This article was originally published on VisualChase
Yehuda and Maya Devir are a married couple who literally illustrate their lives. We can't thank them enough, because they always make us chuckle! Now parents, their comic "One of Those Days" shows us the bloopers of being mom and dad. Having a family doesn't mean you have to be mature all the time. In fact, sometimes, having kids bring out the big kid in you. To see some of their hilarious and extremely relatable antics, read on!
Veggies Are Not Always Exciting Just Because You're Older
We all remember that stage of life when we didn't want to eat our veggies. For some, it never ended! Eating healthy is a skill best learned early before kids get addicted to sugar. When you become a parent, you want to model good habits at the table. But in case you are unable to practice what you preach, there is another option. Eat your treat covertly, and hide the evidence!
Here, we see Yehuda munching on a popsicle, out of the direct view of baby Devir. Mom is encouraging avocado and lettuce. But it's awfully suspicious that daddy is under the table!
It's Hard To Keep a Straight Face at Times Like These
It's easy to say that you're going to be mature when the time comes. But are we all adults, all the time? Here, mom is announcing she is going to take a shower after a long day. There are two reactions from the crowd, as we can see from their comic thought bubbles. Baby thinks about milk because that's all she knows. Dad has way different ideas about what he would like to do.
Both of them are right. And neither of them are going to get the attention they want right now. It's time for some needed aromatherapy and shampoo, for mom!
Snot Is the Glue That Keeps a Family Together
There is no question about it: Mucus is abundant when you have a toddler. It's just part of the deal, and even the most germaphobic parents are forced to accept this brave, new world of snot. Sneezing is a special challenge, though. It can explode at any time, and anywhere, with the force of 100 miles per hour. Experts say that one of these events can spread 100,000 germs instantly. A-choo!
Here, Yehuda humorously illustrates a sneeze that caught mom and dad off guard. Everyone is covered in gunk. We just wish it weren't so green. It's so much worse that way!
Nap Time Is a Lifelong Hobby for Many of Us
Reading to your child at an early age has lifelong big benefits. The book of choice might not always be the most interesting story for the adult. It might be the same one, every night. But it's an investment good parents are happy to make. Here, Yehuda is reading Rapunzel to baby Devir in a rocking chair. The motion of the seat was probably meant to put her to sleep. But what happened?
Well, it looks like dad fell asleep first! For now, we know the princess has a really long braid and wants to escape the castle. Will she stay trapped, for ever and ever?
Cheering Your Son on Is the Best Game of All
For dads, the joys of parenting are many. But a big one is certainly watching your boy play all the sports you always wish you did. Football, basketball, or baseball, the little leagues are always a way for father and son to bond. But during infancy, things are more limited in the world of athletics. The motor skills just aren't there yet. We are not sure exactly what this game is about, though!
Here, baby boy is rocking his mom back and forth as dad cheers him on. It looks like it might be nauseating though. Mom is not a willing participant, is she?
Selfie Mania Is Not Just for Teenagers
There's a real temptation to take a photo of every minute of our lives. There's an argument for letting it all happen naturally, without pausing for pics. But when you're a new parent, you very well might snap as often as a teen. Don't want to miss any special baby moment, do you? In the digital age, that can be hard to resist. Here, we see Yehuda and Maya going wild with the smartphones, taking multiple pictures of their adorable little girl.
They say that the early years go by in a flash. With flash photography, that phrase has new meaning. Never again will you have to worry about missed moments. It's all organized on Insta!
When You Blame the Pool Pee on the Baby
Bad news, everyone. experts explain that the stinging in your eyes isn’t really from the chlorine in the pool. It's actually a reaction to another reaction: That is, human pee mixing with that chemical. Yes, there is a lot of urine in a public pool, whether you want to think about it or not. You won't forget this factoid, though. We do wonder: Is it all because of the kids?
This comic slide from Yehuda seems to answer that question, once and for all. Here, he brazenly pees into the pool. When questioned, he blames it on the baby. Lies!
You Don't Need Plates if No One's the Wiser
There is a concept of eating like a civilized person. But who made those rules, and why do we need to follow them forever? If no one is around, we bet you have snuck a bite directly from the fridge. Getting a new plate dirty when you just want a little nibble seems like a waste. Plus, you know who's going to have to wash it. It will probably be you.
