BIKO'S WORLD

Since Turning 1 YR Old

2009-11-26T00:20:00.015-05:00

Goodness!!
Sometimes I forget that I have a lot of work to do...a lot has happened since I turned one on that beautiful Wednesday of July 22 2009! Well, I must say, July 2009 was such a beautiful month for me. I celebrated my 1 yr b/day, got my first passport..yes! and close shop at our house in Kennesaw, GA. At the beginning of August 2009, my momma and I left for Oslo, Norway where we stayed until the end of October 2008. We had such a wonderful time. I have also grown bigger since then. Since coming back, we have hang out with my Koja, and birth coach and my birth coach's kinds and Bishop. As challenging as it may be, hanging out with two boys bigger than me..and used to their comfort level, I am actually loving having extra baby comfort. Everyday, I wake up to heated adrenaline rush! I hear them call my name, BIKO!! out so loud...sometimes it's only Abram...since Jay is at school. Then Auntie Kembe calls out in her sweet voice, Biko! and she plays Peek-a-boo with me...and when Jay comes back from school, he gives me some love hugs....and then when Bishop comes back from work in the night...he lifts me, plays with me..and oh! I so love this our extended family!! they really love me...at least that's what momma says...Oh! did I say, I love my momma too!! so very much!! auntie Kembe says I am momma's boy!! well, wait until momma gets another baby.

So, here is the low down

On Wednesday July 22 2009, i celebrated turning one. Auntie Tega came into town and we went to a Japanese restaurant called, Saigon, near town center mall in Kennesaw, GA. We loved it so very much!! We had a sizzling dinner with the chef there, serving us. I wore my "I am 1" hat that my momma bought me...after running around everywhere tryna find a 1 year old crown. I love it!! the celebration was super...with two of the most beautiful people that welcomed me when I was born!!
But before that, I had actually got my first passport...I was so super excited...and held it out to show it off!! I love my passport...and the pic looks so professional...not like the lil baby i was! Momma will tell you it was a long battle to get it...but we finally got it.

The came Saturday, 25th of July 2009...when we celebrated my bigger birthday...with all friends and family...You already know that auntie Tega came down from New York. Matter of fact, she was already in Florida...so, she came up to celebrate with us...and so did my godmother, auntie Phina..who came down from Boston. They both stayed at our house...and we had a wonderful time together. They cooked with momma. Auntie Tega designed my "1st yr book"...it was beautiful! we had a lot of food...my friends, Ms. Kim, Ms. Dianne, and friends from my day care, auntie Kembe and family, our roommates (Tuesday's family) and friends plus my Koja and his g/f came out to celebrate.. The party was at Kennesaw Park...and went on till dawn!! we enjoyed ourselves, played games and also played, "arms up!" Oh! you should see the pics on momma's facebook.

We had only a week from then to pack our bags and depart for Oslo in Norway!! and we did...I remember seeing momma stay up all night trying to park. She said, she's never done last minute packing for a long distance trip...but she had to do it that time. Especially because I was also traveling with her...and there are things that need to be put in the suitcase last. She ended up with plenty of stuff that we store at Koja's hse and Ms. Dianne's we took four suitcase, although we were entitled to only three...So, momma had to pay for one of them. Can you imagine it cost $400?! now that's really theft! thankfully, it was reimbursed by the program momma is attending. My daddy came along (you have seen the pics above) to the airport and took us all the way to the departure gate. We enjoyed ourselves so very much!! Momma said it was good for her...because she got to relax...altho' she didn't really sleep. and when we got on the plane...she couldn't sleep either because I had to sleep and I took over her seat! grrrrrrrrrr
You know that was my first international flight. I did good though...didn't cry around...just slept, woke up and was a such a disciplined baby!! momma was so super proud of me! We flew from Maynard-Jackson international airport in Atlanta to Frankfurt...and then to Oslo...We noticed there were so many soldiers at our departure gate in Atlanta...but they all didn't get onto our flight...I guess they were waiting for their flight...We arrived in Frankfurt in the morning and had to wait for about three hours before boarding our next flight...so, Momma had to order stuff in Euros. She said a bottle of apple juice costed about $6! Ridiculous by American standards...but this is continental Europe...and it's the Europe...the $ is not doing so well lately!

From Frankfurt, we arrived in Oslo, Norway at about mid-day...we were in for a big shock...because the weather was rainy and gloomy!! It was a new experience...incl. sitting in a Mercedes Benz taxi with a Mercedes Benz car seat! Now were do you see that often? We love Norway! so very much!! we enjoyed it...even tho' it was so very expensive!! we got to live in fresh air, beautiful green everywhere...excellent public transport, off the beach...bridge, friends, beautiful day care and day care teachers and friends, and I played a lot at the day care.

By the time I left, nobody wanted me to leave...because I was a lovely boy! Momma also did not want to leave the day care..she had gotten used to dropping me off...and watching me coming back sandy and happy...or playing outside. Although, I must tell you, I cried every morning that my momma left...can you imagine!! every morning!! but for only a short while...then I shut up!!

