Wednesday, April 8, 2026
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Your Children’s Dreams are Not about You!

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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0

Two significant events happened last week in the Kenyan scene. The 2013 KCSE results were released, and our golden girl, Lupita Nyong’o, won Kenya’s first Oscar award.

For those who received their exam results, they begin a new chapter in their lives. There are those who will advance their education as they pursue their dreams. Others will not pursue the education path, but will still engage in activities that are in line with their dreams. Unfortunately, others will be lost, unsure of what to do next.

I’d like to talk about the role that parents play in helping their children pursue their dreams. Most parents desire to see their children succeed in life, and grounding them in a good education is one of their greatest investments.

When I was growing up, it was drummed in our heads that we should pass our exams so that we can become doctors, pilots or lawyers. Those were the three main enviable careers. And they are good professions no doubt.

However, not everyone -including ‘A’ students, are tailored for these professions. While the jobs might be dream careers for bright students, this is not the case for all of them. For some, their passion may lie in other fields, such as the arts. And the best parents can do is support them.

There is this parent who once said it would be such a ‘waste’ for him to invest years of time, energy, hard work and finances to educate his straight ‘A’ daughter, only for the child to say she wants to pursue her dream career in fashion design. To him, a straight A student should become nothing less than a neurosurgeon and not a tailor (his reference to a fashion designer). Sadly, this is the thinking of many parents.

Then there are parents who try and make their children live their own dreams. Take these parents who had always excelled in sports. They knew their two sons would automatically follow suit, and even get sponsorship into prestigious universities abroad -courtesy of their sporting acumen.

One son excelled in basketball, while the other was very good in soccer. But when the one who played basketball was form two, he announced his intention to quit the sport. He wanted to concentrate on photography as his main extracurricular activity. His parents were greatly disappointed. They spent weeks trying to talk to him out of it. The boy was good in academics, and with his superb basketball record; he stood in good stead for a scholarship. His parents had spent years strategically angling him for that scholarship ever since he was little. But the young man had made up his mind and would not budge. These parents learnt that sometimes, children don’t possess the same passion or talent that you do — even if they are your own flesh and blood.

No doubt, it can be heartbreaking when your child is set on pursuing a career that is not in line with what you want for him, especially when you have an alternative career you know he would excel in. However, sometimes you just have to step aside and let them make their decisions, and if they are realistic enough, allow them to pursue them and offer them your support. Remember, your children’s dreams are not your dreams. They have their own lives to lead.

Going back to Lupita, I heard her, in one of her acceptance speeches; thank her parents for always supporting her and allowing her to pursue her acting dream. Just look at where that has gotten her!

Lupita has opened the doors for many young people, and her success has no doubt changed the thinking of many parents. Her words: “no matter where you are, your dreams are valid” ring so true. So don’t dismiss your children’s dreams, for you just may never know how far they will go.

I published this article in The Star Newspaper on Wednesday this week.

Mums Giving Back to Society: Maryanne Kariuki of A & J Initiative

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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10

Maryanne Kariuki is a Sales Professional at an IT firm in Nairobi. She is also mother to three children –a girl aged three years and a set of twins aged eleven months. Besides her full-time job, Maryanne has another passion –that of working with less advantaged children in our communities. This she does through an initiative she founded, called A & J initiative.

It all began with the premature birth of her twins. I had a chat with Maryanne about her journey into this personal initiative.

Mummy Tales: What is the A & J Initiative all about?

Maryanne: It is an initiative that is biased towards children, where I rally volunteers to give back to the community by donating clothes, toys, and their time. We do this to add a smile to children who are less advantaged. The A & J Initiative targets orphanages and hospitals where we play and have quality time with the children.

Mummy Tales: What led to the formation of A & J Initiative?

Maryanne: A & J’s journey began last year during my second pregnancy. I was carrying twins, and my pregnancy was classified as “high risk”. This pregnancy was a difficult one right from the very beginning, as I had so many issues ranging from bleeding, cramps, an open cervix… actually at some point the doctors told me that most likely I would miscarry. This was not good.

However, one of the doctors advised that we could do a McDonald (cervical) stitch, which he thought would help my womb hold the weight of the babies. I decided to take his advice and did the procedure and miraculously, I carried the babies till 6 months and gave birth naturally to 1kg preterm babies –my son Avie and daughter Jamie Mwanyota. It is from this experience that I made a pact with God that I would do something to benefit other children because he had helped my children. Thus the A & J Initiative.

