(need to) (slowly) Let go....(perhaps)... hm...

Recently, I have been going through a parenting struggle. I felt like I don't have the complete control of Yoshi anymore. I know this sounds much more serious, but in fact, I'm sure it's just another stage of parenting, which is normal.

Yoshi has been showing interest/ curiousity of the new type of TV shows/ characters- Shinkenger. He started to know about this from his friends at Japanese school. Everyone (almost) is talking about it, pretending to be one of them.Although we don't have any of the toys at home, but Yoshi uses his creativity to create his own masks and tools (toy weapons? I really hate to use that word...) I do appreciate his creative side of this but.....hm...

I KNOW I have been such a protective mom, I mean I have been trying to keep Yoshi as naive as I can. We don't buy any toys or  watch anything related to guns, sword, fighting.... not even spiderman or batman...gee. I am really that sheltering. But I know, the more I try to keep him away from those, the more curiousity he is. Yoshi understands that's not what we would encourage/allow. And he knows even if he do pretend play with friends, he cannot hit or kick anyone. (once, he even said "I'm only kicking air")

Recently, I found myself in searching for a new balance. Sometimes I question myself-  why should I feel bad of saying "no" to him, just because others are ok with it. Afterall, he's only 5 yrs old. But I know I cannot always wrap around him, I need to let him "explore" on his own to a certain extend (at least allowing him to play at friends' house with those toys they have). I know few years later when I look back, I will be laughing at myself of all these. And I'm sure the parenting struggle will only get more complicated and less black & white.

Yoshi is actually a very good and sweet boy. There are days when I questioned if he was growing into a more mature individual (though I know he's only 5), but then there are moments when he wrapped around me, giving me a kiss and hug unexpectly, telling me he missed me from school... melted my heart. (all moms do).

I know this is just a normal grow up stage. I remember my dad used to buy tons of Dragon Ball comic books for my brother, and see now, Uncle Henry turns out just fine (more than fine). The other day, Yoshi saw a Pokemon comic book in the public library (US version), but I distracted him from it ... hm... more of saying no (again). I guess I'm not fond of the idea of "comic book" for 5 yr old. Recently, he borrowed some Doraemon comic book from Japanese school library, he was enjoying reading those, which I was ok now (after a few questioning myself). 

I remember when I was little, I didn't even allow to read 老夫子. We started with 牛仔漫畫 (maybe I should dig out my old copies from basement, and share with Yoshi...& Nori)

Below are photos of Yoshi in his "creativity zone". He pulled out one of the variety magazine, and he would only flipped to that "ONE" particular page, starring at it all the time, perhaps that's all he had at home (along with few other similar variety magazines).  

Duo practice (piano)

Yoshi has been learning piano for about 5 months. He likes it, just need to practice more (hopefully without my constant reminder). Next month, the piano teacher has organized a mini performance for the parents. One of it will be a song played by Yoshi & his good friend, Atsushi. They don't get to see each other often, but Yoshi was very looking forward to today's first practice together. I LAUGHED so hard watching them, their silly laughs are so innocent. I cannot wait for next wk to see their duo practice again...^_^

(Imaginary) plane ride

Well..... no excuses, just too sleepy... but hope to add a few photos for right now...

The other day, the kids were pretending to be on the plane.....(with their lap top, magazines...) and even switched seats in between.... good imagination...^_^

The 70's dance 霹靂舞

What matters the most is the kids are really happy and healthy, just being kids. (They grow up so fast, just want to hold on to these moments..)

p.s- lately when the two of them play, they would speak in both languages. Kiharu might not be talkative outside the house, but she sure understands and capble in speaking a lot more, especially at home. (& especially when they are fighting). At that dancing moment, they were speaking in Japanese to each other...^_^

Winter fun (& sickness)

Last week, me and the kids had the stomach flu. The last time we had it was about 3 yrs ago. It's one of the worse sickness a family have to go thru, because it's pretty  much passing one to another. Luckily, Nori was free this time. And the other lucky thing (lucky or not) was both Yoshi & Kiharu had their vomitting on the same night. It sure was a busy night, walking back and forth the hallway. I ended up getting the same the next night.

Day 1 after the rough night- our living room became a "Medical Center"

 Day 2- "Recovery Center"

 Day 3- back to normal with the big smiles

 Everyone is well now (except Nori still had a little bit of common cold symptoms). The weather had been cold and warm lately. So easy to get sick. But sure the kids enjoy every moment to be out there playing (or shovelling) the snow..