It's been a while

Hello, it really has been a while since I last posted, about a month I guess. Sorry about that...things have been busy with work, life etc etc. Firstly, Maiko's mum has now closed down her chemist as it was not doing so well. It was sad to close something which so much effort, prayer and money has gone into, but God is pretty expert at making what looks like a defeat turn into a victory for his kingdom. We are all praying about that. Maiko's mum is fine now.

In other news....great news in fact.... Maiko is pregnant!! We have known for a few weeks now but have told just a few people... both sets of parents and ours brothers and sister were delighted. We are really really happy too and are looking forward to being parents (it's so weird to type that sentence!) Baby is about 8 weeks old meaning it's due in early July. Yesterday Maiko went to the hospital and got one of those photo things done, where they take a picture of the baby somehow. Normally when I see these things i think it's really nice and stuff, then usualy forget about it. But when I saw my own child in the photo.... well let me just say I want to show it to everyone and can talk for ages about each tiny and obscure detail in the photo which probably only I can see anyway! Check out the photo and see if you agree with my analysis so far.

My analysis:

1. The baby has a huge head, therefore (1) it clearly takes after me, and (2) I feel sorry for Maiko having to give birth!

2. No discernable legs at the moment which is worrying from a father and child playing football together in the park point of view.

3. Umbilical cord seems to be connected to the head in the photo... must be the camera angle!

4. Arms are in a cute position, making me think that perhaps its a girl (ever seen the way Japanese women carry their handbags?)

5. If you look really closely it looks as if you can see eyes and a nose. Perhaps this is just me being stupid, or a shadow or something.

6. The baby is currently 22.4mm.... so small!

7...

8...

I could go on and on but I won't; but please feel free to add your own comments and analysis. Thanks also for your prayers everyone. We are currently trying to find out all about the Japanese health care system, which is all private, and about what sort of stuff we need to buy etc. Any advice would be welcome because literally we have no idea! Maiko is doing well, she is a bit sick sometimes but can eat most things. She has different cravings each day it seems and today's desires are Tonkatsu (fried pork) and Takoyaki (fried octopus)! Sweet things are also desirable which is good news for me too!
Byeeee