Mummy Tales: What activities have you undertaken so far?

Maryanne: We have visited 2 children homes – Compassionate Hands for the Disabled Foundation in Ruai, and Light School and Orphanage in Rongai. We have also visited the Kenyatta National Hospital Children’s Cancer ward. In all these places, we have donated food, clothes and money.

Our greatest contribution to these lovely children though is spending time with them. We aim to provide a great experience and provide a feeling of belonging for them.

We have also adopted 1 children home called ‘Compassionate Hands Children’s Home’ in Ruai. We intend to be visiting them every Christmas and spend time with the children.

Mummy Tales: You are a mother of three. How was your life before the babies came?

Maryanne: Avie and Jamie are my 2nd and 3rd borns (35 minutes apart). I have a daughter who is 3 years old, and her name is Samree Mwanyota. My life before the babies was full of myself. Babies refocus ones attention and priorities. I am more empathetic and responsible now because I believe children look up to their parents for direction in life.

Mummy Tales: What is the one thing you love most about being a mom?

Maryanne: I love the fact that my children love me unconditionally. Motherhood has been challenging BUT very fulfilling. Women are very strong and can almost overcome everything. Being a mum makes you more grounded and focussed in life because you know your children depend on you.

I would never trade motherhood for anything. It gives me pride and joy that I am a mum.

Mummy Tales: Were you ever involved in any philanthropic work or any personal initiatives before they came?

Maryanne: Yes, I have always loved to give back to the community in my personal small ways. I have always visited children homes with my family, run marathons for a good cause and I am also involved in mentoring young girls. I guess I learnt all this from my mum because she is a community social worker and is heavily involved in the community.

So for me, it was never a matter of if I would ever start a personal initiative, but when.

Mummy Tales: What is the one lesson you have learnt that stands out since you started the A & J Initiative?

Maryanne: I have learnt that there are good people out there. There are many people who are wiilling to help, but they don’t know how to. A & J Initiative therefore provides the facilitation for them to make a contribution to society. I have also learnt that it starts with ME. For us to make a mark then we have to do it ourselves and not expect someone else to make the first step. It all starts with you.

Mummy Tales: If people want to get involved in A & J Initiative’s activities, how can they do so?

Maryanne: I can be reached through our Facebook page called A & J initiative. I am open to suggestions on homes to visit and other ways we can help children. I also use the Facebook page to rally volunteers whenever we have activities.

I can also be reached on 0721 806 134 and via the email address AJ_initiative@yahoo.com

Mummy Tales: One last thing before you go -being a mom to a premature baby can be tough. Avie and Jamie were born at six months only. What words of encouragement would you give to a new mom with a pre-term baby?

Maryanne: My twin babies were due on 20th July 2013, but they came early on 29th April 2013. I must say that there is a lot of financial and emotional stress that comes from having a preterm child. A good support network from family and friends is necessary for coping. Also patience with the baby because they will not always be meeting milestones like the full term ones. Most importantly, accepting help in caring for the baby is key, the babies are usually stronger than you would think. Taking time to relax also ensures you care for your baby well.

Mummy Tales: Thank you Maryanne for sharing your story and for the good work you do. God bless you as you continue to pay it forward.

Ever Since Kitty Started School, Things Have Never Been the Same Again

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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10

I don’t even know where to start. But I’ll go straight to the point. Running nose, colds, coughs, handkerchiefs, mucus, fever, vomiting and throat infection!!

That’s just how it’s been around our house. It all began a few days after Kitty joined pre-school, where I noticed his running nose. But it was just a running nose, no cough, no fever no nothing. So I invested in more handkerchiefs for him. Besides, I had been told over and over again by more experienced moms that once the kids start preschool, running noses are the order of the day. I was prepared, I even had oranges to boot.

Then the cough came about a week later. No fever yet, so I continued giving him lots of fruit and many more oranges.

A few days later, the fever came. Fever usually signals infection, so off we went to the doctor who said he had a slight throat infection. He was given the usual drugs – antibiotics for seven days.

Meanwhile, his baby brother Ello developed a fever, cough and running nose too. He was also put on antibiotics.

