The White Wall

My children have both learned to have a new found love of coloring and they both do it so well for their ages. They stay in the lines and play with colors, I love to see it.

When I was away for one my work assignments, because of my anxieties I decided to buy an adult coloring book (they are fun but lost importantly relaxing) they really do calm me down at times I feel away and alone from my family and it’s also an accomplishment seeing your fully finished work. I have the most intricate book.

Anyways, when I got back home, my children saw it and of course they wanted it all to themselves. First I was hesitant, because I just wanted the book for myself and my other assignments in the future but then I figured “nah” let them have it and enjoy the ocean patterns and animals, I can always get a new one later.

They really do love that book, as detailed as it is, they figured a way to color it in their own way without getting caught up in the small spaces. They’ll run to me when they have done one page each “mommy, look” I’m amazed. I love it & thinking to myself 💭 these children of mine are smart because I could spend hours on one section and look at them! Done in twenty minutes lol

Their masterpiece.
Mr. Puffin

The White Wall. . . What exactly am I talking about – well, we all have a white painted wall somewhere in the house/apt right! Did you ever think of how children look at a white wall? It’s a big piece of white paper! & what do children do on paper, they draw and color on it.

My daughter has marked her territory on these walls. I have cleaned it up time and time again, but her mind goes back to the drawing board. I tell her “please don’t write or draw on anything,” she’ll agree until I see the next mark where it’s big suppose to be 😩 my son doesn’t get a pass either! I’ve seen his work too.

I’ve decided to leave this matter alone not because I’m giving in but because of the creative perspective! My only rule is that ONLY in their room. What if he/she is going to be the next biggest painter, or a architect the world has ever seen.

Now c’mon I’m not silly… I will NOT tell them, only in their room is where they can get creative (never, lol that’s a set up) but, it means for me, I won’t get as upset as I used to because I’m looking at it all in a different perspective. . .

Am I wrong?

What are your thoughts about this, do you let your own children be creatively free or is there a limit?

After all, walls can always be painted again. I’m not bothered right now and I’ve cleaned up worse mess than you can imagine.

I’m not say it a free for all draw on the walls either, but I need to save my voice box parents, it’s already raspy enough 😅

In less than 24 hrs

The family is back in America! The kids are back from Ghana after one year. There were so many tears leaving to the airport from their Nanny and I’m sure their Nana. I say I’m sure because I didn’t see her cry but I just know she did. She’s been with her grandkids for a whole year. Her home went from a loud/loving cheerful kid zone to a quiet zone. No kids in sight… I told her not to be sad because it’s only temporary & she has so much going on it, time will fly and she’ll see her babies again.

As for me….

It’s time for me to mommy again! Between the flying with the kids (which they did great by the way… no crying, a little restlessness but only at the very end) I also flew with Papa bear so that made things a little bit easier… Immigration said nothing at all which was surprising because they have been away so long… They both had a look of excitement but also a tiny bit of sadness. They’ve been in Ghana and around certain people for months and now they’re back to a different environment with certain memories they may or may not remember.

We’ve moved yet again so they hadn’t even seen anything around us & surprisingly, my son kept on talking about our previous place and I kept on telling him that we don’t live there anymore. My daughter doesn’t understand the concept of destination yet but I know she absolutely misses her Nana.

Seeing my kids in our new place so surreal. Now our place is the loud & happy zone. There are toys everywhere, I’m cleaning up after them and doing all the things that a mother should do. It’s natural instinct for me so I know exactly what I’m doing but I’m also thinking to myself, wow this is so much work and I can’t believe I used to do this before on my own.

The biggest difference is the fact that now my children are older which means, I have to deal with two different characters, two different emotions and two different needs at the same time. It can be very demanding and they don’t understand that I need them to patient with me and each other. I’m convinced that I hear my name “mom” 100 times a day if not more.

I’m so happy to have my children back in our home but I would by lying if I said it’s been a “walk in the park.” I just have to keep remembering why I took a back step, to be with my children! To make the lasting memories in their heads which my father/their grandfather told me. It’s about what they remember while they are growing up and they won’t forget you being and doing many things for them. This actually make perfect sense because memories last but time does not.

Our routine starts once again and I’ll keep you updated along the way.

Dear Jaden. I love you and I am sorry.

