An area I hadn`t found the last time we went off to Kasuisai, was this statue in the murky pond off to the side from the temple.
I had to cross to the island to see more.
My mom was trying to photograph the sun I think.
The temple was symmetrically lined with trees.
And Ken was just having fun being himself. It was a good time.
As we had the most part of a Friday free, we thought we might give Ritsy and Mona a rest and take my mom out to see a temple. I had visited and blogged a few years back about heading to Kasuisai temple in Fukuroi. I liked it and it was very convenient, so I decided we could head there again.
Ken lead the way of course.
Ken paused for a photo opportunity, or was that a washroom break? A quick check of the diaper assured us it was safe to move on.
Mom also got in on the fun (photo ops that is)
And we stopped for a quick pray at the temple, of course.
Ritsy and Mona had been scheduled to come back home on the Monday following the birth, but things were proceeding well. Mona was healthy, Ritsy was healthy- baby was drinking milk- so they came home one day earlier on the Sunday. Mona was happy to slip into some clothes brought from CanadaBaba.
Ken was still doing good, as long as we took care to let him ride the Thomas cart at the mall...
... while we were shopping for fabric...?
Arfie had some interest in the baby- but he basically keeps his space.
And the little lady seems happy with her new surroundings and the duds that were a present from Steve. Our big family were now together!
After our first day visit to see Mona, we headed over to Shijimizuka ruins, which I thought may prove to be a bit interesting. Unfortunately the day was cold and there wasn't much to see, so we only stayed for a few moments.
We could see a few thatch homes constructed around the site. By the name, I thought it would be some old ruins, but I tend to wonder if they weren't built more recently to support tourism to the museum there.
The next day, we headed back to the hospital to visit Mona and Ritsy again.
The following day, I came downstairs to find Santa bathing himself.
In the bath- very crazy cat!
The next day, with my mom- also known as `Canada baba`, so that we all could see a bit more rested Ritsy and baby. Here Ken is showing his ticklish spots to Canadababa.
A nice picture of grandma and grandson.
Mona was doing what I have learned is her favorite thing, sleeping.
We could all take a look with Ken-kun who was not exactly sure what was happening.
But he was interested.
She woke up long enough to express her compliments to the delicious palette that Ritsy had assembled for her.
Ken ventured to touch her (thought it was a bit coached at that time).
Chris was there checking his wife in, and stopped by to say hi.
And we had a great family picture opportunity with Chris helming the camera.
I think I neglected to mention the official birthday for Mona, it was the 13th of January. Ritsy stayed in hospital for only 4 days, and left on the Sunday. That week`s Friday my friend Chris` wife checked in to the same ward and they induced labour on the 18th. As it is isn`t really my business to report, there were some complications but in the end Ashley was born. Again, congrats man, and welcome to the life of fatherhood! It is a bumpy ride but the payoff is great! Indeed, they have had some more complications, so I hope that everything that is going on will sort itself out soon and the whole family will be together and happy in no time!
The due date for the baby was January 5th, which passed quietly. After one week late, the doctor suggested we hop back on the inducing wagon, and so we did! This time things worked out. Ritsy checked in at 10 o`clock and she started having real contractions around 1PM. I was at home waiting with Ken and was called at 2 o`clock. Before I arrived at the hospital, she already had the baby at 2:16.
Mona Bridget Lowrey Takasugi weighed in at 4.28 kgs and was in good health.
I found Ritsy very tired and was told how very painful induced labour is.
But we are both happy to welcome this new beautiful baby into our lives now!
Sadly, on the first day- Ken was not allowed in to meet her, but we would come out the next day and meet them- with my mom too, who was arriving from Vancouver the same evening that Mona was born.
