Today we just went to Funabashi. Mummy and Daddy bought some mysterious things that they wouldn't show me ("presents for people in NZ").

Ikspiari

Today I went with Auntie Akemi (she has a week's holiday) and Mummy and Daddy to Ikspiari (a shopping centre near Disneyland) where they did some shopping for souvenirs and they bought me some birthday presents. I don't know what they are yet, but I know we went to a jewellery shop ...

Daddy got home quite late last night, after I was asleep. We are keeping it a secret from Obaachan exactly how late is was ;-) Mummy has gone out today to meet her friends so I am staying home with Daddy and Obaachan. Daddy and I have been sleeping for most of today so far.

Naoko (another one!)

Today I went with Mummy and Daddy to Omotesando. This is a big shopping street and there were many many people there! Mummy went to Meiji Jingu shrine while I went with Daddy to GAP. Soon we were met by Naoko (different to the Nao-chan I met before). I really like Naoko, she's very warm and kind. Daddy also looked quite happy to see her. We tried to go into Omotesando Hills (a big, new shopping centre) but it was sooooo crowded no-one could move and were being herded around like sheep, so we left and went to the Oriental Bazaar opposite. Mummy came and met us there and we went to Starbucks. After talking there for some time, I had to go home with Mummy (so we wouldn't get in trouble) and Daddy went with Naoko to meet Curtis and have dinner with them.

Uncle Ansel's birthday

Since its Uncle Ansel's birthday, we went to Magomezawa to post a birthday card to him, and post some postcards. After that, I came home with Mummy, and Daddy went to Chiba to have dinner with Nao-chan.

We went to Book-Off near Funabashi racetrack today because Mummy wanted to buy me some books and videos.

Mummy's uncle

Today Mummy's uncle (Obaachan's older brother) came all the way from Fukushima to meet me. He gave me this t-shirt and gave Mummy and Daddy some food and "oiwai" (some money in an envelope) It took me a while to get used to him, but after a while, I wasn't afraid to let him hold me.

Since Yokohama is so far from home, we got back late yesterday. As usual Obaachan was unhappy. I was a bit grouchy and got Mummy and Daddy in trouble because I wouldn't sleep (like they are supposed to be able to magically make me go to sleep without crying). Its not their fault that these funny teeth things are poking through my gums, making my whole mouth burn and itch. Anyway, I let everyone sleep at 3am.

Daddy has gone alone to meet Chika today because I'm not allowed to go out *again* just because things ended late yesterday. So stupid just to waste the little time we have left, but what can we do? I really wanted to meet Chika and her kids; hope they don't take offence.

Tomoe & family

We went to Yokohama today to meet Tomoe and her family. First they treated us to lunch at a Chinese restaurant and then we went back to their place for coffee. Kaide (elder daughter) and Matsuri (younger daughter) played the piano and they are both very good at it!! Daddy was very impressed (since Kaide can play better than him and probably even Shaun) and hopes that I will be able to do the same thing (I'm not making any promises). I got tired so I had a sleep, and when I woke up everyone was eating pizza! We're going to get a train home later.

Today I went with Mummy and Daddy to Yamada Denki so that Daddy could buy a flash drive (1GB) (for PC) and a SD card (512MB) (for camera). After that we went to Kamagaya and relaxed in the Hawaiian cafe there.

Tamiyo

This morning Obaachan let me play with her lipstick and when she wasn't watching I managed to take off the cap of one and smear the lipstick all over my hands. Later, I met Mummy's friend Tamiyo in Funabashi and we had lunch at a cafe there. I wasn't able to meet Fuu-chan (her dog) this time but I hope I can meet him next time.

Valentine's Day etc.