Happy New Year everyone, I hope you are all well, I hope you have all adjusted to our new way of living (a blog for another day) what I can say is, let’s thank God we have made it this far…. always thankful and grateful for that.

You will not believe me when I tell you that my boy is 5 years old now! Yup…. he is the reason I started this blog on the first place, to let you in on my life and how it is with everything I am going through. I’m not always consistent with it but HEY! That’s life and I have things going on that sometimes I forget to blog about.

As I said, my baby (not so baby) turned 5 years old! I have been a mother for five whole years! I can’t believe it. Where did time the time fly? Where did it go… Jaden is so intelligent, caring, such a unique individual, kind and just the most amazing big brother to his younger sister. I know I have touched on these things before but honestly, I see the growth and changes in him. My boy is five!!!!!!! It’s such an honor being his mother and I’m so blessed to have him has one of the loves of my life.

We threw him a water theme birthday party, his favorite. He wanted a dinosaur cake, more specifically a Godzilla cake. I absolutely organized that and shout out to the cake maker (Cake My Day) who did a wonderful job pulling it off… I was worried but she’s great. His friends were there, his dad, his sister and auntie and uncle‘s… I heard it was a wonderful day!

Yep, I heard it was a wonderful day…

I wasn’t there, I was in America. I had to work and I was absolutely devastated and quite frankly I still am. These moments mean the world to me and I don’t like missing anything that has something to do with my children especially when it’s significant. It was an awful day for me at work I was crying and I was emotional and it really put a lot of things into perspective for me. Last year I had a blog called working mommy, a little bit of what I did and how it balances out but honestly I’m definitely taking a break from work because missing Jaden‘s birthday really made me sad. He’s completely forgotten about it but I haven’t forgotten about it in my soul and that’s why in my title for this blog is what it is.

you can’t get these moments back and making memories with my children is the most important thing to me amongst other things. If that means I have to put work on hold to be there… be present and make sure I don’t miss more moments, then so be it. I’ve already spoken to papa bear about how I feel and he completely understands and I know that he will always take care of us… He always has and always will.

I just wanted something for my own and I think it’s important for women to always have something of their own no matter what it is but when it comes down to my children, they absolutely come first.

The way I look at it is, so long as I haven’t burned any of the bridges of what I do then I’m perfectly fine with spending time with my children. I am a real hands-on mom. Even my daughter, she’s growing so beautifully and she is coming into her own and she too is intelligent and I want to be there for every single second of it even with the mommy moments that we all get of “I need a break.”

I might’ve lost sight a little bit… I know in life we have to do what we have to do. Me working was not in vain because it was for my children but again missing my son‘s birthday just change the perspective of a lot of things as I said.

Mommy loves you so much buddy and I know he’s forgotten but I just need a little bit more time to forgive myself.

Uncomfortable encounter.

As a black woman with a black husband and son, I am no stranger to what could possibly go on if we get stopped by the police. I know everyone has their own different opinions but I go by what I see not by what I hear.

Not too long ago in Ghana I got pulled over for no reason, I provided my drivers license and those idiots said “you don’t have an international permit.” So long story short, they took my license away. I wasn’t too bothered because it was about to expire and in one week I knew I could get a brand new one in the United States.

The only reason I hated the encounter was because in the midst of me having a missing document the police officer said “I have to arrest you.” I said “I’m not going anywhere and don’t you EVER speak to me like that in front of my children.” Once I said this, the officers eyes go big, he stretched his neck and saw both my children in the back and because of what he said, my son started crying. I was so pissed off!!!! Eventually they let me go and I left.

I couldn’t help but think about this encounter and how different it would have been if my children and I were in America.

Moving forward, I am back in the USA and just four days ago, I was driving my car. Nothing wrong, no speeding – nothing wrong at all but when I looked in my rear view mirror, who was behind me. The police. They were just there. We were both waiting for the light to change but the most eerie feeling came over my body. I was so nervous, my anxiety kicked in and my heart started pounding, literally pounding – I could hear my heartbeat in my ears and then I said out loud to myself “This is so sad, so so so sad.” The light turned green and we both went our own way.

