She is a beautiful girl – despite the pain

She was born at 11.35 pm on December 31, 2009. The labour was harrowing. The contractions were rather close together and hurt a lot. The result was a beautiful girl. I am grateful to the Almighty for giving me the extra strength to bring her forth. We named her Nduu, after my husband’s late maternal grandmother.

New home
She was welcomed by many relatives and friends who brought her gifts and gifts. Though it was not easy for her to adjust to her new environment. It actually took her a week to settle down. She had colic, which gave us sleepless nights and very full days. She would sleep for hours during the day, when I had other issues to attend to, and stay awake all night. That left me very tired and weak. On the bright side, my dear husband was always by my side, in full support.

Hurdles…
It is exciting to see Nduu smile, roll, dance, and grow from one stage to another. But someone has to be with her around the clock-now that she picks up anything that she sees and puts it in her mouth. Leaving her with the house-help is neither easy. For some reason, I have too many ‘what ifs’ when I am away from her. I am making progress though.

Bonds
Nduu is our third child. She has a brother, Lionel Masbayi, who is 11 years old and sister, Ruby Muyoti, who is now 8. They adore her. Nduu has charmed her dad. Lionel, Ruby and himself never seem to get enough of singing to her. They rub her back, help her ride her stroller, push her in a swing, and all. It’s no wonder she now cries less and laughs more – this healthy playful little girl.

Lesson
I have so far learnt that spending a good amount of time with the baby is important. 50 I hold, touch, rock, cuddle, breastfeed and immediately respond to her cries. I am aware that no one spoils the baby by attending to her cries.

Nduu: Born to Naomi Defence Muyoti and Eugene Masbayi Muyoti

END:  BL 38 / 36