1. Wanjiru, which 3 things would you like the MumsVillage audience to know about you?
-I am a born–again Christian and love Jesus.
-Passionate about and enjoy reading. I would rather buy a book instead of clothing.
-All things to do with what we human beings eat and experience during this process are a prime interest to me!
2. What is your occupation?
Does full-time mother count? I am also a Gastronomer, Lecturer and Food Writer.
We like Numbers
1. How many kids do you have and what are their ages?
I have 4 kids-aged 5, 4, 2 months twin girls.
2. How many diapers do you think you’ve changed?
1,000+ SERIOUSLY!
3. How many selfies do you take in a week?
2 in a month and sometimes I skip months! Not a priority for me.
4. How many videos of your kids do you take in a week?
Depends on anything interesting taking place, but on average 1. I take more photos.
Related: Real Mum Interview: Cathy Mudhune
Now on to Other Fun Questions
1. How did becoming a mum change your personality?
I am an introvert by nature but it helped me to “open out” more as I found other mothers’ to share experiences with and learn from.
2. Which Big 5 Mum are you?
DEFINITELY a Rhino mum.
3. How do you play (or try to ) with your kids?
I play catch, hide and seek, ball, little gymnastics. Sometimes block building and puzzles.
4. What was the most memorable thing about being pregnant in Nairobi?
The preferential treatment I received. Being welcomed to the front of the queue or being given upgrades when flying.
5. What do you think is the most inaccurate thing about how movies portray childbirth?
The extreme JOY immediately after the baby has come out/born and is placed in the mother’s arms! I was EXHAUSTED (looked it too!) and barely managed a smile!
6. Share something your child has recently done or said to make you laugh?
Our 5 year old son told me about a weird dream that he had. It made him wake up in the middle of the night and he came to share it with us in our bedroom.
7. How did you choose your kid(s)’ name (s) and what do they mean?
I decided to be patriotic and gave them Swahili names. Baraka-blessing, Amani-peace, Malkia-queen and Tumaini-grace. I chose Malkia and my husband chose Tumaini for our twins.
Share your tips with others
1. What are the top 3 kids places for fun in your neighbourhood?
Our compound only-bike riding and playing ball.
2. Which activities do you regularly engage in for self-care or pampering?
Spa treatments, listening to “my music”, taking a long hot bath, going out for dinner to a nice restaurant.
3. Do you have ‘mummy guilt’ – if so, what about and how do you handle it?
Maybe letting my child get away with something because I am too tired-like a bad comment/action.
4. What is the most precious new baby gift you’ve received?
A twin baby stroller.
Your Nostalgia of the Past and Hopes for the Future
1. In what way do you hope the workplace will be different for your kids?
Government tax rates will be reduced by more than half and electricity will be much cheaper!
2. Do you think your job will exist when your kids are your age (why or why not)?
Yes. Because people will always eat/drink and this touches on most aspects of the human life!
3. What is the one thing or experience you never had that you want for your kids?
Music lessons and recreational choices such as swimming, karate, gymnastics or dance lessons!
4. Wanjiru, on the flipside, what is the one thing or experience you wish your child could have from your childhood that they can’t?
Living in a small town/farm life where most residents know one another. Also the safety of childhood when growing up that is now only a memory.
5. What is one thing you miss about your life before your kids?
Easy! That I could up and go/travel whenever I wanted to! Whether it was camping, a day hiking, even just going for a birthday night for a friend!
6. What is the most annoying interview question you’ve been asked that you’re glad we didn’t?
I have not had many interviews so none that I can truthfully think of.
7. Your business can be likened to your first-born, or your third-born perhaps. How did you make sure it did not take away too much of your attention from the rest of your family?
I chose to work part-time and also to work from home hence my writing blog.