Then everything went back to near normal, save for Kitty’s still slightly running nose.

Then about a week later, the cough resumed. A bad cough this time. Together with a slight fever, so once again off we went to the doc’s. By the way the cough was so bad that I had to keep him home that day. The day he missed school was a very sad day for him. He kept telling me that he was missing his friends and that could I please take him to school? woiye.

Haya, after a week of drugs, he was fine, but the cough was still kind of not gone. I wasn’t going to get him another dose of antibiotics, so I decided to do the ginger, garlic, lemon and honey thing. For the next few days, his cough significantly reduced.

Meanwhile, his baby brother once again, caught the cough. Ello is like a sponge. Anything Kitty comes home with, he absorbs it pap! :(

I continued with the garlic ginger thing for about five days, until one day, after picking him from school, he playing with his brother, he eating supper, drinking his milk and preparing to turn in to bed, he suddenly burst out into tears and wails. I went into panic mode. I couldn’t figure out what was wrong with him because he wasn’t talking, he was just crying. Gosh!

Then amid the tears and screams, he vomited. Alot! This was around 8pm. I was confused. The boy was fine one moment, jumping, hollering all over and playing with his brother. Now he was vomiting and crying uncontrollably. Yaye!

I comforted him and he calmed down, holding him in my arms. Next thing I know, I feel some strong wave of heat on me. Boy was boiling hot! Where the fever had come from, I don’t know. I don’t like it when a child has fever. I don’t like it at all because I get really worried. So I gave him fever reliever and it went down. A few minutes later, he was back to playing and running around.

Next day sisi haoooo quickly quickly to a paediatrician. I wanted a specialist this time. I just needed to see a paed to tell me what was wrong with my boy/s.

The paediatrician said Kitty had a really bad case of throat infection. By that time, Kitty had lost appetite, was vomiting randomly and just didn’t have the energy to do anything. I think he’d even lost some weight. The paed advised us to keep him home for the rest of the week.

So he stayed home all of last week.

Meanwhile, everyone else in the house –aunty, myself, and Baba Kitty we all caught the cold too. Some of us are still battling with it till now :( .

Let me tell you friends, yes I had been warned about the colds, but aaiihh! Everybody tells me that those colds and flus are good for building his immunity, but jowa! They really do take a toll on everyone around!

Anyone else going through the same?

Why Newborn Health Matters to Me

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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4

I’ve just come across a report by Save the Children about newborn health, and I will make it the subject of my post today.

When I was pregnant with my first son, I enjoyed every moment, longing for the day I would hold my new baby in my arms, the day I would be a mom. Those nine months were filled with nothing but pure joy and anticipation. It was a smooth pregnancy, and I never missed any of my antenatal appointments. I went on to have a successful Caesarean Section.

When my son was slightly over a year old, I embarked on the pregnancy journey again, and successfully carried to term my second son. Once again, I delivered via caesarean section. Both my ANC visits and births, as well as post-natal care were at a private hospital in Nairobi.

I am one of the lucky ones in my country; I can afford the luxury of paying for my own private healthcare. Not many women in Kenya are as lucky.

Back to the report by Save the Children titled: Ending Newborn Deaths; Ensuring Every Newborn Survives that I came across, 1 million babies did not survive their first –and only day of life in 2012. In the same year, 2.9 million babies died within 28 days of being born. Most of these deaths were in Africa, and ofcourse Kenya contributed its share. The statistics don’t get any better. Apparently, 6.6 million children died before their fifth birthday in 2012.

To give you a more local picture, one in every 13 children in Kenya dies before their fifth birthday. Imagine that. Sadly, most of these deaths are from preventable causes. In 2009, there were 34,000 still births in Kenya.  That’s quite a huge number, isn’t it?

Many newborn deaths are as a result of severe infection/sepsis, pre-term births, stress from prolonged labor and congenital abnormalities. Most of these deaths are avoidable, especially if health experts are present to help the mother deliver and tend to the newborn.

