Before they were born, I was clueless. See, I have a couple of nephews and nieces that I literally mothered and my narrow mind assured me I knew all about motherhood. I even thought with so many children around me, there was no need to have my own.

Whats the fuss all about? I would wonder. I had well thought out answers to the endless questions that many of us should be familiar with; ‘when are you having babies’, well correction, they actually ask ‘when are you making babies’. The clock  is ticking, they say. The bravest will even spell out the number of children you should have.

Well, in good time, 15 January 2011 happened. I was converted. It was love at first sight. No words can explain the feeling the first time I held him in my arms. I forgot about the trauma a few hours before. Such beauty! He was the most handsome boy I had ever seen. My series of lessons on selflessness that began when I learnt I was carrying someone continued with the excruciating pain of first feeding. The necessary skills were, of course, acquired along the way and we still learn six years later.

Narrow mind said to me, ‘you have one child that you adore, would you really love the second one.’ Again after fielding questions and comments from concerned citizens 1 September, 2015 happened. I fell in love over and over again.

I have the most amazing kids in the world. I cant stand them much of the time. Yes, thirty minutes with them is enough for me to find an escape route. They are so loud, Lord! Who do they take after? That’s the million dollar question. I have no idea. Their parents are both calm and collected. Perhaps the relatives or better still the people we hang out with. Apparently their characters can be transferred to unborn children. Who knows? It could be the television, mother watched it late into the night when her big belly would not let her enjoy sleep.

‘Mama can I tell you something?’

No matter how many times mama ignores this question, it will persist until it gets a yes. That something will be told for what seems like hours. As if that’s not enough, mama will  have to nod, laugh or say something to prove she is paying attention. If not, the narration will replay. At the same time, the sister, unperturbed by her incomprehensible speech, will raise her voice and demand attention. Good Lord! His grace sustains me. Would I trade them for anything? No way!

The poor souls love music. Big boy is more passionate about musical instruments. The Princess seems to be vocally gifted and quite the dancer. She creates her own moves and waits for some applause. Yes, the audience has to respond. The reaction of Big boy to the applause is some hysterical dance moves in an effort to outdo the toddler. Well, that would have to be appreciated as well. I hope some day he cuts his losses.

And then there is the hyperactivity. These kids cant sit still. The kind of games they play! Ba ka tsenya motho high plata. Imagine this, my self confessed stronger -than -peers six year old chases the two year old sister and makes her trip and fall…and…the sister..wait for it…laughs! ‘Please don’t be rough’, I will shout, my heart thumping. ‘But she likes  it mama’. Defeat is my fate.

Big boy is cool, so he tells me. Apparently he is a beat-boxer. Well, he does  it. He remixes boring old songs. He has taught the sister. She does it too, with rhythm. I have proof, doubting Thomases!

I could go on and on, talk about humour, IQ and the love for fine things. Don’t blame me if I give too much praise, there is a simple explanation;I am a mother to two amazing souls who have made my life too beautiful. Souls that have taught me things I never knew about myself. I adore them, I see God in them.