Here, Yehuda admits that he has done this before. In the illustration, Maya seems to have caught him in the act. He shows a little shame. But is there remorse? We don't believe it!
You're Never Too Old to Access Your Imagination
In real life, we have all kinds of limits. But in our minds, we can travel anywhere, be anything, and dream big. Why don't we really explore that, most of the time? As kids, we made a lot of use of our noggins for this kind of fun. But then, life happened and we got way too serious. Becoming a parent lets us use our imagination again in a whole new way.
Here, Yehuda and Maya are having a bit of fun in the dark. They turned off the main lights and turned on the tablet. In its glow, dad is making animal shadows with his hands. Pretty good unicorn, we must say!
Separation Anxiety Isn't Just for the Little Ones
Pets and little children both have trouble seeing mommy and daddy go. It's not clear that they will ever be back, and that's the source of the stress. Separation anxiety is hard to watch, for adults, though they know they must depart. But as it turns out, the issue can occur on both sides. Here, mommy Maya is devastated to leave her new baby at the nursery. Sure, she knows it's temporary. But it just doesn't feel that way, right now!
This can be a big issue for mothers attempting to return to work. They want to be home, but they signed up for other obligations. There's maternity leave, sure. But it's not that long!
They Claim That Poop Tolerance Gets Easier Over Time
Babies provide lots of joy. They also provide tons of poop. These things are not mutually exclusive, even though at times it may seem that way. There's no way to control when these moments intersect, either! Here, Yehuda is sitting down for a fine spaghetti meal. All of a sudden, there is an interruption to the meal. Mom is pretty sure that baby has pooped. The smell is presented as exhibit A.
From the look on his face, we can tell that it's not a false alarm. The stench coming from that diaper is unmistakably green. Time for a nappy change, and fast!
Everyone's Just Going to Be a Slob for a Few Magical Years
Eating is a skill we all learned slowly, during our early years. We don't remember how sloppy we once were, but that doesn't mean mom has forgotten. Motor skills are just not there at birth, and they are pretty important when it comes to holding a spoon and chewing with intention. Here, we can see Maya trying to feed baby Devir, and the aftermath that has dad running for cover.
A bit of carrot becomes a projectile, and it's everywhere. We can see it on Maya's shirt, on the table, and even all over the walls. One day, it will all be worth the stains.
We Believe That Binging on Junk Has No Age-Limit
There is a real risk that parents are going to start eating the very junk their kids enjoy. If it's lying around the house, what is the reason to resist? Maybe packing on the pounds is a good one. But after a long day, it's so easy to relax on the couch with a co-parent and indulge in a snack attack. Here, Maya and Yehuda look like they've at least eaten an entire pizza, some donuts, and potato chips.
Not only that, but they both agree that there is no need for a workout. That might be fine, sometimes. But if it's every night, we know how that story ends!
Pooing in Privacy Is the Ultimate Bathroom Experience
When you're not the only one in the house, you no longer get to have total privacy. Moving in with a spouse can be challenging, in that regard, especially if you lived alone before. But when kids arrive, all norms go out the window. Here, Yehuda is just trying to use the toilet in peace. But is that likely to happen, when he is charged with watching the baby for now?
No way, we say. Here, he illustrates what it's like to have competing problems. He needs to relieve himself. But he also needs the baby to stay safe and still while he blocks her view. Good luck, right?
Temper Tantrums Aren't Just for Toddlers
There are many different parenting styles out there. Some people are strict, and some are super relaxed. When mom and dad have different ideas about what it means to do the right thing, that can create friction. Here, Maya and Yehuda are arguing about the issue of the day. Both feel they know exactly what's appropriate for their child, but it doesn't seem to align. How will they ever meet in the middle?
We all have times when we trust our gut. It's so hard to cede that to someone else when you know it feels so right. We're not sure how they settled this one!
Never Forget the True Power of Doodling
Childhood is full of bumps and bruises, and we're glad we don't remember them all. Youngsters cry when they get a scrape or scratch. But they also sometimes cry out of sheer surprise. Falling down can be scary! Yehuda and Maya always try to make things better again, however they can. Mom cradles the little baby Devir after she bumped her knee, here. Since Dad is an artist, he employs doodling!
We can see that he has drawn a smiley face on the bandaid. This special pink mark is sure to put a smile back on that little face, soon enough.
