2Y0M 12W5D あの頃の私は In those days

かわい家のランチに招待される。モニカはもう16歳。タカラを抱っこしたり、アラタと遊んでくれた。アラタはモニカが気に入って楽しそうにまとわりついていた。

そういえば、私が高校3年の時、理系コース以外の生徒は数学の代わりに美術か体育か保育の選択ができた。私は迷わず保育を選んで、毎週2時間ほど、構内にある付属幼稚園の子供と遊んでいた。私の通っていた高校（女子校）は、県立高校には珍しく付属の幼稚園だけがあった。伝統ある女子校だったので、保育の授業のために付属幼稚園が併設されていたのだと思う。

大人になってからは、小さい子供とどうやって遊んでいいのかわからなくなって、苦手意識が強かった。でも、17歳のあの頃は、子供と遊ぶのが楽しくて、毎週保育の授業を楽しみにしていた。将来、幼稚園か小学校の先生になろうかなあって思ったものだ。モニカも同じ気持ちで楽しく遊んでくれたかな。

We went to Moto's family for lunch. Moto's second daughter Monika is 16 years old. She held Takara and played with Arata. Arata took to her soon and played happily with her.

When I was at the 3rd year of high school, students had a choice among Arts, PE and child caring, if we didn't take any extra math classes. I chose child caring without hesitation. Our school, I went to a state girls' high school, had an attached kindergarten in the same compound. It was very unique for a Japanese state school to just have an attached kindergarten. If I'm not mistaken, the kindergarten is for child caring classes for the students.

When I got into my mid 20s, I started to loose the feelings how to enjoy playing with small kids and I started to feel uncomfortable to be with them. But in those days, I was just 17 years old, I really enjoyed playing with children and I always looked forward to the child caring classes. I even thought about being a nursery or primary school teacher. I hope Monika also enjoyed playing with AraTakara like I used to feel.

2Y0M 12W3D まだまだ続く… Still coming in...

アラタカラのまたいとこベンとダニエルが遊びに来た。アラタは数日遅れのクリスマスと誕生日プレゼントを2つもらう。プレゼントをもらうことにすっかり慣れているアラタは、プレゼント交換が始まる前から、きれいに包装されたアラタへの包みを発見して「これ　なに、これ　アラタの。」そして、包みを渡されると、いつもなかなか言わない「サンキュー」を速攻で言って、「おっ、おー」と言いながら興奮気味に開封。

タカラの5種混合＋１予防接種第二回(ジフテリア、破傷風、百日咳、ポリオ、髄膜炎Bの5種と脳膜炎C)。風邪気味で咳も鼻水もまだひどいので、延期するか悩んだが、結局受けた。Calpolを飲ませたが、夜は微熱が出た。

AraTakara's second cousins, Ben and Daniel, came to visit us. AraTakara received belated Christmas presents. Arata got a birthday present as well. Arata is so used to receiving presents now. Before we started to exchange presents, Arata found a wrapped present and asked us "What's this? Is this Arata's?". When he finally got presents, Arata said "Thank you" nicely and opened them excitingly saying, "Oh, oooohhhh!"

Takara's second immunisation(Diphtheria, Tetanus, Whooping Cough, Polio, Hib and Men C). He still has runny nose and coughs but we anyway went ahead. He had a slight temperature by night.

2Y0M 12W2D アラタ2歳 Arata is 2 years old

アラタの２歳の誕生日。クリスマスの2日後に誕生日ってちょっとかわいそう。クリスマスと誕生日でおもちゃが増殖したので、ママからのプレゼントはトーマスの本にはしょられてしまった。もっとよく考えると、クリスマス、誕生日、お正月…と日本の子供が大好きなイベントがほぼ一週間以内にある。11月生まれの私でさえ、２ヵ月以内に３大イベントが起きることがなんとなくもったいない気がしていたもの。

プレゼントは乗り物、特にトーマス系、あるいはアラタが最近目覚めたアンパンマン物ばかり。でも、それがアラタが今一番好きなもの。アラタの日常をよく知らなくても、そういうものをプレゼントしてくれるのが不思議。２歳の男の子の興味ってそんなに普遍的なの？それにしても、今日から2歳だよって教えても「2歳　やだ」と言い張るのはなぜ？