In Norway, we met friends from Botswana, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and South Africa...plus my Brazilian g/f...Everybody deserves a Brazilian g/f...and I know she'll be waiting for me till I grow up...We also took pics with the King and Queen's men

So, here we are now...we've been back since..and we've halloweened..hang out with popsy...and our birthcoach...and Koja..we've also hang out with friends of family!! it's great...plus the new momma's connection...I am enjoying my first year so far..momma says I've also grown so big...running from place to place...sky is the limit!!! la vie est belle!!

I am thankful for everybody who has loved me from before I was born to now....and also everybody who has loved my mother...i know we are both gonna be big and successful...we are destined for success.!! don't hate...sky is the limit...we are now waiting for our next step...from God...we have re-found God...who doesn't? and are lovin't

gotta go to bed now...say, cheers!

Oops! I turned 1 Yr-Old, and Made my maiden trip overseas!!

2009-08-10T13:33:00.005-04:00

See, I am now a big boy! I turned 1 yr-old on Wednesday July 22 2009, and celebrated with my auntie Tega and my loveliest Mom! We went to Saigong, Japanese Restaurant, and had a fireside dinner. Of course you know, my mom brought my home cooked dinner. But still we had loads of fun!! Then I had another bash with many of my fav people, and my godmother Phina came from Boston. Oh! it was lovely. Mom made it a black, yellow and red affair...colors of the Uganda flag. Auntie Tega made the cake. A big fat carrot cake plus a chocolate brownie for me. Oh! she is so lovely! everybody loved loved the cake. Plus the memory book autie Tega and Mom put together for me . Oh! will never forget. You know I cried. but that's typical me...and who says you can't cry on your b/day!

So, that's me sitting on a chair at my doc's clinic. It's my annual visit (12 months) and I had come for shots. can you believe I did not cry! but you know. I am a tough boy...Big boys don't cry. Well, I cried a little but was back to my fun-self. oh!

Here I am getting ready to fly to Oslo, Norway via Frankfurt on Lufthansa airways. Mom brought out all possible toys to help see us through this long trip. There's Winnie-the-Pooh, Travel Giraffe, my PJs. and of course not to forget the lovely thumb...oh! how I love that thumb! Can you imagine, at 1 yr-old, I am already flying places. Well, I am gonna be an international baby.

This is popsy and I waiting in the departure lounge at Hartsfield Jackson International Airport in Atlanta. Popsy came all the way! Mom asked for a gate pass for him...and he came with us to help us with all bags and pre-flight relaxation. Indeed mom felt so relaxed...because she's always managing me alone. But this time, she had somebody else to push the stroller, change my diapers, feed me, and entertain me while she had dinner and talk on the phone. As you know, I cried for her...and finally pospy handed me over to my dear lady

this is me in flight. I am trying to open my eyes, but I am really exhausted! What baby stays up until 5am in the morning? Well, this baby who can't sleep on the plane...He tried to sleep but sometimes were just too hard. So, mom had to give up her seat to me and she sat, oops! dosed on he floor.. Until the air hostess came to ask her off the floor.

Now, I am trying to fix this volume. It's so loud, and I need another channel. I am already a smart cookie, don't fool with me. I am too smart for myself.

That's my lady I am traveling with. My mom. I love my mom. I know she's tired. and has not had sleep. but she's pretending that she's had enough...just for me!

whoa! Time Flies...I've Grown Bigger and Seen Places

2009-06-07T11:24:00.010-04:00

Whoa! Cannot believe it's more than four months since I last checked in here...time flies...and it flies so fast. Last I checked in, I was six months old, now I am 10 months, can you imagine! I cannot. So, I need to break the silence.

Well, I have seen knew places, grown more teeth, crawl all over the place, speak Luganda, moved into a new car seat, got my first toothbrush, flew on the plane, visited my uncle in Cambridge, and my godmother. Oh! did I tell you we got a new addition to the family? Yeah! you will meet her Mukyala Dulukansi. But first things first, lemme give you an updated on the months.

Turning 7 Months- February 22 2009
We celebrated Valentine's Day with a visit to our friends and birth coach, The Sullivans down in SW Atlanta. My ma's birthcoach, Auntie Kembe bought me my first suit! a perfect match with Jeremiah and Abram! So, all wore our suits and took pictures. On my 7-months day, Sunday February 22, ma and I went to the Georgia Aquarium with friends and had a lovely time. The next weekend, Saturday Feb 29, we went to the Atlanta Zoo. Ma's friend from grad school, Auntie Jane came down to ATL, so we went to see her. I also received a care package from Jjaja in Uganda with a mat, reading books, baby soya, play toys..all from my family in Uganda.