I honestly couldn’t believe how scared I was seeing the police behind me and I did nothing. Isn’t that just the most awful thing. The police who we are suppose to make me feel protected rather put me in shock. I was genuinely sad for myself and I am a strong black woman. I can only imagine what others go through.

the point of me sharing is because there is a lot going on in our society, matter of fact, their always is but the bottom line is, people should be able to go through life with ease! & not this stress, I feel for many that are seen as minorities, we definitely have to move differently unfortunately weather we like it or not.

The other side of the table 🏥

I don’t usually share what I do … unless I decide to, but this is the exception.

I tech assisted in two C-sections (single baby & twins) a few days ago and I am still overcome with emotion. It was the most beautiful thing to see. I was doing what I do on one side, and I was witnessing life being born on the other side.

Giving birth whichever form is magical and I felt all the love and good energy in the OR. It’s funny being on the other side of the room not as mommy in labor, but part of the team who assists another mommy.

Truth be told when I saw the little beautiful babies, my eyes watered up and I absolutely got caught by everyone and they laughed and smiled. It might have been the “mom” in me, it might have been my passion or it might have just been the feeling I got when I had my own children but even though it wasn’t me lying down, I felt the same joy as the mothers and the adorable fathers.

I remember seeing my husbands face when the child is put on the baby bed for the first time, it’s this look of “wow, that’s my child, wow, look how little.” & to see that all over again in other husbands was still the same fuzzy feeling. They are always so proud.

Children are really a gift, I am very blessed to be able to do what I do especially with moments like this.

Banana Split 🍌

It’s 5:37am May 14th 2019. I got woken up by a crying son who thought I wasn’t around. “I want my mommy, where’s my mommy” I instantly cuddled him and said “I’m here Jaden I’m right here.” His sleepy  crying eyes started to realize that he was dreaming and he’s calmed down.

Suddenly my daughter who is still breastfeeding starts to cry because I’ve pulled her off her milk supply. She’s making all types of noises and I can tell she’s upset she’s not drinking her milk… I put her back on.

Jaden now says he wants to cuddle with me again and he wants to sleep on my chest. “I’m feeding your sister” I said and again he just got upset!

It’s times like this, I wish I was two of me. It’s so hard to give the exact attention to both of them at the same time when they both need it. They both want to be close to me, they both want to lay their head on my chest but my chest is only so big 😦 dilemmas and quick thinking. I shifted my girl to the left, I moved him to the right and I’m laying down straight so I can give them half a side each. It temporarily worked but they were both still complaining small, lucky for me the “sand man” came and put them back to sleep.

My son has now scooted over to right and my daughter is about to be scooted to the left so I can catch a few more zzz’s

Oh the joys of motherhood.

Preparing for two while there’s one……🌸It’s a girl🌸

Two years into being a mommy to my best buddy in the world my son Jaden. Papa Bear & I are expecting once again. 

🌸IT’S A GIRL🌸 !!! 

Wow! I can’t even believe this is happening. So many emotions. Is this real? Can I handle two kids? I’m still learning with Jaden & now we’re throwing in another whole child… just wow. 

The journey has been tough but magical at the same time. The beginning was very rough. Finding out I was pregnant again happened with my big sister Geraldine via FaceTime. I told her “my period hasn’t shown up yet & I have a test upstairs but it’s old” … “Go and get it and go buy another one so we can double check” She said. “OK” (20/30 min later) CONFIRMED! I am indeed pregnant. My sister was so excited and I kept on saying “oh my gosh, what do I do. Should I tell papa bear now or later.” Eventually I told him with giggles which he didn’t find funny at all but me laughing was the only way I could cope and tell him. His own emotions were all over the place. Initially he wasn’t in the best mood because he said “are we ready again?” And all I could say was “I don’t know”! 

Needless to say the next few weeks were very intense and confusing for both of us. I don’t believe in abortions but it was also so early that the fetus is barely formed. I went to the doctor to know my options and again abortion was brought up but also time had gone by going from when I found out to “you’re six weeks in” after a lot of prayer and faith – WE DEFINITELY MADE THE RIGHT DECISION. We are having the baby because God makes no mistakes. 

(Fast forward) all is well, baby girl is growing, emotions are up and down. My first trimester was a hot mess just like with Jaden. Sick like a dog, a lot of crying – not being able to brush my teeth without gagging and just praying I make to the second trimester where I can finally be happy and eat my life away. FINALLY … I get there. 

