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Hello, World!
Introducing Anna Linda.
Born at 4:46 PM and weighing in at 3776 grams, she’s a very healthy baby girl. Both Mommy and Daddy are exhausted but recuperating.
It’s…surreal. 7 years ago, I came to this country to teach junior high school Japanese kids how to speak English. 7 years later, I’m going to be teaching my own half-Japanese kid…well…life. If you’d told me boarding the plane to Japan 7 years ago about today, I probably would have called you crazy. And yet, here we are.
It’s been a hectic couple of days and I’m still trying to let the dust settle. I’ll write more when I’m working on more sleep and am in front of a computer again…whenever that is (still don’t have one at home!). Stay tuned.
And good night, Anna.
Categories: Gaijin Chronicles
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Congrats! Hope you all can get some rest now.
Congratulations! おめでとう！
That’s great Az, she’s beautiful! Congratulations!
Wow!!! Congrats AZ! I would have never thought so either HAHA. Anyway, look forward to hearing your stories about fatherhood! She’s a cutie
Congratulations!
She is so cute! I am expecting my nephew next week. So good health to your little girl and to the mum!
Congratulations! You have a beautiful little girl.
I love the name you chose for her. Can you tell us how you came to decide on it?
I also remember your mother said she would fly a plane on two occasions to visit. To see you get married and to see her grandchild. Is she planning on visiting you guys again? Both your families must be thrilled!
Yay! Congratulations!
Gratz Az.
Congratulations Az!!!! She’s beautiful! I’ve followed your blog for about 5 years now, and you have come a long way since then
I look forward to your stories about this new chapter of life!
Way to go Az! I was thinking the same thing on the birth of my daughter six months ago… it’s going to be a wild ride, but much of it will come naturally. I remember being scared of changing dirty diapers, but once that baby was in my arms I would do anything for her. Just wait till she looks at you and smiles! Also… as long as she knows “haddoken!” She’ll be good to go.
Heck, Az, if we’d told you four years ago you’d be happily married to a really lovely Japanese woman, you might have had trouble believing us. Congratulations!
such a cutie, she is.
congrats!
She’s beautiful!!! I’m so incredibly happy for you, make sure you take many many pictures, we grow up fast
Congrats AZ! She’s beautiful!!
Wouldn’t have ever imagined when I started reading your “I am a japanese school teacher” editorials that you’d end up like this. =p Congratulations, my best wishes for the ladies, and try to enjoy a good couple of nights’ rest now — you’ll need it very very soon. =p
This has just made my week. Congratulations all the way from the University of Miami! Best wishes!
She’s adorable! Congrats from Israel!!!
Congratulations and the best of luck to you both!
Congratulations!
Congratulations
Congrats on your beautiful daughter. You both must be so proud. Looking forward to stories of Az’s parenting adventures in Japan.
I’ve been reading your blog for years, but this is my first time commenting. Congratulations! She’s beautiful
Ahahahaha! Congratulations my friend! She’s a beautiful baby! Though, I admit she look lighter than I expected! Raise your baby girl with style son!
Surely you know that with her being bi-racial and all, she could be any range of colors. Actually, even if she wasn’t, she could still be any shade of brown. We’re not limited to one shade…
To add to Bunny’s comment, she may still get darker. I was born quite light and darkened later. Tends to happen.
My kid had my blue eyes… for a couple of months. Stronger genes win, in the end.
Aw, congrats, Az! Now maybe in years to come we’ll see your daughter writing the chronicles of a Japanese student?
Congratulations to everyone! I can see that Anna’s little fist is already ready for Hafu Smash!
Congratulations, Az and the missus! What a beautiful little girl!
The best for you all. Congratulations!
She’s beautiful! Congrats to you and your wife.
D’aaaawwwww, so cute! Congratulations, Az!
Congratulations, man!
Ah, she’s a cutie. Congratulations and hopefully you catch up on sleep soon, though that might be something you’ll be missing for a bit!