Turning 8 Months -March 22 2009
Another milestone this month, I got teeth...Yes, two teeth!! and was biting everything in my way, letters, clothes, ma's arm...you name it. Then another beautiful thing happened, Ma got her driver's license. Yes! please believe me, she was not legible to drive legally til then. Finally, she got over her nerves and did it! You know my ma is a superstar! We went and celebrated with Jon and Lori, our dear friends at an Italian Restaurant, where they surprised ma with a strawberry topped cake! Spring also came around, and then I witnessed my first snow fall--moreover in Atlanta! Ma said it's a first! We went out and took pictures. I sat in a high chair the second time--since Feb 21st at breakfast at the Hyatt, DT ATL. I also went to a modeling gig and of course, I passed. But ma couldn't pursue it more because she aint got the money yet. She promises that she still will.

Turning 9 Months -April 22 2009
It was the month of Easter, so we hang out with our family...Koja Kats, auntie Santa and Elijah. April is also a very special month for me, because my Jjaja's b/day is April 6, as is my ma's good friend Zoran Sosic in Boston, MA. My ma too is on April 28th but that's after I turned 9 months. I also added two more teeth to add to the three I already had. I celebrated my friend's birthday, Josh from daycare, in fact my first b'day celebration since birth and played with other kids.

Turning 10 Months -May 22 2009
This so far is one of the most fabulous months, besides July when I was born. During this month, I made my maiden flight to Boston, MA to visit my godmother, who had not seen me in person since I was born. I also visited my uncle John Harvard, and ma made sure I take the visit seriously with a trip The Harvard Coop, tour of Harvard Sq and a great souvenir from my godmother, Phina Lukoma, "Class of 20?? Bib". That tells a lot, because I have to live up to that reputation. Oh! Ma also relieved her nostalgia and picked up a copy of the New Republic from the Out of Town News Stall in Harvard SQ. We also visited Davis SQ, where Ma went to school and watched the Memorial Day Parade in Somerville, MA. Oh! did I tell you Ma drove in Boston --first time! You know, she lived in Boston for nearly three years but never drove because she had no driver's licence. She was a superstar! Auntie Phina gave the directions and we drove to and from Haymarket --another of Ma's fav spots in Boston. To cap it off, we got our first car -Mukyala Dulukansi, named after my marternal great grandmother from Jjaja's side. Ma calls her her baby girl. She's sleek, shiny and boy she's got it like that. Perfect Green and she takes us places. Already, we have visited our friends the Sullivans, been to the Swift-Cantrell Park in Kennesaw, GA, went to fix a new car seat and celebrated the three ladies (Dianne, Kim and Ma's) April-May birthdays. Ma got gorgeous sunflowers from Auntie Tega and roses from Auntie Phina on her birthday. This month I also outgrew my baby car seat and moved to a bigger boy seat. I also got my first toothbrush, although I am still adjusting to it. I can now say a few more words in Luganda, Nedda (which ma loves to tell me so much) meaning No, Jjaja -means grandma in Kampala. I added another tooth top row, making it six now, I am crawling and crawling and learning to walk.

2009-02-01T18:03:00.011-05:00

I am enjoying my maama's cooking so very much..It is all homemade and no GMO. Oh! how I love my mother!!

You know, my mother is a picky eater. She does not like processed food, she does not like GMO. She also steers clear of meats for the most part. Well, she is not really a tree hugger (like popsy), plus she eats a lot of grass. Nor is she an animal rights activist. She's a "situational vegetarian". In America, she tries not to eat meats because of all the chemicals injected in animals to grow quickly and the processing that goes in the food. The quality of American food is not the best. But she loves those lamb chops at Turkish restaurants and goat meat at Ethiopian restuarants. Her excuse is that, this is Halal meat --cleaner than the regular American food. Her main diet is fish and veggies, and you know she believes fish makes you smarter.

Now, I am growing to grow up on my maama's diet. I have no problem with that, I am enjoying my butternut squash and apple sauce. Dad bought a food processor, which is working all the magic. This weekend, maama was able to make more than a week's supply of food: apple sauce, butternut squash, carrots, sweet potatoes and berries, and froze most of it. We don't have to buy those "Gerber baby food cans"; it's too expensive when you can buy you fresh foods and make it at home.

People think it takes a lot of time, but maama says commitment and the love for me is what drives her through. It is not too hard. She feels comfortable doing it this way. Why make short cuts when you'll pay for them in future? A healthy body starts with discipline --better now than later. Very soon, I'll be starting my jogging routine. Maama says, she will buy me a jogging stroller so that we can start going out together. We are waiting for the weather to change for the better

Oh! I am Growing and Growing and Growing

2009-01-16T09:16:00.008-05:00

By this time next week, I will be six months of age (Thursday Jan 22), Whoa! Life has been good to me thus far. I have enjoyed my life and my loved ones. I have been so well taken care of, and I am for-ever grateful to my mother. She's a super mom. Everyone says it, friends, family, loved ones. So, here are a few developments in my life

