The Picture Book That Made a Mother of Five Cry: 'Just a Little Bit' [My Recommended Book]

I am shiiimo, a mother of five.
I am currently raising a 9-year-old girl (who is not attending school), a 7-year-old girl (with ASD/ADHD),
5-year-old twin boys (the older twin is suspected of having ADHD), and a 1-year-old third son (who is quite heavy).

There is a seven-year age gap between my first daughter and my fifth child.

Yes, even though there are five of them, from the oldest to the youngest,
there is only a seven-year difference.

My first and second children are only a year apart.
Since my third children were twins,
everything is packed tightly together.

The age gaps are packed tight,
and everyone is always sticking together.

This must be a happy moment that only lasts for now.
Thinking that, I take tons of photos of the children,
and my iCloud storage is full every single day.

Now,
going back in time...
to after I gave birth to the twins.

The world still didn't know about that thing called COVID, which would begin the following year.

A while after I safely gave birth to the twins,
my older brother's family came to visit.

My older brother has three sons.
At the time, those nephews were two elementary school students and one preschooler.

How cute. How cute.
The nephews took turns holding the newborn twins,
and showered them with affection.

I hope they grow up to be kind boys just like this.
I watched that scene while thinking that.

My older brother's wife, my sister-in-law, is a very conscientious person,
a healing presence, and very reliable.
She has been coming to my parents' house since I was in elementary school, so I trust her deeply.
That day, she also brought many celebratory gifts.
She brought hand-me-down clothes that her sons had outgrown,
which was incredibly helpful for raising twin boys.

Among those, a memorable gift was a picture book.
It was something I had heard about on the news and wanted to read.

"Just a Little Bit"

Just by looking at the cover and title of that picture book,
I heard a sharp pang deep in my chest.

"Hey, I want to go outside!"my nephews said.

Perhaps out of consideration for the sleeping twins, or maybe just because they were bored.

My eldest brother's family and my husband took my sisters and went to play in a nearby vacant lot.

The calm after the storm.
The twins were breathing in a pleasant, rhythmic slumber.

I'd like to read this for a bit...

I reached out for the picture book.

"Just a little bit"Nacchan tries her best on her own.

"I did it, just a little bit!"
Because she's a big sister now,
the way she tries hard not to trouble her beloved mother.

Nacchan in the picture book
looked exactly like my own precious daughters.

"Twin brother, twin brother, you're so cute."

My eldest daughter tried so hard as a big sister to the three of them, showing them affection and
lending them her own precious stuffed animals.

My second daughter, who was two at the time, although she seemed a bit unable to accept it at first.
She never raised a hand, never got angry even when they cried,
and would gently place her stuffed animals near them.
Before I knew it, the crib was full of stuffed animals.

'Just wait a little bit.'

Reading about Nacchan's efforts,
I suddenly find myself reflecting on my own life.
I say that like a habit, making them wait, don't I?
Since they're twins, it never ends at 'a little bit.'
I always make them wait quite a while.

I've tried to prioritize my older daughters whenever I'm free,
but I know they're spending more time
watching their parent's back.

Nacchan, who has become a big sister,
even if her fingers hurt,
tries her best on her own.
Because she has become a 'big sister.'

Having succeeded 'just a little bit,'
Nacchan smiles proudly... (tears)

I can't read about Nacchan's efforts
without shedding tears.

Yes, exactly. That's how it is.
She's doing her best.
She's holding back, isn't she?

Thinking that,
I want to go and hug my children right now.

At the end, the moment I saw Nacchan, feeling sleepy, go to her mother to
'Just a little bit...'and
cuddle up to her,
tears started streaming down my face.

More, even more.
It's okay to be spoiled.
You're doing your best as a big sister, aren't you?
Thank you for everything.

After I come back from playing with my nephew.
No, it's a bit embarrassing to do it right away.
I'll tell them tonight when we're lying side-by-side on our pillows.
I'll hug them.
I'll tell them I love them.

While watching my twins sleeping peacefully,
I was able to think that honestly.

Those twins have grown up now,
and they are big brothers.
They fight over my lap,
and just yesterday, they made their younger brother cry.
The twins don't hold back, even with their little brother.

But I know,
they do share their toys and snacks with him.
(Though, please, spare the chocolate you share with him...)

Twin brother: 'Mom, hold me.'

That's right, you usually hold back, don't you?
Last night, I held the older twin and carried him to the bedroom.
Even though the two of you used to fit so snugly inside my belly.
You've both grown so heavy that holding you is getting tough.

Twin brother: 'Mom, I love you! I'm going to kiss your cheek!'

The younger twin has been saying that lately, maybe because kissing cheeks is the trend.
When I, feeling a bit out of breath, bent my knees, he gave me a passionate kiss.

Twins: 'The baby brother is cute too! We love him! Over here, over here!'

Saying that, they start playing in the bathroom with the three boys every night for some reason, so I shoo them out and move to the bedroom.
I glance at my eldest and second daughter cuddling with my husband as I climb into the futon.

After a bit of a ruckus before everyone goes to sleep,
in the bedroom that gradually grows quiet, I observe the sleeping faces of all five of them in turn.

Their sleeping faces never change, do they?
Even when you become big sisters,
even when you become big brothers.

The love I want to give you all doesn't change either.

'Mom, just a little bit.'

Well, don't say that.
Let me keep giving you so, so much love.

***

This time, I introduced my 'recommended book' following the theme of the note university circle.
I thought about various useful books,
but suddenly, the memory of reading this book came back to me.

It's a picture book that acts as my charm, one I want to pick up especially when I feel 'tired' from parenting.
It is a book I would recommend
to moms and dads who are currently raising children, and especially those who are struggling a bit with it.

However, be warned that your maternal instincts will explode.
It might be better to read it alone in secret rather than reading it to your children...

Please check out everyone else's recommended books too!

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A quick side note.
Some of you might be wondering who this is when looking at my icon.
＼I've got a brand new icon!／

It was finished 500 million times cuter than the real me✨Yay!

And, although I haven't really done anything yet,
I've started on X too!
I look forward to your continued support here as well✨🍀

For parenting, for note.
For those who are feeling a little tired, here is this... (slides it over)

Well then,
I hope everyone
has a great day tomorrow too🍀