K just turned five months, and I never related to the saying “It takes a village to raise a child” as deeply as I did this past month. It was both the hardest and the most heartwarming month for me this year. My mom was hospitalized for almost two weeks, and there were days when I had to switch so quickly between my role as a daughter and a mother. It broke my heart when I had no choice but to bring K to the hospital while I handled things for my mom. And yet, as if he understood what was happening, he behaved so well the entire time we were there. It was also a tough month because I had to balance everything with my role as a working mom. As usual, approaching the end of the year means work suddenly doubles (or even triples!). Usually it’s just the two of us taking care of K, with Uci and Inyik helping from time to time. But even with both of us giving our all, it still wasn’t enough. This month was overwhelming for both of us; we were exhausted in ways we didn’t expect. As much as I wanted to keep everything on track, it was incredibly difficult. That’s when I realized we really do have people to rely on. This month showed us what having a village truly looks like. Enin, Apipah, Waun, Ontidyz, Oli, and Onticha — thank you for being there for K :’)
Despite all the difficulties, there were moments that made everything feel lighter and absolutely worth remembering. K has been even more cheerful than ever. He smiles ear to ear and laughs out loud at the smallest things we do. Like when he wakes up and our eyes meet. When he sees me after being carried by someone else. When he reacts to Baba’s funny gestures. When we see each other in the mirror. When we do cilukba. When I murmur “mmmm!” while eating in front of him — and the list goes on.
He also babbles a lot — which honestly sounds like he’s really trying to talk, just in baby vocabulary :’) He often shouts “aaaaa,” especially when he’s bored or wakes up alone during his naps. He has a long wake window and very short naps (which definitely added to the challenge this month, though I’m still grateful that his night sleep has never been something to worry about). He yawns like a little adult while making a “hoaaam” sound. He enjoys watching people eat and needs lots of interaction (otherwise he gets bored). And this month, he also did his very first roll — without any help! :')
This month also marks the moment we said goodbye to the crib that has been with K since he first came home from the hospital. While many of our friends said it wouldn’t be useful, it was actually one of the most valuable things we’ve ever had for him. It’s where K slept throughout the day, and it was so convenient because we could easily place him there and watch him from the living room — where we spend most of our time at home.
It’s incredible how, even in such a difficult month, K’s genuine smiles and laughter always fill my heart. He’s still tiny and can’t even talk yet, but his presence alone has supported me through so much. Just being near him—lying beside him, hugging him, talking to him—gives me the energy I need.
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