I Turned 22!

Hey everyone! Welcome to this week’s post. On the 4th of February, last week, I turned 22. I also celebrated my first, and hopefully last, birthday in a pandemic. I was one of the lucky ones who got to celebrate their birthday “normally” last year and I’m glad I actually did something with my friends.

This year’s was really different because we are in a pandemic and only two of my friends are actually around. It was nice still. The usual texts, and phone calls from people I haven’t spoken to in years and people whose numbers I don’t have. People posting pictures, videos or whatever memories they have of us on their stories. It was nice, thoughtful and a tad bit overwhelming. I found myself counting down to the day ending in Malaysia and in Zambia. I even made sure to sleep early.

Do I love birthdays? Of course I do. I enjoy celebrating others and making them feel extra special on their birthday. However, as I’ve gotten older, I wouldn’t mind mine going by silently. I really really appreciate all the extra love though. So, if you didn’t wish me a happy birthday, this is the point where you do.

Last year, for my birthday, I wrote about 21 things I’ve learnt in 21 years. For extremely obvious reasons, I can’t do the same this year because well, the lessons haven’t changed. I would just have to add one more lesson. As I tried to come up with birthday post ideas, I remembered I have diary entries my parents wrote to me when I was born! They obviously didn’t write everyday or for a long time. Only a few were written so I thought it would be a good idea to share some of those here.

My mom sent me pictures of the entries almost two years ago in an attempt to cheer me up while I was alone in a hospital bed miles away from home. Not only did she cheer me up, she also successfully made me ugly cry alone in that hospital room. I will only share a few of them and type them out too because the pictures I have are not clear at all. We will not judge anyone’s photography skills.

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04.02.99
Wonani Mwanza born on Thursday 04.2.99 at 08.30 am at Chelstone Hospital/Clinic . Weight 3.5g and everything functional. The mother was released from hospital at 16.00hrs. Our residential address being 35 Chelstone Green, Chelstone Lusaka.

06.02.99 Saturday
First photograph taken.
Honey, you look so cute.

First: Dad, Second: Dad+Mom

12.02.99
Wonani,
It is so much a beautiful feeling seeing you grow day by day, you are exactly eight days old today and you are becoming more and more beautiful. It is like we have always known you and yet your life has just began.
I will always cherish the nine months you were inside me, feeling your kicks with daddy. You used to shock daddy at how violent your little kicks could sometimes be. Honey, Wonani “We love you so dearly.”

Mom

26/02/99
We left you alone with grandma. It was the first time mom or dad left for a complete 4 hrs.
You behaved yourself and did not cry. You are sweet.

7/5/99
You went for your second jab at the clinic. You behaved well, though you were acting “sour”.

Dad

24/5/2000
We are expecting your kid brother!!! He’ll probably be born next month. You are doing fine. You’ve just recovered from a stomach upset!

Dad

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I may or may not have shed a few tears reading this again. This is obviously not everything because I’m keeping some things for myself. And honestly, other things are embarrassing so I skipped them.

I’m taking this as my main gift this year. Maybe this is where I get my love for writing letters. Anyway, I’m 22 now. I weigh slightly over 60kg and everything functional.
We don’t live at that address anymore. So if you love me so much and want to stalk me, you won’t find me there.
Also, my immediate younger brother was actually born almost 2 months later. He has always been fashionably late but still perfect.

Some things don’t change though. I’m still an independent girl and I still don’t like injections.

I think this is a good idea to do. If you have kids, do it for them. If you do not have kids, just get this idea and turn it into something else. You’re welcome.

If you were born in February, I’m sure you are an amazing person. How do you feel about birthdays? Do you want my account details so that you can send me a birthday gift? Please, let me know in the comments!

Thanks for reading!
Love,
Wonani Xx

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