Trimester two. Bring out the credit card. Baby shopping, ordering this and that. “Oh this is cute and this and this” such a difference shopping for boys and girls. I love all the shorts and polos for my son but seeing the mini swimwear and dresses after paying attention to them got me looking forward to finally meeting this baby girl. I never paid attention to anything girl ever but now my eyes are literally moving at a 50-50 pace because I’m thinking “what can I get for her and what can I get for Jaden” it’s actually fun but it’s also breaking our wallets more 😅 

Now, since I know there’s an new baby on the way, the biggest task is getting Jaden to understand what is going on. As my bump gets bigger I also try to tell him “baby baby” “kiss baby” “baby sister” some days he’ll kiss the belly and some days he’ll smack the belly. I don’t know if he gets it but he’s been more clingy than ever and he’s noticed little baby toys around the house all of sudden. He knows he’s too big for the toys because he’s advanced. They are still appealing for him but when he tries to throw the “crawling ball” and I say no no! He’s confused in why is mommy telling me to roll this ball and not throw it. Children are very smart. I just know his vibes feel that something is coming. 

As a mom to be of two my goal is to split myself in half! I don’t even know how I’ll deal with it and of course I’ll blog about this experience when baby girl arrives. I just want to be amazing to both of them but Jaden is my best friend, my go to, my play buddy – how am I suppose to do this with two kids. I’ve asked mother’s of two and they said they felt the same way but once the second arrives everything just fell into perfect place and everyone is happy so I pray it’s the same for me. I’ll be so devastated if my little guy feels a certain way about his baby sister or if he feels neglected. I already know when she’s born – he’s taking a full week off school to see her every second and I can spend time with them both. Luckily newborns don’t do much but feed & sleep but even then I need Jaden to see that she’s here to stay. I’ve seen him with other babies and he’s done great so I don’t doubt he’ll love his sister and they’ll be best buddies forever especially as she gets older. Jokingly I’m prepared for his slaps because when he sees her on my breasts which once belonged just to him, he might put up a fight 😂  besides the general talks of what’s on the way, I’ve also tried to get him to understand with pictures and stories. I ordered him a personalized big brother book which hopefully will help also. His name and face are in it and it describes all the responsibility a big brother has! I love online. You can find everything. He’s had personalized books in the past and he learned very fast from them. 

The final countdown has begun. Less than a month to go and my big boy toddler love of my life Jaden will no longer be a single child. He’s had a great time. He’s always going to be my best buddy and I believe this is such a great experience not just for him but for papa bear and I. Our family is expanding. We’ve been married for one year & I see the future being bright.

I thank God for everything & I pray I get continued strength to keep being a better mom to my children. It really takes a village to raise a child and I’m thankful for the advice and help I’ve got along the way but I’m very proud of myself because I went from knowing nothing to mothering two & seeing how well my son is growing and learning before my eyes, I’ve been doing something right. 

Cheers to the next chapter 🥂 

“I need a break. We need to put him in school!”

That time has come. Faster than I ever thought it would. Day care. It needed to happen, as I mentioned last week Papa bear and I are dealing with the  troublesome two stage, I needed the break. It took some time because I wanted our son to start before two and he said “NO, let’s wait till after two” but I just couldn’t wait any longer! Of course I love my little man around me but sometimes space is necessary. I needed time to rest (for good reasons) time to catch up on house chores and even clean his toy area properly. Different things. You’ll be surprised how much you can get down with your little one away. Even if I wasn’t resting, I could just enjoy some Mommy time and I have no regrets 🙂

I think as a first time Mom, I did well putting my son in school – it was sad hearing him cry every time I’d leave but it’s temporary time and temporary tears. I like the teachers in the school and I’d observed them when I visit and get to know them so I’m fully aware who is teaching him. The only concern I have is feeding times. I know my son is a picky eater and even though the amount is written down of what and how much he ate, as a parent you really never know that’s why I pack him a  few of his favorite things on the side just incase. It makes me feel at ease.

I enjoy the fact that he’s made new friends and can learn how to interact with others even more than before & learn at a different pace. I’ve done well teaching him in the meantime and learning never stops in our household but it’s great to know he’s learning in two places and from others as well.

