Nyatichi Sitati’s baby 2… how it happened!
This is a legacy edition story. True stories of past pregnancies in yester days (or years), as published in Pregnant Magazine.
The simple answer, said Tichi, is “no, it was not planned!”
Mother nature has a way of doing things and God’s plans are not our own. Joe and I always knew we wanted a second baby but we had not decided when. So when it was confirmed, it was news worth receiving.
My first born, a boy, was just nine months; he will be eighteen months old when I deliver my second child this July. My due date is July 21.
At first it seemed unusual that I was overwhelmed by warm weather on so many occasions. But after the pregnancy confirmation all the weirdness I was feeling made sense.
The first trimester
The first trimester was a bit of a trial. Pains in my head and eyes, extreme laziness and a sudden craving for bitter lemon soda were the characteristics of it!
My biggest concern on learning I was pregnant again was how I would deal with a toddler and a new born at the same time. However, I got comfort from the fact that others had done it before me and were successfully raising two or more children!
Some friends have told me that though it looks tough at the moment, Joe and I will soon discover just how convenient it is to bear babies with a gap of no more than two years. It is now upon us to face the challenge.
Being slightly over a year old, my son cannot quite grasp the concept that there will be a new arrival in a few weeks time. What I know for a fact is that he has noticed I am not as agile as I used to be when it comes to keeping up with his pace. So he has made it a habit to run around the sitting room at meal times to escape from me because he knows mummy appears ‘incapacitated’ (for lack of a better word).
Another thing I have noticed and for which I am ever so grateful is that he looooves babies. He coos and smiles at totos, even those on television. What I am praying for is that the cooing and love he has for other babies will not come to an end when his own sibling arrives!’
My worst!
My most uncomfortable times during this pregnancy, can be summarized in one word: heartburn, heartburn, and more heartburn!
If there is anything I dread just before my bedtime, it is the nagging thought at the back of my mind that I will suffer heartburn at some point in the night.
I am now 34 weeks and I don’t know about other expectant mothers at this stage but I am haunted nightly by food wanting to push its way up from my tummy through my nose! I’ve had to discipline myself to eat my dinner early.
The rapid weight gain in pregnancy does not do much for your ego! You feel uncomfortably heavy and quickly realist that you are no longer the lithe size 10 you used to be. That really takes some getting used to, because looking at my reflection in the mirror makes me wonder who the stranger looking back at me is!
Another aspect most expectant mothers will say ‘amen’ to is the drama surrounding the first trimester. Let’s just say I was almost unbearable to live with. Terrible mood swings and overwhelming feelings of lethargy were the order of the day during that period.
I had a serious craving for Patco sweets during my first pregnancy (my hubby had to know all the ‘kayos’ that sold Patcos). This time around, there has to be a constant supply of Coke in the fridge. I love (crave for) bone-soup, southern fried chicken, cookies, cornflakes and boiled eggs (sheeesh). Let’s not forget that ice cream or chocolate!
My journey’s best moments…
Ultrasound qualifies as one of the most cherished moments in an expectant mother’s life. Hearing the sound of that heartbeat and seeing my baby stretch his arms or toss and turn in the womb is like no other feeling I can describe.
Another glorious moment is the glow of my skin! It tends to look ten times better and people notice it immediately. You want to stay pregnant forever.
Let’s not forget the attention you get from family and friends. They treat you like royalty and because it does not hurt to suck up all this attention, you indulge to the fullest.
It’s also wonderful during this period to feel your baby kick! Mine tends to respond to me whenever I rub my tummy. It always takes my breath away. I love the fact that they have their own God-given, special way of telling you that they know you and they already love you unconditionally!
My husband Joe spoils me rotten at every opportunity he gets. He makes sure I never ran out of ice cream or chocolate.
I cannot appreciate enough the wonderful support I have received from my mum Peace Ruzage, who is only a phone call away even though she works and lives in Rwanda. I think mothers have a secret book of advice they whip out when necessary, because her wise words have been so invaluable. She has been a reliable anchor throughout this period.
My parents-in-law John and Cecilia Sitati are the very best bone-soup chefs around! I had a serious craving for bone-soup and they were the only ones who knew how to ‘brew’ it expertly. Not forgetting the number of times I have been to their house savoring delicious soul food which a lot of pregnant women appreciate from time to time.
Thank you Papa and Mum!
END: PG 2/25-27