna, Yaya, etc

    So happy that you made time for the candle. Still sending Reiki :). And glad your yellow gift gives you what you need. but you are the gift - my friend. hugs

    Need to get - Grandson is here and he is hungry. His favorite dinner - hotdogs wrapped in crescent rolls. - McCheese and baked beans.

    Wishing all a good weekend.  hugs

  • T-Lynn

    Oh Blondie - forget me! I got so excited about Blondie Jr, my brain forgot sweet Conor. You were in the GrandPan Moms club before me! No - its a girl. She is just waiting for her grand entrance. Must be waiting for you to be there. Got to held by her favorite Baa Baa, Nanna, Yaya, etc

    So happy that you made time for the candle. Still sending Reiki :). And glad your yellow gift gives you what you need. but you are the gift - my friend. hugs

    Need to get - Grandson is here and he is hungry. His favorite dinner - hotdogs wrapped in crescent rolls. - McCheese and baked beans.

    Wishing all a good weekend.  hugs

  • T-Lynn

    ok this is weird - why did it print twice ?

  • T-Lynn

    HI All

    any baby born yet?

    Sweet Dreams all

  • Blondie

    NO baby yet.  She has a non-stress test this weekend which is rediculous!   she walks 3 1/2 miles every day and they do a 4D ultra sound once a week.....they have swapped her membrane twice still nothing.  she's still 4c  dilated but Storm wants to stay there.  She feels better then she has the whole time!  If nothing happens this week we are leaving this weekend and they will induce her.  We have to be back by the 23rd for nephew's Confirmation hubby is his sponsor. and the 24th hubby's boss leaves on vacation.  So Joe's gonna take 5 days off and then go back to work until we leave and then take his other 5.

    alot happening here, last 2 weekends have been FULL  Nephew's School Music, oldest daughter came home, brought her 2 dogs.  we had Connor and JD, Jeremy and Rhyen then my niece found out everyone was home so she came and stayed too! (both weeks)  I'm exhausted in a good way LOL  My daughter's youngest dog got hurt and we had to rush her to the pet clinic, she had to stay and have surgery so has stitches, when she got home last monday she tore them open and now must wear the Cone of Shame!  My phone died and I almost had a heart attack, but oldest daughter went phone shopping with me so I have a new smart phone (S7 I think) and a much bigger bill :(  I can make calls, sometimes answer calls, if I don't hang up on them.  I can text and take pictures. not sure how to get on internet or upload pictures.....I'm learning tho.  :) 

    Oh Pregnant one texted me friday and said, tornado and flash flood warnings!  I said go to hospital now!  Joe is on evacuation  team, she said oh I'll drive myself if need be, what if you're flooded?!  These kids Love to scare me!

    Boss decided to get a new clearing house  for insurance claims, I said when I get back, nope had to have demo....but in application ......UGG!  Kim continues to make stupid mistakes, can't get daily books to come out, off money or production not equaling!  Then wants me to fix it!!!  tries to do mail when I and boss lady tells her NOT to.  She discounts what they owe and bills people that have already paid!  Then I have to field angry phone calls and straighten out bills.....I hope she gets a ear full while I'm gone from patients and I hope they all yell at boss lady too.  At least I got month-ends done although would have served her right If I'd left before month-ends but then I REALLY would have had a MESS to come back too.

    Well gotta get going been here long enuff.  Sorry so long.  Hugs to all

  • Chris, Forever Ray's Proud Mom

    My son arrived safely last friday!! Seems to really like it, but stuck on base until this weekend. Already has plans for outings in the area.

    Just a bit about us: Husband Joe and I have been married 29 yr (29 in Sept) and both work in surgery. Baby girl got married Mar of this year in Jax, FL. Looking to move back to be near her when I find a job. (Looking like IF this week!) Love NC, hard to leave.

    Thanks for the welcome.

  • T-Lynn

    HI

    Blondie - always you are outdoing that Energizer Bunny!  And your life - I am tired just reading.  But positive thoughts all go well. Looking so forward to seeing a pic of you holding Storm!! We all are here!!  Take care and hugs

    Hey - Maggs : check in girl friend. just want to hear from you. How goes the spoiling of your grand daughter?  Love you.

     Kim - know you are busy sight seeing - can't wait to here stories and see pics!

    Welcome aboard Chris :).  Glad to know your sailor arrived safely and has started plans of seeing things. My sailor loved Japan - all to see and explore.  Keep sharing - we love to  listen.  Hugs

    Miss and Josh Mom: check in!

    Oh one set of mews - My sailor arrives home this Thursday!!! I will share a hug from all of you. And share pics  - if he stays home long enough. His plans have already been planned by friends. I should get a coffee in there somewhere. I know - bake cookies :). Then he has to stay and eat. I should get a few words out of him.