I started going to day care last week consistently. Previously, my mom will drop me off for a few hours then come pick me up. Now, I am going every morning at 6:30a and come back after 6p. This means I no longer hang out with my maama every hour because she has to go off and look for work. You see, we need to have plenty of savings in the bank, and my mother is doing everything she can to get back her financial security. We have been able to survive on her savings and friends helping hands. We've been so blessed to have people that love us. Maama says her friend was right to say, "children bring blessings." I have seen then myself; Santa was very kind, lots of friends and family. My sitter at the day care says I am a wonderful baby. You know, I got used so quickly. The first day, I did not cry. I guess I was not yet sure what was happening. My maama sobbed...She sobbed from the night before to that day, and even failed to talk when the taxi driver asked her where we were going. He gave her tissue to wipe her eyes. Very kind man. He took my maama to the bus stop and stayed by her while she waited on the bus. Then came the second morning and I cried so hard; in fact I cried the whole day. My mother was still crying as well and she would call the baby sitter to ask about me. Oh! it was hard. since then however, life has changed. Now I am happy and I enjoy my baby sitter. I also play with them very much, and they like me so. And then, my maama cries, because I so independent and don't cry for her no more. oh! my lovely maama!

Then, there is Obama --Barack Hussein Obama--to be inaugurated next week as the 44th President of the United States, and the first Black President of this ol' country know for its racial problems. This is a big big event because until now, it has been close to impossible. For a black president? Life is good. I am so happy to be born in the year 2007, the year of Barack Obama, the year of The Redeem Team (with LeBrone James, Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade, Jason Kidd), the year of Usain Bolt, the year of Michael Phellps. Generally, it is the year many records were broken including the credit crunch, mortgage disaster and global financial crisis, The Bush Shoe (formerly Ducati Model 271), Mbeki forced to resign by hungry and disgruntled ANC, ANC breaks up, Lansana Conte dies. So, it's been a year and so far, I have been very happy to share it.

My jjaja in Uganda finally got to see my pictures and my face..oh! She was so overjoyed!! you know, she'd never seen me since I were born, 5 or close to 6 months ago. All my nieces and nephews, aunties and uncles got a card with me and maama for Xmas. They were so overjoyed. They could not keep talking about it. Maama took a pic of my poop, after a whole day of constipation and sent it as well to Jjaja...she could not believe it. But you know, that's my maama...she's crazy.

I have also been spending time with my great grand ma and she's been teaching me new tricks. Last weekend, she taught me how to reach out and grab my bib. She's so sweet. She said she wants to have more like me. Well, my maama says, she's still enjoying me and wants me to enjoy my baby life for a long while. Did I tell you am a potential model? Well, last weekend my parents took me to a model and talent scout agency and I got a nod onto the second stage. You know, I am a cute baby and ready to roll. Life is good. This weekend, my parents have to return and talk to the agency. We'll see how that goes -but I know my mother wants me to model so badly. That was, I can raise money for school and upkeep.

anyway, I must go to rest now. Oh! I have to read. You know, my father bought me this, Your Baby Can Read package and maama and I have already started on it and hope by one year, I will be able to say some words. I need to stop here. I know there's a lot going on in the world now including Israeli continued shelling of Palestians..but I want to be a happy boy...that's too hard for me as a baby..I can't even imagine what the palestians babies are going through now..while I am safely tucked here in the country that supplies the military power and diplomatic backing to Israel as it happily conducts its war crimes and crimes against humanity.

bye for now

CELEBRATING MY FIRST YEAR, 2009!!

2009-01-01T00:05:00.015-05:00

YES! I know I am sleeping, but I am celebrating..with my dearest dearest mother. I or she is the love of my life...ok. we both share this line. I am overjoyed!! My maama is here...and I am resting so beautiful.

It's been a year of wonders, twists and turns. Oh! just heard someone on BBC Africa Have Your Say talk about Joseph Kony...that notorious goon who continues terrorizing people in Northern Uganda, Eastern Congo and Southern Sudan. Oh! I hope (and my maama agrees) they catch him..dead.

Anyway, this is my first new year --and I am 5 months into this world. It's beautiful! I look forward to many more like these, obviously better ones. I have plenty of wishes and resolutions to make to my mother and myself. So help me y'all.

1) I need to start sitting all by myself by the end of this month, January 2009 -I can't even believe I am saying Jan 2009.

2) Continue my smart progress, charming face and peaceful nature. I want to carry these all the way into my adulthood. Already, maama says I am a genius. I can talk, laugh, giggle (oh! I have my maama's stingy laugh), listen attentively, play, and express myself. Oh! did I tell you that I can even type on the computer. Well, that's me, Mr. Genius

well, I am taking after my mother. don't blame me for being too ambitious.

Oh! did I tell you about my learning-to-sit" box? Apparently my mother thought it was a smart idea to put me in this box....so, I can learn to sit...and there I am, learning to sit...and sometimes feel really caged-in. But

But I guess I love it...look at me... and I am enjoying...learning to sit...Next time you see me, I'll be walking.

