CEO OF BURPS
letters to the editor
Charis
Dear
SEND YOUR LETTER TO editor @ babysandbeyond. co. za by 2 February 2026!
Be sure to grab the magazine when it hits shelves to see if you’ re our next winner. Let’ s make this summer a celebration of the weird, wonderful world of parenting!
Tarryn, you’ ve won our summer best reader’ s letter – and an amazing hamper from Solarpop, valued at R1 700.
Prize includes: 1 x 5 Second Rule South Africa Edition 1 x Trio 1 x Spot It Classic 2 x Freak Marble Totems
Solarpop celebrates the magic of play. It has the power to relieve stress, boost brainpower, and spark joy. Games are all about turning everyday life into an adventure, and they’ re not only for children – parents can play too.
WINNING LETTER
CEO OF BURPS
It was my first week back at work from maternity leave, and I was determined to look professional during my morning Zoom meeting. Baby nestled in my arms, everything seemed calm … until five minutes in.
Just as my boss was explaining the new project timeline, my little one let out the loudest, most unexpected burp right into the mic. I froze. My boss froze. And then a second, even bigger burp followed.
I tried to apologise, but all I could do was laugh through my embarrassment. To my surprise, the whole team burst out laughing too. From that day on, my little one earned the title:“ CEO of Burps.” – Tarryn, proud parent and unofficial CEO of burps
The drama baby
Pregnancy: that magical time when you’ re supposed to glow but instead, you’ re glowing from trying not to laugh or cry in public. From the very first flutter, I realised my baby had a flair for both drama and comedy. He didn’ t just kick; he performed. And his timing? Impeccable.
Take the day of my serious appointment. I was sitting there, trying to look composed and professional, when bam! – a little foot jabbed me right in the ribs. I flinched, smiled awkwardly, and tried to focus. Then bam! again. It was as if he were saying,“ Excuse me, Mom, you’ re not the only one in this meeting!” I couldn’ t help but laugh, and the poor person across the table probably thought I’ d lost it.
The kicks didn’ t stop there. During my baby shower, just as everyone was giving heartfelt speeches, he started his own one-baby drum solo. My drink wobbled, everyone gasped, and I just laughed, saying,“ He clearly wants to make an entrance!”
Bedtime was another adventure. Just when I’ d finally found the perfect sleeping position – after 15 pillow adjustments and a deep sigh of relief – thump, thump, thump! It felt like he was having his own late-night dance party in there. But honestly? I loved every wild, unpredictable minute. Every kick, every surprise, every little“ What on earth was that?” moment made me feel connected to him in the sweetest way.
Sure, pregnancy brought cravings that belonged in science fiction, emotions that came out of nowhere, and clothes that mysteriously shrank overnight. But through it all, my baby taught me something beautiful: joy doesn’ t wait for perfect moments. Sometimes, it shows up right in the middle of life’ s serious ones – with a well-timed kick. – Morongwa, proud mom of a tiny drama king in training
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