またもや私作のアンパンマンケーキ（チョコが流れちゃってるのは勘弁してね）に、電車のキャンドルスタンドで２本のローソクを立てた。ふと思ったこと。タカラってアンパンマンに似ていない？？

Arata is 2 years old today. It's a bit pity that his birthday comes just 2 days after Christmas. He's already got lots of toys from both events, his mum only gave him a small book of Thomas. Having thought of this, 3 big events which Japanese children look forward to (birthday, Christmas and New Year) are within about 1 week for him. I, my birthday is in November, even wished my birthday was a bit far from both Christmas and New Year, when I was child.

Arara's presents are cars, trains, especially Thomas the tank engine, or Ampamman (a Japanese children's cartoon character). I'm quite impressed all those who chose his presents know what Arata likes even though some of them don't really know how Arata is doing very much. Are 2 year old boys' interests more or less the same? We've tried to teach him he is 2 years old from today. But he keeps saying, "2-sai yada! (I don't like '2 years old'!)". Why???

I made Ampamman birthday cake. By the way, does Takara look like Ampamman?

1Y11M 12W0D クリスマス Merry Christmas!

どこへも行かず、誰も呼ばず、4人だけのクリスマス。朝、プレゼントを開けて、クリスマスランチは、Jasonがローストハムを準備した。そして、ナオミ伝授のスポンジケーキをこの「私」が焼いて、日本式のクリスマスケーキ。（ケーキの横に写っているキャンドル入れはアラタがナーサリーで作ったもの。）

Jasonや私から以外にも、日本やニュージーランドの家族、そして友達からたくさんのプレゼントをもらったアラタはおおはしゃぎ。タカラもおにいちゃんのお古ではない、新品の「自分だけの」おもちゃをたくさん手に入れた。もちろん、私もJasonもプレゼントをわくわくしながら開けました。

親子水入らずもいいけれど、やっぱりクリスマスは家族や親戚が多い方がいい。来年はどこかへ行こうと思う。

We celebrated this year's Christmas at home. Only 4 of us. In the morning, we opened presents. For Christmas lunch, Jason prepared roast ham. And I baked a sponge cake to make a Japanese style Christmas cake. (The candle stand next to the cake is made by Arata at nursery!)

Aratra was very excited. He got loads of presents from not only his mum and dad but families from Japan and New Zealand, and friends. Takara is now very proud of owing lots of brand-new toys, and not his brother's old toys! Of course, Jason and I enjoyed opening presents for us!!

It's nice to spend Christmas with only our children but I think it will be much better if we have more relatives and friends together. We will definitely go to join our family in New Zealand or Japan in the Christmas next year.

1Y11M 11W3D ダブルバギーでお出かけ Went to London with their new buggy

昨日はロンドンの日本大使館へ行った。アラタカラをダブルバギーに乗せてJasonなしでロンドンへ行くのは初めて。Woking駅からWaterlooまではいいのだが、ロンドンの地下鉄が難所。大使館のあるGreen Park駅は、改札までは、（リフトはない）エスカレーターでどうにかたどり着くが、そこから地上までは階段のみ。アラタだけの頃は、見知らぬ人に手伝ってもらうのがなんとなく悪い気がして、バギーの階段での引きずり上げ下ろしもさくっとこなして（3輪バギーだからできる）いたが、さすがに二人乗っていると重い。腹を括ってお手伝いを待つことにした。

すると驚いたことに日本人のビジネスマンが「お手伝いしましょうか。」日本人でもこんなに気持ちのいい人がいるのねーと嬉しくなった。とても寒い日だったけれども、意外な日本人の親切に気分がよくなって、帰りはWestminster駅までGreen Parkを散歩することにした。写真はバッキンガム宮殿の前とグリーンパーク内で撮ったもの。アラタしか見えないけど、下の段にタカラが寝ている。何人もの人に「あれ、赤ちゃんも乗っていたの？」とびっくりされるバギーよ。

