Kiki

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Haku

Uta asked me to cut his hair like Haku from the movie Sprited Away. It wasn't quite long enough, but we did the best we could. Some kids at school are teasing Uta for looking like a girl, but he doesn't care. He loves his new haircut. 

At last, the perfect opponent

Uta is not a good loser. He's getting better, though, and at times it is possible to beat him and not send him flying off into hysterics. But you can't gloat, or win repeatedly, or have your first name be Hiroshi. I guess he still has some growing up to do. But with Kizuki Uta doesn't have to worry. He has discovered one of the joys of having a little sister seven years your junior. No matter what the game, or task, or skill, Uta is better. You might think there is no satisfaction in winning when your opponent is a toddler. But Uta would disagree. Winning feels good, no matter what.

Hot Cocoa and coffee

Blizzard 2010

The taste of snow

15 months

Words are bubbling up: fishes, eyes, hello, this, bye-bye, yucky, kitty, draw, and ouch. Japanese words too: oishi (yummy), unchi (poop), okaeri (welcome home), and ocha (tea). She shakes her head no, and nods her head yes. She roars like a lion, barks like a dog, hums and sings her own sweet songs. She likes to wear hats and beads and other peoples shoes.