The downside of day care is IT’S so expensive oh my gosh! I never knew. Parents don’t talk about this. You have to do your research and find out which school will fit you best and when you do, be prepared for some crazy fees – it’s quite annoying seeing as some of the kids are so small and it takes such a huge chunk out of your finances week after week or bi-weekly or monthly if you choose. In this situation you really can’t have your cake and eat it too because if you don’t  want to pay well – your kiddie stays at home 😩  sorry !!

All in all – Day care for me is win and let me tell you parents, THERE’S NOTHING LIKE SEEING THAT PRICELESS SMILE AND GETTING A LOVED FILLED HUG WHEN YOU PICK THEM UP AFTER SCHOOL ❤️

 

 

What to read… 📚

My son is only 1 year and 3 months and he’s already taken interest in books! I’m so happy about this. Reading is so important because it expands the mind and the earlier the better.

When my son is ready for reading time, he’ll go to his book area choose his desired choice and bring it to me. He’ll make a small noise “ehhh” which means in his toddler language “read to me” and I do without hesitation. I love the fact that he’s attentive and he enjoyed turning the pages on his own. He’s even started recognizing shapes or animals or things I might say and he’ll follow with an action for example “where are babies hands?” And he’ll start clapping 🙂

Here are a list of books I recommend that my son loves.

– “Where is babies belly button” (flap book) *His favorite*
– Sing and Squeak bath book (sound book)
– Good morning, Good night (a touch and feel bedtime book) *His second favorite*
– My favorite nursery rhymes box set (4 books)
– Baby’s first book of prayers *My favorite*

His flap book is his favorite because he loves lifting the pages and I’ve recently ordered a few more by the author Karen Katz. Definitely look into. My son’s first prayer book is great because it’s a compilation of lovely prayers which rhyme. He actually enjoys when I read them to him and he’s getting blessed at the same time so I’m all for it. The pages consist of pictures too so I also point and teach him different things which he remembers more and more.

Knowledge is power and the earlier we get these children on the right path the better. I’m all for the tv cartoons as I’ve mentioned before in one of my previous blogs but don’t miss the signs parents. If your child brings you the book, read it and if they want you to read it again, do it, period. My son likes to hear and see the pages turn several times before he’s done and I don’t rush him. I’m excited to order new books for him every so often and you should as well mom and dad.

Cheers to happy reading 📚

 

Mother VS Grandmother

It’s no surprise that our babies will make us women want to be the best at everything we do for them. It’s natural instinct that allows us to nurture the right way as if we knew how to be a parent already (which we don’t)

It’s funny how grandmothers always seem to have the magic touch for everything baby. Did you notice that ?!

It’s like there’s a grandmother handbook. it’s filled with tips and tricks and advice you may want to hear and opinions you may not. Of course they are experienced because most of the time they’ve done the baby thing years ago and know how to handle certain things but isn’t it just amazing how that actually works.

In my case, my son is attached to my hip. Recently my elder sister and her man looked after him while I enjoyed a much needed night out and she told me that getting Jaden to sleep was extremely difficult because he wanted his breastmilk and mommy… mommy was nowhere to be found. Eventually he did get some sleep but it made me think the next day as she told me how difficult he was…how on earth does Jaden’s grandma & all the other grandmothers of the world do it????

I’ve gone out plenty of times and I’ve even left Jaden to go on a three day mommy-cation & from her point of view she was just like “he’s fine, he’s slept, he’s not crying or fussy.” hmmmmmm okay that’s great to hear BUT what on earth is GRANDMA doing that SISTER is not doing? that’s why I’m convinced there’s a grandmother handbook. It’s probably a secret book only available for all grandmothers lol

What I think is that with all the experience they have had in the past with countless of children, the babies themselves sense that. They sense a trust that they have with their own mothers. (Don’t worry sister 😉 I trust you with all my heart) …

They know subconsciously that this grandma is my best friend after mommy because all grandmothers spoil their grandchildren so the children are on their best behavior. Again, that’s my own personal opinion but it’s fascinating to me.

I’ve seen it with my own eyes the way Jaden’s grandmother cares for him, feeds him and bathes him… as if it was her first son. Do I take the tips she gives me yes I do but sometimes there is a line that should be drawn where the mother should be encouraged and not judged because she doing certain things her own way. After all, practice makes perfect.

