7 April 2010

The local hospital runs a paediatric clinic each morning, and Emily and I met Nick there. She seemed quite relaxed about the visit, and wasn't phased by the masked doctor probing her abdomen and peering into her mouth. I was pleased to hear that the problem could be resolved on the spot with a suppository, and Emily was a brave girl and submitted to its application calmly. Within one minute she was on the loo and expelling it all, and boy, was there a lot! I am hoping that it is an isolated episode but will have to work hard to get her to drink more as Nick and I feel that dehydration is the most likely cause, given her healthy diet. However, it is quite a task getting a reluctant child to drink water regularly, so only time will tell.

I had arranged to meet Minako and Haru-kun in the afternoon, for a stroll along the Meguro river, which is famed for its banks lined with cherry trees. Unfortunately the weather let us down as it was dull, wet and cool, so instead, she invited us to play at their house. I planned to go through without Emily taking a nap, so after lunch at home we set off for Meguro, and we walked the mile or more along the avenue of pretty blossom before Minako and Haru came to escort us from outside Naka Meguro station to their place.

They have a lovely little house, with a fresh, modern (un-Japanese) feel. The green-eyed monster flared within me yet again, though Minako assured me that the mortgage was crippling. Better than throwing money away on rent though. Emily and Haru, who will be three next month, played nicely side by side. He is also crazy about Thomas, and had a comprehensive set of tracks and electric trains. Whenever I think that Emily has too many toys I only need to visit someone else's home to change my mind. If we had more space I would love to get her a set of tracks, as I confess that I love putting them together too.

Given Emily's lack of sleep we set off for home at five, and she was just nodding off in the buggy as we got to Ebisu to pick up the bus that goes by the end of our road. She perked up at the prospect of a bus ride and we made it back with her enlivened enough to eat a good tea and get through a short bath without tears. Getting her to bed was another story though, and I had to leave her crying hard after her many attempts to get me to stay in the room. She has been asking to go into our bed the last couple of nights for some reason, and requesting hugs and for me to fetch things for her. I think times are a-changing....