Communication Is Still Important After a Long Day With the Kids
Smartphones seem to be corrupting our social skills, these days. There is a lot of worry about kids growing up in the electronic era. They might never learn to interact naturally with other people since they are always texting instead. But the issue for adults exists too. Ever messaged someone else on your phone, when you know they are right in the room? We know we have, and we are a little ashamed.
Here, Yehuda illustrates a funny moment when he and his wife both texted in bed. They are hardly far away, but this is all the effort they can muster after a long day. Silly, but relatable!
The Bed Is Never Big Enough for a Belly
When you're pregnant, you've got a big belly to deal with all the time. Whether it's walking, sitting, or swimming, it's in the way. Here, Maya is very visibly preggers. We estimate it's her third trimester, and she's just trying to get comfortable. The problem is, Yehuda can't relax in the corner like this. There's almost no space for both of them if she insists on this position. What's an expecting couple to do?
Some homes might have two bedrooms for times like these. But Maya and Yehuda have been pretty open about their small, city apartment lifestyle. Maybe a bigger bed is best?
Pee Sprays at a Higher Velocity Than We Might Expect
Not only do babies poo, but they pee all the time. That sounds less messy, you say. Perhaps. But the yellow stuff has its hazards. There's no way to know for sure that it is going to trickle out in a manageable way. Here, Yehuda illustrates a moment the couple can never forget. It's the time when baby Devir got a little excited and sprayed like crazy. Guess where it landed?
The answer is, in mom's mouth! We can read Maya's speech bubble and laugh. Maybe she does too, at this point. But at the time, it must have been awful. What a surprise!
It Turns Out That Baby Fat Returns With Vengeance
Docs say that most women lose about 13 pounds while giving birth. That sounds great! But what kind of weight is it? Sadly, it's just the weight of the baby, along with things like the placenta and amniotic fluid. But then, there's all the fat that just won't go away. Mothers the world over know the struggle of losing baby weight. Many are self-conscious about it, and they hope that no one notices.
Maya discovered that nothing got past her toddler when she was reminded about her gut with a form poke. It's so soft, she was told. Yehuda thought this moment was funny enough to draw. We agree!
A Hot Shower Is a Mama's Favorite Little Luxury
Get in, she said, The water's just fine, she said. Then, reality hit in the form of a hot shock. Yehuda wanted to share an intimate shower with his wife before the day started. It seemed like a plan. But as it turns out, they had very different ideas of what constituted refreshment. It's always that way, though, between me and women. Even with air conditioning, it's rare to find a happy medium.
We assume he didn't sustain any serious burns since he was able to illustrate the moment afterward. The trauma was psychological. But more than likely, he will try again. How will he resist an offer like that?
You May Never Stop Shopping Like a Teenager
Maya may be a mom, but that doesn't mean she has left her old habits behind. Almost every gal likes a good trip to the dressing room, and it's great when there is a personal chauffeur. That's fun for the shopper, but the mall can be an exhaustive process for a significant other. Here, we can see piles upon piles hung on poor Yehuda, and he doesn't look happy about it.
According to Maya, two more, and she is done. Do you believe her? That doesn't seem likely knowing how these things usually go. But let's stay optimistic! Perhaps there will be a quick decision, just this once.
There's No Law That You Have Pee Like You're Civilized
Peeing is an activity that women usually do sitting down. Men prefer to stand up, for reasons mother nature designed. In public, it might even mean going into an alley or behind a bush. When you're male, the world is your toilet! The one thing we never knew is that t's possible to urinate while holding a live baby. But maybe busy dads like Yehuda knew this trick, all along!
This comic page shows the illustrator with his little one strapped to his chest. Yehuda takes care of business with ease, all while spending some quality time with his son. Nice job!
Parents Know Anniversary Night Can Mean Family Night
When you've been together for more than a decade, as Maya and Yehuda Devir have, it can be tough to keep things new. You already know everything about each other in just about every situation. Anniversary night is a designated time to make things special, if only for a few hours. Is that possible with young kids in your life? Maybe, with some special planning. This illustration shows what can happen with none at all.
Alone time was interrupted by a bathroom accident right on the bed. The sound of romantic music was replaced with the noise of crying. But hey, they knew this was a possibility without a babysitter.
