Last post in the fish costume, I swear

Well, I made it home in one piece. And I have to say this whole Halloween thing was a lot of fun. Tonight Grandma Aida and Auntie Rachel came over to go trick-or-treating with me. Thankfully Auntie wore a costume too, so she collected candy for both of us. Yes, I am aware that I don't eat candy, but that's beside the point where trick-or-treating is concerned. You all know as well as I do that it's a competition. At the end of the night, the one with the most candy wins, and I'm not about to sit this one out.

We started off paying a visit to our neighbors, then headed over to Old Town Torrance. For those of you devoted readers of Planet Zaya, you'll remember we took a walking tour down Old Post Road not long ago. These houses there were decorated with ghosts, skeletons, orange and purple lights and yes, jack-o-lanterns. I have to give these folks a nod for their carving skills, but I think a moment of silence is in order for the poor pumpkins who gave their lives for the sake of holiday decor.

While going door-to-door, all of the people handing out candy were very nice. And apparently this Nemo guy is one popular fish because everyone was excited to see me. Even other kids were saying I was cute. And we saw lots of kids in some very interesting costumes. But from my first trick-or-treat experience, I believe there should be some standard regulations. So I've come up with my own list of Halloween do's and don'ts:
1. Have some respect for the little guy. Just because you CAN cut across the grass doesn't mean you SHOULD.
2. Wearing your pajamas is not a costume.
3. Wearing your work uniform is not a costume.
3a. In fact, if you're old enough to work, you're too old for trick-or-treating.
4. The buddy system is good, but if your trick-or-treat group is too big to fit on a porch, consider breaking up into smaller groups.
5. Take a hint: if the porch light is off and you've waited a few seconds after ringing the bell, move on. Handing out candy is a nice gesture, not a requirement.
6. If your bag is full, go home.

I think my rules would make for a very pleasant and efficient Halloween experience. I'll have to do a little marketing before next October.

Anyhow, after the hunt for candy, we took a drive over to visit Nana and Papa and then headed to what Mom called The Great Pumpkin. You drive into this refinery where they have a big tank painted to look like a real pumpkin. I have much respect for this idea because no pumpkins were harmed in the process. There's music playing and nice people in costumes throwing bags of caramel corn into your car. And it's free! Reading this back I realize this sounds very strange, but it's cool, trust me. Granted I can't eat caramel corn yet either, but I have to give credit for good effort.

I came home from a fruitful Halloween with candy in my bag and a smile on my face. But I do have a request for the parents.

Next year, no tights.

Pumpkin? What pumpkin?

I've just been informed that pumpkins are cut up and used to make PIES! Yes, like the kind people EAT!

There is no cause for alarm, however. I have taken the necessary precautions. Bob is hidden away someplace safe.

Now if I can just figure out what to do with all these dirty diapers.

Pumpkin Envy

This time of year is interesting because I'm picking up on all the things I missed out on while I was in the NICU. Take Halloween, for instance. Last year, one of the nice nurses at the hospital taped a happy little ghostie to my incubator and that was the extent of the festivities. See it up there in the corner? Nice gesture and all, but nothing to write home about.

Apparently there's much more to it. At this time of year, the weather is supposed to get cooler (hasn't happened yet), people decorate their homes with lots of brown leaves and scarecrows (not sure why) and on the big day, kids roam around neighborhoods dressed up as some strange character and beg for candy. Hence the fish costume. I'm still trying to figure out if this is all socially acceptable.

Anyhow, the unifying factor for the month of October is pumpkins. I'm sure you've seen them, they're these big round orange things for sale on every corner. I was totally confused by the pumpkin concept because when I was born, Mom used to stand over me every day in the NICU and call me her little punkin (note: "punkin" is some kind of cutesie-mommy slang for "pumpkin"). I had assumed this was a name she reserved just for me because I'm so special. That was my first lesson about assumptions.

Mom, Dad and I recently took a trip to the pumpkin patch. This was quite an experience. There were lots of families there with kids of all ages, some even about my size. And pumpkins as far as the eyes could see (and I've got good eyes). There were big ones, small ones, even white ones and some gray ones. Mom and Dad said that I could pick one out to take home. This was a lot of pressure considering my lack of experience with pumpkins.

