Expecting Cecil Miller IV

He graced the media headlines  when he was nominated and subsequently rejected by parliament as the chairman of the Interim Independent Electoral Commission of Kenya. Publicity shone, portraying the youthful prominent lawyer in both positive and negative light, with speculation on his private life.

Speculation aside, Cecil Miller is a loving husband to Amina and a doting dad to their two children. He walks in at the interview venue with either of the children tugging his arm excitedly telling stories and still giving attention to the passers-by who occasionally stop to have a word with him. It is clear that he enjoys fatherhood. Amina closely follows behind, smiling contentedly at the scene. She is six months expectant and delighted at her experience so far. As the group sits for the interview, he politely declines to be part of the interview and whilst pointing to his wife, he quickly states, ‘It’s all about her.’ Amina picks the cue and lightens up as she shares her pregnancy story.

Discovery
Being the wife to a public figure does not make any experience she goes through any different. Amina says there is not much drama with her pregnancy since it is not the first time she is expectant. She is a mother of two. So how did she discover that she was expecting their third child? At first it was the missed period, then taking a test kit at home which indeed confirmed that that she had a being in her. ‘I kept the news to myself until two weeks later when I walked into a hospital and the same was confirmed. I was expectant and excited! I called my gynaecologist first with the news then informed my husband.’

Spotting scare
About a month later, as I was coming from the gym, I noticed I was spotting. This has never happened before so naturally, I panicked. I thought I was losing my baby and rushed to the hospital. The doctor did a scan and indicated that the baby’s heartbeat was still present. I was put on medication and booked in for two nights then. I occasionally get pain from the lower abdomen to my back, which the doctor explains is caused by my low lying placenta. So I have to avoid strenuous activities on doctor’s advice, and that includes working out.

Nausea
I at first detested toothpaste to a point where I was unable to brush my teeth, but with time the nausea dissipated and I was able to switch to another brand. Scented lotions and perfumes nauseate me so my husband being considerate wears his cologne just before walking out of the house. I loathe the smell of onions cooking too. So I am off the kitchen now till the baby arrives. I know it will soon go away.

For sure…
I have learnt that each pregnancy is different from the other. This time I have had no cravings so far as compared to other times when I craved for burgers and carrot cake. Then again, this time I have kept off the gym after doctor’s instructions whilst previously I worked out until the last trimester. I am not shy to show off my pregnancy; it is a natural thing. And my liberal husband allows me to go on about what makes me happy.

Most supportive
Of course the closest and strongest shoulder that has always been there for me to lean on is my husband’s. Even when he does not know how to solve a problem, his constant reassurance that everything will be all right is enough. For instance when I panicked due to spotting, he assured me that everything would be alright, even as I rushed to the hospital. He also massages my back to ease the aches and pains which normally happen at night.

My two other children in their own great ways express support for the forthcoming baby. They cannot wait for their small brother or sister (we have not established the sex yet) to arrive so that they can look after him or her. Their anticipation and support is encouraging.

Handling the limelight
I am glad I am not the public figure. Seeing him in the papers is a common occurrence. When there is a window of silence I tend to dismiss the news written about him. When I get in the picture, which is infrequent, I try not to let the person that I am get affected because I know publicity has both negative and positive effects.

END: PG 26 /20-21