Ayinde's Homecoming

Originally written on July 5, 2006 (I will never forget this date)

Ayinde is coming home today! Ayinde is coming home today! Ayinde is coming home today! I feel like shouting off of my balcony. I feel like walking up to strangers. It's hard to even write this e-mail because I keep stopping to "do the cabbage patch" dance. The happiest days of my life keep getting better and better. Renee said to me that so many people have prayed for Ayinde. I thank you all so much for your love and support. Ayinde is so blessed to have about 70 Mocha Mom Aunties that have provided him with food for his mommy (so she could make breastmilk), a cradle for him to sleep in, clothes for him to wear, pampers to keep him dry, and a carseat for him to ride home in - oh I am so blessed. Your e-mails and phone calls have meant so much to me during the times when I didn't know how I would go on. I've been nesting the past few days so I haven't had much sleep - cleaning, organizing, running back and forth to the store. My husband thinks I'm crazy, but he's never been a momma. I understand why women need women. I've had to fight to get my 6-week break. I've put everyone in my house on notice. I'm not cooking, cleaning or driving anybody anywhere for 6 weeks. I've been separated from Ayinde for 10 weeks and I'm going to use that sabbatical to make up for the time we lost together and get a good groove with him and the family. I always think of my Ethiopian friend Genet whose tradition is to be secluded with the baby for 40 days. Other family members take care of the younger children while the mother stays in the bed, rests, nurses and is cared for. Imagine how fortified and ready to take on the task of mothering you are after that. We don't get that in this country unless you demand it. I'm not sure I'll get the full 6 weeks, but as with any negotiation you ask for the most first. My doctor's have said to keep him secluded and away from children, especially for 6 weeks past my due date (as you would with a term baby). We'll be doing a lot of hand-washing around here before handling the baby. Praise God, Praise God, Praise God!

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A few days after Ayinde's homecoming, some sisterfriends gave me a blessing way. I am truly blessed.