We cruised around for awhile and stopped by to say hello to the sheep. They were cute, all cozy warm in their sweaters. I saw kids feeding them, but Mom said that I should just look from a distance. Something about filthy animal germs. So we made our way to the long lines of pumpkins and I began my search for the perfect one.

Now I imagine for some there is a scientific approach to choosing a pumpkin. I'm more of a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-diaper kind of guy, so I was pretty casual about it. I just slapped them all until I found one that sounded about right. Don't get me wrong, this was no easy task. It took a lot of time and thought and good listening skills to find the pumpkin with just the right size and tone. But I was up for the job. And I was successful.

Everything was fine and dandy until I found out that many people bring their pumpkins home only to carve funny faces into them and dump out their insides. They even put candles inside to make them light up. From what I understand, they call these jack-o-lanterns. Not at my house, no siree! My pumpkin is staying a pumpkin. After all that hard work it took to find him, I'm not changing his name to jack-o-anything.

I think I'll call him Bob.

Preemies Unite

Last year around this time, I was hangin' out in the NICU, getting annoyed with all the wires hooked to my body and the tube in my nose. Thankfully, this year was way different. As official graduates of the NICU, Trenton and I were invited to attend their 27th Annual Reunion.

I have to admit I was excited when I first heard about this party. I knew it would be pretty neat to meet all the other super babies who started out so tiny and grew up big and strong. And yes, I MAY have wanted to show off a little. But my dreams faded a bit when Mom and Dad put me in a fish costume (against my will, I might add). I mean, sure he's a cute Disney fish, but still. I had to wear tights, I think that says it all.

When I had worked through my feelings of humiliation, Mom, Dad and I along with Trenton and his Mom headed to the party. As soon as we got close to Torrance Memorial, we saw tons of kids in costume on their way as well. When we got inside, there were lots of families and kids of all ages. It was pretty cool. We even ran into a new friend, Max, with his mom. Max and Trenton were both in super hero costumes, which brought back a little of my fish anxiety, but I got over it quickly. I make a darn cute fish, if I do say so myself.

We arrived just in time for a special trick show with Chloe the wonder dog. She's a therapy dog that visit the patients in the hospital to cheer them up. Chloe is a very smart dog. She even jumped through hoops...literally!

Right after Chloe's performance, we watched this guy blowing bubbles. Not your standard bubbles, big ones and small ones and others as tall as people. The guy was a little goofy, but the bubbles were kinda cool. But by this time I was getting tired of sitting in the stroller, so Mom and I went around the room to say hi to some of our nurse friends who I hadn't seen since last year.

When we heard the announcement for the crawling races, I knew I had this one in the bag. But when the lady in the Tigger costume yelled, "ready, set, go," I just froze. One might say that it was all those people standing around, making me nervous. But I prefer to say that it was just my gentlemanly nature, letting little Gigi win. And apparently the chivalry worked because just as she approached the finish line, Gigi turned right around and came back to say hi to me. She couldn't resist, and who could blame her. While the two of us were preoccupied, another little boy sped past and won the race.

I was a little bummed out after that loss and Trenton was getting tired, so we decided to head home. On the way out, we each got a new teddy bear and a video. I tell you, that NICU staff not only knows how to take good care of us preemies, they also throw a great party.

Next year, look out toddler race, cuz I'll be ready for you. Gigi or no Gigi.

Corrected age, my foot

I made it, I've crossed over. I can officially call myself a one year old now. I think the thing that makes me most happy is that I don't have to count my age in months anymore. That got old really fast.

The other great thing is that I get to ride in my car seat facing forward now. I don't know why it took Mom and Dad and year to figure this one out, but thank goodness they finally did. I was starting to get so confused, I didn't know which way was up...or back...or front.

Naturally, the day of my birth was really monumental. Not only did I make my entrance in a grand fashion, but October 15th is also a special day to remember other babies, like my sister, who were strong little fighters but didn't get to stay long. On my first birthday, I got to go to a service with other families of angel babies. Some people might think this is a sad thing to do on a birthday, but I look at it as a celebration of life, mine included.