This was one of struggles in the beginning. I felt like I’m was doing my best and wasn’t getting enough praises for it by Jaden’s grandmother. It was always (do it this way and do it that way) and it should have more (well done, good job) remembering this time makes me also wonder to myself why as a new mother do we seek validation from our mothers so deeply?! maybe it’s because hearing you’re doing a good job can go along way or maybe it’s because deep down, you’ve been parenting me and now I’m the parent and I need to know that I’m parenting correctly but it’s a loop whole because there is no straight line to perfect parenting.

As long as are children get educated book smart and “street smart” I believe it’s a job well done in the long run.

All in all, we just have to be thankful for our children’s grandmothers. We might not always see eye to eye but the advice is meaningful and if our little babies can feel so comfortable with how they are around them, as mothers we have to have that same confidence.

Optimistic Mommy

Being a mother is no short or small task. Throughout your pregnancy, you have to be very aware of what’s going on inside of you (that’s why we have our weekly to monthly dr visits) to check on our little ones. We have to watch what we eat and even what we do because in no way are we trying to strain ourselves.

The more I thought about my own pregnancy, I realized that I didn’t limit myself to anything. I believe that you can do what you like and you can do it with so much positivity in your heart that your body is working with you and not against you. I traveled to distant places after getting told not to go anywhere. I said “why not” and I got a harsh “because you can lose the baby” I was baffled. Why are people so quick to point out negatives. Don’t you think a carrying mother needs a break to relax on the sand or wherever she chooses to. YES, absolutely, there is a time to fly and a time to NOT fly but that shouldn’t limit what you enjoy doing.

The same thing goes for food. If you’re like me, you like to read up on a lot of things or rather ask a lot questions. I seek for answers because I know that someone has shared the same thought or even have gone through the same thing as me so I like reading others opinions and outcomes. I’m definitely a “foodie” and nothing has changed even after pregnancy lol but being that type and being pregnant is glorious because I enjoyed my meals so much and I knew little man was enjoying every bite in baby form also. The point is, I came across loads of “Do not drink this, do not eat that” let me tell you it’s a load of BS. As my cousin once said “a happy pregnancy is the best pregnancy so eat whatever the hell you want.” She wasn’t lying. I never let the discouraging food list stop me from enjoying my meals or drinks (some of that “No” list included : Salami, Arizona Ice Tea, carbonated water; Mozzarella) how can things I love, let alone had the deepest cravings for be on the don’t try it because it’ll harm your child. I ignored it completely and here I am typing with my healthy child by my side (I thank God)

The one that got me the most…. Pregnancy DEPRESSION. Don’t let this define you ladies!!!!! That word is thrown around as if it’s something you buy. In my experience, I was extremely hormonal. I had Terrible mood swings which made me aggressive and I had mood swings which made me cry for nothing. When I mean cry for nothing literally. During my baby shower I saw two ants and killed one by mistake I think I cried a bit and I knew my sister and cousin were thinking is she serious or not lol… I was completely serious. Just because you let out emotions especially tears, don’t just believe you’re going to be depressed forever. I understand that there are a lot of thoughts running through your head about raising a child but YOU CAN DO IT.

Postpartum depression is a real thing and I pray for every mother who struggles with it. Although a huge issue to some, please don’t let it take over, especially before it’s even really taking place. True story. One of my dr’s who I removed right away after this conversation asked me once, “how are you feeling?” I told her, “I’ve been sad and crying a lot.” Without even hardly letting me finish she said “you’re probably depressed and you’re more likely to have postpartum, let me subscribe you some pills now so you’re less depressed.” EXCUSE ME! I was actually offended. Yes you’re a professional but why was she so quick to put me on drugs. Zero optimism. She just jumped to the negative conclusion. It’s so easy for people to feed you a quick solution and I am against that because if you tell yourself, I am not depressed and in a pregnant mothers case, knowing my child will love me unconditionally, and I can love my child back… eventually you can have the will power and do that. It might not be easy for some and there are women who do seek medication but please don’t let any Dr. make you believe that you need it. By the time the baby comes you’ll be so numb inside with your feelings, you won’t even know what’s going on. That’s why as said at the top, don’t let it define you. I listened to her “advice” and gave her a NO! I’ll be fine. I was crying for ridiculous things and no where was Depression of not feeling connected to my son apart of that.

