Hina Matsuri is celebrated in Japan to wish for the health and success of girls. Many families wish their daughters well on this holiday.
"Happy Hinamatsuri, Yuka-chan" I tell her. Her big blue eyes look at me as I hold her.
She babbles and smiles.
Elma gives her some arare which are coloured candies. They are eaten on this holiday.
She takes three and put them in her mouth all at once.
Me: "Woah you'll choke."
She swallows them and burps. The baby has her horn and tail out which wags from side to side.
Elma kisses her.
"You are my one and only daughter. I want all of your dreams to come through."
We had bought some Hina dolls which we decorated around the apartment. It's our daughter's first Hina Matsuri. We wanted to make it special. When she grows up, she'll see all the photos.
Haru beams at us. "Mommies, since it's a day for my sistowr, I want to make Yuka-chan something too."
Me: "Isn't that nice of you?"
Haru: "I don't know what to make though."
Me: "I know. Why don't you help me make some Chirashizushi?"
Haru: "Chiwasushi? What's that?"
Elma and I chuckle.
Me: "It's a special dish made on this day."
Haru helps me make the dish. He washes some vegetables and gather ingredients.
We feed a small portion to Yuka. She seems to like it a lot and eat all.
A few moments later, Haru sits on the carpeted floor petting Yuka, stroking her head and arms so gently.
"Are you gonna give her back to us?"
Haru: "No." He continues petting his baby sister.
Me: "Elma, look at this."
Elma records it on her phone.
Elma: "Haru really does love his siblings."
Haru: "That's because I'm their onii-chan." He smiles.
On the balcony, the five of us silently watch the beauty of the peach flowers in full bloom. Hina Matsuri coincides with the beginning of Spring. How gentle they fell into the puddles of the spring water!