Congratulations!!
congratulations az! I’ve been reading for years now and I’ts been such an honor and a privilege to accompany you on your adventure. This is just another chapter of the gaijin chronicles and i can’t wait to see whats coming in the next few years
Congratulations!
Congrats! Alles Gute!
.. and have fun
Congratulations on your beautiful little girl Az. And on become a dad.
becoming*
omedetou. does she have a japanese name?
Her name is Anna Linda. It says so right at the top of the screen. Didn’t you see?
Well, I’m asking about a possibly separate, Japanese name, which wouldn’t at all be an odd thing to do. Not that I’m absolutely certain, but Anna Linda definitely doesn’t sound like a Japanese name to me.
I’m not picturing her being known at school as something like アンア リーンダ or あんな りいんだ (my attempts to spell her name in Japanese), but I was hoping Az could shed some light as to whether that would be the case.
Congrats!!
besides english, teach her the gaijing smash ultimate combos as well!!!!!!
Cheers!
Congrats Az!!!
Good show! Well done Az, been reading GC for years & it’s been an awesome ride. (Not that I hope it’s over or anything)
Look at those cheeks! So cute! Long time reader. I really appreciate you sharing these moments with us, Az. Congratulations!
Congratulations Az & Mrs. Az!!
Here’s to a new chapter in your life and hope it’s full of happiness. She is too beautiful for words.
WOW congrats, I remember reading about your adventures for years now and just wow.
Congratulations, Az. She’s beautiful.
Congrats Az and wife!! Oh, and good luck
They are a handful, but well worth it in the end I think 
(I like mine anyway!)
Talk about a gaijin smash!
CONGRATS!
Congrats to you are your wife on your new beautiful baby girl! I’m sure you are both going to be absolutely wonderful parents!
Congrats Az! She’s beautiful!
おめでとう！
Long, looong time reader. First time poster.
All I have to say is congratulations Az.
I can’t even believe I read about your life from being a teacher to becoming a father. May you and your family have a wonderful life. おめでとう。
Congrats from another long-time reader and lurker!
Congrats Az!!
The first few days will be a little challenging so hang in there. Good luck to all of you.
Congratulations!_!
Congratulations from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania!
Congratulations! *salutes* youv done well, iv been following you for so many years now, and i would not have belived it myself either!! Good luck with all things, hope you write sooooon!!!! =D
Congratulations to the both of you! Best of luck in the coming days, months and years!
Congratulations!
What adorable little cheeks…
Atarashii okazoku wa ometadou gozaimasu! (hope I got that right)
Congratulations on the birth of your first child. It’s an exciting (and daunting) time. I hope life treats you well, and good luck for the future.
Congrats! She is such a cutie.
Congratulation Az! You’re Winner!!
Seriously though, I can understand. I never would’ve guessed you’d stick in Japanland long enough to become a Salaryman AND New Father! I admire you, Az, for showing us a glimpse of your travails while you walked the less trodden path. Here here!
And let me add my “Congratulations!” to you, your wife, and your new baby daughter. Don’t worry about having the typical new parent bias; she really is a cute baby.
Congratulations Az-Sensei, from the bottom of my heart all the best wishes for you and your family.
Wooo… congrats Az
Interested to hear what the grandparents on both sides are saying of course heh…
(delurking)
Congratulations!!!! She’s a cutie.
I’ve been following your blog for quite a few years now and never thought I would see this either
Best wishes to the entire family!!
Awwwww….cute!!!!!!!
Congratulations Az!!! Good job!
All the best wishes to you, your wife and ofcourse Anna!!
(good luck in changing those diapers…whoahahaha :p)
yay
Congratulations Az! Good luck to you and your wife!
Congratulations!!! She’s cute!
CONGRATS!
My first post: Congrats!
Congratulations to all. Let the journey begin!
Hearty Congratulations!
You’ll be a great father and also my best wishes to the happy mother!
Az, Congratulations!
Best wishes as well
CONGRATS AZ!! what a bundle of joy! now rest up as much as you can… ahhhh just too excited hahaha
Big congrats on your cute baby girl!
Sent a donation your way.
Congrats Az!:)
D’awwww…
Congratulations, Az.
