2-21-09 Joshua is 3 weeks old now

Hi everyone,
Well Joshua is almost 3 weeks old now, and he and Shiho are doing fine. Although we are mostly on our own this time, the kids are an incredible help. They really do help out a lot. This also gives us a chance to think about how much our friends and family helped us out before. So thank you to all those that helped us so much with the last 3 kiddies. It is amazing how much difference the little things you do make, in the lives of busy parents.
I think Hanano is taking the hardest. I think she is okay during the day, but at night she only wants Mama. I touched her this morning, and she slapped my hand and started yelling “Mama-Mama-Mama.” Then when she got out of bed, she jumped on top of me, and wanted me to carry her around the house on my back. At least she wants me during the day!
Shiho did take Miyabi and Joshua to the dermatologist yesterday. Joshua had pimps on his face, which we thought were okay, but just being careful. He is fine by the way. Miyabi had a rash on her hands and arms, that looked like a burn. We thought she might have gotten into something at school, but she said she had not. It ends up that Miyabi just had severely dry skin. I have the same thing, with cracks all over my hands and fingers, but not as bad as Miyabi. She really looked like she had a burn on her hands.
One thing I will miss about Japan, is the health insurance. Although I think that the medical system in Japan is not quite as good as in the States, their National Health Insurance is much better. If you want to go to the doctor, any doctor or specialist, you just go. For the kids, it is usually free, and for us, it is just a small fee of $10 or $20. We pay a small amount each month, but it is almost nothing.
On the down side, you usually have to wait for a long time. They usually do not take appointments. Flu shots are very expensive ($30-50.) usually.
In any situation like this though, there are many pluses and minuses. If only I could change things about each of these programs to the way that I think would be perfect, then they would be,... since I know everything. (^8
The other news is that I got my black belt in Aikido. It was a while ago, but things have been pretty busy. I really am not so good, but it sure is fun. The average person that I work out with has 20-30 years experience in this art, and they are really good. I am in awe (and sometimes pain) every time I go to class. The head sensei of my dojo was a student of the creator of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba sensei. When I practiced in the States, it was very interesting, but this is another level.
Hope you are all doing well,
Steve, Shiho and the kiddies