It seems like only yesterday when local actress, Petronella Tshuma was pregnant with her second son – and now, he’s grown so much is even walking.
The Rhythm City star took to her Instagram page to share her son’s special moments.
In the video, the little boy, at just nine months old, can be seen taking his first few steps ever so confidently with his pacifier in his mouth. His mother, with all the excitement of a proud mother, tells him to walk towards her which he does. But little Camagu turns around for a few more walking laps, just in case anyone thinks it was just luck!
In her post, Petronella shared how proud she is of her little man, especially because he’s following in his older brother’s footsteps, literally. Her first-born, Sipho, also took his first steps at the tender age of nine months.
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“My first born walked at 9 months now his baby brother is following in his footsteps. I'm super proud of you Kumkani [sic],” she wrote.
Speaking to DRUM after laying down her youngest for his nap, Petronella says even though she still wants to have a little girl, raising boys has been nothing but bliss.
“Both my boys are very much like me; they’re very chilled, so they’re not demanding at all. I think it also helps that I’m a bit of a tomboy, like I’m not your typical girly girl,” she whispers while stepping out of little Camagu’s room.
“I’m trying not to raise broken men, so I’m very intentional about the love I’m giving my boys. I’m nurturing them to become the best versions of themselves possible. The age gap between them is huge because Sipho is 11 years old, and Camagu is only nine months, so naturally, because the youngest one needs my attention more, I sometimes find it difficult to balance my time and energy. But I make sure I make time for Sipho,” she explained.
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Petronella admits that even though both her children have taken after her when it comes to her calm nature, the youngest, Camagu is a very strong boy and sometimes picks on his older brother, who’s more of an introvert.
“Even in the video I posted, I say how strong Camagu is. That boy is ball of energy and knows how to stand up for himself. Sipho is an intellect, and very funny. So, he’s not part of the cool kids in school or whatever, but he’s actually a very cool boy at home – the jokes he makes make me laugh and just his wit is incredible. He’s got a great sense of humour. He’s gentle and very soft-hearted.”
In the age of “#Menaretrash”, Petronella is trying to make sure that her sons are always responsible and respectful to all persons, especially women. “My partner and I are trying to create a home filled with love and openness, where the boys know they can come to us with anything because they trust us. And they need to always be responsible,” she stresses.
Motherhood is something Petronella is very passionate and intentional about. Even when naming her sons, she had their future in mind. “Naming a child is something very important because their name will guide and shape them forever,” she says.
“When I had Sipho I was only 18, but I was so thankful for him. He was and still is my beautiful gift that I cherish with everything in me. When I had him, I didn’t think I’d ever had enough love for another child because I love him so so much. But then Camagu came, and you realize that that love is only doubled. I love my children so much!”
“The name Camagu came from his dad, and at first I wasn’t feeling it because I was raised in a very Christian home, and Camagu is thanking the ancestors. But I eventually understood the importance of the name. The second name that I gave him is Kumkani, which means King. I’m raising a King and I want him to behave like one all the time, always,” she says.
“When I have a girl, I will name her Nkosazana, because that’s exactly what she’ll be, a Queen. And should always treat herself and carry herself as one. She will be a strong intelligent woman. I don’t want her to ever need blessers, because we’ll be here for her,” she tells us.
Petronella’s favourite thing about being a mother is the unexplainable bond she has with her children.
“I understand them beyond. I understand their needs from the depths of me, they don’t even need to tell me, and I already know. We’re connected so deeply that it proves that this is Godly, motherhood is Godly.”
And in the midst of being on different sets, having shoots and interviews, her favourite time of the day is coming home to her family and just being with them.
