Entering the Toddler Era

Motherhood doesn’t get easier—it gets deeper.
In today’s post, I’m sharing something that lives under the surface of so many of our days: how parenting shifts from physical exhaustion to emotional depth. Plus, a little family vlog from our recent visit to the Shinagawa Aquarium (linked below!), and a special treat for paid subscribers.

A scene from the vlog

🎥 In This Week’s Vlog (Watch Above!):

We take you along on a family day out to Maxwell Shinagawa Aqua Park—a futuristic aquarium that’s perfect for younger kids.

Here’s what you’ll see:

• 🐠 A tunnel surrounded by swimming fish

• 🛍️ My daughter going on a shopping spree in the souvenir section

• 🚼 Toddler wrangling in real time (yes, that tangled leash moment made it in)

• 🫶 And quiet moments of reflection between overstimulated chaos

This is the kind of everyday magic I’ll remember forever. Not because it was perfect—but because we were together.

“As it gets easier physically, it gets harder emotionally.”

This is a post you might want to sit with slowly—sip-style.
Scroll down to read the full blog post if you read this far.

But here’s a preview of the core message: it’s not just that they grow up.
It’s that you do, too.

And loving deeply will always carry a little ache.

🗺️ For Paid Subscribers: Google Maps List

This week’s exclusive bonus is a Google Maps list of our favorite family-friendly entertainment spots in Tokyo, including:

• 🐠 More local aquariums and indoor nature spots

• 🚉 Spots with easy stroller access

• 🏛️ Museums, amusement, and play parks

✨ This list will continue growing as we find more spots.

future blog posts will have multiple Google maps themes such as family friendly food venues, Japan travel, rainy day lists, & more!

Paid subs can access the link below! It’ll keep growing with every trip we take. Stay tuned for Kyoto and Osaka editions coming soon.

Because the truth is—your heart keeps growing, and so does the weight it carries.

They Say It Gets Easier...

At least.. that was the DM I recieved from a mom follower on Instagram. I thought I was doing it wrong when she told me, “things should be getting easier for you, I don’t know why you’re struggling so much?” Yes, this was a real private message I received.

And yes—some things do.

You start sleeping a little more.
You learn your child’s cues.
You can pack a diaper bag in under five minutes.
You begin to trust yourself more, and that is something.

But no one tells you that as it gets easier physically... it gets harder emotionally.