8 April 2010

We woke to blue skies, though the temperature was still disappointingly low at only 10C or so. Emily and I met Jo, Isy and Cooper in Meguro. I was happy to go back there for a second day running as the sakura looked lovely against the azure sky.

The girls played outside the jidokan in the sunshine, which was warm enough to warrant taking coats off.

On the way back along the river we stopped and bought yaki imo (baked sweet potato) from the old chap who cooks them in a brazier on the back of his minivan. Emily thinks it is hilarious if Nick or I do an impression of the mournful call that he plays over tannoy as he drives around selling his wares.

I think they are very slow-baked as they were incredibly sweet and really yummy, especially eaten al fresco from a paper bag.

It took ages to get Emily off to sleep. She got really upset - again - at the idea of having a nap. I think we are close to dropping it now, and I hate the thought but know it may be the right thing for her. Unfortunately it means that we can only ever have morning playdates as I will need to have her home and eating tea around 5.30, which will not fit well with her friends who nap in the afternoon. She keeps asking to go in our bed too, which I am reading as a desire to be in a proper bed, so we may also have to grit our teeth and change from cot to bed soon. I need to buy a duvet first, though she moves around so much in bed that I am sure she will end up uncovered and cold.