God-Mommy B!!!

My Godchildren 

The road to motherhood didn't start for me this year...I've been 'in the game', for lack of a better phrase, for awhile now:)

16 December 2004 my little sister was born, Byonce Beyonce Boois. Last born of four girls, she bought such joy to the house. She was delivered via C-section and then there were complications which resulted in the prolonged hospital stay of my mother. Now, it was December, and we all love and know the festive vibes of this month. And there my two sisters went...off to Swakopmund, famous holiday gathering spot for most of Namibia! It was then that I decided to stay at home and help out with this little yellow goga that warmed my heart with her mere presence. Only 16 at the time, I had no idea what to do with her, how to bath her, care or feed her. I called my aunt and asked if she wouldn't mind 'showing me the ropes.' And that was the beginning of our beautiful relationship. I cared for her like she was my own, perhaps as a result of my loss the previous year. And that's how I came to be a first time godmother!

Godmommy B

My 'second born' arrived 28 April 2007, Siani Sibongile Boniswa Mzinyati! Yet another yellow bone:) After a life-long friendship with her mommy, she asked me to do the honour and be god-mommy to her daughter. At the time I was still studying in Cape Town, so the whole thing had to be planned around my school holiday. This goga doesn't have a godfather so it's just me and her!!!!

Next in line was the arrival of my first boy...a little scorpio like me! Kaylim Taariq Panuleni Hambuda '#Khi-Khoeb' Johannes was born 02 November 2009. He came and added a little colour to my collection of babies,lol. I was also still studying in Cape Town at the time of his arrival, so again we waited for holiday time. There were even complications as the pastor and my church had different views on baptisms. His mother, 'Adamant Irma' insisted till we had to find a new church and then it was sorted, Kaylim was mine:)

Beyonce, Siani and Kaylim

 My sister, mother of my nephew always says that 'being an aunt is an extension of motherhood'...isn't she just clever?! And then we added another boy to the set. Damian-Lee Joaqium Seth Boois, born 22 February 2011...and I was there, LIVE, front row seats:):):)

The latest to my collection of babies is Lauryn Aaliya Weitz, born 01 February 2012! With her, it was just a 'love at first sight' kind of thing. She came to me and lay in my arms like we spent the past first year of her life together...when you know, you know:):):)

Children in general, I love! These select few have just made me the happiest by being in my life. They don't ask for much, and for now I don't have much to give but my love, time and affection. It's not easy, having so many, lol, I can't just walk into a shop and buy only ONE item! I have to make sure the boys are sorted and the girls are sorted, equal love! Even when I was out of the country, I tried to make it a point by calling them, making sure they knew who I was. And bless their little hearts, it doesn't take much for them to remember me and see me as that 'mommy figure' in their lives.

Spending quality time with my squad

They are all hyped about the new addition to the family. A little sister to play with:) What more can one say except 'thank you'! To the mothers, for allowing me to be part of their children's lives...attend parent-teacher meetings, be involved in important decision making processes. It really is an honour, I am proud to have been chosen!

Beyonce 

Siani

Kaylim

Damian-Lee

Lauryn

Traumatized...

The question of 'which method should I use to give birth' pops up, (no kidding), when you have to face reality and make an informed decision.
It was hardly of question to woman in the past as it was natural or nothing else...I believe in cases of extreme emergencies cesarean sections were performed? But now, in more modern ages, woman have the opportunity to choose. Elective C-section they say!

Natural VS Cesarean Section 

It also was of no question to myself, until the birth of my nephew that is, 22 February 2011, 18:15. I rushed from UNAM, skipping that last evening class I was to have so as not to miss the arrival of my sister's baby!!!

Swelled up with emotions, I stood by her side as she squeezed the life out of my hand...and soon after I arrived, it was time!

We wheeled her into the delivery room...my older sister and two aunts and the doctor all present. I ask myself, "why did i let go of her hand" countless times. Having my hand ripped off would have been better than what I was about to witness. Don't get me wrong, it's beautiful...life is beautiful...but I should have remained at the other side of the bed!!!!

And there out he slipped, right before my eyes. I watched, I tried to turn away but I watched. For the next few nights I woke up in a cold sweat, that image burned into the back of my brain. And now, it's my turn!!!

Every month since I found out we're expecting, I've been playing with this question. I change my mind, one month I'm all for #TeamNaturalBirth the next I'm like having mini panic attacks, thinking to myself "I CANNOT DO THIS" *slaps self* Yes I can :D 

I am woman, as a very wise woman once said! I am the seed, the root, the giver of life. I think the rewards at the end, whichever route one goes is pure bliss...holding that little bugger in your arms. 

So in my battle to decide I hear the opinions and thoughts of others, here are a few:

Natural

It's painful (you don't say????)