So, that last phone call was the one !
Congrats, Az !
CONGRADULATIONS!!! She’s adorable!
congrats man!
Congrats good sir!
Congrats Az! This is great news, she’s definitely adorable!
Congratulations! She looks lovely!
Wow Congratulations!!
She’s so cute!
Congrats! pretty name and she is beautiful
Congrats, now please don’t resort to Bob Sapp or Bobby Olugon tactics to pay for the new expenses.
Unless you’re planning on doing a commercial like this one.
Well done Az, she looks very small and baby-like as opposed to being a horrible mutant of some sort… although that would be kinda cool. Super mutant baby… japan would finally have its destroyer.
I have to ask, considering your experience with the japanese schooling system, do you intend to send her to said schools, or will you instead send her to the ninja academy?
Ja I’m getting carried away, I’m just very happy for you.
Congratulations to you both and your baby from Denmark! Thank you for posting the pic. Beautiful baby girl!
/ Michael
The construction of this sentence kind of makes it sound like they got her from Denmark.
d’awwwwww
congrats, man, she’s adorable
Congratulations Az!
Make sure to get as much sleep as you can during the first few months (nap during the day when you’re not at work if baby is out), because it’s all downhill once the teeth start coming in! >.<
Congratulations Az
From dodging crazy ichinensei to becoming the father of a beautiful baby girl, most impressive sir, I’m very happy for you! Rest up! Hmmmmm Anna Windham…..it has a very nice ring to it.
/Daniel Posada
Congratulations!
Congratulations to you from a Nigerian/Japanese in Canada!
I started following you in ’05 and just…wow I’ve loved every moment of it!
Congratulations Az!
CONGRATULATIONS!!! Who’d a thunk it?
All I can say is that the first 2 weeks are the most important ones when mother and child needs the most attention and help. Supporting them will be your primary job going forward.
When it comes to sleep there will be very little of that until the baby decides to sleep at night for a longer period of time and not just catnap while it is not hungry. All I can say is that it is worth it, even though there are moments when one doubt oneself and wonder how in the bleep will one be able to cope with taking care of something so defenseless and dear to one.
Again; CONGRATULATIONS!!!
With hopes for a long and prosperous life for the little one,
/Lindus
Congratulations! She’s a cutie pie
Congratulation Az!
Congratulations Az! She looks so cute and peaceful
Hope you two enjoy every moment with Anna and try to get some sleep in between!
My sister just had a baby boy the other month, it’s all so exciting being an Auntie!
Congrats!! She is so cute!!
She really makes justice to the name Linda, she is just so cute! <3 <3 <3 Congratulations to the both of you!
This feels like the ending a very long movie, and the beginning of a sequel! Congratulations!
Congrats, man. Congrats.
i will listen to the song linda linda linda all day long in her honour
I’m a longtime reader. Congratulations Az. We’re all happy for you. Good luck!
Congratulations and wising all of the best for the little darling and her parents ^_^
Awwwwww, she’s so cute! ^^ Congratulations on making a supremely cute thing, and good luck!
She’s adorable, Az! Congratulations and good luck getting some rest.
You made a super cute kid! Congratulations!
Congrats. Make sure to teach her all your Transformers and Street fighter prowess.
Congratulations!! She’s beautiful!
DD
All the best for you all!
Congrats!
What a cutie!! Congratulations to you and your family!!
(Happas always turn out real cute XD)
Congratulations.
Congrats!
As someone who has been your blog for several years, this truly is one epic moment. Congrats. Babies are so cute. :3
Attaboy, Az! Congratulations! Best wishes to your new family!
And, uh, I hope you didn’t look. I told you it would be gross.
Many congratulations and here’s hoping for many sleep-filled nights!
Gongratulations Az!
I’ve been reading your blog from the very beginning and have to concur with the previous poster.. Happy for you, man.
And also, I pity you. Babies that young rarely have any real ‘character’ but you can already see from the bone structure and facial features that she’s going grow up be one hell of an exotic beauty. And you know the saying;
‘If you have a son, you have to watch only him,
but if you have a daughter, you’ll have to watch all the boys in the village.’
