I am a mother to an 11-month old girl, Ariana. The experience has been tough and wonderful at the same time. The wonderful parts of it is that from the first day I saw my child, that was the beginning of joy. Even if I do not have much, seeing her shining and smiling overwhelms me with joy and love. It motivates me to wake up knowing it is not all for nothing. It is another day of learning.

The tough part especially during this time of the pandemic is that Ariana likes fruits, especially strawberries, blueberries and apples. Sometimes I might go to the market and not find them. She gets sad because what I used to give and what she likes is not there and there is nothing I can compensate her with. There is a time to take her out but due to safety concerns, I am always worried and alert about taking her out.

Ariana/ photo courtesy of @zoomtherapist

The main focus of my parenting journey is making sure that she finds her identity as early as now that is why I pay close attention to what she likes doing and her passions. She likes watching adverts on TV which entails beauty and children modeling. I have to be keen on. I make sure I find similar content on YouTube for her. Then I buy her clothes she looks great wearing.

All these photos were taken by her photographer father Philip, who goes by the name zoomtherapist on social media. This encourages her love for fashion and beauty. This has also brought us so much joy during this times of uncertainty. Seeing that it is something that she loves to do and we are able to do that for her even now is a blessing.

You can find her pictures at @ariana.delene on Instagram.

Photo courtesy of @zoomtherapist
Phoot courtesy of @zoomtherapist
Photo courtesy of @zoomtherapist

The new normal brought about by the pandemic has changed so many things for us. After feeding her in the morning at around 9am, I take her for a walk for at least an hour or so outside the house but within our home environment. She is always happy after that. She might go to sleep or play with her dolls. After lunch we teach her words.

I realize that I have to be whole for me to be the best mother that I can be. I pour into myself by exercising for 30 minutes every morning or evening to get back into shape. Unfortunately I lost my job due to the economic constraints brought by the pandemic. I do hope that things go back to normal so that I can find a job. I spend my time knitting baby’s headscarves, scarves and boots.

I had just started knitting clothes for Ariana when one of my friends saw them and said that she needed that for her child too. I actually do not call it a business. It is a hobby that I earn money from sometimes. If it becomes a job i would like to form a group and even employ people who have talent and can benefit from it. Nowadays whether learned or not, it takes us to win.

Photo courtesy of @zoomtherapist

Well-baby clinic visits

It was a whole different experience going to the well-baby clinic visits during a pandemic. There were only two mothers for the two times I went there. I did feel safe because the 1.5 metre rule was applicable. They had to sanitize the weighing machine and height measure before placing Ariana. Many parents and guardians fear taking their children to the clinics but I think it is better to get to know the wellbeing of a child. Also I have been approached by people who say that they fear being tested for the virus since one has to get their temperature taken when they visit a hospital. I see this as a concern.

I am grateful for being mother to Ariana. I feel that it has come at a time when I was ready for this. And as much as it is challenging at times, especially at this time, it is fulfilling.

3 Comments

  1. EVANS KIPKORIR CHEPKWONY Reply

    Hey, I like the story, its an inspiration. May God bless you and the future of little one.

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