Bathrooms

Since everyone is always curious about the bathroom situation - here you go!

Shower/Bath ROOM:

Traditional Japanese usually have a bucket in the bathroom with them.  They fill the bucket with soapy water from the lower spout.  They then sit on the stool to wash themselves (saving lots of water), and then rinse off with the shower hose (usually on the bottom holder).  After washing themselves, they soak in the deep tub...which is why it is all in the same room.

We usually just shower like normal.  The kids like having the hose on the lower holder to create a "little shower".  They haven't been huge shower fans, so it's been nice.  Occasionally they'll take a bath, but only when the tile is totally dry, because Kurt and I usually don't want to get our feet wet.

Kurt loves the stool and mirror for shaving.  I love the stool because I can actually shave my legs pretty easily pregnant. :)

The entire room closes off from the rest of the bathroom.

Toilet:

It's actually a Japanese-style bidet, but can be used just like any other American toilet, so there is no reason to be scared. lol  Water ONLY sprays if you press buttons on the handle.  Otherwise, you do your business and flush like normal (see the regular flusher?).

Every toilet is a little different, but our buttons in order of appearance(L-R): 

1. Stop whatever is on.  

2. Spray for #2 with a little stream of water.  

3. Spray for #2 with a heavier stream of water. 

4. Spray for #1 (girls), like a bidet. 

5. Air dry.

The little buttons on the bottom control the water pressure.

Rest of Master Bathroom:

The rest of the bathroom is pretty standard. Sink, cupboards, counter.  I do find it strange that there are no drawers.  There aren't even very many in the kitchen. Not a huge deal, just odd.  Below is another view of the bathroom showing the attached Shower Room  with our towel drying stand (thank you Ikea).

Half/Kids Bathroom:

Pretty standard.  Just like the other bathroom without the shower room attached...and it's blue.