Having optimism and faith go hand in hand. I believe if you put your mind to it, all will be well. Can challenges come about yes but it’s about how you handle every situation. With optimism you also do need realism because if there is something that needs to be known, never be oblivious to it, get the facts, seek the advice and go from there but always go in with strong positivity and the outcomes can be endless.

Airplane tears. (Another real story)

Recently I had made the transition from West Africa to Atlanta via London. It was one of my worst flights to date I have ever been on, why? Because for the first time, I got food poisoning. Such an awful thing.

Half way through the first flight which happened to be an evening flight , Jaden was sleeping, I woke up from my own sleep feeling terrible. I felt so weak and all I could do was reach for the paper bag in front of our seat pockets and throw up inside…. not once, not twice but at least 7 times. The flight couldn’t end fast enough.

As we finally reached London, I was hit with the coldest weather I had felt since the beginning of the year. It was freezing. I felt so bad for my baby but luckily I came fully prepared for him as I should have but for myself not so lucky lol not only was I sick, I could hardly walk and I definitely wasn’t dressed warmed enough. We had the longest lay over about 7 hours and I didn’t have strength to be sick in a busy airport not know which minute I had to throw or something else so I filled out the landing card got out of the airport and luckily found a hotel in the airport that I checked myself into. . . It was the right decision.

Once we got in all I wanted to do was sleep but of course my little guy had other plans. He wanted to play and crawl all over the place, I didn’t blame him though he got enough rest as it is. I managed to get word party going but he wasn’t very interested so I just grabbed him in the bed with me and switched off all the lights hoping he’ll knock out again … NOPE. He was making all these noises knew I wasn’t getting anywhere so I decided to give him a long bubble bath which finally worked and I could finally get the much needed sleep and recovery I needed.

Fast forward to the next flight, I thought I was feeling better unfortunately I wasn’t. The captain asked me so many question if I was fit to fly but I played it off well because I just wanted to get to Atlanta. As we took off, Jaden had all the energy in the world because this unlike the last flight was an afternoon flight. I was feeling so weak I couldn’t really hold him and play with him like I do and like he loves and I think he noticed because he became so fussy. As the hours kept going by all I wanted to do was sleep and rest. No food, no drink, no walking around just sleep but my little man just didn’t want to.

About 5th-6th hour in Jaden decided to be THAT child that everyone is praying is not on the flight, THE CRY BABY! This was a first for me. He’s usually well-behaved and hardly makes a sound & he’s flown long haul flights before but this one was a different story. For two hours straight he cried & cried! Nothing I was doing was helping. His lungs kept going, his pitch kept getting higher & I felt like I was in a nightmare dream. “Please stop crying” “what do you want & need” but his little face kept going and going. Even with the fraction of energy I had I stood up briefly and he would stop but the minute I sat down he started again but I just couldn’t hold him up long.

It got to the point where I called the flight attendants and asked them to “please take my son, take him so I can sleep, 30 min” I couldn’t do it. I was about to lose my head. THANKFULLY they had spare time to help me out not just once but twice. I now know where that expression heaven-sent comes from. I just needed him off my hands and on that desperate time they came. I was so overwhelmed I believe I even cried for a moment because I was so relieved.

I remember while sleeping they tapped on my feet and I saw Jaden smiling. When they gave him back he wasn’t as fussy and would also close his own eyes briefly. There was a point where he did start-up again & two passengers helped me out. One took Jaden for an isle stroll for about 10 minutes up and down and another from his seat was silently waving to him and because of the interaction, Jaden couldn’t help but wave back over and over very soft and calmly and next thing you know he fell into a deep sleep and I followed. When I woke up at last my little guy was fully knocked out bout 1hr30 left till landing. I glanced to the passenger on the other side and said “Thank you” he smiled back.

Once we landed, I was so happy. It was the longest flight I ever took but only because I wasn’t feeling too great. Jaden was back to his normal self and it’s another first time experience that is one for the books.

The end.
On a side note:

Being a helpful stranger to a mother or any parent can be the most simple reward you can give a parent. If you ever see someone struggling even if it’s just a short while, give them a helping hand like those who helped me out. You’re doing us a kind favor and we are so grateful for it.