Over the past year, we’ve been searching for the right motivation to get Ellie to actually sit on the toilet instead of being a creepo and watching people on the toilet (i.e. me). So when Aya’s parents sent this book with an accompanying music CD, we were hopeful that this was it!
CHRISTMAS BLEND
I love being in a relationship with such variety. I love being exposed to Aya’s Japanese culture, and she loves being exposed to my American culture with my family’s Polish heritage. We try to raise Ellie, and now Chloe, with a nice mix of both. Blending holiday traditions between two different families is difficult enough, but it can be even more challenging when you’re blending traditions from two different countries with very different cultures.
A BOOK ABOUT WHAT?
Every couple of months, Aya’s mom sends us a care package that always has a few Japanese books for Ellie. I’m always excited to open the package even though I can’t read anything. I like to look through the books first and try to figure out what they are about. Occasionally, I get it right, but sometimes one comes along that leaves me extremely puzzled. Like when I saw the cover of this book, I wondered, “Is that what I think it is? Nooo, it couldn’t be.” But as I looked further into the book, I just got more confused. Take a look!
CULTURE CLASH?
I’ve been taking Ellie to a Japanese school for toddler time once a month for a little while now. I’m an outsider not only because I’m a dude, but also because I’m not Japanese. I know this, and I accept it. I’ve become used to these awkward situations I encounter. They do their best to include me in the group though. They added a picture of a dad next to the mom on the class schedule for the “mom discussion” part of class. And instead of just saying “Okasan (Mother)” when pointing at the picture, they also say “Otosan (Father)” too. I don’t speak Japanese so I never participate in that part of class, but I still appreciate their effort. Anyway, I’ve accepted the awkward two hours as part of my job when raising a bi-lingual child. But sometimes in addition to the language barrier, the cultural differences become so apparent.
VACATION WITH A TODDLER?
I ended after a very long, stressful, irritating, exhausting flight asking the question, “Isthis what vacation is like from now on?”
“This” being not really having a moment alone, a moment to relax, a moment to feel rested, a moment that feels like an actual vacation. You know, like you had pre baby. Well, the short answer is, yes. Yes, this is how vacations will be from now on, which sounds awful. But the long answer isn’t a simple yes or no, and it really isn’t as dreadful sounding.