    Wish all a great week hugs.

  • Beachmomblue

    Hi Everyone.  I wanted to know how long does priority mail take to get to my sailor?  He is in Yokosu, Japan

  • NavyMum

    Beachmomblue - my son is in Okinawa - I find that priority mail takes about 10 days give or take. I mailed a box on March 25 and he received it on April 4th there (April 3rd here). First class letters take about the same time. I haven't mailed parcel post but he works in a post office on base and said those take 2 months or more typically

  • NavyMum

    Blondie - prayers for the baby to arrive safely

    Maggs - thinking of you

    Kim-  your trip sounds wonderful

    Chris - welcome! good luck with the job hunt

    T-Lynn - enjoy your sailor!

  • Blondie

    Welcome Aboard Chris.  Glad he likes it, my daughter Loved it.  So much to do and see.  Plan a trip if you can.  it's wonderful!!!

     

  • tytulip40

    @beachmomblue - my boxes to my sailor in Atsugi take 10-14 days - it doesn't matter if it's priority or regular - once all mail gets to a certain point, it's in the military's hands.  I always get the large priority boxes because it's a flat rate, $16.90 no matter how much it weighs.  Hope all are well. Get so busy with life that I forget to tap in to see how everyone is doing.  

  • NavyMum

    tytulip40  -my son works in a Navy post office - he says that 1st class and priority go via Chicago and are pretty quick (8-10 days usually -  a bit longer for ships) but that parcel post goes via San Francisco and can take a couple of months. He strongly recommends against parcel post

  • Beachmomblue

    Thank you ladies.  I'm tracking it.   Tytulip40 it did go to Chicago.  I don't think it will track it after this. It is nice being able to come to this site and ask questions.  It is greatly appreciated for us newbie moms.

  • Blondie

    we are heading out this afternoon to go south.  Sailor is not in labor yet, but over due and they won't let her go much longer.  We have to be back by the 23rd because of other commitments, that can't be changed, this baby was suppose to come before this.  Well it can't be helped and we wanted our 2 weeks with daughter  :)

    I'll be back on sometime this weekend with news I hope.  Hope everyone hears from their girls SOON.  and if you have them HUG them!

  • Wheatonpup

    Beachmomblue,I live in Chicago and my son is in Yokosuka.  Our packages are sent Priority Mail and generally take about 8 days when they are in port. I track them on my computer and phone. I usually get 3 messages: Arrived at USPS Origin Facility (date)--- Then Arrived at Military PO (date)--- and then Delivered (date.)  It is nice to know the package is making its way to my son. When they are ongoing, which will be soon, it takes about 3 weeks or so. I guess it depends on when the ships receive their supplies at sea. I hope this helps you.

  • maggs

    Quick update... Hubby got his second cataract done today. he is doing well. 
  • scully_the_skeptic

  • scully_the_skeptic

    so i forgot to add a comment. received 3 pics from my son who is in Yokosuka 

  • scully_the_skeptic

  • scully_the_skeptic

  • scully_the_skeptic

    i'm more of a lurker and enjoy reading the stories and shares from everyone. happy spring! it's finally arrived.

  • T-Lynn

    HI

    Welcome all new moms

    I have a wonderful time with sailor and his new wife to be.

    I will have pics to share and stories.

    But I am about late for work

    Talk about late - no baby yet Blondie? WOW

    Hoe everyone is ok

    Check in all

    Kim need stories and pics form you too

    Maggs - check in please. Angel has to up to something. hugs

    Off to chase Cub Scouts

  • T-Lynn

    HI

     Maggs just saw the message of the hubby's cataract done. Hope all is well. now how is Angel? Or should I ask: What has she been up to?

    Going to share some pics from when sailor and future dil visited. Hope you like them.

    By the way - my future dil has a great sense of humor - really gets into conversation and CAN make decisions - I think my sailor has chicken feet. Not cold feet - but chicken feet. He was too worried IF his friends would like her and IF his Grandma Serrano would like her. His friend enjoyed her as we did. She jumped right into activities and conversations. Now Grandma - well- I figured she is not going to like anyone. Hey, she didn't like me either :)> . But I grew on her. Keep you all posted.

    Hey Blondie - baby yet?

    Wish all a great day hugs.

  • T-Lynn

    Here we are at sailor's favorite resturant - Beef a Roo! Why it's his favorite - Cheddar Fries.  Riker loves it too. Dania is her name and she is beautiful. AS you can see Riker warmed up fast.

  • T-Lynn

    Visiting Grandpa and ma Serrano. It was a good visit.  I don't have any pics of him with my mom.