The next day was my real shindig. Mom explained to me what a barbecue is, so now I understand a bit better. It's really all about the food. Of course I didn't get to eat any of it. I'm not sure how that works, it's your birthday but you don't get any of the food. I think everybody should have enjoyed their own tasty jar of Gerber's and washed it down with a bottle of formula. It seems only fair.

I'm not being completely truthful, I did get some cake. Cupcake, that is. Always trying to be different, my family decided to have cupcakes instead of a big fancy cake. The idea underwhelmed me at first, until I saw the spread. Great work, Nana. You win the prize for most creative use of gummy worms.

And I have to say I was totally wrong about the whole box thing. It actually was worthwhile to open all the boxes because there was neat stuff inside. I got a learning table that plays all kinds of music, two drums and some other instruments and a hippo that eats blocks. Mom says all this stuff will keep me busy, but for some reason she had a funny look on her face when I opened all the noisy toys. Maybe she was jealous. I guess I'll have to share my drum with her.

Now that I'm one, maybe I'll gain some credibility. Mom's always been so careful with me, watching every move I make. She doesn't understand that I'm an independent guy. But now I can just tell her "Hey, I'm a big kid. I'm one!"

Guess I'd better work on my verbal skills, or this won't be very effective.

Stick your neck out

Meet Gerry. He's been rooming with me in the Pack 'n' Play recently. I guess Mom and Dad rescued him from some zoo somewhere or something. They said they got him from Disneyland, but you can't fool me. I know none of Mickey's friends are giraffes. I mean, I'm still not sure about that Goofy character, but I know he's no giraffe.

Anyhow, I kinda like having a companion. The nice thing about it is that he picked up on the rules real quick. I do all the talking, he keeps quiet. And he stays out of my way, most of the time. A couple of times he got caught underfoot, which wasn't so bad because I discovered that if I stand on his back, I can get a little closer to climbing out. This could really work in my favor.

I highly recommend getting yourself a giraffe.

Just not mine.

T Minus Four Days...

...and counting. It's almost here. I'm turning one. As you saw from a previous post, I watched it happen to my buddy Trenton, but I don't think I really "got it." This is huge. Not only because I'm growing and accomplishing so many things, but frankly, because of the boxes.

Yep, you heard right. Apparently birthdays are all about the boxes. The other day this nice man dressed in brown brought a big box to our house with my name on it. It was from Nana and Pampy in Portland. I was thrilled, I mean one whole big box just for me? And then, much to my surprise, mom opened the box and inside were more boxes! These ones individually wrapped in bright colored paper. How does a guy get this lucky?

Mom has been all giddy lately talking about how she can't wait for my birthday "Barbie-Q" on Sunday so I can open 'em. I don't understand that at all. Why would I want to open the boxes? I love them, just as they are.

Unless...wait a minute...could it be? Is it possible that maybe inside these boxes are even MORE boxes? Wow, now I'm really excited. I can't even think about it. It's too much for me. I need a moment.

Let's just pretend that I never had that thought.

(Hee-Hee!)

Auntie Papa

It was a beautiful day in the neighborhood. Yesterday, after my morning cereal, I went with Mom and Dad to "run some air-rands" (I don't really know what that means - we basically drove around to a bunch of places and didn't stay at any of them very long. I didn't get it.). The weather is cooling down again, so we had some nice breezes.

Then we got home and had another family visit. Auntie Papa and Tres came over to practice singing with Dad. They said they're getting ready for a special service on October 15th. (Yes, that is my birthday as well, but I told them I was willing to share it with Sister and all of the other special little babies - click here and you'll see why).

Anyhow, you're probably wondering about this Auntie Papa person. Well take a look. I had to do a double take myself the first time I saw her because she looks just like my Papa, but a girl version. I thought they were twins, like the little ones I remember from the NICU who looked so much alike, but Dad says no. They're just brother and sister, like me and Sister.

