Category: Under 1 Year Old Page 3 of 8

I gained a new superpower, the Rolly Polly, the ability to roll from my belly to back and vice versa

Rolly Polly Dora

On August 2, 2021

In 01 Month Old, Dora's Stories, Under 1 Year Old

I used to dread Tummy Time. It was one of the worst exercise programs a baby can endure at 1-month-old, unlike the one I teach. Every time Mommy announced, “Dora! It’s tummy time!” my stomach churned. She would plop me helplessly face down on the mat, squishing my face on the floor like playdoh as I struggled to breathe.

Why are you torturing me?

Although, with practice, I gained some neck strength, abs, and even arm muscles. Eventually, I could lift my head a centimeter higher than before. I could also lie on my back, gently rocking from left to right, generating enough momentum until I roll over halfway into a sideways plank for a few seconds. It required an immense amount of ab strength, balancing my left arm and leg in midair with only my right side touching the floor. But it was worth it to gain my new superpower, the Rolly Polly, an ability to roll from back to belly and vice versa.

Why would anyone choose to walk? It’s no fun at all.

With Rolly Polly, I can just roll across the room effortlessly like a runaway dice. My favorite spot is underneath the dining chair, specifically Izzy’s, where crumbs and leftovers are plentiful. I’ll snack on the dried blueberries and half-bitten toast, don’t waste it, am I right? Underneath the desk is also a good hiding spot from that monster in the ceiling disguised as a fan, what if it finally decides to eat me?

I wonder if I can request an upgraded version of this superpower to roll, pivot, AND reverse, so I won’t be stuck facing the wall all the time.

One downfall to the Rolly Polly is there needs to be a warning sound when Izzy’s thundering feet are millimeters away from crushing me as she zooms past me after bedtime, re-enacting Lady Godiva (running down the hall without clothes).

I guess Mommy’s always right; Tummy Time was good for me after all.

Born on the Day the World Will End

By Hurricane Dora

On August 2, 2021

In 00 Newborn, Dora's Stories, Under 1 Year Old

Week 2 in the Womb

When I hired this family two weeks ago, I didn’t expect that the new kid, Pandemic, would ruin all my plans. It was already a lot of pressure as the second born. Not only do I have to live up to the high standards that my sister, Izzy, placed, I also have to fulfill all of Mommy’s desires – to be a chubby, scrumptious and drama-free baby.

Unlike Izzy, who tried to attain Nirvana in the womb, my main goal is to survive the next eight months as Mommy’s worries about the Pandemic spread like wildfire: What will the world be like in 9 months? Will doctors and nurses turn into zombies? The world is coming to an end, and I am having a baby.

Month 4 in the Womb

Mommy’s imagination parades the dark womb daily: Will the hospitals have so many patients due to the Pandemic that they won’t have room for us? Should I start hoarding first aid supplies? She asks these questions while having nightmares of giving birth in a dark, empty alley next to the hospital, her screams of pain lost in the sirens on the streets as people fight over the remaining food and water.

The unknown is dark and unforgiving, eating our tender bodies slowly. I feel the sharp pain that runs up and down Mommy’s spine every time she tries to walk. I feel the shudder as she lets out a loud yelp and limps to the wall, clinging on for dear life. I sense Daddy’s helping hands as he lifts her and lays her down on the bed.

I know that I have to give Mommy hope and love. I stretched my arms and legs, practicing my kicks for the real world, letting her know that I am strong and will protect her. I can’t wait to hug her.

My Exclusive Catwalk on the Plane

By Izzy Tornado

On April 27, 2021

In 08 Months Old, Izzy's Stories, Under 1 Year Old

Daycare is my second home, and the airport is my third since we traveled almost every month. Although my first flight was very stressful, traveling is now dull. I mean, after my 30-hour flight to China at 2-months-old, all the other flights this year are just trivial (ex: Denver, Nebraska, New York, various cities in Texas).

Now at 8-months-old and finally able to waddle, I just put on my butterfly leash and let Mommy chase me as I roam around the airport, looking for my buddies.

First, we say “hi” to the nice lady at the counter that gives us the tickets when we check our bags. Then I look for my favorite escalator and ride it a few times. We would wave goodbye to the enormous white spacesuit before getting in the short security line. The security guys at the beeping monitors always smile at us when we flash our IDs. Just a pro-tip – don’t get on the long security line. It is endless. Every time we go on a trip, there are always people on that line. Finally, we would wait in the big auditorium before boarding the plane.