It contributes more with the bonding process between you and your spawn

You get to 'tie your tummy' afterwards to help you get you old figure back sooner

It takes hours...depending from person to person of course (Irma said the WHOLE process took an hour tops for her)

C-Section 

It 'takes away' from the bonding process?! (Really? Tell me more!!!)

Post-operation pain, after the anesthesia wears off

It's quicker, no 'fuss', just snip snip and out comes baby

You get to choose the day and time (revolving around your estimated due date of course)

 

I, however, am still undecided...time does seem to be moving super fast now though? Or is it just me...we have reached 5 months, 4 to go!!!

I say, do whatever you're most comfortable with. I think you'll just know. When you know, you know right?! *shrugs*

Who Runs The World...Girls!!!

Clarissa Yvonne

The meaning of the name Clarissa is 'Clear; bright; famous! The name Yvonne means "beautiful girl"!!! Clarissa after Yellow's sister and Yvonne after my mother, both woman of substance and strength!

So I guess you guys can put 2 and 2 together??? Oh, you want me to spell it out...IT'S A GIRL!!!!

We finally got the confirmation we needed on Friday, 05 July 2013. And let me tell you something, she is a real busy body :D Seeing her again in such a short span of time is such a blessing, she melts my heart. When we first saw her she was in the position Muslims pray in, after a while she turned around, knees up and put her thumb in her mouth!!!! Even doctor said, 'haai ma sy's baie besig' :):):)

She is fine and healthy, so far so good. Her little heart is beating normally at 140 beats per minute and development is coming along well. It's amazing, I absolutely cannot wait to meet her.  

Clarissa sucking her thumb...can you see it?!

Battle of the Sexes!!!

It's a whole week before I'm suppose to find out the sex of my little one...BUT my mom was being an eager beaver, bless her soul! I get a call at work saying she got me a referral letter to go for an ultrasound!!!

I won't even lie, I was exciting about getting to see my baby a week earlier!!! How baby must of grown in the past month...
Before I get lost in daydreaming about my little one...I called Medi-Clinic right away to get an appointment. It was set for Friday morning, 8H30

Look at me stretch out my legs mommy and daddy!!!

My mind is all over the place, call it pregnancy brain or straight up hormones, I "lost" my referral letter:( Devastated that I now have to wait another 7 days to see the baby, I went into crazy mode. I searched high and low for that damn letter, the last place I remember putting it was in my diary...but as I searched and searched it was not where I left (or so I thought) sigh!
28 June 2013 - Friday morning arrived, 8H30, and still no letter. So we had to wait for that doctor to come in, which was only at 11H00 and then only could we proceed to Medi-Clinic. In the mean time, mom collapsed and was rushed to the hospital...talk about adding on to my stress. I was dying of worry for my mom and frustrated on the other hand that I lost that important piece of paper. In her state, mom still wanted to see the baby...so I still went to the ultrasound.

And there was my little baby, displayed on the black and white screen...legs stretched out to the full extent of  the home we call the uterus. Baby was lying as if on a cruise, then after a while of us 'ooooohing and aaaahing', the baby turned around as if to say 'it's enough now'! Such a little performer, kicking and crossing of legs, Beauty, my sister who was also present said she's doing yoga in there:):):) Yellow shed a young tear, it becomes so real when you see that there is a little being in there!!! The sonographer told us the sex, or at least what she can see thus far and printed out the first picture of my angel. It's love.
We rush down to mom, showed her baby's 1st picture, it was good to see her smile after the morning she had. She was more excited about the sex of the baby and the name we chose (IF the sonographer is right)

My next appointment with my doctor is this week, Friday 5th July 2013...he will then confirm the sex for us!!! So till then...stay tuned:):):):)

The Single Mom - My Hero

I often sit and find myself thinking 'what if', what if I become that single mother, what if he leaves me...leaves us? WHAT IF???

Then I look back, I look to all the single mothers I know. These are a new breed of woman I tell you. Their strength is endless, the love and courage goes beyond what any one person should go through. I look to these woman in my life and I smile. I have them, they have me.

I wonder, your heart is bleeding inside but you have the widest and happiest smile when you see your baby girl  or boy running towards you. That, my people, that is what a mothers love is made of. It asks not 'mommy can I leave you alone for 2 minutes so you can wash your face and wipe away your tears'! It is blind. Your children are oblivious because you, the strong one, only want to show them love and laughter.

The few bad species of men out there take the cake! How? How do you shove the mother of your child away and swear at her in front of your spawn? How do you take that love that the mother of your child so badly wants to share with you and throw it back in her face as if creating life together was meaningless? How do you deny your seed that is the exact replica of you? Your smile, your nose, your mouth?

That is why these day, when a man is doing what he is suppose to be doing in the first place gets praise simply for still 'being there'.

I now understand that love you have for the father of your children. It runs deep, deeper than any hole man can ever dig. He, the donor, the other 'half' of the biological make up of your baby will forever have that place in your heart.

