Nagoya Ward Office -VS- US Consulate in Osaka: Battle of the Birth Certificate

The week after I got out of the hospital, Paul was gone to Singapore. The up side was I had access to the car without having to take Paul to work. The down side was I needed to take care of the paperwork for the new baby, as we need his passport before we can return to the States.

We already had some birth papers from the hospital (which Paul filled out in English), but we need the "official" birth certificate... thing... from the ward office. I got up early, got the kids dressed, and everyone packed into the car. Megan and Suzi had stayed up late the night before and only Megan came with me; Suzi slept in.

Singapore: First Two Days

So, I'm in Singapore right now for a vacation and VISA renewal. I didn't take many pictures so far, since I hadn't looked up the local photography laws, so this will be mostly text.

The flight was nice. Mostly watched movies the whole time. "Her" (emotionally touching, philosophically bankrupt), "Captain America: Winter Soldier" (absurd but entertaining), and "Rob the Mob" (Didn't finish, no redeeming quality).

Arrived at airport, no trouble getting money, buying train ticket, walking to the room I'm renting. Really warm and humid, I sweat a lot. Now with videos!

Birthing in Japan

This past week I gave birth to my forth baby, second son, Barnabas Spooner. It was a... less than perfect experience.

As a pregnant mother, I hoped that my baby would be born just a little early. The last stages of pregnancy are hard and even harder when it is hot and humid.

But my baby didn't come early.

Newborn Kidnapped by Japan.

My wife, Anna Spooner, just went though the most painful labor experience of her life (and she's already had three kids) and now the doctors won't let her hold her new baby. They are at Nagoya City University Hospital. I'd appreciate your intercession on our behalf, especially if you can speak Japanese.

"Why?" I'll be glad to tell you... The short version is that Japan has kidnapped my new-born son.

Newborn Barnabas. At the time of this writing, this was the last time they let me hold him.

The long version... well...