I've been getting into mischief lately, reminding everyone that they have to watch me constantly. Feb 14th was Valentines Day. Daddy went out by himself and I went with Mummy and Obaachan to Samitto (supermarket near the local station) and Obaachan bought more stuff for me, including a rain cover for the pushchair. When Daddy came home, he was given chocolate by Obaachan, Mummy, and Akemi-chan. Then yesterday, I went with Mummy and Daddy to Funabashi. I slept most of the time, just waking up to have lunch at a cafe under the Loft dept store. When we came home at the reasonable time of 7:30pm Obaachan was angry and said we should come home earlier. Mummy and Daddy did lots of eye-rolling later when she wasn't watching. Ojiichan was at home and played with me for a while. I've been practicing walking holding the wall for support, and I was doing this while leaning against the lounge door, and slipped and bumped my head on the door, which hurt a little and I cried a bit, and Mummy and Obaachan got angry with Ojiichan for not watching me "properly" (he was actually right behind me and took his eyes off me for just a few seconds). Anyway, I was alright and soon forgot about falling over when Daddy gave me a few plastic wrappers from his chocolates to play with. Then when he wasn't watching me for about 30 seconds, I managed to get one of them all the way into my mouth. I didn't choke on it, but I probably would've eventually if Akemi-chan hadn't noticed that I was chewing on something crunchy and Daddy stuck his finger into my mouth and fished it out. Despite me being ok, Mummy and Obaachan were angry at Daddy for not watching me "properly" but Daddy was surprised that I was able to get it all into my mouth while he wasn't watching just for that brief time. Anyway, I then took a bath with Daddy and then Daddy and I showed off the Yukata (summer kimono) that Daddy bought for us on the 14th. Mine is pink with pictures and motifs from the Heian period (c800AD?) and Daddy's is dark navy, with gold kanji (chinese letters). We'll take some photos when the camera battery is recharged. Today the plan was for Daddy & I to meet Chika and her family, but its raining and cold again, so I'm not allowed to go out. It doesn't make sense to Mummy and Daddy, especially since Obaachan bought a rain cover for the pushchair. What other purpose can it serve other than to be a cover for the pushchair so that we can go out even when its raining? This is just another thing that is perplexing for Mummy and Daddy. Daddy's fine because he can drink Ojiichan's whisky to relax (which he seems to be doing every day), but I hope Mummy can be patient until we go back to NZ. Anyway, since I'm not allowed out, but Mummy has to go the dentist, Daddy is staying at home with me today. I've been doing lots of walking using Ojiichan's train, so I'm tired and am going to sleep now.

I slept better last night - I did wake at 1 and 2 and screamed until Daddy picked me up, but he didn't give me Pamol; putting me in bed beside him, I was satisfied and went to sleep. We've stayed at home today and I've had a play with everything. When standing at the low coffee table I've started to shuffle sideways so I can move around the table to get to things I can't reach. I'm going to have a bath with Mummy now.

Shirahama Onsen

We have just returned from the Onsen. We went yesterday, as I said before. Going there, I rode with Mummy & Daddy in Auntie Akemi's car, and Ojiichan and Obaachan went in Ojiichan's car. Soon after getting into the car, I fell asleep and slept almost the whole way there.

We were staying at a Ryoukan (Japanese style inn) so our room was a tatami room. Mummy & Daddy & I had one room and the others had a room next door. Soon after arriving we were served dinner in the others' room.

After dinner, I went with Mummy & Daddy to the (private) family bath and we had a nice time, but since we only had 30 minutes, it was a bit of a rush. Anyway, it was the first time for me to take a bath with them both together. After that, Mummy went for a massage / beauty treatment and Daddy went to the Men's ofuro (bath) while I stayed with Ojiichan and Obaachan. Ojiichan drank too much whiskey, so he fell to sleep. When Mummy and Daddy came back, he woke up and we talked for a while.

Daddy took me back to our room to sleep, but because of my teeth, I couldn't sleep easily. He gave me some Pamol finally at 2am and we all got to sleep around 3am. This morning I slept in again and Mummy woke me at 9am to have breakfast. We had this in the dining room, and the people around all looked at me and said how cute I was.

It was funny to watch Daddy try to eat the exotic things they were served, including this whole dried fish. He bit the head off it, and ate that (after much chewing), but decided not to eat the rest of it.

We took some photos, bought some souvenirs (including a picture book for me), and left the Ryoukan. I fell asleep as soon as I was in the car again, and woke up when we stopped at a restaurant for lunch. While the others ate their sushi and tempura, I had my marmite sandwich and milk. As soon as I got into the car to go again, I fell asleep again! I woke up when we arrived at Ojiichan and Obaachan's beach house in Shirako. Its a very small one room place with a vege garden and bbq space. We couldn't see inside because Obaachan forgot to bring the key. So we didn't stay there long, and once we were on the road again, I went back to sleep again!! I woke up when we arrived at Yokumart (supermarket) near home, and had look around before we finally drove home. At home, Ojiichan wanted to push me around on my train, but Obaachan said its too late because it makes noise.

Going on a trip ...

Daddy gave me some Pamol last night to help me sleep, and I slept well, actually sleeping in until 9am. Everyone is here and we are all ready to go out together, to an Onsen (hot springs) in a place called Shirahama on the Boso peninsular.

As I mentioned, I'm getting two new teeth coming through, so last night I found it hard to sleep. I did my usual crying routine to get Daddy to put me on his tummy to sleep but this still didn't work and I tossed and turned all night. I think I woke up every 1/2 hour or so. So both Daddy and I are tired today. We are staying here while Mummy goes out to Lalaport. Because of my teeth, I don't feel like eating much.

New clothes & books, new teeth!!