Good thing you’re big’n scary looking.
Seeing how I’m /way/ past the 100 comments mark with this (and since you got better things to do, i.e. adore your daughter), you probably won’t read this. Still: congratulations!
You are a gender minority now, btw.
Congrats to u and ur wife. My prayer for ur family is she grows into a wonderful lady in good health, and with much happiness
You formed a babby! Way to go!
I’ve been reading since the olden times, and you know, I can’t believe it either!
Awww… Such a cutie. I think when she grows up she will be not only beautiful but distinctive.
Ovations, salutes, and cheers to all concerned!
Wow, congratulations! Best wishes!
congrats man, awesome!
queak! queak!
What a beautiful little baby girl. Congratulations and thank you for sharing!
Look at those lips!
Aww! You have such a pretty baby!! She so adorable!! Good luck with being a dady Az! I will continue to read your blog homie, and 1,000 wishes that your kid grows into wonderful person!!
Hello, Anna Linda!
And Congratulations to you Az, would you like your first gun to be an Automatic Shotgun, or barrel loaded Sub-machine gun?
Oh wow.
I’ve been reading your stuff for some years now and have not yet commented on anything here (Almost did at the marriage-part, but didn’t come up with anything decent to say. Too much time spent on the internet for one set of brains, I guess.) but now I feel the urge to say something to you and I’m still struggling with words to come up with.
Ah, well. I hope the fact that people all over the world (Finland in my case) are feeling your excitement and happiness (I bet you’re a _little_ tired too) about this is enough to give you a bit more energy to go through with your daily life.
tl;dr = A socially awkward Finn wishes you the greatest family life ever existed.
Ps: And yeah, one look at daddy here and all the creeps will be hiding under their anime hugging pillows for decades so no worries there.
Congratulations, so much! I’ve been reading your blog since it started and this news is just brightening up my day.
Good luck being a father, Az! Ganbare!
Congratulations man, and to the wife, since she did all the work
Cute kid…
Congrats Az.
Oh my God! Congratulations a million times! I’m following your blog for like 5 years. I’m sooooooo happy for you! =D
Hey Az, I’ve been reading since early 2006 and I’ve never commented. But congratulations! Never would have expected this, but hey I don’t think too much about the future anyhow. You should tell her about your website once she’s old enough to read, haha.
CONGRATULATIONS from Atlanta, Georgia from a half Nigerian half Ukrainian! Your daughter is beautiful and that’s good to hear that she’s healthy! Good luck!
Oh shit, this was posted on my birthday. Weird. . .
Oh, right, Congratulations!
cute! congrats az!!!
been reading for a long long time ^^ you’ll be a great dad.
Congrats! She’s beautiful!
Congratulations Az!!!!!! Been a reader for years! You’ll be an awesome dad.We believe in you. Remember, you have a community of people who want to read about your success.
!***HUGS***!
Congratulations!
This seems to be a common theme, but I am happy to repeat it:
I have been reading your articles since 2004/2005ish, when an Air Force brat friend of mine who was stationed at Yakota air force base sent them to me. Your writing style, which is flowing, distinct, and so hilarious that I frequently laugh so hard I cry, has been a delight throughout the years. I often tell my friends about this blog, including a new JET recruit. After all of your adventures (and Nice Guy posts) it is wonderful that you have found the happiness of your wife and beautiful daughter. Much happiness to you and your family!
Congrats AZ on the new addition to your family. (^_^)
Moar pikchurs plez!!!
I’ve been reading you for years, and I feel like making my first comment today.
I’ve been following you for so long that I actually started to like you, buddy.
So, thanks.
Thanks for being inspiring, thanks for being honest, thanks for simply going your man’s way and sharing it with us.
You’re gonna be a kickass father.
Hug the little one for me !
Congrats!!
Congratulations! How it feel to be a father now? Hello Anna….
Oh my goodness she is gorgeous! Am so happy for you!!
Congrats, Az. With you as a father, I’m sure she’ll grow up to be a wonderful (and awesomely geeky
) girl.
