Friday, September 25, 2015

Anniversary


Since I had the baby, I have come to find out that motherhood is a major learning curve. One minute you are pregnant and the next you're a feeding, diapering and a soothing machine. At the same time, you're way out of your depth, struggling to navigate a stormy sea of new emotions that are unique to moms — from exhilarating pride to nail-biting frustration. I never knew that it would take a lot of toil on me.

Today is our anniversary. It has been a great journey so far. Checking my diary at the office this morning, I realized that it was the actual anniversary date. I tried as much as possible to finish my work at the office and rushed out as soon as the clock hit 5pm. I passed by the market and got some good looking lamb meat, picked some sweet wine and spices.

Back in the house, I found the nanny and Chloe watching cartoons. The baby was so focused on the screen that she didn’t notice my presence! Taking advantage of the situation, I went to the kitchen, placed the items on the kitchen counter and straight to the bedroom. I undressed and stepped to the shower then wore a pink tank top and a black short. Thereafter, I finally went back to the living room and released the nanny. She usually leaves at around 6pm when am back home. Chloe was licking her fingers while still watching Spongebob Squarepants. I am so lucky to have found a perfect nanny. The baby loves her so much that at times I get all jealous from the attention she gets.

I went back to the kitchen and placed the wine in the fridge to get it chilled out before Fred arrives. In the meantime, I started preparing the lamb meat by marinating it with a selection of spices and soy sauce. I then placed them in the oven which was already on at 180 degrees Celsius. As it was getting ready, I boiled some water and put in rice. This was Fred’s favorite food. I know it will make him happy.

Almost an hour had passed and I had not heard Chloe mumble or cry so I tip toed to the other room and peeped. Aaaawww, she was asleep at the same position she was. The nanny had put cushions all around her and two of them at the back to support her back. I wiped my hands and took her to her cot. She must be tired. I checked her diapers and luckily she was dry. She hates being changed while she is asleep. I set the baby monitor on and returned to the kitchen. 

After a few minutes, the food was ready. Now all that remained was my dear hubby to come through those doors and spend some time together.

Monday, September 14, 2015

Chloe Imani

I'll start by apologizing to all of you in regarding to not posting as I was used to. It has been hectic with the newborn and juggling work. I'm back now and will continue posting weekly.

I gave birth to baby Chloe on the 20th of March. She was born without any complications and weighed 2.8kg. She was beautiful! We named her Chloe Imani. We decided to give her the name Imani which is a swahili name which means faith or belief. I chose that name as I fell in love with the swahili culture when Fred and I visited the coastal town of Malindi in Kenya last year. We are both religious so the name resonates well with our little addition to the family. 

The labor pain was painful but am glad the end results was amazing. Fred was with me throughout the whole process. He never left my sight. Through the screams and tears, he held my hands tight to help me go through the birth. My mum, Fred's family and Ann were all there to see her. She got lots of gifts especially from my mother-in-law who she is named after. 

Now, baby is all grown up. She can be able to roll herself across the bed when awake and loves being held in a standing position although she is not able to stand on her own. She started crawling or rather hoisting herself up on her tiny hands and knees then rock backward and forward. She enjoys this. I am still breastfeeding her although I have started weaning her. She has mashed ripe bananas, avocados and cereals. She has also started taking an interest on jingles especially during the commercial breaks on the television. She leaves whatever she was doing and listens to it until the end. She has grown fond of a kangaroo doll that her daddy got for her. I usually leave her with a nanny that I employed so that I can be able to go back to work. It is expensive but am willing to sacrifice so that she can be in safe hands.

I returned to work after the stipulated maternity leave. It was hard the first day but I have managed to balance the schedules. Did I tell you that I was promoted permanently to the Human Resource Manager? Yes, I was. The previous manager left to join another firm and I was given the opportunity to head the department. 

Fred finally managed to get another place in town with an upcoming IT firm. He was employed as an IT consultant. Although it is not well paying as the previous one, it was a good start especially since we got baby Chloe. Our savings had started getting low. I pray he continues to get more opportunities to keep the family afloat. He has been of great help around the house and with the baby.