The pure joy

Another warm weather, no agenda on our schedule, spontaneous backyard run around, and of course- Camera! Couldn't have the kids stand still on a certain spot, but it didn't stop my fingers clicking the camera (even when I was running with them). Turn out, those are the best shots to capture the moments.

Spring is here......

Let me feed you....

During dinner time while Kiharu was left behind trying to finish her dinner......

Mama- "Yoshi, please tell Kiharu to eat faster, so we can go outside for a walk before bedtime"
.......................
Yoshi- "Ki-chan, let me feed you...... AH!!......" (to speed up the dinner)

The kids

Well, lately I'm behind in writing blog, just too little time for too many things I want / need to do. Unlike few years ago with only Yoshi, my days were all about taking photos (on every little things) and posting blog. Now, blogging is only done at night (while having Nori sitting next to me watching TV or cyber space time together). ^_^

Kids are doing well, very well. Just like every siblings, they love each other, they fight with each other and they hug and kiss each other.

Kiharu.....she is just one funny little girl. We love her silly laughs and every little thing. She sure is a girl, with her sweetness. She loves coping everything Yoshi does/ says. She can speak a lot more words in both Cantonese and Japanese. And she can understand what we tell her too (no matter she choose to respond or not). Her facial expression is the best, you will know when she is up to no good...^_^ 97% of the argument, was caused by her. And I came to a conclusion when dealing the sibling dispute- it's not the matter who cry/ whine the loudest...which is usually her strength to get sympathy vote (but no tears).

One of my latest challenge with her is potty training. NO, I have no intention to start this early, and I'm not ready (emotionally). But she is the one who keeps telling me she needs to go to bathroom. Or many times she would even walk in there without me (in the dark since she is not tall enough to turn on the light). She has such a believable facial and body expression everytime, that I can't help to think maybe "today is the day". Somehow, it always happen when I'm cooking or busy with something....I really don't think she is ready, but I feel like I have to keep encouraging her (yet, I can't help with certain anger when we both are stuck in the bathroom, lacking of oxygen for my brain to be patience.......)

As for Yoshi, he's a great brother to her. Of course, there are fighting moments, but he helps her in many ways. The other day when he's out with Nori, on the way home, he told Nori they had to stop by grocery store to get flowers for mama. We were suprised about that, it's the first time. He's very sweet. He's not just a mama's boy, but he loves having Nori around. Every Friday night, he's so excited to find out Nori will be home with us during the weekend. His English is getting much better too. He could sort of understand what me and Nori were talking about, and even join in the conversation.

I have to say, 2 and 4 yrs old are fun stage. Every night before our bedtime, I always have a few kids' silliness to share with Nori for laugh. Can't wait to take them back to visit everyone this summer.......

This week's weather is so warm....HOT that we are all wearing short sleeves and sandles. Taking the kids out to park and picnic was fun, but I am not really ready for the heat exhaustion yet...

What's the definition of strong?

Question of the day for everyone:

Your child is playing with a new friend just met, they are having fun together. Suddenly the other child plays rough, like doing a kung fu move on your child. (knowing it's not that hurt) what would you do? defend your child by saying something right away? or wait to see how your child handles the situation on his own? .................

As for me, I choose to wait (but kept close eye). I do think as long as there is no immediate harm, sometimes it's better to let the kids learn how to deal with things on their own or to see what they would do and teach from there. Yoshi understand he's not suppose to hit back. He chose to walk away with frustration. So then I grabbed him immediately, and told him perhaps he should go back and tell the kid "Don't hit, it hurt". He did, the kid apologized and things are fine.

This is such a small issue, but as parent, I wonder what's the best way to handle situation. There are times we would try to teach the kid to be strong, and defend for themselves. But where do you draw the line? What is the definition of being "strong"??

Just wonder, how would you teach your kids?

(These photos were taken back in January, on one of the much warmer day. Can't believe now in mid March, seems like summer is here already. Where has the Spring gone?)

(5 days forecast from today....warm warm warm...can't believe it)

Is Spring really here?

Weather has been so unpredictable lately. This week, warm weather is coming ahead, looks like we will be spending more time outside playing & fixing deck (?!)

(Thanks Otousan for capturing all these cute moments...)

Monkey see, Monkey do!!

The little monkey is Yoshi's favorite buddy. If he got trapped at the corner or escape from bed, Yoshi would start his rescure effort right away...^_^

Good night little ones......Zzzzzzzz

Give me some space

There are so many other spots in the house to play or hang out, why do they have to pick the smallest area to hang out (& the closest) when I am around ironing clothes? Too dangerous....

Weekend

Usually in the weekend, we always go out. But once in a while, staying home with no specific plan, slowing down the pace is relaxing. I love seeing Nori spent time reading story to Yoshi or teaching him Japanese. I did a lot of those writing and teaching in weekdays, but I know how much Yoshi enjoys having Nori be the teacher, especially in the Japanese subject. This coming April, Yoshi will start to attend a Japanese school here every Saturday (full day), I'm sure there will be more bonding moments between them.

(giving massage to Nori)

This afternoon when I came back from store, I was suprised to see Kiharu was still playing without nap. When I asked the person on duty, he said: "I asked if she was sleepy and wanted to take a nap, she said no and shaked her head"....... Really? you asked a 2 year old if she's sleepy?? (no, you don't ask, you TELL her what to do)..............

But after a long evening of non-stop child care, I told Nori: "Though u may not be perfect on physical child care activity (becareful, have to be very sensitive on the wordings, need to keep the appreciation tone....^_^), but you definitely have exceed on the child entertainment duties. And overall, you got an A+"

Now you know, why Yoshi LOVES LOVES LOVES weekend, he is so excited finding out Otousan doesn't have to go to work and be able to spend time with us. (me too!! I"m excited too!! Thank you Otousan for the wonderful relaxing weekend...and my little moment at the mall. ^_^)

Ganbatte!!

African Drum and Dance

Last weekend, we took the kids to see an African drum and dance performance. It was very interesting and enjoyable. Everytime when I see music or dance performance, I know the kids would have fun. (except not knowing Yoshi was about to have a fever that afternoon....no wonder he was a bit tired that morning.....)

(Pay attention to the little girl in front of Yoshi.... later found out she sings & dances at her church...no wonder...)