Today I want to take time out and be grateful for the father of my unborn child. I cannot be easy being around me! I know I am not the easiest of people to be around, add some hormones to that and you have a crazy person. But I must give thanks where it is due, for the support and love that Yellow provides. Not only from him, but from single mothers everywhere!!! For the strength I draw from the mothers around me.

To you, the single mom, you are a hero!

Expecting and Working

Hello readers:)

First of all, we made it to the papers today, in more ways than one! As most know, I'm studying Media Studies, specialising in Public Relations. Instead of being home, on holiday, putting my feet up to relax...I'm doing the 8-5 thing, interning at the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC).

So I have my heels on, my big girl handbag and I'm trying to build my name up in the corporate world. I'm not only doing this for myself, but now for the well being of my little goga!

We are 15 weeks pregnant today, by the way. Next week we officially 4 months pregnant!!!

Working while pregnant...I think this would have been harder in my 1st semester, the way I slept was no joke!  Now I'm in my second semester and I feel like I'm busrting with energy!!! I think the only thing I have to be aware of is my love for heels, I've read that during pregancy woman often lose their centre of balance. Here's what I'll do, as soon as I start to wobble when I walk...off with the heels:) #BabyComesFirst

All working and expecting mommies out there, beware when hunger strikes!!! Never thought I could eat so much...like a man does:/ Guess I've officially started eating for two! I think for me, the biggest trick is to eat a healthy hearty breakfast in the morning. Even though by 10am I'm hungry again. This is where snacks come in...here are a few that I pack to keep me going till lunch:

Carrot Sticks - healthy and filling
Fruits, mainly apples and oranges
Biscuits (Romany Creams)
NB!!! Always have water, it's so important to keep hydrated:)

One problem I've encountered is forgetting to take my vitamins! Bad I know...but here's a tip, place a reminder on your computer screen, or set an alarm on your phone. Mutli-vitamins help keep you and baby healthy and provide you with all the essentials you may not be getting from your daily diet.

Before I started working, Yellow wanted to hear nothing of it! He's a first time dad and all he does is worry about me and baba. Ladies, you have to let your man know that many woman before you have worked while pregnant, some even to the very last till day or up to the date of delivery. Ensure him that you will keep eating healthy and that both you and baby will be fine. Bless their hearts, make sure that they understand you can work and still have a healthy baby in the oven!

No holiday for me...I'll rest when baba arrives! For now, I'll stick to learning about the corporate world, one baby step at a time.

Till next time
xoxo

The good, the bad, the ugly:)

The Ugly 
 Morning Sickness

None of my girls had morning sickness...all but one! Whose tips saved me, and thank you for Google! There is no real remedy out there, however, there are things you can do to ease the queasiness and keep some food down! Here's what worked for me;

*toast bread (dry or with butter)
*party mix crackers
*tura ys/ys bompies/ice lollies ...anything cold helped!!!

Morning sickness is but one of the hurdles some of us will have to go through, hang in there ladies! Now that I'm in my second trimester all that is gone, yay me!!!

The Bad

So while most people are happy for you and you are drowning in sheer bliss, there are others out there who might make it their mission to throw in a word or two to get your spirits down. Whether it be from unsupportive family members or friends, I think the best way to deal with it is to steer clear of such folks and comfort yourself in the thoughts that in a few months you will be holding the beautiful gift of life in your hands. Find comfort in your happiness, the love you feel for your unborn should comfort and guide you to banish all the evil and bad that might come your way. It will be hard, no one ever said it will be easy...but you have to stay strong. Being in a positive state of mind and stress free is not only good for you as a mommy-to-be, but it's vital for your little light!

Life does not end with a baby on the way, I've been told I'm boring now, simply because I feel it's important to protect my unborn, in a sense that I would find appropriate to stay away from shabeens and other such rowdy places for the well being of my goga. 'Let them talk', is that not the saying? Do what you feel you have to do, by all means, let them say what they have to say!

The Good

Now that drinking, smoking and clubbing are off my list of things to do, one might wonder 'what do you keep yourself busy with?' There's tons to do...catch up on reading, hey, start a blog! Make time for your girls, gather for cooking evenings indoors, watch movies/series, go eat out at some good restaurants:) I've set a challenge for myself, I recently came across the 'Windhoek Restaurant Guide', so I decided, hey, why not?! Soon I'll be really 'eating for two' and it's fun and a great way to get out the house and do something fun! I've marked all the places I've already been to and actually had a meal at...next step, every second week I will be visiting a restaurant/café I have not been to yet! My tour should be done once I've visited all the places in the book:) Sounds yummy I know!

I started off with the Chinese Restaurant, Yang Tze, I had pork and vegetables with noodles and a spring roll! Delicious:)

So find something that interests you and have fun with it!!! This is the time to do all the things you did not really have time for before!

Well, as of next week I will be interning at the NBC...pregnant and working, more to keep me occupied!!!

Till next time xoxo