The plane, my friend, is where I shine.

With the rows of seats on both sides decorated with luggage compartments looming overhead, a natural stage emerges. After we take off, my exit strategy from Daddy’s lap is to squirm and wriggle so much that he gives in. Mommy then puts on my favorite shoe, and I practice my smiles before our catwalk down the aisle.

I would patiently stand in the aisle until the passengers sitting in the nearest row stop what they are doing to look at me. After studying each person individually, I would graciously present a slight wave and a bright smile. Then move on to greet the next row of passengers, leaving behind a synonymous “aww.” By the time I reach the end (or beginning) of the plane, I would make my way up again to give them another dose of adrenaline.

People always say, “it’s not the destination that matters; it’s the experience and people you are with.”

I try to make these passengers’ trips as meaningful as possible by entertaining them multiple times on every flight. Be assured that if you are traveling on my plane, the catwalk comes as part of the package with no additional fee, just like the flight attendants. Although the travelers always vary (or perhaps I saw that purple hair dude with a red dress before), you would not believe how many people choose to ride my plane just to see me. I hope these catwalks pay for the airplane tickets.

I Want A Vibrating Cat Costume

By Izzy Tornado

On April 26, 2021

In 08 Months Old, Izzy's Stories, Under 1 Year Old

I need a fur coat costume just like the baby that visits us every morning. He gets to be outside ALL THE TIME; the outfit gives him superpowers that repel mosquitoes and the Texas heat, the two reasons why Mommy and I are always stuck indoors. We call him “Meow-Meow,” which is his favorite phrase.

I like his entire costume – from his perky ears to his soft padded paws and cute twitching whiskers to his long, curly grey tail.

I tried to snatch his tail once since I don’t have any, but he did not like that. He jumped away and stared at me from the edge of the patio with his yellow beady eyes. Apparently, he doesn’t like to share.

Meow-Meow is always hungry when he drops by. Still learning to hold a cup at 8-month-old, it was challenging to scoop his crunchy cereal from the box, but I managed to do it every day, just for him. It just takes me a while to get his plate ready.

And, man, is he impatient. He would claw at the window until his favorite cereal is prepared.

Although, he needs his taste buds checked out. The cereal may look colorful but tastes like overcooked, sandy cardboard mixed with thousand-year-old fish – not to be confused with thousand-year-old egg because that’s delicious.

It is fascinating watching Meow-Meow eat off the plate on the floor a foot away from us – so close, yet so far. He would hunch down on all fours with his neck extended, head dipped low, and lick his cereal, all the while carefully analyzing Mommy and me from the corner of his eyes.

Did he think I was going to snatch his whiskers? … Guilty as charged.

Lucky for him, he has a lot of teeth, unlike me. His teeth would chomp wildly at the cereal, crushing them into pieces with small bits escaping from his lips. I am still perplexed at his ability to swallow the dry cereal without milk. However, the most captivating part of this whole process is when he starts enjoying the meal, and a series of purrs vibrate from his belly. An orchestra of licks, purrs, and crunches then fills the air, paired with his occasional gasp for breath and dips in his water bowl. Both Mommy and I are mesmerized by his mini “thank you” concert. Yet, I wonder – where does he hide the purring generator? This is indeed the most awesome costume!

The Rolling R Gene

By Izzy Tornado

On April 25, 2021

In 08 Months Old, Izzy's Stories, Under 1 Year Old

“Rrrrrr,” I growled in disapproval.
“She’s only 8-months-old. Did she just rolled an R?” Mommy asked, turning to Daddy in disbelief.
“I think she’s cursing at us in baby language,” Daddy replied. He had a big smile on his face as he rolled his R back at me, “Rrrrrrr.”
I looked at him, surprised. How dare you say I’m not pretty!? “Rrrrr, Werc#@423 Rrrrr xweDSFRWerrrrrrrr,” I exclaimed back.
Mommy attempted to roll an R but only end up just spitting at me. “Not fair! I can’t do it!” she sputtered sadly.
Daddy and I rolled R’s back and forth a few times until I finally giggled. What was I mad about again?