Poor Blaze!

The other day it was obvious Blaze was not feeling well. I suspected a urinary tract infection. I placed a call to our base veterinarian office to find out the vet would be returning the third week in October. We were recommended to take him to Dr. Morisake out in town and given his walk in hours. After work, Clara Grace and I picked up Blaze and took him to the vet. It was a very interesting experience.

To begin with, the check in process was a bit humorous. I brought our Japanese translation books and the sheet the veterinarian's office had given me with presenting signs translated in Japanese. Luckily we got it all settled and sat down. And waited. And waited. Poor Clara Grace. It was rather entertaining watching all the pets come in, be seen and sent home as we waited. I was also rather surprised with the number of dogs that were physically carried in.

After waiting for a couple of hours, it was our turn. I was really impressed with Dr. Morisake! First off, it was one open room. He checked out Blaze, put a sample under the microscope and shared his findings with me. It turns out he did have the urinary tract infection, but also some crystals. He gave him a shot, prescribed antibiotics, anti-flamitory meds and he is back on prescription cat food.

Luckily, Blaze is doing quite a bit better now. He isn't completely better. I did find a website that will ship the food out here, but it still might be difficult.

This appointment took place Thursday and it is Sunday here, so hopefully he is doing much better by tomorrow.

Way to go Zach!

I'll preface this with the statement that I know nothing about potty training. I can give you my experience, but will stop short of offering advice. Working with Clara Grace was unpleasant. I've been really lax with Zach. I bought the potty quite some time ago, have pull ups and big boy undies stocked and have offered lots of encouragement. A few weeks ago I made a potty chart for the bathroom and showed him star stickers and said he could have a gummy bear each time he uses the potty. So far, no interest. He would sit, but not use it.

However, tonight we were getting ready for bed and Zach walks over to the potty and said he was going to use it. And he did! The whole family made a big deal about it, he got his sticker and gummy bear.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this starts a trend. He was really tickled with all the attention he got so we'll see.

Long Time No Post

I cannot believe how quickly the time has flown since the last post. We returned from Tokyo and I immediately started working in my classroom as well as trying to wrap up a few small projects. As you can see, we managed to make it to the beach. It isn't far, we just do not go often. You might also notice that Japanese women (at least at this beach) do not wear swimsuits. They might wear capri pants and 3/4 length shirts. I dressed to mingle, and while hot definitely appreciate the choice of apparel. The kids had a blast playing in the sand and Clara was quite brave swimming in the water.

Generally, Zach is always dressed. He insists on getting dressed first thing in the morning and gets annoyed to have to remove his shoes. His most beloved shoes are his rain boots. He quickly outgrew the pair that match his rain coat so I bought these out in town. He LOVES them and will try to wear them when it isn't raining. Anyway, this was one evening when I was trying to get him ready for the bath and he took off, put his boots on and was having a good time. What a hoot!
This was one of those days I was working in my classroom. We took this picture because Mimi made this dress for her and matching ribbon. I think she looks quite adorable, and job well done, Mimi! She made several of the same style and luckily we have leggings to compliment each one.
Since Friendship Day was cancelled due to the earthquake and tsunami, they really played up the musical festival this year. Charlie had to work a booth so the kids and I walked over after Zach woke from his nap and enjoyed the afternoon. This festive sinking Titanic (yes, that is sarcasm) was a hit. Zach refused to jump, but he did ride with me down the tiger slide. Who knew how hard it would be to haul him to the top. They look easy, but I have a deeper appreciation for Clara's skill now.

It was so very hot there that shaved ice was a must.

Charlie cooked bbq, made sauce and slaw for their booth, Waycrazy style. It was yummy, but I only was able to enjoy what I ate here. A couple weeks later he made more for Labor Day. The kids enjoyed exploring the P19.
Clara Grace is now in second grade. This was the first day of school. The two pictures aren't great, as I was snapping them at the last minute. She is loving second grade and is such a big girl now.

Other than all that, we are just adjusting to being back in school. I've been working longer days than is ideal but we are all doing really well. Zach is really communicating well and is handling trips to the store and out and about so much better now. We attended the Freedom Walk and ceremony on 9/11 and I thought both kids did really well.

It has been crazy, but I'm hoping things are settling down a little and I'll post something more soon.