Today marks my day 284 in this world. I still remember my
first day. My arrival was rough and uncomfortable. I was dragged out of my warm
and cozy Mommy into a room full of big humans, surrounding me in a setting that
seemed to be celebratory of my arrival. I truly did not want to leave Mommy,
nor did I request such migration. There, was warm, comfortable, with pretty
efficient food supply. I never had to demand food. It was freely provided upon
my well. The outside world was cold, really really cold. It was shiny and noisy
too. I had spent most of my life in Nebraska, but didn’t realize how cold it
was until that day. The good news is, Mommy was still there for me. She hugged
me and cuddled me in a skin to skin fashion. That was super awesome.
I was tired and exhausted and needed to sleep. Turned out, I
could still sleep in the outside world, and I immediately passed out. Many big
humans carried me and hugged me. I later learned that some of the big humans
there that day were family. I didn’t know what that meant, nor did I care to be
honest. Mommy was all I knew, all I needed, and all I loved. Despite all the
ups and down I had to go through that day, one thing made my day. I finally saw
how Mommy looks like. She is young and beautiful. I must admit, she is the most
beautiful human I ever seen, not that I saw many. She has beautiful silky and
brownish hair, like an angel. Trust me, I know angels because I had just come
from heaven. She has a lively and gorgeous smile. When I grow up, I want to be
as beautiful as Mommy.
As for the other big humans, they quickly started to grow on
me. I was overwhelmed to realize this, but Mama Hanai was to be my second
Mommy. She is the best. It became compellingly apparent from my first week on
earth that Mama Hanai was much more experienced in this whole Mommy business
than Mommy. She would take care of me when needed. Later in life, she would
always be on my side. The other big human was Baba Adel, my best friend. I
later discovered that he gets me the most. He would always play and laugh with
me. He is very patient and loving. I think we have many things in common.
Anyways, back to the story. In my first day, I discovered
crying. It is a physical activity, sort of an emotional burst to express and
communicate hunger, tiredness, sleepiness, among other things. It was a great
discovery, and boy did I overuse it?
Later that day while I was exercising my favorite activity
of crying, a stranger walked in. He was baled and handsome. He initially
ignored me and kissed Mommy. He kissed me and hugged me like I was his. That
man was Daddy. He was kind and loving. I saw in his eyes that he loved me so
much. He came from a very very far place we call home.
I must admit, I felt comfortable with him, but I had bigger
problems to deal with. My free food supply was no longer there and I had to
feed myself from my own mouth by latching into Mommy. It was so difficult and
inefficient. But I seemed to have no other choice 😒.
I failed and failed and finally succeeded. The world is a tough place, but
Mommy was always there for me.
We left that that place they call Hospital and they took me
home in a blue moving thing they call car.
Days after days and months after month, this beautiful and
fascinating world is becoming more and more interesting to me. What a wonderful
world it is. Every day, I would discover a new thing, a new song, a new color,
and new food. One day, Baba Adel gave me lemon, and I loved it. I got the sense
that it was supposed to be funny, but I didn’t know why. Big humans are quite
strange.
The world has moving and flying things. How and why I am yet
to discover. I have learned that big humans are no longer fascinated with the
world as I’m, but I don’t think I will be any less curious as I grow up. Are
you kidding? That plastic bag makes funny noises. That remote control has
buttons to press. There are green trees and walking animals. But the most
fascinating and wowing thing I ever seen is that magical machine, the iPhone.
Oh that is my favorite by far. It’s a card that plays my favorite song هالصيصان
and many others.
Daddy would disappear during day time and show up at night.
I love it when he comes. He would play with me tirelessly. He makes me laugh. I
laugh so loud with him. He would change my diaper while singing for me.
Later in life, daddy stopped showing up. But suddenly would
pop up in the magical machine. I think it’s because we are back to Nebraska. I love
to see him. He sings for me and laughs with me. But that’s ok. Baba Adel makes
me laugh too. So I’m not complaining.
My body is growing and so as my ability to move. Which is
great, because now I can reach stuff on my own. Big humans try to stop me from
reaching things sometimes. But I don’t really care. I’m so excited to grow up
and be with my lovely family. This world is a wonderful place. 😍
Iyad Aldalooj, A.K.A. Dad
September 14, 2018