The day took a turn when Dad and Tres were singing this one song. It seemed to have magical powers over me because I couldn't keep from falling asleep. I really tried, but something about this song made my eyes slam shut. I overheard Mom saying something about keeping this CD in my room for bedtime. Unfortunately, I think I've already lost the battle because the past two nights I've slept in my crib the whole night through. And that was without that magic song.

I guess my Auntie Wendy was right...I have met my match(es). These Mom and Dad people are smarter than I thought.

Excuse me while I go revise my plan for world domination.

Times they are a-changin'

Here's a picture of Dad and me in happier times. Before the mutiny. There's a power struggle going on in this house and I don't think I like it very much. Up til now, things have been the way they should be - I'm the cute one and everyone loves to look at me and see all the new things I can do, therefore, I've been in the driver's seat. But for some reason Mom and Dad are trying to change up the rules on me.

So what if I like to be comfortable. Is that a crime? I'm sure you do, too. I had been sleeping in the big, cozy bed but you heard about all of my base-jumping adventures, so you know how that turned out. Then Dad started blowing up these inflatable mattresses that we slept on in the living room. Those were soft and I could sleep pretty much all night there, with one of my parents next to me. Plus it made it convenient to wake up and watch Little Bill. But there have been whisperings lately that this arrangement isn't working out for everyone. Something about backs hurting and stuff. So out of nowhere last night, I was blindsided when they put me in my CRIB! Can you imagine? Expecting me to sleep in my own bed, in my own room that is set up and decorated just for me? The nerve of these people.

Well, I certainly wasn't going to go down without a fight. So I let 'em have it at full vocal capacity for a good four hours. And would you believe that no one came to rescue me! I had to be screaming loud enough for even Papa to hear me from his house, but he didn't come either. That's when I knew they weren't only trying to challenge me, they think they can WIN. I couldn't let that happen, I mean, I have a reputation to uphold. But apparently my body does not have the stamina that my mind does because I found myself reduced to a slobbery, sniffling heap and that's the last thing I remember.

I overheard Mom and Dad talking about how they have to keep this up for a couple of weeks to "break" me. Frankly, I don't know who they think they are. The Mighty Zaya will not be broken!

If the shirt fits...or not

It's becoming clear that I'm going to have to become a much more independent guy. Mom can't even seem to get my clothes on right these days. I really don't know where her head is at. Of course, she says it has more to do with MY head, getting bigger I guess. I just think those darn clothing manufacturers aren't measuring neckholes the way they used to.

Oh well. Guess I'll just have to revolutionize the textile industry myself.

Let 'em eat cake

Today's post is dedicated to my good buddy and fellow preemie Trenton who turns the big O-N-E this week. As most of you know, Trenty and I go way back, months even. We met shortly after birth and spent a month dorming together in the NICU. Good times.

Anyhow, last Saturday we celebrated with Trenton's family and friends. Man, that guy sure knows how to throw a party (though I'm sure his Mom and Dad helped, at least a little). He picked the perfect sunny, breezy day and he must have known how much I was itching to go to the park. As soon as we got there I kicked my shoes off and headed for the green grass. It was like a dream.

Believe it or not, the day just got better and better. We spread out our blankets in the grass, had some snacks, relaxed with a good book and laughed with our friends. I tried my hardest to get my four teeth into a piece of pizza, but Mom wouldn't have it. She stuffed me full of those Gerber puffed rice things instead.

There were lots of other kids there. Trenton's a pretty popular guy. Mom and I were walking around and I caught a glimpse of a cute girl nearby. She was walking (unassisted, I might add) with her sippy cup. I started walking straight towards her, but for some reason Mom turned us in the opposite direction. Apparently she wasn't getting the hint.


At one point, Dad took me over to this big, colorful thing with kids bouncin' all around inside. I wasn't too sure about it until I got close enough to grab on, then I was positive that I wanted to have the full experience. Unfortunately, it was Dad's turn to rain on my parade when he told me I was too small. Watch who you're calling small, Daddy-O.

The best, and totally unexpected, part of the day came when Trenton's Mom cut a big piece of cake and sat it right in front of Trenty. I thought for sure this was just a tease and I was cheering for the little guy to grab some frosting before they snatched the cake away. Oh, he got some frosting alright. But the surprise was that everyone let him dig in. They didn't even try to stop him! It was right about this time that I started to think that I haven't been giving this birthday business the full credit it deserves.