3) That my mother finds work to earn money. She's currently not earning an income but she wants to get back into "the earning business". I love her and I love that she takes care of me. But I also want her to get paid for taking care of me. Right now, that's not happening. And she's a very enterprising person. I want her to reclaim her inner strength, imaginative and achieving spirit. I want her to achieve so so much!! She's a wonderful person. Did I say she's the love of my life? Ok, perhaps I've overused that. Anyway, this is my advertising contribution for her. As you can see, she's also got a picture-taking talent. She took all these pics..so, perhaps she has a career in photography. But I know she wants to "save the world" and argue politics, especially African International Politics. You know what, she can do all this through photography.

I want my mother and I to move (back) to New York City, because she says it's the best city to live in. Everybody is "theoretically" equal because they all take the subway. Also, everyone can speak their own language and not feel foreign..because it's a multi-cultural city. The parks are so wide and exciting, there are plenty of Africans. My mum wants those Senegalese to baby sit me so that I can learn Wolof and French (you know she was once engaged to a Senegalese, shhhh!!).. I understand, Senegalese are such wonderful people..she just had her issues --thus cutting off that engagement.

4) I hope to go visit my family in Uganda by the end of the year. Maama tells me Jjajja (my grandma) is the best person in the entire world. All my cousins are longing for me, and so are my aunties and uncles. They cannot imagine a baby not at home. But you know what, whoever said,"like mother like son" was definitely thinking about my maama and I. My maama was the only child of her mother born outside the family home (oh! long story) and she grew up with her grandmother. So, when she was five and ready to start kindergarten, she joined her siblings in Kampala (Uganda). I understand her siblings used to call her, "Guest" because they didn't know she was one of them. Can you imagine I am the only one of my jjajja (grandma)'s grandkids to be born outside Uganda and away from home? Now I know they will all call me "Guest" or Mugenyi. I have already met my paternal family in Bartonsville, PA. Now, I need to visit my jjajja.Well, I guess I should wish for good health, good feelings, good friends, good finances, good weather and good lifestyle. I also wish for a good inauguration of Barack Hussein Obama, as the first black President of the United States.

I am thankful for the people, for the gifts, for the smile, for the attention, for those friends and family and those who care for me. people say I look like my mother, but I found a look-a-like who aint my mother..ha!

Even I Fall Sick

2008-12-10T19:42:00.007-05:00

I am experiencing my first bout of sickness, down with a fever and flu. I also had a rash (heat rash) which I brought back from traveling too much over thanksgiving. But you know, I am a tough boy, just like my maama, and I will get through with this. I guess I couldn't avoid sniffing around. You know, my maama also had a cold from the trip. She keeps her nose around mine, so I couldn't avoid the contagious flu. Then maama took me to daycare for a day when she had to run around, and I guess the babysitter couldn't keep the other older kids around. So, it's been a tough week. But then again, life is tough and I am tougher. I can still play and giggle amidst the high temperature and sneezing. I am doing well, maama says and she is so proud of me.

Jaaja (my maternal grandma) says, I am growing up, that's why I caught a flu. It also shows that I am active and will help strengthen my immunity. Oh! I am sniffing right now (ma says, "Bless You" and again, "Bless You"). Oh! I look forward to getting through with this but I know my ma is more worried that mysel. You know, she loves me so very much..

Overall, I've been a great boy to date, and I hope Santa picks up on that and brings huge huge bounty when he comes down. It's been a while since I've been here but things have happened..I witnessed the election of our first black President as 44th President of the United States, celebrated Halloween (ma had wanted me to be Cornell West but didn't happen), enjoyed thanksgiving with my (paternal) family in Bartonsville, PA, and I have been immunized twice, now that was not enjoyable but I guess it's part of growing up. In less than two months, I'll return for my next immunizations. By then, I hope to be able to sit perfectly and completely rolly from place to place

Becoming Independent: My Mum is Paranoid

2008-10-13T01:35:00.008-04:00

My Maama is so funny. She is now paranoid that I am too independent because I can play by myself, lie down by myself, ask her to put me down and go to bed by myself, all without crying. She's now getting worried that I am too independent.

You know, there is a time I used to cry more and sought my maama's attention and assistance each time I wanted to sleep or to nap or to play. I complained all the time and wanted her to pick me up. I also slept a lot on her lap, and in fact that was my favorite position, especially when she was working. I went to bed in her arms and wanted to wake up in her arms as well. I, as she said, made my sleep time a community affair. I cried to sleep and cried to wake up. I also cried if I didn't see or feel or hear my maama. I wanted her to be there all the time.

But now I am all growing up and I can do well all by myself. Now my maama has to wake up or get me out of bed to feed or take a bath or just play with me. She complains that I am too independent, that I sleep and rest alone too much that I don't need her soothing songs anymore. Oh! maama. She now misses those times when she used to sing those bedtime lullabies to me. She still reads to me before I go to bed. She also sits me on her lap so that I can fall asleep in her arms. She lies down besides me while I converse with her before I sleep or when I wake up. She loves all those memories.