And by the way Kenya will not meet MDG4, that of reducing under 5 mortality by two-thirds by 2015. We’ve made progress yes, but we certainly will not achieve MDG4

If you are reading this, you most likely have access to a private hospital –you can access it if you so wish. But you are the minority, as a huge population of Kenyans –largely that which lives in the rural areas or those in urban slums don’t have that choice. For many women in rural areas, the mere ability to even access a public hospital is a privilege. When you consider their poverty levels, how economically disadvantaged they are, their low literacy levels, their ignorance, their lack of access to information about family planning, the patriarchal society they live in, the traditional myths and superstitions that only prevent them from access to proper health care…the list is endless…Combine this with poor infrastructure in the country, lack of adequate and equipped health facilities, unmotivated and understaffed hospitals, striking health workers, politics about (health) devolution -and it does not look good.

It pains my heart to see a pregnant woman walk into a health facility and leave without her baby. It greatly saddens me. Especially when I learn that the death could have been avoided. I mourn for the baby that never made it out of the hospital, or even the one that never made it to the hospital in the first place. I cry for the baby who got an infection when she was being delivered at home, or in a facility that was not adequately equipped. I cry for the mother who lost her baby in a case of negligence at a health facility. I read of this cases all the time -in the newspapers and on television. As a journalist, I sometimes publish these stories.

And that is why newborn health matters to me. Since I became a mom myself, it has become an issue even more close to my heart than it was before.

Newborn deaths can and should be avoided. We can all make a difference to ensure this happens, in our own way. Writing about issues to do with maternal health and newborn health is one way that I can make a difference, so I will be writing more about those issues here. I hope you too can make a difference in your own way.

Have a lovely weekend.

Sylvia Karega of SAS Impressions: “No Season in Life is Permanent”

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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4

Sylvia Karega has had quite the experiences -both in her business SAS Impressions, as well as in her motherhood journey. She started a children’s salon but had to close it just six months later. She also knows the pain of losing a child -that which only a mother can understand. I spoke to her and she talks about her life as a businesswoman and as a mom.

MT: Tell us about your business

SK: We are called SAS Impressions and are located at 5th Avenue Office Suites, off Ngong rd, 4th Floor Suite 18. We stock  children’s furniture such as baby cots, car beds, transition beds, 4*6 beds, bunk beds, study tables, wardrobes, chest of drawers and desks and chairs for toddlers.

We also stock children’s clothing from new born to teens, baby shower gifts like diaper bags, baby carriers, gift sets, beddings and much more.

In November 2013, we celebrated our third year in business.

MT: Is this something you do on a full-time basis?

SK: Yes

MT: Why did you choose self-employment over employment? Was it a hard decision to make?

SK: I chose self-employment after getting our firstborn child. I tried going back to work for a month but after much agonizing, I decided to quit. We wanted to be actively involved in her upbringing. At the time, yes it was a very hard decision to make due to the financial implications but three years later, I must say that it has been worth every minute this far.

MT: Why did you choose this line of business?

SK: I have always been passionate about children, and making them happy and comfortable is very fulfilling to me. I also noted that the market at the time concentrated more on adult furniture and children’s furniture was not such a priority to the players back then, so I thought I could fill this gap.

MT: How has your journey into entrepreneurship been? Was this the first business you started?

SK: It has been an interesting journey. I look back and laugh because it has been very hard, dramatic but thank God with time you learn. No this was not my first business; I had started a kids salon but which flopped 6 months after. Experience is the best teacher.

MT: What are the challenges you face and how do you overcome them?

SK: Being self employed means you need to multitask/Jack of all trades. Initially I was the sales and marketing lady, and yet still I was the accountant, procurement manager and delivery person. It could get overwhelming. We managed to get an assistant at the shop and also engaged a professional accountant to assist with the accounts.

Initially we stocked kid’s furniture only but realized soon after that furniture is not as fast moving and could not meet the monthly overheads. We therefore had to diversify to other children’s accessories like clothes and baby items to complement what we already had in stock to ensure there is a regular inflow of income.

SK: When working for yourself, you are very much aware that what you put in determines what the business output will be. Striking a balance between a young family and business was tough at the start. At times the business was not doing too well and I had to go without a salary or earn very little and that kept me wondering whether it was worth it, knowing that I have a few degrees.

MT: What about the best part?

SK: The best part for working for myself, is that I have the privilege to carry our daughter to work whenever possible. During midterms or school holidays, I tag her along and we are able to bond as I pass some business principles to her in my own small ways (she is a great marketer by the way).

