Little Hands, Big Plans

It’s noon, and I’m on my way to pick up my older nephew from kindergarten. Stopping in front of the gates, I spot him—the blue whale bag with squiggly eyes gives him away in the horde of kids. 

After picking him up, I take him to the car. His incessant chattering doesn’t stop until we reach home. The moment I open the door, he dashes inside. Kids and their never-ending energy levels. 

While he freshens up, I decide to make spaghetti for lunch—a bowl for me, a bowl for my little nephew, and the rest for the family when they return. 

I leave the table once my nephew rubs his stuffed belly. Meanwhile, I need to tame my hair—the heat is turning it into a wild mess. 

I turn on the baby monitor to keep an eye on my nephew. Everything seems fine at first: he’s playing with his pet cat, both dressed in matching hoodies. But my instincts tingle—something’s up. 

As I spray my hair, I notice my nephew and the cat sneaking into the kitchen. What mischief are they up to now? 

While combing my hair, I keep watching the screen. The duo pads barefoot into the kitchen, glancing around—clearly searching for something. 

The cookie jar—of course.

He tries standing on his tiptoes, but even then, he can’t peek over the counter. The cat, however, peeks over easily, eyes locked on the prize. 

Working together, they stack a few books and a pillow into a makeshift tower. (Why they added the rubber ducky, I have no idea.) 

My nephew points at the jar, and—as if the cat understands—it climbs the tower. But its stubby arms send the cookie jar tumbling to the floor. Thankfully, it’s plastic. 

The tower collapses. The hood falls off. And now? They’re sitting on the floor, each happily munching on a cookie. Mission accomplished.

I really hope this was recorded—I have to show it to my brother. 

Are your nephews like this too? 


Tiny toes and kitty paws, 
Sneaking past the kitchen doors. 
Stacking books to reach up high— 
Crash! The jar falls from the sky! 

Now they munch, crumbs on their faces, 
Two small bandits, swapping races. 
Next time, hide the sweets with care— 
This duo’s everywhere!