My first 2 weeks of life...

by Ezra Lewis Thompson

Eviction Day: It was a full moon the night my Mama, Daddy, and Dr. Carvalho decided I had been comfy long enough. Dr. Carvalho gave my Mama a pill at 10:15pm June 16th. That began my journey out and into this new world. Mama groaned and moaned quite a bit until I was born the next evening. I'm not sure what she was moaning about- I was the uncomfortable one! She should try squeezing her big head through such a tight space. It hurts! I was minding my own business when this lady dressed in green ripped me out and threw me on my Mama's chest. I couldn't help but cry a bit. I was cold and naked. I looked up at my Daddy and I thought he was some sort of aquatic creature or something. His face was soaking wet. He was having lots of drainage from his eyes. I just heard Mama say "Hey buddy- I'm SO GLAD you are outta me!" I got to lay on Mama's chest for a while. It was nice and warm. I didn't cry long. I'm a good boy, you see. Once Mama and Daddy went to their room they started talking to a man named Jesus about me and telling him "thank you" for me. I'm looking forward to knowing more about this Jesus. They also kept telling me I'm a miracle and a gift from God. I get the feeling that I'm pretty special.

Day 1: The next day Daddy was running around everywhere trying to get us ready to go. He was ready to get home and get Mama in her bed. Daddy said she hadn't slept in 3 days and kept vomiting everything she ate during my eviction. Sorry Mama. In the morning some mean Kenyan man came and took me away- he cut on me where the sun don't shine! Not cool. But I showed him. I didn't cry one bit. Mama and Daddy said I was like a real Masai warrior. (They aren't allowed to cry during that). Uncle Ben, Aunt Helen, Aunt Ali, and Aunt Grace all came to the hospital to see me. They all seemed pretty cool. Finally we went home. I like my home... especially my room.

Day 2: I got to meet my Grammy and Pawpaw! They traveled from really far away just to meet me. They had a lot of trouble getting here, but I'm pretty sure I'm worth it. That night, I laid in the bed with Mama and Daddy. Some watery stuff shot from their eyes every time they looked at me.

Day 3: I had to go see my pediatrician, Dr. Patel because Mama and Daddy took me home early and I had some jaundice. He's really nice. He said I was really cute, but he made me get butt naked. Again, not cool. After my appointment we went to Dorman's to get a sandwich. Mama wasn't feeling too well and had a hard time getting comfortable. I heard her tell Grammy that they were sewing her up for 20 minutes. Not sure what that means, but Grammy seemed to. After that I went to meet my big brothers in Kawangware. I heard this really loud screaming in my ear- it was Loyce who cooks for the boys. She'd been praying for me for a long time. Mama wouldn't let me get out of the car though, but she let my brothers come look at me. She said I was still too small to go play. Maybe next time.

Day 4: Today I just stayed home and Mama and I slept a lot. We had to catch up from all our work Friday! My Mama and Daddy give me SO MANY kisses. I think I've had some hair loss from my head kisses.

Day 5: Today Grammy was changing me and my cord fell off. I'm kinda glad. It really grossed my Mama out. Grammy keeps kissing all over me. It's okay though- I know she's just filling up since I won't get to see her for a while. I also got to meet my Auntie Su and Uncle Mark. Auntie Su hadn't been feeling well so I had to wait to meet her and Uncle Mark.

Day 6: Today I had my first bath. It was so fun!!! I felt like I was back inside Mama again. Though getting out of the bath wasn't as bad and coming out of Mama, it was still so COLD! Auntie Su, Mama, and Grammy took me to Dormans for a smoothie then to Nakumat to get some groceries.

Day 7: Today Daddy, Mama, Grammy and Pawpaw took me to the giraffe park! It was so fun, but Mama wouldn't let me get too close to them. I saw a giraffe kiss Grammy on the mouth. Not sure Pawpaw saw it though. I think if he had he would've been awfully mad. After that we went by to see Uncle Peter and Aunt Peace with their little boy Muthoms. I really like him. He's 4 months older than me so he was teaching me some of his kicking moves. He's a cool kid.

Day 8: Today we went to Kitengala glass. That was a really bumpy road but Mama held my head the whole time and I just slept. It was a neat place. Grammy and Pawpaw bought a bunch of gifts there. Auntie Grace had a migraine and was REAL sad. I felt bad for her on that bumpy road.

Day 9: Today I went to church. But that was all. Mama wasn't feeling well so we went right home afterwards. Daddy held me throughout the service. We sang songs too. I really liked singing songs.

Day 10: Today was my first trip to Kibera! Daddy drove us through and showed us the bible college. I hope to go back and meet the OSM partners one day. After that we went to eat Ethiopian food. Grammy and Pawpaw really liked it. I don't think my Ethiopian tasted quite like theirs. When I got home I took a nap and then woke up and got to meet the Helsby's. I really like them. Daddy said I would. Jake and Carter held me for a long time. I hope to go to Tanzania soon and play with them. Daddy says they do a lot of cool "boy things".

Day 11: Today I went to the Masai market. Daddy and I hung out inside. We don't really like to shop. Mama and Grace helped Grammy and Pawpaw get some good deals. We didn't stay too long. Mama still wasn't feeling well. I'm not sure what's the matter with her.

Day 12: Our big outing today was going to see Dr. Carvalho. I slept through the appointment but I did hear her say something about Mama having an allergic reaction to something which is why she wasn't feeling too well. I think she'll be better now. She gave her some medicine and said she was healing well. Again, I don't know what she's talking about but Mama and Daddy seemed to.

Day 13: Well, today Mama and I slept most of the day. You see, I wasn't feeling well during the night and so I couldn't sleep more than 45 minutes to an hour at a time. My nose is stopped up and I kept snorting when I'd try and eat then I'd throw up. On top of that I had lots of gas. Mama cried. She felt really sorry for me. But I'm okay. My middle name means "famous warrior". Mama, remember how I didn't cry when that man was cutting on me? I'll be okay. I'm tough. Daddy was really nice to Mama and got up with me a lot. He felt really sorry for me too.

Day 14: Today is Pawpaw's birthday! I slept so good after this long day. We had the OSM team meeting and I got to meet all of the OSM partners! They kept telling my Mama that I was cold because they wrap their babies up like eskimos. But I was really sweating. It was hot today! I was so glad to finally meet them. After that we went to Westgate to watch a movie for Pawpaw's birthday...only I think Pawpaw paid for everyone. I didn't watch the movie (Green Lantern) so it doesn't really count as my first movie- per Daddy. After the movie we took Pawpaw to Fogo Goucho's which is a Brazilian restaurant that serves 13 different cuts of meats. Everyone seemed to really like it. Then we sat in crazy Birthday Traffic for an hour and 45 minutes. Pawpaw didn't like that part of his birthday. He told me so.