Annikah has been an only child for 3 years. That is a long time, like her whole life. We planned to have kids closer together but life happens and planning does not always work out the way you think it will. We try hard to not spoil her and to teach her what God wants for all of us; to be kind, to love our neighbors as ourselves, to share, to be generous, to be humble, to set aside our wants for those of others, to love. But I am not very good at any of those things, at least if I am really honest. And she is a kid. In kid world it matters if someone touches your baby or takes the last sticker. Like really matters. But real soon she is going to get a crash course in sharing; her Mama, her Papa, her stuff, our home, our space, our time. Some days I am worried a bit about this adjustment, like the moments she wallops Zawadi for touching one of her toys. But then there are other moments I think she will be the best big sister ever, like when she gets a package in the mail full of treats and immediately wants to share them with her friends here.

What is most likely and I have observed and experienced first hand is that Annikah and her baby sister will float between moments of being best friends and mortal enemies. I guess my job will be to let them sort it out and occasionally be the warden, but mostly to help them realize the amazing blessing they will have in each other. Me. A Mama of two..I need advice and help and I am a bit scared. And; like Annikah, I am about to get a crash course.

We were praying for the baby today and she said “Mama, when you tummy get bigger and bigger and the baby come out me gonna put that baby to nap and hold her and kiss her, ok?” Yep, Annikah sounds great to me.


practicing holding our friend’s new baby


Anni and Romy…sisterly love

sharing some pipi (candies) from a birthday package…

the kids all loved that their tongues changed color!

Anni & Zawadi: Anni makes it her business to boss Zawadi around but also is pretty good at sharing…even her beloved swings…hold on Zawadi!!!

http://i885.photobucket.com/player.swf?file=http://vid885.photobucket.com/albums/ac54/engy79/pushingzawadi.flv

  1. Anonymous says:

    Oh, I love the video. So cute to see Anni being sweet to Zawadi and it was fun to hear Zawadi talking; but my favorite part was hearing MamaZawadi's laughter! That is always how I think of her – showing enjoyment of her life and family, even though she has so little.

  2. Anonymous says:

    What is Anni doing outside without shoes???

  3. Anonymous says:

    Hi Roxanne,This is Jamie in Chicago. I would be surprised if you remember me, as I only met you twice- first at the Andersonville Festival several years back, and again at a green parenting class at the Nature Museum shortly before you left Chicago. I have been reading your blog for over a year now, and I would like to tell you how very much I love reading it. My husband is from Senegal- where I lived for three years as a Peace Corps Volunteer- and he and I dream often of moving back to West Africa. We are a little apprehensive because we have a toddler-like you. Reading about your experiences- the good and the bad- really make me miss living in Africa and keep me determined to move back there. So mostly I am posting this note to say thank you. Thank you so much for sharing so eloquently the joys and pains of your life in East Africa. I also just wanted to say hello- because I feel a little guilty reading so much about you and your family with you really knowing that I am doing so. Does that sound weird? I hope not. You don’t need to contact me- but if you ever would like to my e-mail is jamiediatta@yahoo.com. Best wishes with the new baby girl!

  4. Anonymous says:

    I think Anni is going to do just fine. She's a really sweet girl. There might be some getting used to of the little sister ( I remember I was excited for mine, and then a week later asked for her to be returned to the hospital ASAP), but 3 years isn't too big of a difference. In HS she'll be the cool senior sister to take care of her lowly freshman sister. Good spacing!Take care!! <3

  5. Anonymous says:

    You and Anni will both do fine. Just don't let her have a baseball bat.:)Of course if you were here, Bibi could help you and her! I could take Anni for special “Anni” days to let you bond with new baby girl(sure would be nice to know her name?????) I can only hope…