I went with Mummy, Daddy, & Obaachan to the Tobu department store in Funabashi today, and Obaachan bought me some new clothes and some books. While Obaachan was doing that with Mummy, I played with Daddy in the Baby room of Tobu store, which is where Daddy took this photo. There were some other kids there - a boy who was about my age and a girl of maybe three who was too scared to get into the play area with me, but offered her purse to play with, but I still didn't know how to get to where she was from where I was to where she was (I'm still not sure how to do this walking thing). Daddy left to meet his friend Yoshi and I went with Mummy and Obaachan to the Seibu department store to buy even more clothes! We came home by taxi, and waited for everyone to come home. When Ojiichan came home I played with him with the train. I like to hold the high handles and then Ojiichan pushes it slowly along, and I shuffle my feet forward to stop myself falling over. Everyone looks very pleased when I do this because it is similar to walking. Daddy came home a bit late but didn't seem different to normal, so was probably not "drunk". Daddy brushed my teeth and noticed that I have two teeth coming through at the top, in the middle of my mouth. Everyone looked happy to see them, but I personally don't like them because they are making my gums sore.

Kamagaya & new toys

Today we went to Kamagaya, the place that Mummy and Daddy used to live in Japan. First we went to the Hawaiian cafe near the station, and I had my marmite sandwich. We then went to Co-op (supermarket) because Daddy *really* wanted to buy a "cheese ball", and he was very pleased to get not one, but two that were straight out of the oven. After some more shopping there, Dsddy had a teriyaki burger and Mummy and Daddy had an icecream each from McDonalds. We then went and met a funny man in a barber shop who seemed to know Daddy. It turned out that Daddy stayed there to have a haircut while Mummy and I went to the 100yen shop. Once we met Daddy again (his hair looked good, for a change) we got on the train back to Magomezawa and walked home from there. Later, Ojiichan came home with two presents for me: one small, and one big. The small one is a box with consecutively smaller boxes inside it, and they are all colourful. When Daddy makes a tower out of them, I like to knock it down. The big present is a wooden train toy which I can sit on and ride. I must say, I like the big toy more than the little one, but I still don't know how to get on and off the train, much less make it move. Anyway, everyone, especially Ojiichan like to push me around on it and it makes this funny "poot poot" sound.

Pooh, Yama, and Nene

Today we went to meet Poohsan and Yamachan and their daughter Nene at their home. First we all had lunch together and then I had a play with Nene and her toys, which I really enjoyed. Nene and I both had a sleep, and after waking, we listened to some of Nene's music and took some photos. Poohsan gave us some of Nene's "hand me down" clothes which I am looking forward to wearing when I am big enough for them, and then Poohsan drove us all the way home. After settling in, Mummy and Daddy went to Tonchan ramen (noodles in soup) while I stayed at home. I decided to be good this time.

LaLaport

I went with Daddy to LaLaport. I slept a long time, and when I woke, Mummy was there and we were in Starbucks. After walking around for a while, we went home. As always, when Ojiichan and Auntie Akemi came home, I was very excited and everyone had a good laugh. Mummy and Daddy went out with Akemi to have Yakiniku (barbequed meat) and I stayed at home, and made life a bit difficult for Obaachan and Ojiichan by having a cry. If I cry enough, Daddy will put me on his stomach and let me go to sleep there, so I did this today too.

ByeBye

Since I seem to understand this word "byebye", everyone has spent the day waving their hands and saying it to me over and over. I seem to be getting the hang of it, and usually wave back, which makes everyone look happy so maybe I'll continue to do this.

Nao & EZ

I went with Mummy & Daddy to Funabashi today. We met Nao-chan at the station. I haven't seen her before but I seem to remember her voice from somewhere. We went to a coffee shop and I felt tired so I took a nap. When I woke, Mummy was gone and I was with Daddy, Nao-chan, and another lady called EZ-chan at a sushi restaurant. EZ-chan also seems familiar, although I haven't met her before. Anyway, both of them are nice, and we played a lot in the restuarant. There were some old ladies sitting nearby who giggled into their hands a lot and talked to me a bit. The restaurant closed and we had to leave, so we went to Mister Donuts. Daddy seemed very happy and ate many donuts. Finally we went back to Funabashi and met Mummy there, and had to say goodbye to Nao and EZ. They kept saying "byebye" and waving their hands, which I found funny so I started to copy them, waving my hand too. I hope I can meet them again soon. Later, Mummy showed me a pair of cool pink sneakers which Nao and EZ gave to us. They are Nike shoes, and I really like them. They are too big at the moment, but I am eating lots and lots so I should be able to wear them soon, when I start walking. Thank you aunties!!

Bad Weather

I wasn't allowed to go out yesterday and today because it was cold and raining. Mummy and Daddy went out to LaLaPort (a huge shopping centre) yesterday and today Daddy went to the Funabashi Honten Onsen (hot springs baths) and then to his favourite izakaya (bar) in Mimomi.

Daddy Met Chika

Daddy went out to have lunch with Chika and meet her family, and I stayed at home with Mummy since it was raining and cold. Here is a pic of what happened when Daddy tried to speak English with Kaito, Chika's eldest son. Daddy brought home some toys from Chika's, which her kids used to play with. I really like them, and I'm hoping I will be able to meet Chika and her family next time.