Thanks for a great time, Trenton. Way to kick off the weekend. It reminded me that I only have to wait three more weeks for my own bash.

I can feel the frosting on my cheeks already.

Howzit, Bra?

Look who's back, everybody! Didja miss me? Actually I've been here all along, but Mom, my assistant, has been slacking. I'll give her a break, cuz I know she's been working hard, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a tad bit annoyed.
Anyhow, back to business. Yesterday I had quite an exciting visit. Cousin Jordan from Honolulu is here on vacation (I guess if you live in Hawaii full time, you have to go somewhere ELSE for vacation) and he stopped by my place to play. He brought along his Mom and Dad and even cousin Maliya and Auntie Lorna. Jordan is a cool guy. He was born just ten days before I was. It was a lot of fun to spend some time with someone who likes the same things I do. Jordan and I, we really see eye to eye.

I was a little intimidated by the full head of hair, though. I mean, I know my curls are coming in nicely, but this guy has already had two haircuts! The playing field was leveled though when I found out Jordan doesn't have any teeth yet. I've got him beat in that category for sure.

After playing at my house awhile, we all went out for dinner. Granted I wasn't able to eat anything, but a good time was had by all. Jordan's Mom and Dad are really nice. They invited me to visit the island sometime. Dad says maybe Jordan will teach me how to surf. I'm not sure what that is, but I sounds like a lot of fun.

Maybe I can get him to share his hair growth secrets, too.

Thanks for a great day, Jordan. From the cutest boy on the mainland to the cutest boy on the big island...ALOHA!

Backstage Pass

As I'm sure you've picked up from reading previous posts, I'm at the point in my life where I'm enjoying lots of firsts. Today was another one, and all I can say is, I hope there will be more like this one.

I had heard Mom and Dad talk about how we were going to some show, but I really didn't know what to expect. We drove up the hill to South Coast Botanic Gardens (my first time there). When we got to the entrance, this really nice lady had an envelope with tickets waiting for us. No waiting in line and no charge for the tickets. I knew then that this was a good day. The lady's name was Ronnie and apparently she's not only a friend of Mom and Dad, but she produced the whole show. Anyone who runs a company named Bubblerock is alright by me.

So we get inside and there's this huge grassy area with a stage set up and tons of kids running around. Man, this was exciting. I was itching for Mom to let me out of the stroller so I could get in on the action. We found a spot, set up our blankets and then Mom must have read my mind because she took her shoes off, took my socks off and away we went running through the grass. We walked by kids with soccer balls, kids blowing bubbles, everywhere...kids! It was like heaven.

Pretty soon, our friend Shirley came walking up to introduce us to (you'll never guess) the star of the show! Her name is Joanie Bartels and she sings and plays music for kids concerts all over the country. Joanie shook my hand and said she was happy to meet me. Dad told her it was my first concert ever, and she said she was honored that I was there (I think I'm in love). Mom said it was like we were VIP's, but I haven't figured out what that means.

I looked around and everyone had their picnic dinners out, so I decided to have a snack myself. Since Mom says I'm doing so well with my "self-feeding," she let me have an apple flavored Wagon Wheel. That really hit the spot and gave me some energy, which I would need plenty of during the show.








Next thing I knew, the music was starting and there was my friend Joanie up on stage. She started off with a fun, fast song and Dad and I danced. The second song was my favorite because it was all about jumping (something I've recently mastered). Song after song had all the kids dancing and clapping, it was great.

After the last song, we went to say thank you to Joanie and she signed a photo for me...my first autograph. Could this day get any better?

I asked Mom if Joanie could come over to our house to play sometime. Mom said she didn't think so, cuz Joanie is so busy traveling and doing concerts. But she said it sure was a good idea because that lady is probably the only person who has the energy to keep up with me. I think I may be insulted by that comment. But I won't let her rain on my parade of firsts.

I'm just wondering, with firsts like this, where do I go to get seconds?