It has given me that flexibility to be a full-time mum and a businesswoman. I could never trade that experience. I have also been able to interact with our clients on a one on one basis and given me the opportunity to make friends.

MT: What advice can you give to a woman thinking of starting her own business?

SK: Its great to start your own business when you are passionate about the business you want to do. Do not start a business because you want to be your own boss. When I started business, I got to appreciate my former boss because as an entrepreneur, everything about the business i.e. salaries, bills, customer service, squarely fall on your lap. So think carefully why you want to start that business. Remember Rome was never built in a day.

My mother says ask yourself “WHY” five times. Dig a little deeper as to what is driving you to start. Is it stress at your current job, or are you a new mum and having separation anxiety? Are you willing to go the long haul? Are you ready to go without an income or ready to put in long hours? Is it the right time to start or do you need a little more experience from someone already in that field? Once you have answers, then go for it.

MT: Tell us about your motherhood journey

SK: I knew this question was coming. Motherhood has been the greatest journey in my life and I could never trade it for anything in the world. I am a mum of three.

Our first born Samara is 4 years old, the second born Jaden was born on 13 November 2012 and passed on 1 month later after undergoing a successful heart surgery to correct the narrowing of the aorta.

I am currently pregnant with our third born due God willing on 23 May 2014.

MT: What advice/encouragement would you give to a mom who has had a similar experience to yours?

SK: I have truly come to believe that children are a gift from God. Jaden was born healthy and never in my wildest dreams did I think we would not have him with us 1 month after. It was a painful journey I must admit. We had all fallen in love with him.

Samara was the proudest big sister ever. Her title in school changed to “big sister” and we thought our family was now complete with two healthy babies. But have you ever heard that God gives and takes?

What kept me sane? I hang on to God. I got born again while in secondary school and that faith I had practiced was put to test when I watched them try to resuscitate Jaden before our very own eyes.

My advice to any mom out there is to lean on God, lean on your family and friends if they are supportive and attend counselling if necessary. I also joined a facebook support group (which I later quit when I felt it had served its purpose) and joined a physical support group for a short while.

It gets hard to keep hearing other people’s sad stories of loss over and over again and I did not feel my heart was strong enough to handle other people’s sad experiences and so I quit.

Mum, please know yourself especially during the grieving period. Do not push yourself to go for baby showers or to hold other babies or to do things that make you uncomfortable. Be fair on yourself and walk the journey with total honesty to yourself and allow the people around you to know what makes you uncomfortable or comfortable. It’s okay to turn down offers for a while until you feel ready.

My greatest challenge was returning to work. My mother (bless her), encouraged me to get out of the house and go back to work in January 2013.

I was scared to return to work because my clients and those who knew I was pregnant would ask where the baby was like we all do. She said talking about it, or even crying about it would bring the healing.

So I encouraged myself and came to work and I cried over and over again. At times I couldn’t get myself to explain that Jaden was not there and I tagged along with the conversation, sometimes I summoned the guts to say the truth. Eventually the questions stopped and slowly moved on with life.

This may sound harsh, but no season in life is permanent. Back then the pain was too painful, I cried everyday, I wanted my baby back but with time my heart is better. Not fully healed, I don’t think it shall but that pain and dark cloud pass with time so hang in there my friend.

MT: You are currently expecting. How is the pregnancy so far? Any cravings?

SK: Yes, a true miracle indeed. I never thought I would be a mother of 3 but our plans and God’s plans are always different. I am excited about being pregnant, we all are. Samara kisses the baby bump often and can’t wait to be a big sister again.

We are 27 weeks and this far the pregnancy has been enjoyable (did I say enjoyable?) yes it has and hence why I say it is a miracle. Losing a child that you have carried to term and bonded with is not easy hence getting pregnant again after loss takes God, faith and courage hence why I say it is a miracle.

Cravings  in all three pregnancies always has been beef samosas and with Samara and this one I crave for Hawaiian Pizza once in a while.

MT: Thank you Sylvia for sharing your story with us.

Related Story:

Liz Muturi: Of my Miscarriage and Loss of my Daughter to a Rare Disease, and Never Giving up on Motherhood

The House girl Called Jastorina on Citizen TV vs Mama Keffo

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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2

Riurii, there is something that I see every Saturday that makes me wonder.