今日もアラタカラとロンドンへ。Wappingのお友達に会って、途中、アラタカラを見てもらっている間に、出張で来ていた大学時代の先輩に会いに行った。ロンドンのタクシー、ブラックキャブは、ダブルバギーをたたむことなく二人を乗せたまま、乗れるからすごく便利。なにより、みんな親切に手伝ってくれるからロンドンの移動も思ったほど大変ではないかも。

I went to London with AraTakara for the first time yesterday. From Woking to Waterloo is quite easy. The problems are at London Underground. Most of the stations are still not step free. At Green Park station, where we went, until the ticket gates level, we can use the escalator (but no lift). From there to the ground, we have to use steps. When I had only Arata, I felt a bit self conscious and I tried to drag buggy up and down stairs. (We can do it with 3-wheelers easily,although it's heavy.) But with 2 children on a double buggy it is different. Too heavy! I made up my mind and plucked up my courage to wait for someone's help.

Surprisingly, a Japanese business man approached me and helped us. I was so impressed and felt so nice after that. I thought Japanese are most likely to just ignore us in these situations. As his kindness warmed me up, I decided to walk back to Westminster station, on our way home. We walked through Green Park, even though it was freezing cold, but the sky was clear. In these photos, you can only see Arata. But underneath, Takara is lying. Lots of people get surprised to find out there is another baby sleeping below. You don't expect 2 children on board in this compact buggy.

We went to London again today. To Wapping to see my friends and their children. I also managed to go to see my friend from University, who came here on business, while leaving AraTakara with the friends. Well, moving around in London is not too bad after all. Lots of people offer help, and we can get on a black cab without collapsing the buggy and with AraTakara still on it.

1Y11M 11W1D 腹ばい On his tummy

タカラは生まれた時からふにゃふにゃ度が低く、一ヶ月もしないうちから首が据わってるんじゃないかと勘違いするほど体がしっかりしている。当然アラタの時と大違いで、腹ばいにさせてもへっちゃら。（アラタは長い間苦手だった。）この調子だと、アラタよりかなり早く寝返りをするかもしれない。それはそれで面倒くさい。動かないで寝ていてくれるのは楽だもの。

この写真はアラタが12週の頃、やはり腹ばいをさせてみた時。

一瞬で写真を撮らないとすぐに泣き出していたが、タカラはぜーんぜん大丈夫。

今日はクリスマス前の最後のナーサリーだったので、アラタはいろいろな『作品』を持って帰ってきた。手型足型で作ったクリスマスカードとカレンダーはいい記念になりそう。

Takara's neck has been strong since he was born. Compared to Arata when he was about the same weeks, Takara has much stronger muscles. Arata hated to lie on his tummy until quite late but Takara finds it no problem! He may start to roll over much earlier than Arata did. Well, it will be good and bad news because it's much easier for me if he just lies down in the cot and doesn't move much!!

This photo was taken when Arata was about 12 weeks old. We had to take this photo quickly otherwise he would start to cry soon.

Of course, Takara isn't like his brother. He can stay on his tummy happily.

Today was the last day for Arata before Christmas to go to nursery. He brought back lots of his works for Christmas. They are calender, Christmas card for mummy and daddy, Christmas cracker, candle stand and a small packet of present. Christmas card and calender have his hand and feet impressions on them and I believe they will be something good to remember our Christmas this year.

1Y11M 10W6D ミニ蒸気機関車 Miniature steam engine ride

車で10分ほどのところにある

Mizens Railway

のミニ蒸気機関車のサンタスペシャルに行った。ミニチュアの汽車にまたがり、森の中を走る。途中にあるサンタのグロット（洞窟）でプレゼントをもらって約20分ほどで、1人5ポンド。（大人はミインスパイと飲み物付き。）乗り物好きのアラタが喜ぶと思ったのに、乗った直後から大泣きして最後まで泣き続けたそうだ。ママがいなかったから？それとも屋根がないから？帰りの車の中では「アラタ　電車　こわかった」を連発。

We went to Santa Special event at

Mizens Railway

, which is located at about 10 minutes drive from our flat. They have railway and miniture steam engines. In this event, Arata and Jason went on a train ride, which lasted for about 20 minutes, including Santa Grotto visit. Arata got a present from Santa and with Jason's ticket, I had a piece of mince pie and hot wine while waiting for them. (Cost 5 pounds per ticket.) I'd been sure that Arata would love it but he didn't! He cried all the way! Was it because mummy wasn't with him? Or he was really scared because there was no roof? On our way back, Arata kept saying, "Arata Densha (= train) Kowakatta (= was scared)."

