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BABY TALK: Milestones on becoming a mother

"I never thought I'd love one person the way I love Nyakallo" - Sports broadcaster Lebo Thinane

Finding out about my pregnancy

After days of suspicion, I finally decide I’m going to buy a pregnancy test to put this rest once for all. I remember sitting on the bathtub with a positive pregnancy test and wondering what to do next.

I called one of my closest friends and cried like a baby because I knew nothing about babies let alone being a mother. She reassured me that things were going to be alright and we were going to get through this.

After about a month I decided to tell my mother who was ecstatic but her biggest concern was that I had just started at the SABC. But I quickly reassured her that I would be allowed to take time off.

Being pregnant

I remember the first time I felt this little person inside me move, I was overcome with emotion I could not explain. I had to remind myself to take things easy and the beauty of it all I could eat as much as I could.

I couldn’t stand the smell of eggs and a colleague’s perfume made me physically ill.

I had a sudden addiction to buying baby clothes - my mother had to constantly remind me that this little person was going to outgrow them, but that didn’t stop me. I bought everything from a pram to a car seat to shoes that she probably only wore when she started walking.

Sleep had become such a luxury, I'd change spots from the bed to the couch and back to the bed again. I just couldn’t find a comfortable position, even after investing in those pregnancy pillows.

Dressing for work was terrible, especially on air. I hated every moment of it but somehow I survived.

She had this tendency to kick while I’m reading a bulletin, it first it startled me, but I got used to it.

The scan

I remember after I found that I was expecting a girl, I could describe the feeling. I was drawn to anything pink. When I went for my 3D scan she wouldn't turn around, even after drinking something which according to the doctor was bound to make her turn around so we could get a clear view of her face. Needless to say, she refused.

I had the best time, because one of my friends was pregnant at the same time, so I didn't feel so alone, and I was summoned to move back home with immediate effect. This made the journey all the more incredible.

Becoming 'real'

This little person was growing inside me, and I had to do everything in my power to protect her.

I couldn't wait to hold her in my arms, but she took a little longer to arrive. In fact, she arrived two weeks late on the 26th of May at 15:05 at Lesedi Clinic at 3,5 kilograms.

Up until a few weeks before her birth her name was going to be Takatso but then I fell in love with Nyakallo and I knew I was settled on that name.

Having read almost every pregnancy book and magazine I was told I'd fall in love with her at first sight, but that wasn't the case with me. I couldn't describe what I was feeling but it wasn't instant joy, it was something else.

I think I was still in shock.

I only started appreciating her after about two days.

My mother took off work to help to teach me everything I need to know about taking care of a child.

My mother is very traditional, so in that month I stayed in her bedroom, only leaving to go to the bathroom. I ate soft porridge and drank rooibos.

Returning to work

I was lucky enough to take six months off work, but I remember how first day at work seemed so long. I couldn't wait to see her again. I had spent the past six months with her and this was first day away from her.

Being a Mom

I have not missed a single milestone in her life, I was there she started crawling and walking. When she first said Mama. Even though I hadn't planned to be a mother, I wouldn't have it any other way.

She is my life. My life revolves around this person I can’t imagine my life without her. She means everything to me.

Today she's a 3-year-old with lots to say. 

She brings nothings but joy to my life and when she's sick I want to take that pain for her.

I wish I could protect her from all life's ills, but I know that's not possible. I have to let her be her own person.

If it were up to me, I'd protect her from heartbreaks, but such is life.

I have been learning so much from her every day and I never thought I'd love one person the way I love Nyakallo Thinane.

Career Highlights:

Lebo Thinane began her journalism career at Jacaranda FM in 2003. A year later she moved to KayaFM 95.9. Six months later she was promoted to desk editor managing the news desk on shift. A year later, a position became available in the sports department. Lebo filled in the sports achor position while working as a producer for "Live and Switched On", Kaya FM's breakfast show by Pat Cash and Ed Jordan. In that same year, she was offered a position of co-host on the station's sports show "Grand Stand" along with sports journalists Kwena Moabelo and Jeff Moloi.

In 2006, she joined SuperSport Update, a 24-hour Sports news channel while still working for Kaya FM. After spending two years at Update (now Supesport Blitz) and four years at Kaya FM, it was time for change. In July 2009, Lebo joined Weekend Live as a sports producer and presenter. She was later promoted to Weekend Live's main anchor, a position she still holds today.

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