Ebinsanyusa

Today I’m really thankful for the gift of breast-feeding. It amazes me how God created this seemingly simple thing to be able to nourish a child both nutritionally and emotionally. What amazes me even more is how much it does for the mother. Mwagala is 14 months now and is still nursing. Today it hit me how it has helped us bond. As she was nursing this morning I looked down at her and she looked up at me – straight into my eyes and then she smiled. What followed were gestures of love that we have developed through the months that are just for us – a playful hi-five, a kiss on the forehead, she places her hand on my cheek and I tickle her a little. Throughout the time she was feeding I didn’t say a word and she didn’t make a sound but the love between us was almost tangible. My heart soared. I looked at my little girl and understood why God gave us this precious gift. It’s a chance for me to let my child know that I love her and that she is cherished. And it’s a chance for her to let me know that she appreciates me – even though she may not be able to say it clearly yet. Actions do speak louder than words.

Mwagala, this bond between us is strong and getting stronger. I love you my little princess – forever and a day J

Happy Birthday to me!

It’s my birthday today. This morning I woke up and remembered what birthdays were like when I was little. I’d wake up on the morning of my birthday and go to my parents’ room. They’d sing happy birthday and then hand me a gift. I always knew what the gift would be – a Psalty’s Kids Praise Album cassette tape. It was always exciting to see which album I would get. Then I’d wash, get ready for school and listen to the album while I had breakfast. We’d have a party or something later on in the week and I’d get more gifts but I remember the cassette tape the most. It made me thank God for parents who took time to celebrate my birthday while at the same time teaching me to enjoy singing praises to God. Those songs are etched in my memory and I find myself singing them to Mwagala as if I just learnt them yesterday. I thank God for the foundation that gave me. I would not be where I am today if it was not for small things like those.

This year I’m thankful for memories like those and for the chance to make new ones with my family. Happy birthday to me! J

Disciplining Mwagala

Mwagala is starting to develop a will of her own. And seeing as her parents are quite strong willed she really sticks to her guns. So the disciplining has begun.

It's been interesting to see how much she actually understands when you tell her not to do something. I usually watch to see what she is going to to do and if it is not agreeable then I say a firm 'No'. At first she used to pause and try to touch it again and I would repeat the 'No'. These days when she gets to something that I usually do not allow her to touch or play with she looks at me and then says something in her language like she is asking for permission. When I say no she walks away from it and onto something that she can play with.

Not every thing is that easy though. Several times she tests me to see what I'll do if she disobeys. The secret is being consistent. I've learned that she is testing her boundaries and that she is actually able to understand that I'm serious about it if I am consistent with my response. Most times I warn her twice and then give her a small smack on her hand. Once she has been warned and is then smacked she doesn't even cry. She just moves on to the next thing. I must say it has made my life a bit easier because she knows the boundaries now and does not run off to destroy anything. It also helps when we go visiting because she doesn't ruin anyone's property but is still able to play.

It's been quite a journey and many times I'm told not to smack her but I think that she needs to know what is acceptable and what is not. I'm laying a foundation here and I'm not going to compromise.
So far, so good :)

Moving...

(Source)

We're moving house! Finally! We've been looking for a new house for a while now and I was really beginning to get anxious. We live in an apartment at the moment and Mwagala didn't have enough room to play plus she wasn't getting much outdoor time. So we really needed a place where we'd be comfortable to let her play outside.

All the houses we saw were either too expensive, too small, too far away or something just didn't sit right with is. Then we found 'the one'. Surprisingly it doesn't have some of the things we were looking for but once I walked in it just felt like home. I'm excited! Plus, I get to grow some spices! Yay!

The problem is we're moving in on the 1st of May. That gives me about two weeks to pack. Yikes! I'm no good at packing. And with Mwagala trying to unpack everything I pack it's no walk in the park :(

I hope to be able to blog during this packing period but I can't make any promises...

12 Month update

I apologise for being quiet for a while. Mwagala has been ill. She is doing better now and true to her playful spirit she started walking while she was sick! We were so excited. It’s been a long time coming and for a while I was not sure if I was looking forward to it or dreading it. It’s actually exciting to see her become more independent. She looks so happy to be on her feet. 

Weight: 10.8kgs

Clothing size: 12 – 18 months

Milestones:

• Two more teeth J That brings us to a grand total of six teeth!
• She knows how to ask to nurse. It’s so funny. She does it so matter-of-factly. Hahaha!
• She tries to communicate what she wants using words, which of course I don’t understand so sometimes, I’m not sure what she is asking for and she gets a bit frustrated. But we’re working on it. At least I was prepared for this phase so I try to make sure that she has what she wants before she has to ask for it.

Likes

Waving bye

Walking around the house

Her teddy bears

Water to drink

Dislikes

Peas

Beans

Porridge

Getting her out of her bath water

Food:  Some days she eats very well. Other days she struggles. She is quite picky. If she doesn’t like what she smells she will not open her mouth. So I’m learning to play around with food. Sometimes she appreciates my efforts. Most times however, not so much L