A Lovely Present

One day, Yutaro, a 6 year old neighborhood boy, asked me “Do you need a tricycle that I used to ride? I’m too old for it so I will give it to you.” I said “Really? We are very happy to get it.” Tap, You got a tricycle from Yutaro! Yay! After we got the tricycle, you rode on it while Yutaro pushed. You are like brothers.

Yutaro lives in the next apartment building. The fist time I saw him was about half a year ago. I was taking a walk while holding you. He was on his way home from school. He looked at us then asked me “Are you a newcomer? Wow, what a small baby, small hands and small feet. I want to carry him. Can I? ” Hmm… I thought that the boy was tall for his age but holding a baby might be difficult. So I suggested “How about holding the baby with me because he is heaver than he looks.” “OK” he smiled. And we carried you. Since then we’ve been friends with him.

For me, the best part of my neighborhood is that it’s a great place to raise children. It’s a quiet residential area. Our apartment is a company dormitory. Everybody knows everybody and we look out for each other. The people are quite friendly. There is a wonderful sense of community. At dusk, children are playing, riding bicycles, and running all around. Although sometimes there are problems among residents, when we are in need we help each other. When I moved here, I didn’t know anyone, a hospital for you, where I could buy diapers. My kind neighbors told me about a good pediatrician. They gave you used clothes, toys, etc. They gave me useful information. Thanks to their support, I can raise you. I like this neighborhood feel.

I took pictures of you and Yutaro. Tomorrow I will put them in his mail box with a letter:
“Dear Yutaro-kun, Thank you very much for lovely present. I will treasure it.”

Reaching your Potential

Today, I took an online English lesson on the Internet. I entered a site and chatted with an English teacher through a microphone. WOW!! It was soooo exiting!

This system is as follows: You enter the online English school site. There are many participants. All the members introduce themselves. And then, the lesson starts. Today's lesson topic was on how to achieve your goal. How was my lesson? Not good… I have not been speaking English for a year, therefore I was very nervous. Furthermore, the topic was about your goal. Hmm…
This topic was very difficult for me to speak about because I have been so busy with child-cearing that I forgot my goal, my dream and my future.

I quit my job after being pregnant a year and a half ago. And after having you, I didn’t start a job.Some friends asked me, "Why didn't you get a job" or "How long do you plan to be a stay-at- home mom?" In a case like these, I always say," I like where I am now. For a while, I am focusing on child rearing. "

Since having you, I can't have time for my own. My whole day has been occupied with child caring such as changing diapers, breast-feeding, taking you to the hospital, making baby food and bathing, etc. I, especially, can't think about myself physically and mentally. So, does that mean that I am not happy? The answer is clear, NO! I enjoy what I have. I love the sound of your laugh.

To tell you the truth, my first pregnancy ended in miscarriage. So, at that time I said to myself that if there were anyway that I am lucky to have another baby and be able to afford it, I wouldn't work while raising him or her. I think this is the best thing I ever did, and the best choice I ever made.

What is my dream?I'd like to do some translation work while at home in the near future. That's ambitious! Sure, but you have to aim high. I don't know whether I can get a job a translator or not. However, life without dreams and goals would be like running a race that has no finish line.

Good night!

The First Summer

Hi, Tap. I will tell you about your first summer trip. Your Dad has been in Aomorif or half a year on business. So, I gave up taking holidays this summer. However, happy news came unexpectedly. He came home and took four days off. Hooray!

The first day, we went to Hakone. I booked a traditional Japanese style high-class ryokan as a reward for our hardworking. However, it was a mistake. I forgot you were very mischievous. Tap, you were soooooo exciting. You couldn’t stay calm. We had to chase you. We protected Fusuma, Shoji, and flower vases from your vandalization. We couldn’t have a relaxing time. Ah!

The next day, we went to Fujiya Hotel in Hakone to eat very famous beef curry in a restaurant. This Hotel has been renowned globally as one of the most classical resort hotels in Japan. http://www.fujiyahotel.jp/english/index.htmlHowever, unfortunately, the restaurant was fully booked. So, we reluctantly bought retort-pouch curry at the hotel souvenir shop. We came home and ate the curry. How was the taste? Hmm… It was not delicious considering the price.

The last day, we went to Haneda Airport to see Dad off. In the morning, he said “I am going back to Aomori by train. If so, I can stay with Tap as long as possible. Last train leaves Tokyo Station at 7 p.m.” I said to him, “It seems a good idea but you must be very tired. We will see you off at Haneda Airport. How about going to Haneda by car?” He rounded his eyes. “By car? YOU drive? NO! My car would be ruined.” How did it end? Finally, he drove to Haneda and I drove back. Before getting on board, he seemed to be anxious and said to me weakly, “Good luck with my car…”Hummmm.
Next year, I hope to be able to stay longer with you and Dad. By the way, how is the car? Of course it still remains safe.