But I don't wake up so much as I used to. Nowadays she checks on me to see if I have woken up or if I am ready for the breast or if I just want to talk. Sometimes she tells me, "Biko, let me know if you want to wake up or if you are hungry. I am here." Not that I am ignoring her, but I am trying to show her that I am all grown up now, she can now concentrate on her work. But mothers! they are never content without their children. they love their babies too much. My maama says I am the love of her life. I am the joy of her life. I am everything she is because I love her.

I love my maama very much. I smile and squirl when I look in her eyes. I enjoy the smell of her. I love to reach out my hand and touch her. I love to set my head near her Bre....I love everything about my maama. She's my daily comforter, consoler. She has given me plenty of love. She does not let me cry for long before she soothes me, and tells me that, "I need to grow strong like a man." The she puts me down to relax. But nowadays, all that is gone: there's no more crying.

MY MILESTONES

2008-10-11T16:49:00.025-04:00

Here is what you should know about me

1. At 4 weeks old, I could lift my head, and at 5 weeks, I could hold it up firm

2. Kim Thompson, one of my mentors said, I was the most handsome boy he saw in a room full of kids when we went to apply for my birth certificate.

3. I used to wake up and cry after a bad dream. Dianne (Thompson), our family friend said, 'I had dreamt that my maama's breast had disappeared'.

4. I smiled as early as 2 weeks. I would smile in my sleep. Maama said, she thought I was smiling with my guardian angel or my late sis (dad's first daughter), Kyla Amira (RIP).

5. I loved lying in the sling. Maama had to work with me in the sling on her lap

6. Maama said I made my sleep a community affair. When I was little, I slept loudly and woke up crying loudly.

7. I used to sleep with one eye open

8. Held the "Satisfier" at three weeks

Here is what friends and family said about me or called me:

1. More Breast - Maama
2. Acapulco pause - Auntie Tega
3. Mr. Bear -Auntie Kim Thompson
4. All You can Eat Buffett (Breast)-Maama
5. Mr. Beek, Big Deal -Popsy
6. Beek -Abram

Here are my mothers Joyous Moments of Me:

1. Lying in bed together and waking up to my face (she didn't put me in my crib when I was little)
2. My poop (especially early days)
3. My smile
4. My eye lashes
5. My hair

Here is what Maama tells me:
1. "Sometimes I look like Kim Jong Yun II" (I have been told that i look Chinese)
2. "Omululu gwa jjaja wo Daudi" (when I choke on the breast)
3. I am indeed Jjaja Getu's grandson because when i cry, tears immediately drop
4. I sing to maama
5. "Hold that Thought" (when I start crying while maama is preparing dinner)
6. "One Second" (when maama is changing my diaper).

Here is what I do:
1. I love playing with and pulling the "B" in my mouth
2. During my first week, Auntie Tega would dive me onto maama's B to feed
3. I laugh when maama blows under my chin
4. I listen tentatively when maama is speaking to me or reading to me

Here are things I say:
1. NGA -while crying: Nga (tonsitula), Nga (Njagala kwebaka), Nga (Tonfako)
2. Agh -When conversing
3. Ma (or thereof) -Saturday 20th September 2008

MY BIRTH STORY

2008-10-11T16:01:00.001-04:00

This is what Maama and Auntie Kembe wrote about my birth with additional information from auntie Tega who came all the way from NYC to be at my birth and share my first week in this world.

LOVE OF MY LIFE: Biko Kafrika Henderson

July 18th
I went to the doctor for a routine visit. I told her I hadn't felt him move. We scheduled another visit for Monday.

July 21st

Tega, my sister, Damalie and I went for the visit. Everything seemed to be going well. He had the hiccups. The nurse did a sonogram, shook my belly and he moaned. Out of nowhere the midwife said "I am going to admit you". We didn't believe it. We grumbled all way home. We went to Kroger to get water, we went home, ate and I took a shower. When we got to Kennestone hospital I asked if they could check the heart-rate and another non-stress test but the nurses advised me to take my midwife's advice. So, I agreed to check-in, and make sure everything was normal because the ultra-sound said everything was normal.

Since my cervix was not dilated yet (!!), my OB recommended inducing me to ripen it. They began inducing at about 11:15pm on July 21st. I started feeling the contractions but they were still milder than my period cramps. My friend Tega stayed overnight with me at the hospital. At about 3am, I woke her up to help me to the bathroom because I was feeling sore all over.

July 22nd

I woke up at about 6:30am for breakfast but could not eat, for I was feeling more pain. At around 9:20am, the nurse and my midwife, Vivian came in to check my cervix; I was only 1cm dilated. I asked the nurse if the pain I felt from the contractions would continue the whole day, and she told me it gets worse, much worse. She also told me there was a possibility of a c-section. Shortly after Vivian and the nurse left, I felt a gush of water –MY WATER BROKE!! Oh! It felt orgasmic. It's one of the most memorable feelings I've ever had. I enjoyed it very much. I immediately paged the nurse and broke the news. Tega came back into the room and when I broke the news to her, she immediately text messaged my sister, Damalie and my Bradley coach Kembe. Both had just said prayers separately, 3 minutes ago.

