Yehuda and Maya Devir, both artists, have been chronicling their relationship over the years through their comics. Residing in Tel Aviv, the couple has also captured the evolving dynamics of their relationship, particularly after becoming parents, in a way that resonates with many. Their “One of Those Days” series has already gained immense popularity, as people can’t seem to get enough of their life depicted in illustrations. Their first child, Ariel, was born in 2020, and Yehuda affectionately describes her as “the most hilarious and adorable creature [he’s] ever seen,” as reported by HuffPost. In 2021, the couple welcomed their second child.
Ariel’s arrival has brought about a change in their interpersonal dynamic, which they consider natural. Yehuda noted that there was now less time for them to spend alone together, and their attention had to be divided among three people while managing their business. He acknowledged the complexity of the situation, stating that they were still adjusting to these changes. After documenting their pregnancy, the couple has continued to be forthright about parenting. Yehuda shared a comic titled ‘It’s OK’ in which he discussed his emotions since becoming a parent, including the fatigue and challenges of everyday life.
He conveyed that it was acceptable for his daughter to cry in his arms, and it was alright if she showed a preference for her mother. He mentioned that it was fine if he couldn’t put her to sleep and if he still didn’t fully understand his role as a parent. He acknowledged that it was okay if he hadn’t formed the deep connection that people often talked about and if he was uncertain about his responsibilities as a father. He stated that it was alright if he couldn’t make his daughter laugh and if he felt tired or frustrated. He also mentioned that it was okay if things didn’t go as planned and if he needed a hug or to share his experiences with his partner, even if it didn’t align with traditional notions of masculinity. He expressed that it was okay for his life to change, for his plans to be disrupted, and for him to have little time for anything else. He said it was okay to feel vulnerable, be in a bad mood, experience loneliness, and ask for assistance.
Maya also spoke about the challenges she faced while breastfeeding Ariel but eventually grew to cherish the experience. She mentioned that Ariel’s birth had initially made breastfeeding difficult due to physical discomfort, but she continued to nurse. Maya also expressed empathy for women who choose not to breastfeed. Their honest and empathetic approach to parenthood is evident in their work, resonating strongly with their audience.
Regarding their job, which involves travel, Maya noted, “The hardest part is to work and know that I’m not with her. Flights without her are the hardest for sure.”
When Maya decided it was time to return to full-time work, the decision wasn’t straightforward. According to Yehuda’s blog post, they recognized that Ariel had reached an age where they needed to resume their daily routines. The workload had been piling up, prompting them to make the difficult choice of enrolling Ariel in daycare. Yehuda mentioned that Maya felt a sense of heartbreak during this transition, and there were days when she would say goodbye to Ariel in the morning with tears in her eyes. While every separation from Ariel was challenging, Yehuda believed that the true difficulty lay not in the physical distance but in the realization that their child was growing up.
Ariel serves as a significant wellspring of inspiration for the couple. Yehuda stated, “Our comics are based on our real life, so she certainly adds quite a bit of interest,” He added, “We just have to extend the day by a few hours so we have time to be with her as well as create.”
Their work is accessible through their website, Facebook, Instagram, or Patreon pages.