1Y11M 10W4D ダブルバギーと指しゃぶり Double buggy, Thumb-sucking

先週はタカラの風邪がよくならず、くしゃみや咳、鼻水がすごかったので一週間お風呂に入れなかった。そうすると、グーのままにしている手がにおって来た。タカラも1週間ほど前からとうとう指しゃぶりを始めたからだ。

(アラタは数週間早かった。)

半分恍惚状態で、指というより、こぶしを口に入れてチュパ、チュパ、鳴らしている。火曜日に久しぶりにお風呂に入れた時、大きいお風呂に初挑戦。ダディとおにいちゃんと一緒にね！

タカラはバギーの中でもカーシートの中でもよく寝る。最近は夜も夜通しで寝てくれるから大助かり。今日も、先週末に買った

Phil and Teds のダブルバギーE3

で、

(このバギー、4通りの使い方ができる優れもの)

家族4人で、ロンドンまでカタリーナに会いに出かけた。タカラはバギーの下段ですやすや眠り続けていた。

対照的に、アラタは新しいバギーのすわり心地が悪いのか愚図る事が多い。今まで使っていたJaneの三輪バギーは大きいし、リクライニングも充実していた。それに比べると、背もたれの角度が固定のセカンドシートに括りつけられているのは、アラタ的には不満なのか。

MarcoのダブルバギーSky L

とどちらにしようかかなり悩んだのだが、2人乗っていても片手で操作できる3輪はやっぱり楽かな。

We didn't give Takara a bath for a week because his cold was quite bad. He was coughing and had runny nose. And after a week without a bath, his hands started to become smelly! Well, it's because Takara has been sucking his fingers, or fists, since about 1 weeks ago.

(Arata started to do this a couple weeks earlier. Click here to read...)

Most of the time, he is sucking his fists making noises. It must be really comfortable as he always stares at the middle of the air with his eyes half closed. When we decided to give him a bath on Monday, we also decided to move him to a big bath. Of course, with daddy and big brother!

Takara sleeps well wherever he is. He even sleeps through night. We went to London to see Katariina today and Takara was of course sleeping all the way in the new buggy,

Phil and Teds double buggy E3

, we bought last week.　

(This buggy can be used on 4 different stages.)

On the contrary, Arata kept complaining. Unlike Jane's 3 wheeler, his seat (he is sitting on the second seat which doesn't have reclining) might be uncomfortable. I could not decide until the last minute if I would go for

Marco double buggy Sky L

or this one. I feel in the end I made a right decision. For someone like me who is so used to a 3 wheeler, maneuvering a heavy double buggy with only one hand is really good.

1Y11M 10W3D コインチャーチクリスマスパーティー Coign Church Christmas Party

昨日は、Coign Churchでプレイグループのクリスマスパーティーがあった。タカラは生まれて初めてサンタとの対面？のはずが、いつも通り、バウンサーで寝たまんま。

今日、St Peters' Hospitalにアラタのじんましんのフォローアップに行った。診てもらったのはアレルギー専門や皮膚科ではなく、小児科の先生。彼女はペニシリンの副作用には懐疑的で、ウイルス性と診断。ペニシリンの副作用は服用開始後割とすぐに現れるからだそうだ。今でも寒いとじんましんが出るって事は、まだウイルスが体内にあるってこと？それとも、ウイルス感染がきっかけで、じんましん体質になったってこと？

友達から聞いた通り、幼児の場合、今後体質が変わる可能性があるのでアレルギーテストはしないそうだ。抗ヒスタミンを必要に応じて飲んで対処すること、Jasonの父方、母方、両方がアレルギー体質の家系なので、今後注意深く観察するように。…ということで診察は終わり。うーん、納得できる？

We had a Christmas party at Coign Church yesterday. It could have been a very exciting moment as it was Takara's first ever encounter to father Christmas. But as usual, Takara was fast asleep when he received a present.