See, many times I happen to watch the programme Jastorina, which is a local drama that airs on Citizen TV on late Saturday afternoons, at about 5.45 pm during Supa Sato. Jastorina basically highlights the working life of a housegirl in a middle income home in the city. The housegirl is called Jastorina and she grew up in the village, so it is interesting to see how she adapts to life in the big city. This lady (Nancy Nyambura) is a very good actress by the way, I’ve been following her from the days she was in Mashtaka – the digital version of Vioja Mahakamani. Jastorina/Naomi Kilewa always makes me happy.

Buuuuuuuut now there is this other lady who makes my heart shudder. Her name is Mama Kevo (Keffo). Friends, let me tell you – Mama Keffo is not a good woman. At all. Yaani she makes me watch that show with a very heavy heart. That woman is what you call the evil employer!

I like tuning in to Jastorina just so that I can see what Mama Keffo will do to Jastornia this time round. Even though I know its just acting, that Mama Keffo (Gloria Moraa) makes it look so real, she should win a grammy. I can’t exactly describe to you the character that she is – you just need to watch the show yourself for you to understand what I’m talking about.

About the relationship between Jastorina and Mama Keffo, the interesting thing I’ve heard though is that if you treat housegirls badly, they stay on longer. Treat them humanely and they won’t last. I don’t know if that’s true, but what I know is that if the show is any reflection of what goes on in real life, then it may just hold water because even though Jastorina is treated so BADLY by Mama Keffo, I don’t see her going anywhere ng’o! Infact every other day, she works harder as she strives to please Mama Keffo.

Have you ever watched the show? What do you think of Mama Keffo? Do such employers exist or is it just za ovyo?

Things Not to Say to a Woman Who Has Just Lost a Baby

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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8

Fellow blogger Wanjiru Kihusa of A Better You was bold enough to share her experience about losing her pregnancy at 20 weeks earlier this year. Her baby was due in March 2014. Today, Wanjiru is still coping with the grief of losing her first child Leila.

Since she lost her baby, Wanjiru continues to receive words of comfort and encouragement from many people. However, there are those who have said very insensitive things to her. Though well-meaning and said quite innocently, some ‘words of comfort’ have cut like a sharp razor.

From the experience of losing her baby, Wanjiru joined a support group where she continues to interact with other women who have similarly lost babies, and she has put together some statements that were said to them that were really inappropriate, and should never ever be told to someone who has just lost a baby.

One lady got told: “Your womb has so many eggs –you will give birth until you get tired.”

Another was told: “That baby was not yours, you will get another one.”

One woman lost two pregnancies in a span of one year, and the second time people were quick to ask her why she was rushing to have another baby, kwani kuna compe? (Is it a competition?).

Another lady was told that “God takes away babies with imperfections early enough, so you should actually be grateful.”

Her piece is very informative and I have learnt quite a lot from it, that we should learn to be more sensitive about the utterances that come from our lips. I hope it will do the same for you.

You can read Wanjiru’s complete post on this issue here.

Have a blessed week.

Here’s My Experiences Of the Baby Banda Pregnancy Fair’s I’ve Attended

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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0

The Baby Banda pregnancy and baby fair is back. This fair was supposed to happen in October last year, but was postponed due to the very unfortunate terrorist attack at Westgate mall.

It will now happen on Friday 31 January – Sunday 2 February 2014 at the Sarit Centre. Usually, the fair provides for interesting activities which both you and baby (and daddy I guess) can engage in, such as the maternity beauty pageant, the diaperthon, the face of the fair competition, as well as informative and educative forums facilitated by gynecologists, pediatricians, nutritionists, dermatologists, counselors and all those other nice experts who help us in this our motherhood journey.

I have attended two past Baby Banda events, in 2011 and 2012. The 2011 one was good, I liked it, and I wrote about it in this post. I found the 2012 one to be abit… eeeee….I donno…. not as exciting as the previous one. The day I went (on a Saturday) was so crowded and stuffy and there was hardly any space to move or breathe.

In both fairs, there was a handful of exhibitors in the service industry (banks, hospitals, insurance etc) and there were plenty of those offering products (clothes, shoes, toys etc). For me, one of the main reasons for going to the fair is to buy stuff -for my boys. Like many stuff in one place. Instead of buying products from different shops, traversing through traffic jams in the scorching heat, or fearing to buy stuff online because of the disappointment being delivered for stuff that looks NOTHING like what was in the photos :( , the baby banda fair facilitates this by hosting different sellers in one space. You even get to buy stuff you didn’t know about, stuff you need, stuff you don’t really need but really looks cute anyway (grrrr to impulse buying).

