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Suitable For General Audiences

Last night Kenzo had a mild ear infection that kept waking him up. He became so upset that he ended up vomiting. Around 11:30 or 11:45, just as I was settling in to watch TV, all of this started. Eventually I sent Eri back to bed and Kenzo joined me to watch Ted Lasso until nearly one o'clock. 

He really enjoyed the show because it's about a soccer team, although I was slightly concerned about the occasional salty language. I love Roy Kent when my kids aren't around. Nonetheless, I knew he didn't understand it, and if he ever repeated those words, we would discuss it. As a rule, I don't use that kind of language in front of the boys or any kids. With my experience in teaching kindergarten, I know how to communicate in a way that's suitable for general audiences.

Eri came downstairs and sent Kenzo back to bed, which made him upset, but it was the right decision. I loved having him with me while I watched TV, but he needed rest since he wasn't feeling well. He also had a cough and a stuffy nose. Eri applied Vicks vapor rub on him before he slept, and I gave him an extra dose before I went to bed later on. A dab just below his nose. The moment I plopped it on he inhaled and his snores subsided.

Our plan for today was to drive to Eri's sister's house for a family photo session and lunch. They have a three-year-old daughter who is the boys' cousin, as well as a newborn baby boy. However, since Kenzo wasn't feeling well, I stayed home with him while Osamu and mama went to enjoy the day with our extended family.




Kenzo had low energy all morning, so he sat on the couch and watched soccer matches on Apple TV. I was surprised to discover that you could stream live sports, including soccer, on Apple TV. Although I doubt how much I'll use it going forward, I hope Kenzo or Osamu will enjoy watching sports on TV occasionally, especially soccer. I worry that Kenzo may be like me, lacking confidence to actively participate in soccer games. Perhaps if he watches professionals play on TV, he'll see what he needs to do. Of course, I also need to have a conversation with him about this, without being critical. I want to understand why he chooses to stay away from the action. I know my reasons as a kid were probably similar to his—I was scared.

The weather was rainy and humid all day, so I decided to “beat the heat” and spend the day steam cleaning the floors. Initially, I only planned to focus on the areas where Kenzo vomited last night, but I ended up cleaning the entire house. Now it looks sparkling clean, and walking on the floor feels like stepping into a brand new home. I enjoy living in a cozy, clean house, even though it can be tiring to maintain.

As the day drew to a close, I found myself reflecting on the events that unfolded. Despite the challenges and Kenzo's illness, there was a silver lining amidst it all. Watching him lying on the couch, engrossed in the soccer matches on TV, I couldn't help but feel a surge of love and concern for my little boy. In that quiet moment, I realized that being a parent means more than just taking care of our children's physical needs—it means understanding their fears, their passions, and their dreams.

In the midst of steam cleaning the floors, exhaustion began to set in, but a sense of satisfaction washed over me. The sparkling cleanliness of our home symbolized the effort and care we put into creating a cozy sanctuary for our family. Yes, it is exhausting to maintain, but the joy Eri and I feel in seeing the boys’ smiles and hearing their laughter makes it all more than worthwhile. It’s the reason for being.

As I prepared for bed, I whispered a silent wish for Kenzo's quick recovery and for his confidence to blossom, both on and off the soccer field. Tomorrow will bring new challenges, and we are all ready to face them with open arms and an unwavering commitment to nurturing our family’s growth.

In the end, it's the everyday moments, the ups and downs, the genuine connections we forge with our loved ones that truly matter. Life is not glamorous or exciting, but it's in these seemingly mundane experiences that I find the raw beauty of genuine love and the unbreakable bonds that hold us together as a family. And for that, I am nothing but grateful.

Kenzo was a great floor cleaning helper. He got paid 20 yen for his "training".


Osamu made a pretty big impression at the photo studio in Iwanuma.



Kenzo requested an angry face on his omurice. I consider myself the Salvador Dali of ketchup art.

The guy who complains and says naps are boring conked out for two hours, with his barf bucket close by. Just in case.

Before bed I was standing in the kitchen and admiring the cozyness of our house.

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