The nurse gave me Pitocin to make the contractions regular, they started at 6ml then, 12ml and 18ml. I quickly realized I didn't want to hear how much they were giving me. I didn't even want to hear anyone talk nor did I want to talk. My sister Dorothy (in Uganda) had cautioned me not to talk because I wouldn't have energy to push. I used the thumbs up and thumbs down (just as the lie detector man) to communicate. My sister came in (from an interview that morning) and I told her, “I cannot continue natural, I am going to take the epidural.” She said, “This is what you wanted” (no epidural).

Shortly after, Kembe came in and the first thing I said was "I am sorry but I am going to take the epidural. This is hard." She said, "Now let us practice the relaxation and positive affirmations". She immediately began administering the breathing technique, the Bradley Way, and massaging my feet, while my sister held my hand. I thought of all those people who said, I could not go natural, and wanted to prove them wrong. I thought of all the time I put in preparing for natural childbirth, walking, squatting, pelvic rock, tailor sitting, butterfly, perinea massage, every morning and night. So, I resolved to accept the pain. Kembe asked me if we could practice some affirmations, visualization and relaxation. I said "strong contractions are good contractions". We also changed the position I was laboring in. It made such a big difference. A nurse came in and asked if I was given any drugs because I was able to focus and concentrate on resting mentally. I was at 1cm after my water broke.

At 2pm, I was at 3cm. A second nurse came in and asked if I was given any medication because I was doing very well. At one point, some amniotic fluid came out and I asked if they could change the sheets, she was surprised to hear that I didn't have a catheter. My midwife Vivian reminded me that epidurals don't take pain away they only soothe it. I listening to everyone encouraging me and thought, I can't do this.

By 2:25, I was in late first stage. My emotional sign post was "Do Not Disturb". My contractions were following a regular pattern, there was pressure in my pelvis. The room was nice and dim, we had the calm music playing and the environment was peaceful. 3:45pm I had my bloody show and I had a fever, the room was hot. I felt Tega's massage missing but when she came in to ask reassure me, I told her to get off of me. 5:55pm I was 7cm and I was changing positions to get comfortable. I would accept a c-section.” 8:01pm 9cm no effacement he wasn't coming down. 8:20pm 9 ½ cm, I was squatting. When I felt like pushing, it was a lot of pressure. I was in so much pain; I was abdominal breathing and could not hold my face any longer. The contractions were a killer; it was gruesome!! I thought this is worse than running a marathon. And I have run three marathons! I was able to change positions and I rested mentally.

Then the battle began. I wanted to rest on the right side and he (baby) wanted to rest on the left. Then, I hit transition. I felt like I couldn't go on. I wanted to have a C-section but I didn't verbalize the thought. I felt ashamed, because I was planning for so long. With every contraction getting harder, I could not relax my face anymore. Kembe told me, “Your eyebrows look nice. Just relax your face. Your hair looks good.” I didn't even care how my face or eye brows looked. I didn't want any clothes on. I wanted to bite my sister's hand because the contraction was so hard. Instead I squeezed so hard. I told her to remove the blanket from my back but there was none. It just felt so hot.

Then the baby started pushing and I could hold it any longer. I told Damalie to call the nurse that the baby was coming. Damalie exclaimed, “I can see his hair”. Then Victoria the nurse said "it was time to push” I bore down and tried to sit up". Then, I felt an enormous amount of pressure to push. Then, Victoria said don't push. She was holding him in. I yelled at her, “What are you doing?” She didn't want me to tear. Then she said push, but I didn't feel the urge. Tega said she was on the verge of crying. He started crowning and I bore down and felt his head coming out and his shoulders. Then I felt him released completely, the second orgasmic moment. Damalie cut the cord. He was cleaned and his vital signs were normal and he wasn't crying. Victoria said he wasn't crying because he was tired. Everyone was surprised at how big he was all 8lbs 9oz. He came out peeing. His toes were big, his nose was big and even his equipment was big. He had lots of hair (they (Abaganda) say if a constant heartburn during pregnancy is sign of lots of baby hair).

In my birth plan I wanted to give birth while squatting or on my fours I also wanted to walk around during labor, but the baby wasn't going to have it like that. Still, my midwife followed most of my birth plan and granted me most of my wishes. She put the baby on my tummy for a while as Damalie cut the cord, gave him to me to nurse after cleaning, and did not give me much medication except for Hepatitis B and eye medicine. I was so overwhelmed that this is my child. I already know he is very brilliant. He began nursing and observing his new world. I'm already planning for his first spelling bee. Biko Kafrika Henderson arrived at 8:48pm, Tuesday July 22 at Kennestone Hospital in Marietta, GA. He was surrounded by the love of his neat, organized and professional Bradley Coach, Kembe Nakiina Sullivan, his loving Auntie from New York by way of The Fletcher School, Tega Shivute and Family representative and Auntie, Damalie Lwanga. Dad and (maternal) auntie were informed shortly thereafter.

