It's a Baby!!

Halfway there, woohoo!!!

I am feeling fantastic, energized and alive. Loving the weather! It’s been raining and the breeze is the best – anything in exchange for the crazy Jan heat. My nose has reduced in size – see what the cool breeze can do?

20 weeks doctor’s appointment; - the major ultra sound to determine baby’s gender, its anatomy and general health, insuring that all the organs are in place and the rest of it. I had my U/S two days ago and we are having A BABY Yeeee!!!; got two hands - five fingers each, got two legs - five toes each, a throbbing heart, a good spine and lots of energy. Little person couldn’t lie still, tossing and turning and folding and ….
Couldn’t gather the guts to ask for the gender … I know, my bad … but I just love mystery and surprises. When the radiologist pointed at the pelvis, I hoped that by looking intently I would figure it out on my own but I was wrong, the picture just got more cryptic. But it’s ok. If it’s a boy - that’s familiar territory, Mich gets a little brother to rough around. If it’s a girl – unfamiliar territory but Dad gets “his little angel”. Other than that babies/kids/children/teens all come with inimitable traits. Beyond the baby’s sex is its individual personality, made in God’s precious heaven. Nothing prepares you for that.

I haven't done any shopping yet, does that sound crazy? and now the added imperative to pray and search for both boys and girls names.

Had a better midwife appointment this morning, with my original hospital but in a separate location. I was early as usual and this time I had the midwife all to myself - I was the only patient in the clinic. I got the tetanus injection which I should have received at my first visit. Then I discovered that I’m 166cm ~ 5.5 ft - now that is not funny at all, I had no idea I was that short. I always thought I was 5.6 or 5.7, I must have shrunk somewhere along the way.


All in all, I’m good. Have a blessed weekend.

Antenatal care in Uganda - a pregnancy rat-race

I finally got a chance to vent in Uganda's leading daily.
My article on antenatal care.

My little gentle man

turned 6 today.

My oh my! His growing moments are forever engraved in my memory.
The aches of carrying him, the ecstasy of seeing his mystic but handsome frame on the ultra sound scan. The labor pains, the awe of seeing precious life emerge from my own, the sleepless nights, his laughter and tears and now his ever so firm ideas about everything.

Since his last birthday Mich has been going on and on about strange creatures, aliens, Bakugans, Ben 10, Iron man, somebody fire, flying bicycles ... the list is endless. Even though I have introduced him to the person of Jesus, whom he knows and loves, the pleasures of this world bear down on even the best of us.Some days he is amazed by David and Goliath but don't push it, his little mind craves variety and not only about this amazing God.

I started a ritual that I hope I can pull off for a long time to come. I blow up balloons and decorate his room and the house while he is sleeping. He is absolutely thrilled to wake up to a colorful world and his little chest expands in glee of his special day. But as the years go by, the decorations get more complicated - Spider man, Batman ... but I'm not going down the alien route.

After waking him up this morning, he quickly threw off the covers to see if his legs had grown longer, then he smiled and said “yes! They have grown”. I chose to keep quiet and let him enjoy his moments.

Mich, your papa and I love you dearly, Happy Birthday!!
Every day you confirm your name “Mich” which means blessing or gift, for that you truly are.

DO YOU KNOW?

This song plays nonstop in my head today, kind of makes me sad, kind of soothes. It's got to do with where I am at in life... I think.



Do you know where you're going to?
Do you like the things that life is showing you
Where are you going to?
Do you know...?

Do you get
What you're hoping for
When you look behind you
There's no open doors
What are you hoping for?
Do you know...?

Feb the 14th

It was an ordinary day, even with all the hype and excitement of cupid, dashes of red on TV, in the news papers, on the streets and on the radio.
I chose to ignore the frenzy, mind myself and let the day pass. Previous wars and bewilderment as to why this particular day had to be special and raising fists against some guy called Valentine, taught me to leave the day and its celebrations alone, that’s if I wanted a semi normal day minus silent treatment and stuff.

So, I went to church as usual, listened to a beautiful sermon and chatted with friends. Sam suggested we swing by his mothers place for lunch - how cool is that? - Visiting mom in law on Valentine’s Day. It was all good, had a sumptuous meal and left 3 hours later. Now, this being a Sunday like any other, I dressed as simply and comfortably as I could: sandals, buggy pair of pants and an “ok” top. I was set to chill.

Sam however decided to take Mich and I for a ride. Across town, passed Muyenga, onto Ggaba road, passed Kansanga… when we made the turn to Buziga, I knew we were heading to a “hot spot”. Up and up the hill we drove to Casio lodge, Mich in tow. The view from up there is breathtaking.

We had a beautiful evening, surrounded by lovey dovey couples whispering sweet nothings to each other and looking smashing. And there I was: - extended tummy, casually dressed in flip flops, with a little 6 year old boy giggling and excited to be out to dinner with his parents.

Priceless!

We had the noisiest table but it was cool.