He does most of the cooking

I remember craving nyama choma that day. So my family and I rumbled out of town for a treat. The first bite of a juicy rib made me so nauseated that I suspected something in my body had altered. I went for a pregnancy test the following week, and my suspicion confirmed. I was three weeks pregnant! Margaret Maitha told Pregnant more.

Since then
I have become more sociable and understanding. My tummy became so big that by my third and fourth month I was convinced I was having twins. A scan revealed otherwise-one big baby!

I have no cravings at all. However, I can’t stand the smell of lotions, perfumes, roll-ons and air fresheners. They make my stomach heave-right from the first trimester. That leaves me with non-perfumed Vaseline even as I am six months gone.

The first trimester was quite trying. What with the nausea, heart burns and throwing-up spells both mornings and evenings. I still have the occasional nausea and vomiting but with less magnitude, thankfully.

I have learnt that every pregnancy is different. This one has been more difficult. I’m guessing it’s because I am older now. I can’t help but listen to the baby’s movements every now and then to ascertain that everything is alright. When he does not move, panic takes over.

I miss
Shooting out of the bed like an arrow, eager to get to work. Now I dread weekday mornings. Many times I feel my bed beckoning-even after breakfast. I also dislike the many trips to the bathroom and excess saliva that I have to contend with. I miss wearing high-heels and combing my hair; now that I can no longer sit in the salon to be pampered every other week.

Treasure times
The company of my supportive and understanding partner. He does most of the cooking now that the smell of cooking garlic, onions and cabbage, and I can’t be in the same room. When I broke the news to Kimberly, my six- year-old daughter, she could not stop talking about all the things that she would do for the new baby. She has always wanted a sister. Kevin, my 14-year-old boy, was over the moon because he wants a brother. He is hoping it’s a boy.

Friends and colleagues at work have also been very kind. They treat me like royalty. Then the other moment I treasure is when the baby moves and kicks. The feeling is indescribable.

Arrival plans
I have great plans. One thing that is sure is that I would like to breastfeed for nothing less than two years. In the meantime, I can hardly wait for him/her to show up. But I am taking it a day at a time.

Baby names
For a girl we have chosen Aretha, which means excellence in Greek. For a boy it will be Alwyn, meaning noble friend in German.

END: PG 31 /20-21