Congrats Azrael!!
This blog is a big reason I decided to JET two years ago. All your stories are completely true!
Congratz! Be over in Japan myself, soon. Hope to at least see you and test the combined Smash range. I’m six foot two with long blonde hair. XD
Congratulations for being alive.
omg, I can’t believe I’m looking at a photo of your child! Having been reading your stories for years now, It’s surreal. So beautiful! Congratulations to both of you!
You’ve taught me, and many others, about Japan… as quirky as it was, and I think your stories have helped lessen the blow of what it’s like to experience it first hand in this country. Now you must go and do that with your daughter, with life. I have a feeling you will be a really awesome father. Well, not just a feeling, I know you will be amazing. CONGRATZ!!!!
Been reading since OutpostNine, and I am “wow’ed” too to see how things have changed from you starting in Japan, to getting a job, getting married, and now becoming a father!
Thanks for sharing!
Toni
Congratz Az! she is beautiful baby and I love her name.
Omg Anna-chan kawaii desu! Omedetou gozaimasu!
Congratulations! She’s so cute! THOSE CHEEKS I WANNA SQUISH
Hey, long time reader, first time poster.
That is one cute baby!! Congratz to you and your wife.
Cant wait to read about her growing up!!
Nothing more needs to be said but AWWWWWWWWWWW! and Congrats! :3
Surprisingly low levels of melanin.
She’s beautiful Az, a million congratulations!
I know you’ll be a fantastic father!
Congratulations Az, she’s adorable! You’ll be an awesome dad!
Congratulations and God Bless to you and your fam Az. She’s a beautiful baby!…now you have to keep this blog running. It would be cool to see her grow, and know your point of view on fatherhood…definitely looking forward to hearing more – i’m sure whatever you have to say will only be of benefit when my time comes around (whenever that may be – still taking in those nice guy notes unfortunately).
A side note those hands look like they are built to perform quarter and half circles… I say, around five is the prime age to do some street fighter ‘bonding’ father and daughter style!
Congratulations Az!!!! you’ll be a great dad..
Congratulations dude, she’s gorgeous!
Congratulations Az & Mommy.
Congratulations, man! I’m sure you’ll be a great father thanks to your teaching experience and fantastic sense of humour. At least now you won’t be panicking and paranoid every time your wife calls you.
Congratulations Az!
Congratulations, Az and welcome to the world, Anna! Now go help your wife with the things that are the least fun in life so she can adjust to the whole baby thing, too. Enjoy your new daughter
Congratulations from Austria!
Congratulations, Az! I’ve been reading your site way back since the Outpost 9 days. When I started reading it, I was a junior in high school and I believe your “I Am A Japanese School Teacher” articles had just started. Now, I’m spending my senior year of college studying abroad in Japan and you have a child. Good luck with everything.
I too have been reading since Outpost 9, and am posting for the first time to give a HUGE congratulations to you and your wife! I’m sure you’ll both be wonderful parents. Good luck! (And remember to keep up posted with lots more cute baby pics!)
Congrats!
Congratulations.
Another congrats from the land of “Sound of Music” (yeah, we Austrians love that movie.. not
XD)!
All the best to the three of you
Greetz
Prab
Congrats, Az!
You two get any sleep yet?
Eeeeee! Our little Az a Dad ^.^
Congratulations Mum and Dad. Also a big welcome to the world little Anna. Yours is going to be amazing I suspect.
You do realise that if you stay in Japan, she is going to RULE the playground when she gets a little older. Everyone will know that the big scary black man is her father and could probably eat them alive if they pick on her.
Or I’m just imagining her bringing home her first unsuspecting boyfriend to meed “Dad” getting ahead of myself I know. But the thought is making me giggle right now…
I can’t wait for more posts of how you find parenthood…
D’aw she’s so cute x3
Congratulations!
Congratulations.
From myself and the dictionary guy on the Keihan line.
May she never have to listen to his expositions.
Congratulations!!!
She’s beautiful! Congratulations. (:
Congratulations to Mrs. Az and to You.