Avoiding Sharp Toys Becomes an Olympic-Level Feat
Toys are a way that a child's learning and growth can be enriched. That's what every parent wants, fundamentally, and that's why they end up buying so many. If that only meant teddy bears and clay, it wouldn't be painful to walk around. But alas, there are legos, blocks, and spiky figurines of every sort to step on, and no one can escape them forever. Here, Yehuda demonstrates the proper way to avoid a boo-boo.
When you're a mom or dad, it's important to perfect the jump. There are ways to leap over a mountain of clutter with grace. Just be aware that practice makes perfect. It's going to get worse before it gets better!
Those Sounds and Smells Are a Reality at All Ages
The bathroom is not the freshest room in the house, and we all know why. This is the place people go to rid themselves of lunch, in the stinkiest sense. In the process, a fair amount of gas floats around. Here, we can see that reality in action, illustrated in a way that only Yehuda Devir knows how. He drew his own wife tooting a tiny green cloud as she uses the toilet. How would he know?
Well, maybe he heard this story from his toddler and put two and two together. Here the little one informs mama that she smells funny. He probably guessed what it had to be, in this situation.
Being in Quarantine Brought Out the Baby in a Lot of Us
Locked inside to escape a worldwide pandemic? In 2021, millions of people found themselves in that pretty strange situation. Most people found it pretty stressful, and even lonely. If you're a young, growing family, at least you had company. But does everyone enjoy being in such close quarters, 24/7? That's a lot, for anyone. We bet even the happiest brood can get in a weird mood, after weeks of confinement.
We have a feeling the Devirs did their best. Here, Yehuda illustrates the feeling so many of us had while counting down the days. We can see the marks on the glass, and their faces are pressed to the outside world. Freedom, soon!
Puddles Can Actually Happen Anytime and Any Place
A constant theme throughout the Devir comic is pee, to be blunt. There seems to be no shortage of it, and that creates constant messes near them, and even on them. There seems to be no clear way to avoid it, either. Try as they might, there are puddles, sprays, and tinkles in their lives. In this illustration, mom and dad have collapsed after a tiring parenting day. But it's not over yet!
The toddler of the home climbs right on top of them and does her business. She informs them about it, with her new awareness about potty training. One of these days, she will get it right!
Home Organizing Is Not a One-Size-Fits-All Process
Not everyone is organized and clean. Some of us are downright messy! For Maya Devir, there may be a small issue with organizing. That doesn't mean she is dirty. It just means she likes to put extra clothes where she likes them. And that place might be all over a chair. Maybe there is a more logical place, in her husband's mind, like the coatrack. Does different strokes for different folks apply here?
If you ask Yehuda, he might say there is a right answer. Sometimes, couples just have to agree to disagree. And then, they may have to write a comic book all about it.
Shortcuts Are the Right Answer for Sudden Boogers
Just how much tissue do humans use each year? We're not sure about the exact number, but we do think the high point on your chart will be when you have a two-year-old in the home. It just seems like the mucus is endless during that stage. When you have to deal with it so often, improvising may be necessary sometimes. But why is Yehuda using a tee-shirt here? He should have thought to ask Maya for a Kleenex.
Moms are always well-prepared for a sloppy face. They have all kinds of remedies in that big bag of theirs. All you need to do is ask, and you shall receive.
Kung Fu Baby Is Not Exactly Our Favorite Game
The idea of sleeping with an infant is adorable, in theory. The reality of trying to do that is quite different. First, you need to be careful you don't knock the baby off the bed. Then, you need to make sure you don't roll over on top of the child, which could result in crushing or suffocating. Finally, there is the possibility that you could get kicked in the face all night.
We have an illustration that proves the point, courtesy of Yehuda. Looks like he found that out the hard way. In summary: You bought that crib for a reason. Just don't do it!
This Happens Over Time if You Keep Eating Like a Kid
Why do moms seem to get larger, as the years go on? Maybe you felt rude asking about it. But lucky for you, researchers at the University of Cambridge have answered your secret question about weight. To begin with, they do gain weight from the pregnancy. But it is the lifestyle of parenting that causes the real pounds to pack on. Maya probably knows the challenge has begun. Our main question is, what is Yehuda's excuse?
As we can see in this comic, both mom and dad have gained weight as the years pass by. Do they hang their heads in shame? No, they pull up their jeans in defiance. Still got it, they say!