Now, I certainly don’t mind the service providers, but for me they’re not stands that I stop at, because most of their products require deep thinking before I can buy them, and when I go the the baby banda fair, I really dont want to think because usually I’ve been thinking from Monday – Friday and I don’t like thinking much over the weekend. I just like being easy on weekends. And besides, they are not decisions I make on my own as I have to consult with Baba Kitty. So if the marketer or sales person gives me a pamphlet, I take it, put it in my handbag, then read it maybe a month later -that is if I remember where I kept it.

However, having service providers there is ok because I can imagine there are other moms who go there specifically to get that kind of information. I’m just not one of them.

So back to my baby banda 2012 experience. Seeing how stuffy that place was on that Saturday, I didn’t stay there more than 30 minutes. It could be because it’s the time I was in my first trimester -pregnant with my second son Ello, so I had little tolerance for anything that didn’t please me. However, I’d been accompanied by my friend Rose who wasn’t pregnant, and lets just say she was sweating more than I was, and wanted to get out of there faster than I wanted to. Two other friends of mine who went also told me they didn’t stay for long either because of the congestion and stuffiness. I’d planned to attend the maternity beauty pageant the following day (Sunday) but from my experience that Saturday, I gave the rest of the event a wide berth.

And by the way I also like the fair because I get to bump into old friends, some of whom I haven’t seen in ages, some of them now glowing in pregnancy, others new moms, others veteran moms –and we get to play catch-up. :)All in all, I’d definitely encourage you to attend the fair, and get your own experience from it.

Have a blessed week ahead.

Carol’s Baby Boy Celebrates His 1st Birthday!

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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0

Remember when I wrote about the baby shower I attended for my friend Carol Salamba sometime last year?

Well, I attended her son Eli’s 1 year birthday party two weekends ago. Yeah, allow me to quote the cliché:  ‘how did time fly so fast’?

Yap, I also couldn’t believe that a year had already gone by, my my my! Soon, Eli will be opening the door for me when I go visiting his mom!

I arrived for the birthday party late because earlier in the day I was attending my chama friend Joan’s baby shower in Kiambu (as you can see baby showers form the bulk of my social outings nowadays). :)But by hook or crook I couldn’t miss Eli’s birthday, no matter what. The birthday started at 1pm and myself, Baba Kitty and Kitty arrived at 8pm.:) Thankfully there was still cake and sumptuous dinner to fill our tummies. Kitty misbehaved a little bit by wrestling all of Eli’s gifts away from him – you know – those lovely looking colorful toy cars and a tricycle which he couldn’t understand belonged to some other kid and not him.

Eli when he was a fresh newborn :)

I was happy to celebrate this lovely day with Carol and her family. It has been a journey for Carol who spoke to me about how she kept the faith and is proud to be a mom today, and I thank God for the blessings that he has bestowed on her.

Mother and son :)

Carol is my very very bosom buddy from childhood days in Buru, and I really treasure her friendship. I am glad that we today, as grown ladies, get to share and exchange notes on the experiences of motherhood as we raise our sons.  Love you girl and a blessed life to Eli. xoxo.

The Bede Update

By
Maryanne W. Waweru
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2

“My greatest fear as a mother, greater than the fear of losing him, is that Bede goes unknown to the world. That the potential lack of length of his life means he just fades away into nothingness….”

Those are not my words, but those of a fellow mom, a mom who has a young son Bede who was born with a rare cancer, a mom who is going through a very trying episode in her life. She is a fellow blogger who began her blog –The Bede Update, after the humbling experience of people reaching out to her and wanting to know what’s going on so they can offer us support and offer Bede their love and prayers.

It was not just her family and friends who inquired after her and her son, but other families from the hospital, complete strangers, hospital staff, people whom they’d never met or even heard of who wanted to know how Bede was fairing on.

Here is the link to her blog. Read her inspirational journey, and continue committing this mom, her son and her family in your prayers.

Have a blessed week ahead and whatever situation you’re in, remember to give thanks -regardless.

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