We went to St Peters' Hospital for Arata's hives' follow-up. The doctor was not an allegy specialist but just a pediatrician. She didn't agree with the GP who said it might be a reaction to penicillin because such reaction usually starts more immediate. She thinks it's viral and Arata can keep taking penicillin in the future if he needs. Does this mean the virus is still in Arata? He's still got hives when he was outside. Or was a viral infection the trigger and Arata is now allergic to coldness and we can not do anything? The doctor suggested us giving him anti-histamine whenever necessary. That's all she can do. It's too early to perform any tests on him as young children often change their body as they grow up. We need to watch him as Jason's both parents sides have family history of allergy. Is that all? Am I convinced? I don't know....

1Y11M 9W5D ベビーシッター Babysitter

Jasonと私でクリスマスパーティー出席のため、アラタカラをベビーシッターに任せて初外出。来てくれたのは、アラタも馴染みのナーサリーの保母さん、Carly。Jason出張中、私一人で二人を寝かせるのは至難の業だったからちょっと心配だったが、予感的中。途中で「アラタを寝かそうとすると泣き叫ぶし、タカラはボトルからミルクを飲まない」と携帯電話へテキストが入る。うわー、なんだか悪いことをしたなあ…。自分ができないから、的確な指示も与えられずに頼んでしまったんだもの。

11時に帰宅した時に、パジャマ姿で元気に遊んでいたアラタは結局2時まで寝なかった。（夕方の6時半に一度寝てしまったらしい。これが一番の敗因だろう。）

毎年恒例の住友のパーティー。今年は、Renaissance Chancery Court HotelのゴージャスなBall　Room で。久しぶりに同僚に会い、シャンペンにコースディナーと、満喫。TK Max（流行の過ぎた売れ残り品等を安く売る店）で慌てて仕入れた20ポンドのドレスは、出産後2ヵ月足らずでまだ妊娠5ヶ月のようなお腹にはタイト過ぎた？ガードル履けだとか、だぼっとしたドレスで隠せだとか、みんな親切にアドバイスしてくれたわ。

さて、Carlyからのテキストで慌てて中座しようとしていたところ、私のチケット番号「59」が呼ばれている。えー、本当！？当たった！パーティーの目玉、プライズドローで日本行きの航空券があたっちゃった！今日のセカンドベストプライズ！（ファーストプライズは日本行きペア航空券。）

会場の隅から（私達は一番端のテーブルだった）ステージまでの長い道のりを、露出度の高いドレスを着ているから、ちょっと自意識過剰気味に、友達に借りた履き慣れない靴が痛くてスマートに歩けないから、とっても不恰好に進み出て、プライズを受け取った。そして、サッカー選手がゴールを決めた時のようなガッツポーズをしてしまうとは、せっかくのおしゃれも台無しだ。今思い出してもとっても恥ずかしい…。兎にも角にも、来年早々一時帰国します！

Jason and I went to my company's Christmas party. Carly, one of the carers from Arata's nursery, came to babysit Aratakara. It was the first time we used a babysitter after Takara was born. I was a bit worried because I could not even manage to put both Arata and Takara bed when Jason was away. And my feeling was right. Carly texted us saying "Arata won't sleep. I've tried patting him off but he just screams and Takara won't take his bottle." Oh god. Sorry, Carly. I could not give her clear instructions how to handle them because I myself can't do it... When we went home at about 11, Arata was wide awake and didn't go to bed till 2 AM. (He had a very late nap after we left, at about 6.30, and it must have been the main reason it was so difficult for him to sleep, I think.)

This year's Sumitomo party was held at the gorgeous ball room at Renaissance Chancery Court Hotel. I really enjoyed it. I saw my colleagues over nice dinner. I was in a black dress I got from TK Max for 20 pounds. And it must have been too tight for my 'after birth' tummy, which looks as if I am still 5 months pregnant. My 'kind' colleagues one after another gave me advice. "Oh, why not wear a corset type underwear." Or "You can wear much more baggy dress to hide it."