WELCOME TO BIKO'S WORLD

2008-10-11T13:46:00.001-04:00

Finally, I am here!

I have been meaning to do this for the longest while, but a lot has been going on, for example, I started touching objects, taking a nap/sleeping by myself without waiting for my mother, lifting my head, laughing, talking, sucking my finger and just watching moving trees.

I know your world has been quite messy, and I am sorry not as exciting as mine is..but that's life. I know Wall Street tumbled onto mail street. I heard about the gas crisis in Atlanta, the government plan to bail out Wall Street, the billions of dollars owed to China, the collapse of the US dollar and oh! the Presidential Campaigns. I have been following all of that, but most importantly, I have been trying to enjoy the first two months of my life in this world. So, far all is going well.

My parents are lovely, they enjoy me and so do I. They take me to the park every Thursday and sometimes to the Mall. I have already visited Dad's grandmother (my great grandmother), attended a family barbeque, rode on the bus, got my first shots, (oh! that was not too kind) and took my first studio portraits. I have received lots of presents, lots of attention and complements.

Everybody who sees me has something to say about me. They say I am cute, adorable, beautiful, strong, gorgeous, eeh. Some call me a sumi wrestler, chubby, fat boy, mr. bear (because I sleep soundly). Dad calls me Beek, the Big Deal, the B. Abram (Sullivan) calls me -Beek. Mum calls me Mr. Beek, Mr. Henderson. That's the story of my life. Everybody has an opinion about me.

I say, I am a self-expressive boy, strong, happy, and will not settle for mediocre. That's why I thank mum for giving me my name -Biko...because I am indeed a freedom fighter. I settle not for less. I am already supporting Barack Obama -isn't it lovely being born in this year? with the first African American Presidential Candidate of a Major Political Party? Oh! we are enjoying it!!

Let me tell you about my likes. First the breast, second the Breast, third, The Breast. After that, I have found a new love for my thumb, which I suck to sleep. I don't fancy the pacifier, although I used to suck on it when I was still little. I also love my car seat, but now the crib seems to be a better place. I love having my diaper changed, I love taking a bath in that sink..looking at myself and maama in the mirror as I splash water all around. Also I love getting rides in the car, but not the stop light. I want us to go go go. Mum says I will be a car racer (just like my father). I also love waking up and laughing and talking.

Things I don't fancy too much. when mum talks on the phone while breastfeeding me or when she tries to clean my ears or under my neck or wakes me up from sleep to change my diaper. I don't like that. Usually i fight her but other times I just cry in protest. I have become so much better. I know who I am and don't want to discomfort me.

Mum says I have really grown. Auntie Kim too says so. You know, I was born with a a lot of hair and sometimes people have to ask whether I am a boy or girls. But for the most part, I have the boyish look so not too many questions. I can now stand while supported, I bounce around in my bounce chair, I chat endlessly, I sleep through the night, only feeding at intervals, I don't wake up and stay up for four hours. I rest in my crib, which I didn't like before. I am now a pro at taking milk from the bottle. You know, my mum spent a whole week teaching me how to drink from the bottle because if she goes back to work outside the house, I will have to go to daycare and drink from a bottle. I did not like it. I cried and cried but now, i can drink 5 ounces/day in a bottle of maama's express (pumped) breastmilk, non-stop. I am lovin't! Although I usually refuse to take it when I am not really hungry.

You know I have already passed through that stage of "crying"..while getting used to this world. There's a time I used to cry non-stop. In fact there's one weekend when i cried and cried and cried. I would not stop even when maama lifted me up and soothed me. I just cried. Mum got really scared and started calling up friends/mentors. One said I had colic -which is something my grandma in Uganda had talked about although in Luganda it goes by the name, "Obwooka"..especially for breast-fed babies when their stomachs are trying to adjust to in-take of milk (food). Also, gas is another cause, coz I used to have a lot of gas. Partly because my mum was laxed in burping me. The other reason is because my maama loves beans, broccoli and eggs too much. She's a very vegetarian eater. Also, that weekend maama ate something different from what I was used to. She had "personalized pizza" from Pizza Hut. My stomach did not welcome it. So, she took me to urgent care and the doctor recommended "Mylicon Drops" -my first medicine. Grandma (Uganda) had recommended water from boiled orange pills. Oh! now i am fine and maama has started to carefully monitor what she eats, xcept for that one time when she had coconut rice with fish in peanut sauce. I feel for my maama but then again, it's my world for now.

This month, I can lift my head while on my stomach, I can hold my hands together. I have already sang my first song and I continue to enjoy the outdoors. When it's time to take a walk, I demand that so persistently from maama. Oh! i enjoy the baby björn, and now I have outgrown the sling. Anyway, I'll keep coming back to tell you what's happening in our lives -maama, Popsy and myself. For now, welcome to Biko's world and please continue to visit!!