I’m really impressed, because my sweet princess weighed 1086 grams less than Anna and that was hard enough for me (-> small women speaking).
I wish for Mrs. Az to get well soon, please do your best to help out everywhere you can Az.
And I wish you the best for the future.
There will be a lot of hard times, but i’ll be worth it when you see her first smile, when you hear her first words and everything.
Congratulations man! The best lies ahead. Good luck for your future!
Congrats, Az! I’ve been following your chronicles on and off for the past few years and never left a comment, but this time I couldn’t remain passive.
That girl is in for a crazy ride. Good luck!
Congratulations!
Take lots of vitamins because the roller coaster has started! I know that after my son was born it was a year before I even got to look up and see where I was. It was full tilt boogie until he was a year old.
Even though it was hard it was totally worth it. I wish that I could do it again but at 55 years old it would probably kill me.
Good luck!
So, I guess it’s finally time to go home and be a family man, eh Az? =P
Wow… you sure have come far haven’t you! I feel strangely proud of you XD My sincerest congratulations are extended to you and your new family. All the best wishes to you, wife, and new baby daughter!
Incidentally, I just watched this video and thought of you.. it might be helpful for later on! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lmVDFHDGTE
Again, best of wishes, and I look forward to hearing about the adventures of this new chapter in your life. ^_^
Looking forward to the new Gaijin Parenting Chronicles.
Congratulations Az (and wife)!
Congratulations, Az.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
I’ve been following your blog for a long time, its really is crazy how time has gone so fast. I wish you and your family the best and will be here when you write about the experiences of being a dad in Japan
Congratulations AZ!!!
Keeping the good wishes flowing, and to the happy new parents
Let’s see if we can push the 200th post mark
Keeping the good wishes flowing, and many blessings to the new parents
Everyone, let’s make it past the 200th post mark
You realize, of course, we will want plenty of baby pics of her when she reaches the mobile stage. :}
And CONGRATULATIONS, you’ve just taken your first step into a larger world.
and how is 1 month old Anna doing in cold japan right now ?
Been following for years and finally commenting. Congrats! It so amazing reading how a person’s life can change from Japanese classrooms to a newborn daughter. Hope you all are doing well and I especially hope we get more Adventures in Parenting posts. =D
Hey az! Please tell us how you and your little family is doing!
Congrats Az! Been late to notice but happy for ya both nonetheless.
Dear Az,
Your baby is adorable and I’m so glad you’ve found someone who loves you and you’ve brought someone into the. world that you’ll both be able to love. I wish you all the happiness and good health life can bring. I’ve read your blog for a long (first-time commenter) and I’m just happy you’re happy and you have a happy, healthy baby. I also hope your wife recovers quickly and her birth wasn’t complicated!
Anon.
They report baby weights in grams? Seriously?
I mean, I sort of knew Japan probably wouldn’t be using avoirdupois pounds like we do in the US, but I kind of expected maybe kilograms, or some other unit that makes some kind of sense for expressing the weight of a human-sized object.
I mean, the weight in grams has four digits, and they didn’t round it at all. There’s no way the hospital’s weighing apparatus is legitimately sensitive enough to accurately report four digits, even for a static object, and getting a weight that precise for a living breathing organism is more or less impossible with any equipment.
Congratulations, my negro brethren!
You pretty fly dog, A-1.
congratulations Az. I have been reading your blog for ages and it always makes me laugh. greetings from NY and good luck with the baby… you can kiss goodbye to your sleep btw. lol
I hope you and your family are okay after the recent events in Japan.
How’d you end up giving that lil girl the whitest name possible?
What’s wrong with Anna Linda? I like Anna Linda.
What, you think they should have called her Suki Shaneequa Me-love-you-long-time or something? *rolleyes* Anna Linda is a cute name.
(That was directed at Azaria btw)
Been reading you for a while, never posted any comment, laughed a whole lot at your various posts… It sounds stupid, yet it feels warm to know that you made a family there
You’re a great guy and life smiles on great guys 
Best of luck to you and your family !