Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Achievement (03/08/12)
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TITLE: Quite a Trick! | Previous Challenge Entry
By PamFord Davis
03/12/12 -
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I was still seeing bright red and yellow circles. That happens every time Mama takes my picture. A light flashed very fast and I saw colorful spots that looked like tiny rubber balls; I wished I could play with them. Still do not know why she has to take my picture every time I learn something... What is all the fuss about? She said she was so proud of me, and I think I saw tears in her eyes.
I watched as she took my baby book down from the top of my dresser.
Every time I do something for the first time, she writes it down. It’s my very own book! As soon as Daddy gets home from work, she tells him all about it. He smiles but I know he really wants to watch news on TV. Mama thinks everyone should be as excited as she is. She scribbles a note to Grandma or calls her on the telephone… I just smile and eat up all the extra attention.
Discovering new things is just what babies do. The newness of toys quickly wears off; I whine until I find a better way to occupy my time. Long before I came to live with Mama and Daddy, I was discovering my hidden talents. I learned early how to kick Mama with my legs or nudge her with my fist. That always got her attention. She often squirmed on uncomfortable pews in church and hoped nobody noticed. Swimming was fun too; I did somersaults submerged! I wish Mama had been there the first time I playfully put my left thumb in my mouth. Sucking never loses its satisfaction!
Uh, huh, Jesus taught me plenty of things before the time arrived to go see Mama. A doctor was helping to get me out of her fat tummy. I did not like it when I felt that strange man’s clumsy hands around my head! He told Mama to push and he pulled. I wailed; those six pounds-seven ounces of dainty girl made my presence known! The rest has been a real learning experience.
When Mama and I could leave the Mississippi hospital, Daddy drove us home. Up until then, Mama just carried me everywhere I went. My young parents had everything ready for me when we got to the apartment. My new bed had a bunny rabbit painted on the outside; inside I nestled down to downy soft sheets and blankets. Lavender scent wafted to my button nose. It was then that Mama began jotting down things in my baby book.
She filled in all the blanks: first smile, laugh, rolled over, scooted in crib. She nearly flipped when I tried to say my first words: Mama and Dada! You would think I recited the Gettysburg Address! Some things were hard to do, such as learning how to get a firm grip on rattles but it was worth the effort. Sitting up took extra work too; I kept toppling over like Plumpy! Once I learned to balance, I had a much better view. Fascination with toys across the room led me to learn a new way of moving from point a-to-point-b all by myself. Mama was so excited! She filled in another blank: crawling.
Parents learn things too. Doctors told Mama and Daddy that I had a birth defect. My feet were turning in. A specialist gave me a funny looking pair of shoes. A long heavy steel bar connects my left and right shoe. Mama can only remove them when she gives me baths. Believe me, sleeping has not been easy; imagine yourself trying to get comfortable!
I know it is not nice for a little girl to brag, but Mama does have a good reason to be proud of me today. I have rather surprised myself…It is quite a trick to pull up to a standing position with a long bar lodged between my feet. Well, I did it! I stood in my crib and hung onto the railing. With a toothless grin and drool on my chin, “I smiled for Mama!”
Author’s note: Based on true story.
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