After we received a message from Carly, we decided to go home before the party was over. And it happened when I was trying to hurry Jason to leave. My prize draw ticket number was read. "Number fifty nine!" Wow! It's my number! I can't believe this! I won a flight ticket to Japan on business class. It's the second best prize! (The first prize is a pair tickets to Japan.)

I walked from the very end of the room, our table was at the end of the room, to the centre to get the prize. I was in tight shoes, I borrowed them from Rika, and I was a bit tipsy. I must have walked very oddly. When I turned and walked back to my table, I raised both my fists in the air as footballers do when they make a goal. I was in a nice dress and behaved like a drunk lad! I feel so embarrassed whenever I look back the moment... Anyway, we are going back to Japan to see my family in the early next year!

1Y11M 9W4D 使えない医療保険 Our private health insurance is so rubbish!

アラタのじんましん。普段は全く出なくなったが寒気にさらされると相変わらずだめで、今日も買い物に行って帰ってくると顔が真っ赤。プライベート医診療費の保険会社へのクレーム用紙の記入をGPにお願いすると35ポンド(8000円)かかるという。A4フォーム一枚だけで、それも、ほとんど記入する部分がないのに！

この書類記入代はクレームできないことになっているし、診療費も75ポンド以上からしかカバーされない。先週のGPの「どうせ専門医に診てもらっても検査はしないし時間の無駄よ」という言葉を思い出し、躊躇して、1日、2日と経ってしまった。どうしよう…と思っているとSt Peter's Hospital から電話。先月A&Eに行った時に3ヶ月待ちと言われた小児科の皮膚専門医に来週診てもらえることになった。プライベートの方が早く医者にかかれると思ったからいろいろやっていたのに煩雑だし、NHSで診てもらえるならもういいや。

それにしても、会社で加入しているグループ保険のAXA PPP。アラタの保険料はエクストラで払ってカバーしているのに、使えない！

Arata still develops hives when he is in cold temperature. In general, it seems to be better as he doesn't have it at all unless he is outside. I rang GP to ask to fill in an insurance claim form. They charge 35 pounds for this service! It's only a piece of A4 paper and not much to fill in. Ridiculous!

This fee is not covered by insurance and in any case, the first 75 pounds is exempt. I suddenly became quite hesitate to even book an appointment with a specialist. The words GP told me last week, "Even at private hospital, they don't do any allergy tests" came back to me. What shall I do....

We then had a call from St Peters' hospital. Arata can now see a pediatric skin specialist next week. We were told we had to wait for 3 months and that's the main reason I was trying hard to get through privately. But it seems to be so much hustle and if a NHS doctor can see Arata sooner than expected, why do I bother private doctor etc?

The insurance, AXA PPP, is provided by my employer. I am covered automatically but I pay extra for Arata's cover. It's so useless. Probably waste of money?

1Y11M 9W2D アラタ心と冬の空 Arata changes his mind so quickly?

月曜日、久しぶりにあきこさん宅におじゃました。タカラと2日違いで生まれた弟がいる3才になったカレンちゃんは、アラタやトーマに「こっちで遊ぼうよ」と手を握ったりする優しいお姉さん。（アラタは「やだ」って振り払っていたけれども・・・。）

子供用のテーブルに、みんなで座ってスコーンを食べさせたら、保育園のようでかわいらしい。アラタはナーサリーでこんなこともしているのかな、お行儀よく最後まで座ってスコーンも平らげていた。ゆうこさんのスコーンがおいしかったからね、きっと。

そして、この日以来アラタが「カレンちゃん」と言う時は、この時に撮った写真をPCで見せろということ。かわいいカレンちゃんが気に入ったのかしら。ついこの間まで「まなちゃん」連発していたのに、もう心変わりしちゃったの？

On Monday, we went to see Akiko. She has 3 year old daughter Karen. Karen has grown to a nice gentle girl . She quietly held Thoma or Arata's hand and suggested to play together. (Arata said, "Yada (=No1)" to her offer, though! )　Akiko also has a son who was born 2 days after Takara.

4 children sat together at a children table and had scones. It was very cute to see them like that. Arata behaved very well and sat quietly till he finished his scone. He must be used to this situation at nursery or because the scones, Yuko made, were so tasty?