Treat Your Baby Like a Loaded Weapon at All Times
Changing diapers rarely makes the list of favorites when it comes to the joy of parenting. It's just one of those things that have to be done, though. Traditionally, dads would stay out of this line of work. But in modern times, many take on the challenge. Let's look at a cartoon rendering of the act. Maya observes Yehuda as he tries to clean up the baby. Yehuda warns her to take cover!
You never know what's going to happen when you unwrap this kind of package. Things clearly got messy here, but Yehuda isn't backing down. With the determination of a soldier, he wipes on.
Black Friday Makes Us All Into a Kid in a Toy Store
Shopping is a hobby all year round, but we all know the best time to score. In November, we now have a holiday, of sorts. It's called Black Friday, and it seems to be a plot from the big stores to make us buy, buy buy. We're totally fine with that. But when you're a parent, there is at least some concept of trying to be frugal. Diapers really add up!
Here, Yehuda and Maya succumb to the pressure of a good deal. There are sales everywhere, and they have filled their cart to the brim. Old habits die hard, as they say.
You May Need to Have Whatever You Want When You Want It
During pregnancy, mommy-to-be moods are all over the place. Women may cry, or get irritated in brand new ways. And when it comes to food, don't get in their path. Yehuda illustrated an incident he remembered where he made the mistake of trying to limit his wife's salt. Innocently, he tried to sneak it away after she poured mountains on a plate of fries. That was a big, big mistake.
In a flash, Maya grabbed his wrist to stop him in the act. There's no negotiating here. She simply informs him he will never touch anything again if he keeps trying to touch her topping.
Third Term Tummies Are Actually Incredibly Stackable
When you become pregnant, you're going to become a human balloon with time. According to doctors, your belly is going to get big — really, really big. At 30 weeks, you should measure around 30 centimeters. And since pregnancy lasts between 37 and 42 weeks, that's not the max. Here, Maya is quite far along. The baby will be out soon, and it's their last chance to take advantage of the bump.
Why not balance dozens of objects on it, sky-high? Maya seems to have a good sense of humor about the game. The final toppling must have been quite an event!
Don't Forget to Aim the Baby Away From Your Open Mouth
Pee and poo are not the only hazards when you spend time around a young infant. There is also the issue of what comes out of the other end. Here, we see a cartoon of exactly how messy things can get if you don't watch what's going on with your baby's digestion. Experts say that little ones spit up at least once a day! With those stats, it's best to keep your eye on the ball.
By month 7, many babies outgrow this issue. But month 12, almost all have. But until then, be careful where you aim. Whatever you do, don't let your open mouth rest under theirs. Blech!
Even the Best Dads Have Doubts Sometimes
We all want to be the best parents we can be. It's natural to doubt if you're doing the best you can do. The ugly truth is: One misstep could harm your child for the rest of their life. That's what we want to avoid, so a little introspection is a great idea. Here, Yehuda drew one of his low points. Maya reassures him he is a great father, despite his feeling at the time.
Surely, he has great days where he thinks he is super-dad. But this wasn't one of them, and we think many can relate. When is the last time we all talked about this issue?
A Stroller Is the Perfect Place for Your Hoarding Habit
In America, it's called a stroller. In the UK, people call it a pram. Whatever you call it, the cart that rolls your baby around is a marvelous invention that eases parenthood in the city. We don't know where we would be without it. But in this cartoon, it seems Maya doesn't use it as directed. Filled to the brim with other items, there is barely room for a baby.
Right behind her, loyal husband and father Yehuda is pushing the mess along. It looks like it's becoming unmanageable, quickly. He's already dropped his phone, and he's about to topple over. No one will ever hear his screams, under so many bags, though.
What to Do When you Find Yourself in a Hairy Situation
Cooking is one of the warmest ways to show love in the home. Humans have been doing it since cave times when the first mammoth meat and fire were combined. Maya has decided to continue the tradition here, with an ultra-modern spaghetti recipe. At first, Yehuda digs in. But when he realizes he is chewing on more than just noodles, he pauses to gargle. We are as grossed out as he is, and we're just looking at the comic!
Maya asks if he likes her cooking. What is the right answer here? If he tells a white lie, the hair may show up next time. If he tells the truth, he may hurt his love's feelings. An impossible choice, if there ever was one!