Since this visit, Arata has kept saying, "Karen chan". When he says this, he wants to see the photos we took. He was before saying, "Mana chan", another Japanese girl on this photo, often for a while.... Has he already changed his mind?

1Y11M 8W6D 2ヵ月才 2 months old

今日でタカラは２ヵ月才。最近は目で私達を追うし、握りこぶしをなめたり、声もよく出すようになった。相変わらずよく寝ているけど、起きている時間も増えた。アラタが気に入っていたプレイジムにはほとんど興味を示さず、アラタがほとんど使わなかったバウンサーがお気に入り。そこに座って私達を観察しているだけでもハッピー。兄弟で既に好みが違うのが面白い。

アラタのじんましんは、医者に「ほっといても治る」と言われたのが呪文のように、本当に次の日からよくなってしまった。抗ヒスタミンは木曜日の夜から定期的に上げるのをやめた。そして、3日後の昨日までにすっかりきれいな全身に戻った。

ところが、今朝、寒い中プレイグラウンドへ行くとまた出た。顔中真っ赤で手足も痒そう。薬を飲ませたら一時間程でよくなって、その後外出した時は大丈夫だったが。アレルギーのテストをする時は3日前から薬を止めるとどこかのサイトにあった。薬が3日で体のシステムから完全に抜けるという事だろう。なんだ、じゃあ、よくなったと思ったのは、やっと薬が効き始めたということか。確かに、日曜日から飲み始めて、4日目でよくなってきたんだものね。まだ治っていなかったのか…がっかり。

Takara is 2 months old. He's started to follow us turning his head, making lots of noises and sucking his fists. He still sleeps lots but he is awake more. Takara shows not much interest in the play gym Arata used to love but he enjoys sitting in the bouncer Arata didn't particularly like. Takara is often quite happy sitting in the bouncer and watching us doing things.

Arata's skin condition has improved since GP told us the magic words, it would get better without any treatment. He even stopped taking anti-histamine on Thursday. And until yesterday, his skin got back to the normal.

But it's not that easy. When he went to play ground this morning, it came back. We gave him the medicine and it was ok after that. According to a web site, when we take tests on allergies, we stop taking medicine at least 3 days before. It must mean it takes 3 days to clear the drug from our system. I see, then, in Arata's case probably the medicine just started to work after 4 days of taking it. Still long way to go...

1Y11M 8W4D 僕の！ It's mine!

久しぶりに全員集合？アナベラ、エリザベス、ルーク、トーマが遊びに来た。さすがに5人の幼児がいるとしっちゃかめっちゃか。お母さん達は子供に母国語で話しかけるから、ロシア語、チェコ語、イタリア語、日本語、そして英語が飛び交っていた。イギリスってなんてコスモポリタン！

友達のうちのおもちゃなら、「これ貸してあげて」と言うと他の子に渡すこともできるのに、誰かが自分のおもちゃを使い出すと、普段全然使わないくせに、「アラタ　XX モアー」と言って奪いに行く。4人も友達が来ていたら、毎秒誰かがアラタのおもちゃを触っているわけだから、それは大変。アラタはおもちゃを守ろうと、目を光らせて、イライラしていた。あれじゃあ気疲れしちゃうよ。最後に残ったトーマとは、気心が知れているから？、やっと落ち着いて楽しそうに遊んでいたけれど。

Annabella, Elizabeth, Luke and Thoma came to see us. Having 5 toddlers in our flat was quite hectic. We are all from different parts of the world. As we talk to our children in our languages, we could hear Russian, Czech, Italian, Japanese and English! How cosmopolitan England is!

When Arata is at his friend's place or play group, he is not bad sharing toys. But of course, all toys here are Arata's. Whenever he saw somebody using his toy, Arata tried to get it back shouting, "Arata XX more!" Even though they were the toys Arata usually doesn't play with. It must have been stressful for him to be so protective as every second somebody touched one of his toys when we had so many children! Thoma was the last to leave and for a while before he went home, Arata at last got relaxed and enjoyed playing with him. He knows Thoma very well and feels comfortable to play with.